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Costa cancels Middle-East deployment in winter 2026/2027

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 March 2026 13 March 2026

During the next winter Costa's flagship, Costa Smeralda, will be positioned in the Canary Islands and will be operating a brand-new 7-day itinerary between the Canaries and Madeira. With Costa Smeralda operating this program, Costa will significantly increase guest capacity and elevate the experience offered in the region.

After her planned dry dock period Costa Pacifica (previously planned in the Canary Islands and Madeira) will be instead positioned in the West Med offering both 7-day cruises towards Western mediterranean destinations and longer cruises towards South Europe & North Africa, also with new exclusive long itineraries. This new program will offer a selection of fascinating destinations that are particularly attractive to visit in the winter season, offering guests inspiring new opportunities for discovery.

With this decision, Costa intends to provide clarity and planning certainty for all guests and travel partners at an early stage. As the outlook in the Middle East remains uncertain for the winter season 2026/2027, Costa will not operate itineraries in the area for the upcoming season (Costa also does not currently have any ship operating in the Middle East).

As a result of this redeployment, the previously scheduled positioning voyages of Costa Smeralda to and from Emirates will not take place. Guests booked on the positioning cruise to/from the Emirates, as well as guests with a booking in the Emirates, may choose any other cruise immediately, with €200 onboard credit per cabin (€100 per person). Guests with a booking on the previously scheduled winter cruises of Costa Pacifica in the Canary Islands will be protected under the same conditions on the Costa Smeralda Canary itineraries.

The new itineraries for Costa Smeralda in the Canary Islands and Costa Pacifica towards West Med & North Africa will be available for booking through all the booking channels by the end of March.

Viking takes delivery of newest river ship in Europe

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 March 2026 12 March 2026

Viking yesterday announced it has taken delivery of the Viking Eldir, the company’s newest Viking Longship. The Viking Eldir was built at Meyer’s Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany. The 190-guest Viking Eldir joins the company’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art sister ships and will sail Viking’s popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

“We are pleased to welcome the Viking Eldir to our growing river fleet,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “With our exclusive docking locations, we proudly bring our guests closer to destinations along the great rivers of the world. Now, with the addition of our newest Viking Longship, we look forward to inviting even more curious travelers to explore Europe in Viking comfort.”

Hosting 190 guests in 95 staterooms, the Viking Eldir is the company’s newest Viking Longship. Built specifically to navigate the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, the Viking Eldir features Viking’s elegant Scandinavian design and industry-leading innovations for which Viking is known, including a space-saving square bow, three full decks, indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, asymmetric corridor and true two-room suites. The Viking Eldir will sail popular itineraries that include Rhine Getaway, Grand European Tour, Passage to Eastern Europe, European Sojourn and Christmas on the Rhine.

Viking remains focused on well-defined, long-term growth plans as part of a strategy toward maintaining a leadership position in experiential travel. Based on Viking’s committed orderbook, the company expects to take delivery of 22 additional river ships by 2028, 10 additional ocean ships by 2031 and two additional expedition ships by 2031. With these orders, Viking will have 112 river ships in 2028 and 25 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.

Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 unveils program, announces keynote moderator

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 March 2026 12 March 2026

Seatrade Cruise Global has unveiled the 2026 conference program for the world’s largest cruise industry event, introducing expanded content. A headline keynote moderated by CNBC correspondent Contessa Brewer featuring leaders of the world’s most influential cruise companies including Carnival Corporation & plc., MSC Group, and Royal Caribbean Group, as well as Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the preeminent cruise trade association. Taking place April 13–16 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, this year’s event will convene global leaders under the theme “Beyond the Horizon: Leveraging cruising’s strength and scale to drive innovation.”

“‘Beyond the Horizon’ captures a defining moment for cruise,” said Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand & Event Director, Seatrade Cruise Global. “Our industry has long been known for innovation, but what’s most compelling now is how that scale is being leveraged — to invest in smarter technology, more immersive entertainment, healthier guest experiences and stronger partnerships with destinations around the world. Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 is designed to reflect that evolution and to challenge leaders to think about what comes next.”

New for 2026, the program places heightened emphasis on wellness and entertainment — two sectors redefining the cruise value proposition — while deepening conversations around digital transformation, destination strategy and infrastructure investment and sustainability. The expanded agenda reflects an evolution of the industry: cruise is not only scaling in size, but in sophistication, cultural relevance and global economic impact.

The conference’s marquee keynote conversation, moderated by Brewer, will bring a sharp business and economic lens to the state of cruise. With her experience covering markets, leadership and global commerce, Brewer will guide a forward-looking discussion with Charles “Bud” Darr, President & Chief Executive Officer, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA); Jason Liberty, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Royal Caribbean Group; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group and Josh Weinstein, Chief Executive Officer, Carnival Corporation & plc, examining how cruise leaders are balancing growth, innovation and operational complexity in a rapidly evolving travel landscape.

