Category Cruise, Organisations & Operators

As anticipation builds for the launch of EXPLORA III on 24 July, Explora Journeys looks ahead to next summer, when the ship will sail the brand’s highly anticipated debut season in Alaska. Summer is one of the most compelling times to experience the region, when its wilderness is at its most vivid, alive and expressive, while the unique perspective of discovering Alaska by sea reveals a side of the destination that few experience. With the inaugural season now less than a year away, this is the perfect moment to begin planning an extraordinary journey, complemented by a thoughtfully curated collection of destination experiences, created for guests who have long dreamed of experiencing the awe-inspiring grandeur of the region.

For the first time, Holland America Line’s flagship Rotterdam will sail a series of cruises in the Mediterranean, with bookings now open for fall 2027. The five itineraries span both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, offering a chance to experience the region through a relaxed, late-season lens.

The 10- and 11-day voyages call at a mix of standout destinations, from Lisbon and Naples to Kotor, Rhodes and Alexandria. Select itineraries include scenic cruising through the Strait of Messina and past Stromboli, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Sailings can also be combined into longer itineraries, allowing guests to experience a broader mix of the Mediterranean. The season concludes with a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale.

Oceania Cruises® has unveiled its new 2028 & 2029 Collection of Voyages, featuring more than 230 itineraries across the globe. Sailings range from seven to 180 days and include more than 60 overnight port stays. Opening for bookings today, 17 June 2026, this double launch of two full future seasons gives guests and travel advisors greater time and flexibility to plan their journeys well ahead.

River cruise operator VIVA Cruises has released its full 2027 themed river cruise programme, featuring 19 departures covering wellness, jazz and crime sailings.

The programme, which is on sale now, will run from February to November, with itineraries ranging from four to seven nights onboard VIVA ONE and VIVA RUBY.

Viking® (www.viking.com) announced it has taken delivery of its newest river ships, the Viking Annar and the Viking Fjolvar. Both vessels were built at Meyer’s Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany. The Viking Annar will sail Viking’s itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, while the Viking Fjolvar will sail itineraries on the Seine River.

“We are proud to welcome the Viking Annar and the Viking Fjolvar to our growing fleet of award-winning river ships,” said Leah Talactac, President and CEO of Viking. “Exploring by river offers an unmatched way to discover a destination’s history, culture and local life, and these new vessels allow even more curious travellers to experience Europe in Viking comfort.”

Virgin Voyages has launched a new unified groups programme, replacing its previous multi-pronged approach, as part of its ‘Brilliant for You’ trade commitment.

Live now, the programme has been designed to provide a simpler process for First Mates (travel agents) to manage group bookings.

Simple to hold. Easy to sell. Built to earn.

Building on the success of the March 2026 launch of Four Seasons I, Four Seasons Yachts continues to meaningfully expand with the introduction of Four Seasons II. The second vessel represents the evolution of the ultra-luxury yachting experience, while introducing a new calibre of accommodation through its Yacht Residential Suites.

Viking® (www.viking.com) today announced a range of new European river voyage experiences that are now open for booking. Highlights include scenic Zeppelin airship excursions in Germany, offering guests on select Rhine River itineraries aerial views of Cologne and the Ruhr Valley, along with new culinary and cultural shore excursions, small group shore excursions and expanded options for land extensions across Europe.

“Europe remains a favourite destination for our guests—particularly those interested in experiencing a river voyage for the first time,” said Torstein Hagen, Executive Chairman of Viking. “As we continue to expand our offerings in Europe, we are pleased to introduce new experiences that allow our guests to engage with their destination in the Viking way—through local food, culture and traditions, or even from the air in a Zeppelin.”

Seabourn’s award-winning Seabourn Quest has emerged from drydock with the most comprehensive interior update in the line’s history. Enhancements across suites, public spaces, dining venues and the spa create a more relaxed and refined onboard experience, further elevating the sense of comfort and understated luxury guests know and value.

The ship will continue its Mediterranean season through November 2026, and sail a series of immersive seven-day voyages between Dubrovnik, Fusina (Venice), Istanbul and Athens, calling on yacht harbors and islands in Croatia, Greece, Montenegro and Turkey. Each voyage can be combined to create 14- and 21-day sailings.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line, invites food lovers to indulge their epicurean passions and showcase their culinary flair aboard its newest ship, Seven Seas Prestige®. Building on a concept first introduced on Regent’s highly successful Explorer-Class ships, the Culinary Arts Kitchen will debut on Seven Seas Prestige with immersive gastronomic experiences that connect guests to destinations through flavour, history and storytelling.