(SCENIC GROUP) There are still places on Earth that resist being tamed. Southern Chile is one of them. Glaciers shape the landscape, fjords disappear into mist, humpback whales surface without warning, and entire coastlines remain inaccessible except by sea.  
It’s precisely why Patagonia has become one of the world’s most compelling destinations for luxury travelers, not because it’s easy to reach, but because it isn’t. 

By GERRY BARKER
Cruise News

American Cruise Lines is having a moment.

In operation for over a half-century, the most successful U.S. river cruising line is riding a crest of success, as cruising America’s waterways has never been more popular. With over 25 ships and 50 itineraries in 35 states, cruises are all but sold out for the rest of the year, and over 70 percent booked for 2027.

Built in the USA, flagged here and featuring American crews, ships across the fleet are celebrating the country’s 250th birthday in grand style.

​That includes their newest and largest ship, the crown jewel of the fleet, American Encore, launched in May and the first riverboat ever christened in Lewiston, Idaho.

READ MORE.

(Press Release) ​SEATTLE – July 27, 2026 – Today, MSC Cruises welcomed Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), Maria Snell, aboard MSC Poesia as part of an industry-first partnership with marine conservation organization ORCA. Snell will conduct research on responsible passenger ship operations in whale-rich environments, assess shore excursions through a conservation lens and engage guests through educational lectures and whale-watching experiences.
 
During peak whale season, Snell will conduct a new research protocol deployed by ORCA for use on MSC Poesia, utilizing a specialized mobile observation rig combining high-powered binoculars and camera technology. Through this research, ORCA hopes to contribute valuable insights to the wider scientific and maritime communities. Alongside guest education and tour operator guidance, this collaboration creates a unique combination of data collection, operational training and guest engagement.

(Scenic Group) Luxury travel is no longer measured by how many countries a traveler visits. It is defined by how deeply those destinations are experienced. 

Increasingly, travelers are trading crowded landmarks for meaningful encounters, seeking smaller groups, immersive itineraries, and authentic access to places that feel less traveled and more personal. It is a philosophy that has shaped Scenic Group’s approach to travel for four decades. 

Rather than building journeys around ships alone, Scenic Group designs experiences around the destinations themselves, carefully selecting itineraries that reveal each region through its landscapes, cultures, history and people. 

(Press Release) For travelers seeking the next great frontier in luxury cruising, Emerald Cruises & Tours has now unveiled one of its most exciting deployments yet. Launching exclusively for November 2026, Emerald Cruises has introduced two new 13-Day Seychelles & Indian Ocean Adventure sailings aboard Emerald Kaia, the brand’s newest luxury yacht. 

According to Ken Muskat, President of Scenic Group USA & LATAM, today’s luxury travelers are looking beyond the familiar. They want destinations that remain authentic, remote and genuinely transformative. “The Seychelles represents one of the last truly untouched frontiers in luxury travel,” said Muskat. “These new voyages aboard Emerald Kaia offer guests the opportunity to discover extraordinary islands, remarkable wildlife and vibrant East African cultures while enjoying the intimacy, comfort and personalized service that define our luxury yacht experience.”

(Press Release) ​MONFALCONE, July 10, 2026 – Sparks flew today in Monfalcone, Italy, as Carnival Cruise Line marked a major milestone with the traditional steel-cutting ceremony for its newest ship, Carnival Destiny—arriving in summer 2029 as the first of three vessels in its next-generation of ships, officially named Ace Class. Held at the Fincantieri shipyard, the event revealed the ship’s name and showcased a 3D hologram offering a first look at the future of Carnival cruising.

(Press Release) Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, announced today four new Wellness at Sea® retreats for 2027. Curated by Dalila Roglieri, Crystal's Wellness Ambassador & Culinary Nutritionist, the program brings together renowned specialists aboard Crystal's award-winning ships.
 
Each sailing is built around four core pillars designed to support a holistic approach to self-care: culinary nutrition, physical activity, mental wellbeing and education in longevity science. Guests can participate in nutrition consultations, cooking demonstrations and culinary workshops; practice yoga, Pilates, strength training, dance, aqua fitness and pickleball; explore mindfulness through meditation, breathing classes, gratitude journaling and sound healing; and attend lectures focused on healthy aging and the latest developments in longevity science.

(Press Release) JULY 8, 2026 (Hollywood, Florida) Emerald Cruises & Tours has celebrated the ceremonial launch of Emerald Lumi, with the new Emerald Star-Ship entering water for the first time at the shipyard in Romania. The milestone signals a significant step towards her inaugural season on the Seine River from Paris in 2027.