NEWS
A suite on Marlene
Polar regions in demand
Uniworld to add four ships and boost expedition sailings
Luxury river cruise line Uniworld is set to add four ships to its roster in 2027 as part of its largest fleet expansion, including three 150-passenger vessels. Audrey and Marlene – named after silver screen stars Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich – will have similar layouts to sister ship Emilie, which will see its debut in 2026. Also joining the fleet in 2027 is São Rafael, which will sail on the Douro alongside São Gabriel. In addition, Uniworld is expanding its expedition offering in
2027 with Aqua Blu, a 15-suite yacht operated in partnership with Aqua Expeditions that will sail twice per year (in June and September 2027) from Singapore. The 13-night Bali, Singapore and Indonesia expedition includes three-night pre and post-cruise hotel stays in both Singapore and Bali. Chris Townson, Uniworld’s managing director for the UK and Ireland, says: “The sector is fast evolving, and our evolution is taking us beyond a river cruise company in the traditional sense.”
Quark Expeditions has released its Arctic 2027 and Antarctic 2027-28 programmes earlier than ever. New itineraries include a Scotland to Spitsbergen sailing, two west Greenland trips and a Weddell Sea expedition. Catherine Lawton, Quark Expeditions’ senior director of product development, said: “Launching earlier lets our guests and trade partners plan with confidence.” Meanwhile, AE Expeditions has added four voyages to its Antarctica 2027-28 season, with early-booking discounts of up to 25%. Atlas Ocean Voyages has also added 27 new Arctic ports of call in 2027.
Sail back in time with HX Expeditions
To celebrate 130 years of operation, HX Expeditions is introducing a vintage experience in which passengers on Fridtjof Nansen can stay in a suite styled to look like a cabin from 1896 – complete with oil lamps, bunk beds and fur rugs. The add-on is available from January 29, priced €450 per night, with 50% of profits to go to the HX Foundation.
Clia commences ‘Champion’ programme for second year Andy Harmer, Clia UK’s
Clia’s Cruise Champion training course, designed for travel agents new to selling river and expedition cruise, has begun its second year. This year’s cohort started the six-
month hybrid course at an in-person launch day in November, and are now learning via online webinars, panels and workshops, working towards a graduation in June 2026.
travelweekly.co.uk/cruise Andy Harmer
managing director, said: “Our Cruise Champion graduates are now a source of knowledge for customers and colleagues.” The 2026 Clia Conference – taking
place on June 4-6 in Southampton – is also open for registration and will, once again, feature a New to Selling Cruise Day for agents.
December 2025 5
PICTURES: MSC Cruises/Aaron Saunders; Transcend; Uniworld; Steve Dunlop
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