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Explora Journeys to launch Alaska voyagesExplora Journeys to launch Alaska voyages
Explora Journeys has unveiled its voyages for summer 2027, which will see the line introduce Alaska as a new destination. Explora III will sail Alaska cruises from Vancouver between March and November. A highlighted Alaska itinerary is the 11-night Journey Through Untamed Landscapes & Coastal Treasures, departing on May 10, which leads in at £5,620. The line will also launch its fourth ship, Explora IV, for the season, which will operate itineraries in western Europe, northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, the US, the east coast of Canada and New England. Meanwhile, Explora I and Explora II will operate 60 cruises in the western and eastern Mediterranean respectively, with maiden calls in Trogir, Croatia and Toper, Slovenia. Explora Journeys president Anna Nash said: “With the intention of savouring every moment, our summer 2027 journeys have been thoughtfully crafted, as always, to enable flexibility, extended stays and deeper immersion at a gentler pace. “We are thrilled to be introducing Alaska for the very first time and to be offering many of our 2027 journeys on two of our ultra-elegant new ships, Explora III and IV.” 13 June, 2025 -
AE Expeditions Unveils Immersive New Adventures in 2027 Arctic and Beyond Season
AE Expeditions Unveils Immersive New Adventures in 2027 Arctic and Beyond Season
Award-winning expedition travel company AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) has today unveiled its Arctic & Beyond 2027 season, featuring 25 transformative voyages across some of the most remote and awe-inspiring destinations on Earth. With departures ranging from 8 to 16 days aboard AE’s two purpose-built expedition ships, Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, the new season invites travellers to experience intimate small-ship adventures that span Svalbard, Greenland, the Northwest Passage, Scotland, Iceland, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Costa Rica and Panama. Building on the brand’s commitment to responsible exploration, the 2027 expedition programme features a diverse mix of Polar and Discovery voyages, new Special Edition itineraries, and dedicated solo cabins across every sailing. “The Arctic & Beyond 2027 season showcases what AE Expeditions does best: offering meaningful, responsible adventures in the world’s wildest places,” said Michael Heath, Chief Executive Officer of AE Expeditions. “From polar bears in the high Arctic to sea cliffs in the Scottish isles, each voyage is designed to connect our expeditioners with nature, culture, and science in unforgettable ways. 2027 Season Highlights: 25 immersive expeditions: 15 Polar voyages and 10 Discovery voyages across two purpose-built expedition ships New Special Edition Voyages, including: Polar Bears in the Changing Arctic, in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours The Arctic Women’s Expedition: Svalbard & Greenland Iceland & East Greenland – Through the Lens Photography Expanded Discovery Programme: 3 voyages in Scotland, 2 in Costa Rica, 2 in Iceland, and 1 combining Scotland & Norway An enhanced activity program to include paddling and snorkelling 10 dedicated solo cabins on every voyage, with no single supplement Early bird savings of up to 25% on select sailings With bookings now open, AE Expeditions encourages travellers to secure their preferred voyage early to enjoy the best available offers and cabin selection. For more information, visit https://www.aexpeditions.co.uk/ 13 June, 2025 -
Azamara Cruises Marks Historic Sister Ship Meet in Barcelona
Azamara Cruises Marks Historic Sister Ship Meet in Barcelona
Azamara Cruises, the small-ship cruise line known for Destination Immersion® and Extended Destination Days, celebrated the arrival of three of its sister ships, Azamara Journey®, Azamara Quest®, and Azamara Onward® in Barcelona for the first time in the cruise line’s history, with a series of exclusive events. To mark the occasion, Azamara Cruises guests, including winning agents from the UK, DACH and EMEA regions enjoyed a signature AzAmazing Evening at the enchanting, Finca Mas Solers – a nineteenth-century Renaissance-style mansion just outside of Barcelona. The complimentary event offered an immersive discovery of the local culture and traditions, with authentic hors d'oeuvre with drinks, and live performances including Spanish guitar, human