Category Cruise, Organisations & Operators

Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady arrives in Los Angeles ahead of inaugural US West Coast season

Virgin Voyages has marked the arrival of Brilliant Lady into Los Angeles, ahead of the launch of its first-ever West Coast programme.

The 16-night repositioning sailing from Miami, via the Panama Canal, saw the ship call at destinations including Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Cabo San Lucas before arriving on the West Coast. The deployment makes Brilliant Lady the line’s first ship to homeport in Los Angeles.

WTTC’s “Cruising for Impact” Report Highlights the Positive Impact of Cruise Tourism for Communities

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today launched its latest report, Cruising for Impact, highlighting the positive impact that cruise tourism delivers for communities and destinations around the world.

The report shows how cruise tourism acts as a powerful driver of opportunity, supporting local livelihoods, strengthening communities, and creating long-term value in coastal and port destinations.

Alongside these positive impacts, the industry contributed US$98.5 billion to global GDP and generated US$199 billion in total economic output, supported 1.8 million jobs, and delivered US$60.1 billion in wages in 2024, underlining its scale and global reach.

SILVERSEA ENHANCES ITS VENETIAN SOCIETY WITH NEW LOYALTY TIERS AND ENHANCED BENEFITS

Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, is enhancing its Venetian Society loyalty program, offering guests more ways to earn status, earlier recognition, and meaningful benefits throughout their journey – becoming the richest loyalty program among any luxury cruise brand. Guided by guest feedback, the enhanced program will debut on July 1, 2026, with two new loyalty milestones and enriching benefits across every tier.

Oceania Cruises® Announces the Reinspiration of Oceania Marina™

Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, today announced plans for a comprehensive reinspiration of its acclaimed ship, Oceania Marina™.

Scheduled to enter dry dock in October 2026, Oceania Marina will undergo an extensive transformation. Every stateroom will be thoughtfully redesigned, complemented by considered enhancements across all public spaces, ensuring the ship reflects Oceania Cruises’ signature blend of residential luxury, timeless design and understated elegance.

Oceania Cruises® Announces the Reinspiration of Oceania Marina™

Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, today announced plans for a comprehensive reinspiration of its acclaimed ship, Oceania Marina™.

Scheduled to enter dry dock in October 2026, Oceania Marina will undergo an extensive transformation. Every stateroom will be thoughtfully redesigned, complemented by considered enhancements across all public spaces, ensuring the ship reflects Oceania Cruises’ signature blend of residential luxury, timeless design and understated elegance.

Avora Residences Launches “Continuum,” Introducing a New Private Membership Club at Sea

Avora Residences today announced the launch of Continuum, a private, membership-based concept designed to deliver a global yachting lifestyle without the responsibilities of ownership.

Created for a new generation of ultra-high-net-worth travelers, Continuum introduces a new model that blends the intimacy of a private yacht with the consistency and reach of a residential platform at sea.

Avora Residences Launches “Continuum,” Introducing a New Private Membership Club at Sea

Avora Residences today announced the launch of Continuum, a private, membership-based concept designed to deliver a global yachting lifestyle without the responsibilities of ownership.

Created for a new generation of ultra-high-net-worth travelers, Continuum introduces a new model that blends the intimacy of a private yacht with the consistency and reach of a residential platform at sea.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP ENHANCES TRAVEL LOYALTY

Today, Royal Caribbean Group and Bank of America announced the upcoming launch of the Royal ONE™ Visa Signature® and Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® credit cards — the industry’s first tri-branded cards that simplify how travelers earn and redeem rewards across the company’s brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. The Royal ONE cards continue Royal Caribbean Group’s multi‑year journey to reimagine loyalty and unlock more value for guests to maximize their vacation experiences. The cards will be available in the coming weeks.