Cruise News – Fall 2026

 

MSC Cruises Revises Winter 2027/2028 Deployment

MSC Cruises has updated its Winter 2027/2028 deployment, expanding offerings in the Western Mediterranean and South Caribbean.

MSC World Europa will remain in the Western Mediterranean, sailing seven-night itineraries to popular destinations including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Valletta. The ship features extensive dining, entertainment and family facilities, along with the open-air World Promenade and World Galleria.

MSC World Asia, MSC Cruises’ newest flagship, will sail seven- and 14-night South Caribbean itineraries from Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre and Bridgetown. Ports include St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts, Dominica and St. Vincent. Guests can enjoy attractions including the Cliffhanger over-water swing, Venchi chocolate experience, family activities and expansive outdoor spaces.

Visit: www.msccruises.com

 

Princess Cruises Announces 2027–28 South America Season

Princess Cruises has announced its 2027–28 South America season aboard Majestic Princess, featuring six departures across four itineraries ranging from 15 to 37 days. Sailing from October 2027 through January 2028, voyages explore South America, Patagonia and Antarctica, with overnight stays in Buenos Aires, late-night port calls and access to 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Highlights include the 37-day South America Passage Grand Adventure from Southampton to San Antonio, plus Cape Horn and Patagonia sailings and Antarctica voyages from Buenos Aires. Guests can experience dramatic glaciers, abundant wildlife and vibrant cultures, with optional land extensions featuring Machu Picchu or Iguazu Falls.

Visit: www.princess.com

 

Emerald Cruises Launches Exclusive Seychelles Yacht Sailings

Emerald Cruises & Tours has unveiled two exclusive 13-day Seychelles & Indian Ocean Adventure sailings aboard Emerald Kaia in November 2026. Carrying just 128 guests, the luxury yacht offers an intimate way to explore remote islands, pristine beaches, vibrant reefs and rich cultural heritage.
Sailing between Mahé and Mombasa, itineraries visit La Digue, Praslin, Farquhar Atoll, Aldabra Atoll, Kilwa Kisiwani, Mafia Island and Zanzibar. Guests can encounter giant Aldabra tortoises, snorkel coral reefs, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites and discover the history and traditions of the Indian Ocean and East Africa.

Emerald Kaia combines contemporary luxury with personalized service, spacious accommodations, all-inclusive dining and included excursions. The November 17 sailing travels from Mahé to Mombasa, while the November 29 departure sails in the opposite direction.

Visit: https://scenic.cruises/

 

Viking Opens Bookings for 2028–2029 Expedition Voyages

Viking has opened bookings for its 2028–2029 expedition voyages, unveiling new departure dates across some of its most popular itineraries in the Arctic, Antarctica and the Great Lakes. Designed for immersive exploration, the expanded program offers travelers opportunities to discover remote landscapes, encounter wildlife and learn from expert expedition teams.

Highlights include additional sailings of Viking’s Longitudinal World Cruises, connecting the Great Lakes with Antarctica, and the Into the Antarctic Circle itinerary, offering the rare opportunity to cross 66°33′ latitude into the Antarctic Circle.

The 2028–2029 season expands polar exploration aboard Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, with itineraries ranging from 10 to 81 days.

Among the highlights are the 15-day Into the Antarctic Circle voyage from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the 81-day Arctic to Antarctic Explorer from Nuuk to Ushuaia, and the 13-day Antarctic Explorer. Guests can also explore North America on Great Lakes Treasures, a 10-day roundtrip voyage from Milwaukee, or the 15-day Great Lakes Collection from Toronto to Duluth.

For an extraordinary adventure, the 62-day Longitudinal World Cruise IV travels from Milwaukee to Ushuaia, combining the Great Lakes, South America and Antarctica in one remarkable expedition.

Along the way, guests can enjoy Zodiac landings, kayaking excursions and opportunities to participate in meaningful scientific research. With thoughtfully designed itineraries and state-of-the-art expedition ships, Viking offers an enriching way to experience some of the planet’s most extraordinary destinations.