tower performances and vibrant “Rumba Catalana”. Additionally, Azamara Cruises also hosted an exclusive panel talk with its CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler and other executives from the company, onboard Azamara Journey®. The session provided a unique opportunity for Azamara guests to speak directly with senior executives, and to hear more about recent announcements, including the return to Alaska in 2026 with immersive new pre- and post- land programmes, as well as 2027 deployments including summer itineraries and the biggest World Cruise yet, as well as its commitments for the future, most notably plans for continued growth. David Duff, UK & EMEA Managing Director at Azamara Cruises comments: “ We had a fantastic Sister’s Meet celebration in Barcelona, showcasing what we do best at Azamara Cruises – from immersing ourselves in the Catalonian culture at the AzAmazing Evening, to seeing Barcelona come alive in the evening with an overnight stay and Extended Destination Day in port. There was a fantastic buzz around, with guests excited to come together to be part of the occasion, and those on Journey, looking forward to seeing Dondra and senior members of the Azamara Cruises at the panel talk – which was also a huge success”. He continues: “We were also delighted to have 50 agents attend the event from the UK, EMEA and DACH regions, demonstrating our continued commitment to rewarding and supporting the trade community in key international markets”. Azamara Journey®, Azamara Quest®, and Azamara Onward®, as well as Azamara Cruises’ fourth sister ship, Azamara Pursuit® will start the summer season in Europe, before Quest heads up to Iceland to begin its Canada and New England programme from 21st July 2025. The remaining ships will embark on a comprehensive Europe programme, covering the British Isles, Northern Europe and the Med. For a limited time, Azamara Cruises is offering a 20% discount on sailings for this summer and beyond with the 'May Flash Sale.' Book by 30th May 2025 to enjoy savings on voyages departing between 19th June 2025 and 11th May 2026. 13 June, 2025 -
May 2025 ReviewMay 2025 Review
It was the month we learned that cruising is getting younger – and that’s official. CLIA’s 2024 stats not only recorded another record-breaking year at 2.4 million, but showed the average age of cruisers dropped again to 54.3 years. Against a healthy line-up of new ships and a vibrant river cruise scene, the industry is setting a strong course for the future. New ships and improved ships AsRoyal Caribbean Internationalprepares for the August launch ofStar of the Seas, it promises its boldest entertainment to date with five signature shows including new headline production Back to the Future: The Musical.Regent Seven Seas Cruiseshas revealed new Mediterranean restaurant Azure and debut suite categories onSeven Seas Prestige, launching in 2026, whileMSC Cruiseshas ordered two more World Class ships for 2029 and 2030. It is also adding the MSC Yacht Club toMSC Magnificafor summer 2026, whileCelebrity Cruisesis splashing more than $250 million to modernise Solstice series ships, starting withCelebrity Solsticein 2026. Rivers are rollin’ APTandTravelmarvelhave unveiled their 2026 Europe Collection with more capacity on the Rhine and Moselle forTravelmarveland additionalAPTBalkans and Western Front Explorer departures. Next year also sees the launch ofTravelmarvelshipRigel.TUI River Cruises’winter 2026 programme includes new Danube voyages to Serbia and Croatia. From September,AmaWaterways’Nile cruises have a new optional add-on three-night stay in the Egyptian city of Alexandria.Riverside Luxury Cruisesis getting into the swing of golf cruises with its first dedicated voyage on the Danube this July, whileCroisiEuropehas unveiled a new 2025 itinerary through Belgium and the Netherlands. The world’s your oyster Princess Cruisestook the wraps off a 129-day Grand Circle Pacific Voyage, departing January 2027, withSeabournannouncing details of a 145-day 2027 Australia & South Pacific Panorama.Regent Seven Seas Cruisesunveiled its 133-night 2028 World Cruise and 2027/28 Grand Voyages together for the first time, whileCrystalpromised its most expansive world cruise to date with a 150-night Treasures of the Tides in 2028.Holland America Lineannounced two Grand Voyages for 2027 with a 129-day circumnavigation and a 70-day South America and Antarctica discovery. Far-flung adventures Explora Journeysis adding Alaskan