Category Cruise, Organisations & Operators

Scenic Group, encompassing Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises, has announced the appointment of Shane Lewis-Riley as director of trade sales and partnerships.

In his new role, Lewis-Riley will lead the trade sales team, working closely with agent partners while also driving new ideas and generating incremental business through strategic partnership opportunities.

Online travel specialist cruise.co.uk has expanded its collection of cruise and stay packages with the launch of a ‘Florida Thrill and Hero Caribbean Chill’ itinerary.

The 15-night trip consists of a seven-night Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean’s upcoming new ship Hero of the Seas; a five-night stay in Orlando; two nights in Miami; and complimentary one-day ticket to Universal Epic Universe.

Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, announced its long-awaited return to Philadelphia, becoming the first cruise line to sail from the city in 15 years. As the city of Philadelphia celebrates a momentous year with the country’s 250th anniversary happening this summer, NCL has brought yet another significant milestone to this storied city with the return of the cruise industry.

Celestyal has confirmed the successful and safe transit of both its vessels, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, through the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant operational milestone and demonstrating leadership across the cruise industry during a period of heightened regional sensitivity.

On Friday, April 17, Celestyal Discovery, under the command of Captain Nikolaos Vasileiou, became the first cruise vessel to depart the Arabian Gulf, executing a carefully coordinated voyage plan developed in close collaboration with regional authorities and maritime security teams. This pioneering movement established a safe and proven route through the Strait, enabling other cruise operators to follow.

Atlas Ocean Voyages today unveils the suite collection for Atlas Adventurer, the world’s first luxury expedition sailing yacht, introducing a new expression of exploration that reinterprets the elegance of ocean travel for today’s traveler. Designed at the intersection of sustainability and sophistication, the yacht introduces an all-suite accommodation concept that pairs expansive, residential-style living with next-generation maritime innovation, inviting today’s global traveler to experience the spirit of an iconic age through a distinctly modern lens. Reservations will open to the general public on June 10.

Royal Caribbean Group, a global vacation leader rooted in South Florida for nearly 60 years, today announced the launch of the Royal Caribbean Group Foundation, a formal expansion of the company’s long-standing commitment to strengthening ocean communities around the world. Advancing the Foundation’s focus on education, its inaugural pledge goes towards a cutting-edge emergency medicine residency program at Jackson Health System. Offering world-class clinical training, the Royal Caribbean Group Foundation Emergency Medicine Residency Program will shape and empower future physicians in South Florida.

Building on strong momentum and record performance, Holland America Line announced Holland America Evolution, a bold multiyear investment to thoughtfully reimagine six ships. Representing the most ambitious guest experience update in the company’s 153-year history, Evolution will deliver a comprehensive bow-to-stern revitalisation while bringing the best of its Pinnacle Class ships across most of the fleet.

The multiyear renovation will take place ship by ship, delivering substantial transformation focused on expanding onboard choice, adding restaurant and bar options, and refreshing and reinventing key guest spaces — including new stateroom and suite categories — while maintaining the spacious design and intimate ship feel guests value most.

Princess Cruises releases its most expansive Asia deployment ever, bringing together its 2027 and 2028 Southeast Asia and 2028 Japan program in a single, comprehensive reveal. In total, the season features 96 departures across 61 itineraries visiting 55 destinations in nine countries, with now two ships homeporting in Japan, offering guests deeper cultural immersion, access to iconic festivals, and unforgettable journeys across some of the world’s most captivating destinations – on sale now.

Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has unveiled its World Cruise 2029, A Pacific Awakening. Sailing from San Diego on January 5, 2029, the 125‑day odyssey on board the intimate Silver Whisper will take guests through the world’s largest ocean, exploring more than 60 destinations in 19 countries – with six signature events and one included overland experience. Guided by themes of wonder, wayfinding, and cultural awakening, the voyage spans Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia, Asia, and New Zealand – inviting guests to experience the richness of the Pacific.

Emerald Cruises has announced the launch of Emerald Kaia with the departure of its inaugural cruise.

The 128-guest superyacht sailed from Limassol, Cyprus, on an 11-day itinerary, calling at Rhodes, Kos, Spetses and Athens.