Visit: www.viking.com

 

Seabourn Opens Bookings for 2028–2029 Caribbean Season

Seabourn has opened bookings for its winter 2028–2029 Caribbean season, sailing aboard Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Quest from December 28, 2028, through March 29, 2029. Ten itineraries, ranging from seven to 12 days, offer access to intimate ports and hidden yacht harbors that larger ships cannot reach.

The season visits 21 ports across 20 countries and island territories, including St. Barts, Bequia and Little Bay in Montserrat. Select voyages feature extended stays and late departures in destinations such as St. Maarten, Antigua, Barbados, Aruba and Curaçao. Seabourn Ovation will sail between Bridgetown and Philipsburg, while Seabourn Quest offers round-trip voyages from Miami.

Guests will enjoy Seabourn’s signature luxury, including ocean-front suites, personalized service, fine dining, immersive shore experiences and complimentary premium spirits and wines. A highlight is the popular “Caviar in the Surf” experience at Carambola Beach in St. Kitts, featuring Champagne, caviar and a beach barbecue.

Shore excursions showcase the Caribbean’s natural beauty, culture and history, from Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua and Brimstone Hill Fortress in St. Kitts to the Pitons of St. Lucia and historic Bridgetown in Barbados.

Seabourn Quest also returns from a comprehensive drydock, with refreshed suites, public spaces, dining venues and wellness facilities, further enhancing its refined onboard experience.

Visit: www.seabourn.com

 

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Unveils New Itineraries for 2027/28

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is introducing new itineraries for its five luxury and expedition ships for the 2027/28 season, offering fresh experiences for seasoned travelers. Highlights include a first-ever winter season in the Indian Ocean, a voyage combining all five Great Lakes with the St. Lawrence River, in-depth exploration of the Philippines and a new journey along the American West Coast.

Luxury ship EUROPA will debut a 29-day voyage from Valparaiso to San Francisco in February 2027, visiting eight countries across South, Central and North America. In 2028, EUROPA will also explore the Philippines in depth, with 13 calls at 10 ports, including a first visit to Mantigue Island.

EUROPA 2 will introduce a new South Pacific itinerary featuring Papua New Guinea and Palau, as well as a Costa Rica voyage visiting Isla Tortuga and Puerto Jiménez.

Expedition ship HANSEATIC nature will spend the 2027/28 winter season in the Indian Ocean, exploring Madagascar, the Seychelles and Mauritius. Guests can experience remote islands through Zodiac excursions, guided walks, snorkeling and expert-led wildlife encounters.

Meanwhile, HANSEATIC inspiration will become the only cruise ship to combine all five Great Lakes with the St. Lawrence River, linking destinations including Toronto, Montreal and Quebec.

HANSEATIC spirit will debut a new expedition through Western Australia’s Kimberley region in May 2028, showcasing dramatic landscapes, Indigenous rock art and abundant wildlife.

Visit: www.hl-cruises.com

 

Explora Journeys Highlights Destination Experiences for Inaugural Summer 2027 Alaska Season

Explora Journeys is preparing for the launch of EXPLORA III and its highly anticipated inaugural Alaska season in summer 2027. Sailing from May through September, the Alaskan Journeys Collection is designed to showcase the region’s spectacular wilderness at an unhurried pace, with carefully curated experiences highlighting its landscapes, wildlife, culture and history.

Guests can experience Alaska’s glaciers from unique perspectives. In Juneau, helicopter flights offer an exhilarating exploration of the Juneau Icefield and Mendenhall Glacier, while catamaran excursions bring guests close to Hubbard Glacier. In Wrangell, jet-boat journeys explore LeConte or Shakes Glacier, with opportunities to spot seals and eagles.

Wildlife encounters include black-bear sightings in the Tongass National Forest, whale watching near Prince Rupert and marine wildlife excursions around Juneau. Scenic journeys also showcase the Stikine River and Seward’s dramatic coastline, where towering mountains and tidewater glaciers dominate the landscape.

Cultural experiences provide deeper connections to Alaska, including visits with the Kitsumkalum community in the Great Bear Rainforest and a historic rail journey from Skagway to White Pass Summit, following the route of the Klondike Gold Rush.

Visit: https://explorajourneys.com