adventures to its product mix for summer 2027 as Explora III marks the line’s debut in the region, whileMSC Cruiseswill be sailing year-round in the Southern Caribbean in 2027 for the first time withMSC OperaandMSC Seaviewsailing in winter andMSC Operaremaining for the summer.Princess Cruises’shipMajestic Princessis to debut in the White Continent in 2026/27 as part of the line’s winter programme to South America and Antarctica. New themed voyages, additional Polar sailings and new Italian voyages are highlights ofScenic’s2027/28 Worldwide Discoveries Collection. And now for something a little different . . . In what’s claimed as an industry first,HX Expeditionshas created new guest experiences on Northwest Passage sailings between Greenland and Alaska with local Inuit communities. Designed to give guests a flavour of local life through fishing trips, storytelling and community events, all excursion revenue will go to locals in Nunavut. 03 June, 2025 -
Australian cruise passenger numbers continue to rise
Australian cruise passenger numbers continue to rise
June 2, 2025 – Australia’s passion for cruising has continued to grow, with new annual figures showing another strong increase in the number of Australians taking holidays at sea. A report released today by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) shows the number of Australians who took an ocean cruise during 2024 reached 1.32 million, a 5.9% increase on the previous year. CLIA’s 2024 Source Market Report for Australia also shows a 14% increase in the number of overseas visitors cruising in this region, with 247,000 passengers coming to sail in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. “Australia has long been home to some of the world’s most dedicated cruise fans and the number of Aussie cruisers continues to rise,” said CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz. “More Australians are cruising within our local region and more are cruising in other parts of the world, which highlights why cruising is such a rewarding way to travel.” Close-to home itineraries continued to be the preferred choice for Australian cruisers during 2024, with almost 1.08 million sailing within Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific (up from 1.06 million in 2023). At the same time, the portion of Australians who travelled to long-haul destinations to cruise also increased – from 15.2% in 2023 to 18.5% in 2024 – reflecting a trend towards more fly-cruise holidays. The average age of an Australian cruise passenger was the same as the previous year at 48.4 years, down from 50.4 years in 2019. Younger passengers continued to be among the most enthusiastic, and one third of Australian cruisers (33%) were aged under 40. Key findings from CLIA’s 2024 Source Market Report for Australia include: 1.32 million Australians took an ocean cruise during 2024, up from 1.25 million in 2023 and a further increase on the pre-pandemic figure of 1.24 million in 2019. The result is also close to Australia’s biggest year for cruising in 2018, when 1.35 million people sailed. Cruising’s market penetration rate in Australia was close to 5% – almost one in every 20 Australians took an ocean cruise in 2024, one of the highest rates in the world. The average duration of an ocean cruise taken by Australians in 2024 was 8.0 days, slightly down from 8.1 days in 2023, reflecting the popularity of shorter itineraries. The average age of an Australian cruise passenger was 48.4 years in 2024, the same as in 2023 but down from 50.4 years in 2019, reflecting the growth in cruising among younger generations. The most popular cruise region for Australians in 2024 was Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific (81.5%), followed by the Mediterranean (6.2%), Asia (3.3%), Alaska (2.3%), the Caribbean (1.2%), Hawaii & the US West Coast (1.1%), Northern Europe (1.1%), and Expedition Cruises (0.7%), and Trans-Atlantic & World Cruises (0.5%). The number of overseas visitors who cruised in Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific during 2024 was 247,000, an increase of 14% on 2023. Worldwide, a record 34.6 million people took an ocean cruise during 2024, a 9.3% increase on the previous record of 31.7 million in 2023. At 1.32 million passengers, Australia was again the world’s fourth largest cruise market in 2024, behind the United States (19.12 million), Germany (2.57 million) and the United Kingdom (2.34 million). While demand for cruising remains strong in