42 | CRUISE NEWS
www.nitravelnews.com
February 2026
AmaWaterways Unveils Details of Refreshed Brand Identity
AMAWATERWAYS have announced a refreshed brand identity that reflects both its heritage and its vision for the future. Debuting publicly this month, the rebrand is designed to deepen
AmaWaterways’
HURTIGRUTEN is welcoming a selection of new voyages for the 2026 season. These crafted itineraries are taking in wildlife of Norway and the wider Nordic region. Building on more than 130 years of Norwegian heritage,
Royal Caribbean Announce Details of 2027- 2028 Caribbean Itineraries
ROYAL Caribbean has unveiled details of their Caribbean itineraries for 2027-28. Commencing April 2027, these new Caribbean
itineraries are available throughout 13 Royal Caribbean ships, including Legend of the Seas and newly amplified Allure of the Seas. These sailings will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port Canaveral (Orlando) and Tampa, Florida; New Orleans; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Cartagena, Colombia; and Colon, Panama. Itineraries include a range of destinations across the
Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean on a range of 3- to 9-night adventures, including visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and Royal Beach Clubs in Paradise Island and Cozumel in 2026. Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated Perfect Day
Mexico is set to debut in late 2027, with an exact opening date to be revealed in 2026. In these new itineraries, Royal Caribbean will head to hot-spots such as Port Samaná, the gateway to lush jungles, the famous Salto del Limón waterfall and the best beaches – one of three scenic Dominican Republic ports of call in Royal Caribbean’s 2027-28 lineup.
MSC Cruises’ new itineraries aboard MSC Lirica and MSC Divina will offer guests the chance to explore some of the most captivating destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean. Both ships will offer seven-night sailings, showcasing the iconic region’s beauty with itineraries that span the breathtaking Greek Isles to historic cities in Turkey, Montenegro’s Adriatic gems, and Italy’s highly sought-after destinations. The itineraries include calls at new and up-
coming destinations Marmaris, Turkey and Syros, Greece. From 4 April 2026, MSC Lirica will offer itineraries
from Venice-Marghera (Italy) to the Eastern Mediterranean’s picturesque Kotor (Montenegro) to the serene shores of Syros (Greece) and the coast of Ancona (Italy). Guests will also enjoy an overnight stay in Mykonos (Greece). Commencing 24 April 2026, MSC Divina departs the West Mediterranean from Civitavecchia (Rome), visiting the East Mediterranean’s resort destination of Mykonos (Greece) to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus from Kusadasi (Turkey), the turquoise bays of Marmaris (Turkey) and Naples (Italy), the gateway to the legendary Pompeii.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Expands Alaska Expedition Offering
NATIONAL Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has announced the expansion of its Alaska programme beginning in 2027. The company will charter the Greg Mortimer for a
three-year period, enhancing its ability to offer new itineraries and continue building on its pioneering legacy as the National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion prepare for their farewell season in 2026.
“I am incredibly proud of the exceptional, unique
and intimate Alaska experience that our ships and our expert expedition team deliver. Demand for our Alaska voyages continues to grow, and I’m thrilled that with the introduction of a new ship to our Alaska fleet we can welcome even more explorers and also offer exciting new itineraries to our collection,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. “We are equally grateful to honour the final farewell
season of the Sea Bird and Sea Lion in 2026. These beloved ships have been the backdrop to countless memorable adventures for our guests over many years. We invite travellers to join us for this special farewell season.” Purpose-built for remote environments, the Greg Mortimer brings new capabilities. The ship features a Ulstein X-BOW® for enhanced stability and comfort; dynamic positioning to help protect sensitive seafloors;
and multiple Zodiac loading platforms for seamless off-ship exploration. Expansive observation areas offer exceptional wildlife and scenic viewing. Voyages will include time at the dramatic Hubbard
Glacier, North America’s largest tidewater glacier, with Zodiac and kayak opportunities, as well as travel through the scenic Inside Passage via Grenville and Princess Royal Channels, waterways ideally suited for small-ship exploration. These routes join the Inian Islands, Misty Fjords, Endicott Arm and Tracy Arm, Southeast Alaska exploration days and wildlife viewing throughout each
voyage led by an expert expedition team.
broaden its footprint across Norway, Finland and Iceland, combining coastal voyages with rail and road journeys. Offering both escorted and independent itineraries, the program invites guests to experience the Nordics in depth.
