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 (Press Release) Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, is entering 2026 with strong commercial momentum, high guest satisfaction and renewed confidence from both guests and the global travel advisor community, marking the next chapter in the brand’s carefully considered revival.
Following its acquisition by A&K Travel Group in 2022, Crystal has undergone a methodical and highly visible transformation. The brand’s two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, returned to service in 2023 after extensive multi-million-dollar refurbishments, re-emerging with larger, refined suites, enhanced public spaces and a renewed focus on space, service and sophisticated elegance.
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 Credit: MSC (Press Release) MIAMI – January 22, 2026 – As MSC Cruises prepares to launch its first Alaska sailings in May 2026, the cruise line is highlighting itineraries that guests can look forward to when sailing from Seattle to the Last Frontier. The 7-night sailings onboard MSC Poesia will visit Ketchikan, Icy Straight Point and Juneau in Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; offering awe-inspiring views, captivating culture and thrilling activities. MSC Poesia will also sail through Tracy Arm Fjord, where guests can observe the rich beauty of Alaska’s glaciers from their balcony or on deck.
 (Press Release) MADRID – January 21, 2026 – Today at Fitur, the International Tourism Trade Fair taking place in Madrid, Spain, MSC Cruises spoke of their new year-round operation from La Romana, Dominican Republic starting November 2026.b In the presence of the Dominican Republic Minister of Tourism, David Collado, 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 is the first time MSC Cruises has offered year-round sailings in the Southern Caribbean.
Photo: MSC By GERRY BARKER North Palm Beach Life Photos/Video by Gerry and Pamela Barker Excitement and anticipation reigned as Windstar executives, dignitaries and media converged at Port Miami to officially christen the newest ship in Windstar's fleet, Star Seeker, on Thursday, Jan. 15. The all-suite, 224-guest Star Seeker is the first "Star Class" new build. At the christening ceremony, Windstar's President Christopher Prelog acknowledged "the incredible efforts from everyone" who were part of the launch and seeing Star Seeker at "the cruise capital of the world fills me with pride." The ship's godmother, Libby Anschutz (daughter of Windstar’s owner Phil Anschutz) was introduced, followed by the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle against the hull.  Star Seeker Capt. Tom Schofield "I'm honored to be appointed godmother of Star Seeker and to participate in this maritime tradition," said Ms. Anschutz. "I wish for this ship and her crew to have safe voyages, and for her guests to have unforgettable experiences. May Star Seeker carry people to breathtaking destinations towards friendships, stories and memories that will last a lifetime." On a tour of the ship, Windstar faithful will find many familiar spaces, re-imagined for Star Seeker, as well as new ones. The latter includes a new specialty restaurant, Basil + Bamboo, which takes the place of Cuadro 44, offering a menu accenting Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. The main dining room, Amphora, now hosts breakfast, lunch and dinner and includes outdoor seating. Star Seeker boasts 112 ocean-view suites and two new Horizon Owner’s suites with wrap-around balconies, an expanded WorldSpa and Windstar's signature Marina, with its array of personal water activities. In an interview, Star Seeker Captain Tom Schofield touted the advantages of small-ship cruising. "We get to know and spend time with our guests," he said. "By the time you're saying goodbye on the gangway, you've made friends." Following the christening, Star Seeker departed Miami for an inaugural season in the Caribbean. Afterwards, she journeys to Alaska and later in 2026 and 2027, will be sailing to Japan and the Far East. In December, Windstar will debut Star Seeker's sister ship. Star Explorer. As Prelog noted at the christening, "Star Seeker will carry the Windstar spirit forward and create moments 180 degrees from ordinary."  American Encore (ACL) (Press Release) Guilford, CT—January 13, 2026--American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that new riverboat American Encore is on schedule for its May 2026 debut and inaugural season cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Designed to be the most spacious riverboat in the world, American Encore is a next-gen riverboat with world-class amenities including the largest staterooms, highest ceilings, largest gym, and most space-per-person in the global river cruise industry. The passenger density on board will be more reminiscent of a yacht than a typical river cruise ship.
American Cruise Lines has made U.S. River cruising mainstream within the broader worldwide cruise industry by introducing modern ships to a once boutique domestic market. The company’s new ships excel in modern design, noise and vibration control, and passenger amenities.  (Press Release) London, UK (Jan. 12, 2026) – Informa has awarded The Decker/Royal Agency (D/R) as the public relations agency of record for the 2026 Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry’s largest and longest-running B2B conference, at the Miami Beach Convention Center 13-16 April, 2026. The agency will also represent the accompanying F&B@Sea, taking place 15-16 April, 2026. In 2025, Seatrade Cruise Global drew more than 11,500 attendees from over 128 countries, including more than 70 cruise line brands and 600-plus exhibitors.
 Credit: MSC Cruises (Press Release) Geneva, Switzerland - January 12, 2026 - MSC Cruises is bringing “Dirty Dancing: In Concert” – the live-to-film concert created by Lionsgate and GEA Live – to MSC Poesia for her highly anticipated summer season in Alaska, starting May 11, 2026.
Building on MSC Cruises existing collaboration with Lionsgate, MSC Poesia will become the third ship in the cruise line’s fleet to feature the hit live-to-film concert, following its highly successful reception aboard MSC World America sailing from Miami and on MSC Virtuosa for her summer sailings from Southampton in the UK. The concert is also set to continue on MSC Virtuosa for her upcoming winter season in the Southern Caribbean.  (Press Release) MIAMI-DADE ( January 08, 2026 )– Today, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, PortMiami Director and CEO Hydi Webb, and Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty led a groundbreaking ceremony for the future new Cruise Terminal G at PortMiami.
Delivered by Lemartec-NV2A Joint Venture, in partnership with Perez & Perez Architects & Planners, the project involves the design-build delivery of a state-of-the-art cruise terminal for Royal Caribbean Group designed to meet LEED certification and the capacity to accommodate up to 7,000 passengers. The new terminal will include a multi-level parking garage, an intermodal facility, and other critical infrastructure to support large cruise ships such as the Icon-class vessels.  Credit: Holland America (Press Release) Seattle, Wash., Jan. 8, 2026 — Holland America Line is experiencing a surge in demand for European cruises, with bookings for its 2026 season up more than a third compared to this time last year.
The rise is especially notable in the cruise line’s Northern Europe voyages, an increase of nearly 50% year over year, as travelers seek out the region’s dramatic natural beauty and easy‑to‑explore cities. Convenient departures from both Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Dover, England, give guests easy access to some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes and culturally rich ports.  Credit: Oceania Cruises (Press Release) MIAMI – January 7, 2026 – Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, is ushering in a new era of tranquility and sophistication at sea. Effective January 7, 2026, the cruise line will exclusively welcome guests aged 18 and older for all new reservations for future voyages, elevating the onboard ambiance and responding to the preferences of its guests.
All existing reservations made prior to January 7, 2026, that include travelers under the age of 18, will be fully honored, ensuring a seamless and considerate transition for valued guests. This policy shift reflects Oceania Cruises’ dedication to providing a relaxed atmosphere of genuine hospitality and meaningful connection – hallmarks of its celebrated voyages. |
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