Australia, Mr Katz said more work was needed to foster a thriving cruise industry into the future. "Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific are incredibly popular cruise destinations but they are also a challenging environment for cruise lines to operate in, so we need a regional focus on encouraging cruise ship deployment in local waters,” Mr Katz said. “Demand is strong, but we need governments, destinations and industry stakeholders to work together to address the high costs and regulatory difficulties we experience in the region. Cruising supports many thousands of local jobs, but we are going to suffer a decline in cruise ship deployment in this region while other global destinations reap the economic rewards.” Previous figures released last year by CLIA and the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) showed a record economic impact from cruise tourism during the 2023-24 financial year, providing more than $8.43 billion for the national economy. The CLIA-ACA Economic Impact Assessment found more than 26,000 jobs were supported by cruise tourism around the country. Download the infographic. 02 June, 2025 -
June 2025 ReviewJune 2025 Review
June turned into a scorcher and so did the cruise industry as the global fleet swelled with more ships; new itineraries were launched for as far ahead as 2028; and cruising’s impact on the UK economy was highlighted by a Carnival UK report detailing its positive contribution.New ships and new bitsThe new ship juggernaut continued to roll asRoyal Caribbean Internationalrevealed superstar Diana Ross would nameStar of the Seasin August in Orlando. RCI is also revampingOvation, HarmonyandLibertyunder its “amplification programme”, unveiling their new-look features in 2026.Regent Seven Seas Cruisesgave a first peek at what it says is the largest cruise ship suite in history covering 9,000 square feet and costing a jaw-dropping £20,000 a night. The Skyview Regent Suite takes pride of place onSeven Seas Prestige, debuting next year.MSC Cruisesannounced thatMSC World Asia,launching in December 2026, will have the longest dry slide at sea and a new pan-Asian restaurant. Meanwhile, the steel was cut onOceania Cruises’first Sonata-class shipOceania Sonata, debuting in 2027.River news is flowingSaga Cruises’latest river shipSpirit of the Mosellewas named in Amsterdam whileAmaWaterwayscelebrated the official christening ofAmaMagdalenaon Colombia’s Magdalena River.CroisiEuropeannounced new Christmas markets cruises to Bruges and Ghent this December onMS Raymonde,and Amazon sailings on new shipBrasilian Dreamin 2027.Viva Cruisesunveiled new summer 2026 sailings onViva Rubyfrom Berlin to Stralsund in Germany, with a three-day Copenhagen stay add-on.All aboard for 2027 & 2028Cunardlaunched its 2027/28 programme with 18 overnight port calls and 33 late evening departures, whilePrincess Cruises’UK & Europe 2027 series includes two total solar eclipse voyages, more ex-UK departures onSky PrincessandMajestic Princess,and the line’s maiden call to Aberdeen onCaribbean Princess.Holland America Linereturns to Dover withNieuw Statendamfrom April to October 2027, whileAE Expeditionsannounced its 2027 Arctic & Beyond season of 25 voyages onGreg MortimerandSylvia Earlewith a highlight being an Arctic Women’s Expedition to Svalbard and Greenland.Ambassador Cruise Line’s2027/28 programme features 75 itineraries, with 10 new options, plus short sailings, Caribbean cruises and a solar eclipse voyage.Food glorious foodIt’s fitting that foodie lineOceania Cruises’new shipAllurawill be christened in Miami this November by a selection of chefs, but there’s more to whet the appetite asAllura’span-Asian restaurant Red Ginger is among the first to serve new Japanese-Peruvian dishes, rolling out across the fleet.P&O Cruisesis bringing West Indian flavours onboardArviaandBritanniathis winter after teaming up with chefs in Barbados for foodie events, local dishes and cocktails on Caribbean sailings.Seabournhas added spice with enhanced local flavours via freshly-caught seafood, regional specialities and more chances to shop with the chef.Stars of the screenMore than a little stardust was sprinkled around withMSC Cruises’ branding taking centre-stage in newly-released film Formula 1 The Movie, starring Brad Pitt, whileFred Olsen Cruise Linesfeatured in behind-the-scenes Channel 4 series Dover 24/7: Britain’s Busiest Port. Coming up,Holland America Linetakes centre-stage in an eight-part Channel 4 docuseries from July 3 called Supercruising: Life at Sea. 01 June, 2025 -