Hurtigruten’s 2026 programme aims to
Hurtigruten Expands Nordic Voyages for 2026 “These new itineraries reflect our ambition to create
more meaningful ways to explore the North,” said Hedda Felin, CEO at Hurtigruten. “Built on 130 years of experience sailing the Norwegian coast, they are designed to deepen our guests’ connection to the Nordic and Arctic regions, from the dramatic Norwegian coastline to Iceland’s volcanic landscapes and the raw wilderness of Svalbard. Each journey invites guests to slow down, travel with purpose, and engage more deeply with the places
and cultures that shape the High North.”
MSC Cruises Announces New Mediterranean Itineraries for 2026
connection with guests and elevate the river cruising experience across its growing fleet and destinations. “Our rebrand reflects who we are today and where we are going”, said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. Powell continued, “There is a warmth and elegance to the new colours, and a more authentic way in which we are expressing ourselves that feels true to the AmaWaterways spirit. We are bringing our personality, passion and sense of discovery to life more clearly than ever before. There is such an exciting momentum in river cruising right now and we want a brand that truly cuts through, that people feel connected to and know immediately what it stands for.”
Windstar Takes Delivery of New All-Suite Yacht
Holland America Line Marks Departures of Grand World Voyages HOLLAND
America Line celebrated the
simultaneous departure of two Grand World Voyages on January 4. The 133-day Grand World Voyage set sail roundtrip
from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while the 93-day Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage departed from San Diego, California, setting course across the Pacific Ocean on a roundtrip itinerary. The 133-day itinerary, on Volendam, will call at 51
ports in 23 countries, travelling down the coast of South America to Antarctica, then across the Pacific Ocean to explore Asia, before crossing back to Alaska and through the Panama Canal. On Zaandam, the 93-day Grand Australia and New
Zealand Voyage will call at 42 ports across the South Pacific, including a visit to Bora Bora. The two Grand Voyages will meet on March 7 in
Sydney, Australia, where Chocolatier Jacques Torres will host a Chocolate Teatime event, giving guests from both ships a chance to meet up and sample specially crafted chocolate creations. Other themed events, such as a Great Gatsby Night, Masquerade Ball, Casino Royale party and a Glamp Out, will take place throughout both cruises. In addition, on the Grand World Voyage,
Volendam will welcome the cruise line’s Culinary Ambassadors Chef Masaharu Morimoto,
Chef
Ethan Stowell and Master Tea Blender and Art of Tea Founder, Steve Schwartz. Each will host signature experiences, including private dinners and cooking demonstrations or tea tastings. Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest
experience and product development, said: “We’ve been sailing the globe for more than 150 years, and our Grand Voyages really showcase what makes the Holland America Line experience so special. The length of these journeys allows our team to create experiences that unfold at a relaxing and meaningful pace, and our guests settle into a rhythm of discovery that simply isn’t possible on shorter sailings. For many, this becomes the trip of a lifetime – a chance to see the world in comfort, in community and with a sense of wonder that grows with every new port.”
WINDSTAR Cruises has officially taken owner- ship of its newest all-suite yacht, Star Seeker. The 224-guest yacht is the first new build in Windstar’s Star Class and marks a major mile- stone in the small ship cruise line’s ongoing fleet expansion. The ceremony formalised the transfer of owner-
ship. Representing Windstar were president Chris- topher Prelog, chief operating officer Stijn Creup- elandt, chief commercial officer Janet Bava and vice president of expansion projects John Gunner, who oversaw the shipbuilding programme. Also in attend- ance were Captain Tom Schofield and his team who have been instrumental in preparing Star Seeker for delivery, reflecting the dedication and expertise of Windstar’s crew – an essential part of the brand’s guest experience. They were joined by senior repre- sentatives of the Portuguese shipyard that brought the yacht to life. “Taking delivery of a new ship is one of the most
meaningful moments in a shipbuilding journey,” says Prelog. “From the float out to the handover, we’ve seen Star Seeker take shape with extraordinary craftsmanship. The WestSEA team and Mario Ferrei- ra with Mystic Cruises team have been incredible partners throughout this process, and our crew, led by Captain Schofield, has worked tirelessly to ensure the yacht is delivered in exceptional condition. We cannot wait to welcome guests aboard in just a few short weeks.” “Watching Star Seeker evolve from concept to completion has been a point of pride for everyone at WestSEA,” says Ferreira. “Windstar challenged us to build a yacht that could reach new destinations, deliver exceptional comfort and operate responsibly. We’re proud to hand her over today knowing she will bring guests closer to the world in ways only a small ship can.”
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