Cruise Industry News | Canada's Travel Industry

By TravelPress Staff

March 26, 2025

Avalon sets sail in Bordeaux on VIP inaugural sailing

After much anticipation and a warm welcome from wine lovers, culture seekers and river cruise enthusiasts alike, Avalon Waterways has officially set sail in Bordeaux. On the heels of a special, invite-only VIP inaugural sailing, the river cruise line is raising a glass to this milestone moment with its first-ever, official departure of its NEW Bonjour Bordeaux: Châteaux, Wineries & Charming Villages itinerary. This first-of-its-kind sailing aboard the newly refreshed Avalon Artistry II marks the beginning of a new era for Avalon Waterways – and a brand-new way for guests...

By TravelPress Staff

March 25, 2025

Seabourn assembles expedition team for Alaskan explorations

Seabourn will elevate exploration in Alaska this summer with an elite expedition team on board every voyage. As Seabourn Quest embarks on its maiden season in Alaska and British Columbia, guests will be guided by a world-class team of naturalists, science, wildlife and historical experts. From May to September 2025, the expedition team will lead immersive experiences that unlock the secrets of Alaska’s untamed wilderness through the exclusive Ventures by Seabourn program, offering deep insights into the region’s geology, ecology and culture. “Wherever we travel, our focus is always...

By TravelPress Staff

March 24, 2025

NCL welcomes first guests aboard Norwegian Aqua in Europe

Norwegian Cruise Line has welcomed the first guests aboard the highly anticipated Norwegian Aqua before embarking on her maiden voyage from Lisbon to Southampton, England. Marking a new chapter in NCL’s fleet evolution, Norwegian Aqua is hosting over 2,000 invited guests aboard to experience how the brand is delivering more with its newest innovations and offerings. This is the first of a five-part inaugural series, before concluding in Miami with the official christening voyage in April. As the first vessel in the cutting-edge Prima Plus Class, Norwegian Aqua builds...

By TravelPress Staff

March 20, 2025

Uniworld marks 50 years with new 2026 offerings

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises announces its new offerings for 2026, including the debut of the S.S. Emilie, a brand-new build and unique addition to the fleet, inspired by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. Uniworld will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, ushering in a lineup of offerings to celebrate the milestone, such as a 50-night ‘Rivers of the World’ sailing, three new Mystery Cruises, a new family-friendly Generations Collection offering and more. “As we look to celebrate our 50th anniversary next year, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Ellen...

By TravelPress Staff

March 20, 2025

Viking takes delivery of newest river ship in Europe

Viking has taken delivery of the Viking Nerthus, the company’s newest Viking Longship. The delivery took place on March 19 when the ship was presented at Meyer’s Neptun Werft shipyard in Rockstock-Warnemuende, Germany. The 168-guest Viking Nerthus joins the company’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art sister ships on the Seine River and will sail Viking’s popular eight-day itinerary, Paris & the Heart of Normandy, and the new eight-day Christmastime in Paris & Normandy itinerary. “We are proud to welcome the Viking Nerthus to our growing fleet of award-winning...

By TravelPress Staff

March 20, 2025

Atlas Ocean Voyages announces 2026-2027 Antarctica expeditions

Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced that Polar Expeditions by Atlas to Antarctica beginning November 2026 through March 2027 are now available for bookings. Offering discerning travellers unparalleled access to remote and awe-inspiring corners of Antarctica, guests booking by June 30 will receive a complimentary stateroom or suite category upgrade and save up to $10,400 with bonus savings of up to 20% per stateroom. Marking the fifth season in Antarctica, World Navigator and World Traveller will operate 23 departures as World Voyager is under full charter. “Over the past five...

By TravelPress Staff

March 20, 2025

NCL takes delivery of Norwegian Aqua

Norwegian Cruise Line has taken delivery of Norwegian Aqua, the 20th ship in its award-winning fleet and the first in the next-generation Prima Plus Class, at the esteemed Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. As Norwegian Aqua prepares to enter service, NCL completes another landmark event with the float out of Norwegian Luna. The float out signifies the completion of the ship’s external work and marks the first time she makes contact with water. Norwegian Luna will move to the floating dock previously occupied by Norwegian Aqua for interior construction and furnishing in...

By TravelPress Staff

March 19, 2025

Cunard reveals Queen Elizabeth’s stunning new look

Cunard has unveiled a new-look Queen Elizabeth ahead of her debut season sailing from Miami and her inaugural Alaska voyages from Seattle. The luxurious 2,000-guest ship completed a transformative three-week makeover at Seatrium's Admiralty Yard in Singapore on March 14. Queen Elizabeth's debut Alaska season from Seattle begins on June 12, while her inaugural Caribbean voyage from Miami departs on October 16 – a 12-night roundtrip sailing offering guests the chance to visit Bridgetown's UNESCO-listed Garrison and bustling markets of Castries, St Lucia. A...

By TravelPress Staff

March 19, 2025

Avalon undergoing a fleet-wide revamp on its Suite Ships

Avalon Waterways is taking its signature, award-winning Suite Ships to the next level with a fleet-wide refresh designed to enhance the style, comfort and connectivity of river cruising. From fresh new interiors to upgraded outdoor spaces, next-level Wi-Fi, Avalon is reimagining its Suite Ship experience while keeping its breathtaking views exactly the same. Over the next two years, Avalon is updating its already “Better By Design” experience with top-to-bottom enhancements that promise smoother sailing and even more style on every Suite Ship in Europe (with the exception of...

By TravelPress Staff

March 18, 2025

Carnival Spirit shows off new enhancements following month-long dry dock

Carnival Cruise Line guests who embarked on Carnival Spirit in Barcelona this weekend are the first to sail on the ship following its month-long dry dock that brought several upgrades and enhancements on board. The ship is now sailing the first of two one-way back-to-back cruises, first crossing the Atlantic Ocean to Miami and then sailing through the Panama Canal to Seattle as it repositions for the Alaska summer season. Carnival Spirit returns to service with a new Heroes Tribute Bar, which serves as a gathering place for the many active-duty military and veterans that sail with...