CLIA welcomes HX Expeditions
CLIA welcomes HX Expeditions
May 12, 2025 – Expedition cruise line HX Expeditions has partnered with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to support its presence in the Australian and New Zealand markets, joining as a Regional Expedition/Ocean Cruise Line member in Australasia. The partnership brings HX into CLIA’s wider Australasian cruise community, made up of cruise lines from around the world as well as travel agents, ports, destinations, suppliers and other industry stakeholders. HX will now be a part of CLIA’s extensive travel agent training and events program in Australia and New Zealand and will be represented in CLIA’s advocacy initiatives across government and industry throughout the region. CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said he was delighted to welcome HX to CLIA’s membership amid surging demand for expedition cruises. “HX is an important operator in one of the most dynamic areas of cruising worldwide, catering to explorers who are looking for incredible encounters with remote cultures, landscapes and wildlife,” Mr Katz said. “Expedition cruising is an area of remarkable innovation right now – especially in areas like conservation and sustainability – and so we’re delighted to have HX join our community at such an inspiring time.” HX Sales Director for Australia-New Zealand Amber Wilson said the company was pleased to be a part of CLIA in one of the world’s most spirited cruise regions. “HX has embarked on an exciting new phase in its 130-year history, and we are pleased to share that journey with CLIA and its 6,000-strong travel agent membership in Australia and New Zealand,” Wilson said. “There’s a real passion for exploration in this region — among both travel advisors and travellers — and we’re proud to support that momentum through the CLIA community. We look forward to sharing more of the HX story and the extraordinary adventures we create for our guests.” HX pioneered the expedition cruise sector with its first voyage in 1896. Headquartered in London, and supported by a global team of just under 1,000 professionals, HX operates a fleet of five modern ships, sailing to more than 250 destinations across 30 countries. HX combines sustainability, science, and education to create transformative travel experiences. It donates over 1,900 cruise nights annually to onboard scientists and supports local communities through the HX Foundation, which provides grants for wildlife protection, marine pollution, and community development. HX has also joined CLIA in Europe under a similar partnership. For more information, visit travelhx.com. 12 May, 2025 -
Cruise360 Australasia to return to Sydney in 2026
Cruise360 Australasia to return to Sydney in 2026
May 8, 2025 – The Southern Hemisphere’s biggest annual cruise industry conference will return to Sydney next year, with dates now confirmed for Cruise360 Australasia on 17-18 September 2026. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today confirmed its flagship conference would return to the International Convention Centre Sydney in a two-day format, building on the success of last year’s Sydney conference which attracted a record audience of more than 800 people. Meanwhile, tickets for this year’s Cruise360 Australasia conference in Brisbane are almost sold out, and remaining seats are likely to last only a few days. The event will be held at the Royal International Convention Centre Brisbane on 27-28 August 2025 and is the first to take a two-day format. CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said this year’s event would celebrate a thriving cruise sector, bringing together travel agents and other travel professionals, cruise line representatives, ports & destinations, travel industry suppliers and other CLIA partners. “Cruise 360 Australasia has developed into the biggest event of the year for our cruise community and has been selling out well in advance, year after year,” Mr Katz said. “With interest at record levels, we have decided to announce next year’s venue and dates early so CLIA members can mark their diaries.” Tickets to Cruise360 Australasia 2026 will be released next year. For further details on this year’s event in Brisbane, visit Cruise360 Australasia 2025. Cruise360 Australasia 2025 is supported by headline sponsor Visit Qatar, along with CLIA cruise lines, executive partners and other sponsors. 08 May, 2025 -
