February 2026


Atlas Ocean Voyages Announces Luxury Expedition Sailing Yacht


ATLAS Ocean Voyages has announced that it is currently building its first-ever luxury expedition sailing yacht,


representing


significant milestone in the company’s evolution and growth within the luxury expedition cruise industry. Accommodating up to 400 guests, supported by a


crew of 275, the Atlas-class sailing yacht will introduce a significantly expanded onboard experience, including all-suite accommodations across every category, increased space and amenities. Beginning in late 2028, Atlas Adventurer will


explore destinations across Asia, including Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, and Africa.


MSC Cruises Announces First Southern Caribbean Homeport


MSC have announced operation from La Romana,


a new year-round Dominican


Republic, commencing in November 2026. Making the announcement at Fitur, the International


Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, Spain, the cruise line committed its year-round operation from a brand-new homeport in La Romana, in the south of the Dominican Republic for the long-term. This announcement marks the first time MSC Cruises has offered year-round sailings in the Southern Caribbean. Departing on 16th November 2026, MSC Opera


will operate a brand-new itinerary, operating weekly departures. One of the highlights of the new itinerary is the call to Catalina Island, close to the shores of Dominican Republic, offering guests an exclusive nature experience. With multiple international airports, The Dominican


Republic offers convenient connections from all over the world. MSC Opera’s programme will bring 120,000 international visitors to La Romana each year, meaning 240,000 in-bound and out-bound flight passengers,


www.nitravelnews.com Celestyal Enhances Onboard Experience with Launch of New In-Cabin Tablets


THE new technology has been designed to give guests easier access to on-board information directly from their cabin. The SuitePad tablets will be available to guests


across all staterooms of the ship and will allow them to make service requests and purchases via the onboard shops, order room service, request a cabin upgrade and reserve tables at speciality restaurants. Guests will also be able to access onboard


entertainment schedules and information regarding deck plans. Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said,


“Technology should always make the cruising experience feel easier.” Adding that, “Our guests now have more control at their fingertips, while we also create smarter, more seamless ways to connect them with our onboard offering. It’s a great example of how we continue to invest in guest satisfaction across our fleet.”


CRUISE NEWS | 25


National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Commemorates 60 Years of Expedition Travel


NATIONAL


Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions


marks the 60th anniversary of a defining moment in expedition travel. Sixty years ago, Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first group


of non-scientific travellers to Antarctica, opening one of the world’s most remote regions to curious explorers and forever reshaping how people experience the planet. That landmark voyage in 1966 laid the foundation for modern expedition cruising. Just one year later, Lindblad brought the first civilian


and a boost to hotels, restaurants, bars and businesses in the surrounding areas. Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO commented, “MSC


Cruises first started calling in the Dominican Republic in 2014, so after more than ten years it is a proud a moment for me to speak about our new homeporting offering in La Romana. With year-round operations we extend the traditional season, bringing positive economic impact to the local community and bringing 120,000 additional international visitors to La Romana each year. MSC Cruises is committed to the Dominican Republic and this new programme for the long-term.”


expedition to the Galápagos Islands, reinforcing a vision that was never limited to a single destination or climate. From the outset, Lindblad Expeditions was built on the founding principle that expedition travel has the power to reshape how people experience and perceive the world. “Lars-Eric Lindblad pioneered expedition travel with


a simple belief: how you see the world matters,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. “Sixty years after the voyage that started it all, that vision continues to guide us. Every sailing is shaped by decades of experience, deep relationships with local communities, and the expertise of some of the world’s most seasoned captains, navigators, and naturalists. What defines our expeditions isn’t just where we go, but how we approach each place - creating life-expanding moments that spark curiosity and stay with our guests long after they return home.”


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