Silversea unveils new brand positioning honouring guests enduring commitment To Finding More
Silversea unveils new brand positioning honouring guests enduring commitment To Finding More
Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has unveiled its new brand positioning, To Finding More. Now live across the company’s channels and platforms, the reimagined brand expression establishes new codes of luxury. Prioritising emotion and authenticity, To Finding More positions Silversea guests as the creators of their own stories. A new visual language and distinctive tone of voice speak to their innate curiosity and inspires exploration. Through vivid imagery, it captures genuine connections and unforgettable moments, creating stories travellers are drawn to and eager to experience. “Beyond reflecting our new brand positioning, To Finding More embodies the joy of travel as a tribute to our guests, whose curiosity leads them to the farthest corners of the Earth,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “It is a celebration of the places that give us a new perspective and the people we meet who inspire that perspective. It embraces the spirit of immersive discovery, engaging travelers as they uncover hidden wonders with us — all in uncompromised comfort.” Silversea’s new brand positioning reflects its guests’ worldly curiosity, while uniting travellers through a shared mindset. Affectionately known as Eternal Wanderers, these discerning explorers seek cultural discovery, crave new adventures and are dedicated to self-enrichment. To Finding More embodies Silversea’s commitment to fulfilling these desires through its unparalleled global selection of immersive experiences, such as its groundbreaking S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) culinary program, and its unmatched service excellence. Its two pioneering Nova-Class ships, Silver Nova and Silver Ray, and the development of the world’s southernmost hotel, highlight Silversea’s dedication to unlocking the best in exclusive travel, leadership in luxury expedition travel and polar exploration. “Guests choose Silversea for the unparalleled experiences that can’t be found anywhere else, and our new brand positioning brings them even closer To Finding More,” said Annette Diaz, interim chief marketing officer, Silversea. “Designed to inspire a sense of discovery, To Finding More will be seamlessly integrated across our channels, redefining luxury advertising. This new positioning marks a shift in what luxury travel can be — grounded in discovery, deeply connecting our brand and guests to the stories, cultures, experiences and moments that only Silversea can offer.” Learn more about Silversea’s new brand positioning, To Finding More: www.silversea.com/lp-to-finding-more.html 01 May, 2025 -
Travel Weekly editor-in-chief to be godmother of new APT ship Estrela
Travel Weekly editor-in-chief to be godmother of new APT ship Estrela
APT has named Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxleyas godmother of its newest ship, Estrela. Paul Melinis,APT Luxury River Cruises & Tours UK and Europe managing director, made the announcement on stage at the Clia RiverView conference in Budapest in front of 600 delegates. Melinis said: “Lucy has been a true advocate for the travel industry and an inspirational figure in championing travel businesses, particularly through challenging times. “Her dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership align perfectly with the values we hold dear at APT and Travelmarvel. “We are thrilled to welcome Lucy to our family as the godmother of Estrela and are honoured to have her play such an integral role in this exciting new chapter for APT and Travelmarvel. “On a personal note, Lucy is also a close friend whom I have known for over 20 years, making this announcement even more special.” Huxley will attend the christening ceremony for the ship between April 14 and 17. There will be celebrations in Porto and Regua with 50 VIP trade partners and media representatives, as well as Melinis and APT global chief executive officer David Cox. Huxley said: “I was very honoured, as anyone would be. I will be naming the ship in April on behalf of all travel agents, Clia members and Travel Weekly readers, so it’s not about me, it’s about all the people that I love and represent.” The custom newbuild ship willsail the Douro river in Portugal with 80 cabins and one of the largest swimming pools of any vessel on the river. 01 May, 2025