"Seatrade Cruise Global is one of the industry’s most important events, bringing leaders together to look ahead and help shape the future of cruise,” said Charles “Bud” Darr, President & Chief Executive Officer, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). “Our industry continues to advance with confidence through innovation, stronger guest experiences, deeper partnerships with destinations, and growing value across the global economy. This year’s program reflects that momentum and the strength of the opportunity before us."

Over four days, Seatrade Cruise Global will bring together more than 11,500 attendees and 650 exhibitors, including cruise executives, port authorities, suppliers, destination leaders and hospitality innovators. Sessions will explore AI-driven operations, sustainable design, retail and concessions, community engagement, and the evolving relationship between ships and the destinations they serve.

As cruise continues to expand its global footprint, Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 positions itself not simply as a trade gathering, but as the central forum where the future direction of the industry is explored and defined.

Scenic Group to expand its fleet with three new luxury river ships

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 March 2026 09 March 2026

Scenic Group has announced another significant fleet expansion, with three new luxury river ships to join its portfolio. This includes one new Emerald Star-Ship and two ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ships, extending their presence across Europe and Asia in 2027 and 2028.

The announcement comes as 2026 marks Scenic Group’s 40 years of Innovation, a milestone that underscores the company’s ongoing leadership and vision, within the global luxury river and yacht cruising industry.

Glen Moroney, Chairman & Founder, Scenic Group, said: “Our commitment to an additional three new river ships for the Scenic and Emerald Cruises brands reflects our confidence in the strong demand for our unique approach to luxury cruising. With Scenic Ikon in build for delivery in 2028 and five Emerald Cruises yachts and river ships already confirmed, this announcement marks the next phase of our strategic fleet growth. By bringing the design and construction of these new river ships under the expertise of our team at MKM Yachts, we can apply the same exacting standards, innovation and design principles that have underpinned Scenic Group’s success for the past 40 years.”

Emerald Nova – launching June 2027 on the Douro River
Purpose-built for the Douro River, Emerald Nova will join Emerald Radiance in Portugal, introducing a longer itinerary that delves deeper into the region. Emerald Nova will operate two itineraries giving guests more choice and flexibility to experience Portugal.

The 11-day Douro Highlights: Porto, Salamanca & the Wine Valley cruise will explore vibrant cities and vineyard landscapes, complemented by active options such as guided hikes and kayaking.

Scenic Aria – launching September 2027 on the Douro River
The ultra-luxury Scenic Aria will join Scenic Azure in Portugal, operating both signature itineraries, the 11-Day Unforgettable Douro and 8-Day Delightful Douro. Guests will enjoy more opportunities to experience the captivating Douro River and the most all-inclusive cruises in Europe.

Scenic Spirit II - launching early 2028 on the Mekong River
Following a period of significant demand growth, Scenic will be expanding its fleet on the Mekong River, flowing through Vietnam and Cambodia. Scenic Spirit II will offer even more opportunities for guests to discover the cultural riches, serene landscapes, and authentic life of Southeast Asia.

This announcement builds on Scenic Group’s previously confirmed new ships, including Emerald Astra, launching in May 2026 on the Rhine, Main and Danube, and Emerald Lumi, debuting on France’s Seine River in 2027.

Combined with the launch of new luxury yachts Emerald Kaia from April 2026, Emerald Raiya in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028, as well as Scenic Ikon in 2028, this commitment to build more new ships, represents Scenic Group’s most significant fleet growth phase in nearly a decade.

Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises announce strengthened global leadership structure

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 March 2026 08 March 2026

Oceania Cruises, a culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, an ultra-luxury cruise line, have announced a new global leadership structure designed to strengthen support for Travel Advisors across all markets and capitalize on the increasing appetite for luxury and ultra luxury cruising.

Effective immediately, Wesley D’Silva has been appointed President, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, reporting to Jason Montague who continues to lead the long-term strategic direction for both Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

In further moves, Nathan Hickman and Shawn Tubman have been appointed Chief Sales Officers for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises respectively, overseeing global sales performance, Travel Advisor engagement, and commercial development across all markets. Hickman will report to Jason Montague with Tubman reporting to Wesley D’Silva.

“I am delighted to congratulate Wesley, Nathan, and Shawn, as they step into these important new roles,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Each of them brings extraordinary expertise and experience as we build on a remarkable period of performance for both Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This strengthened leadership structure positions us to accelerate our strategic plans to take both brands to new heights and support our Travel Advisor community with even greater focus. Travel Advisors are integral to our success, and these organisational changes reflect our unwavering commitment to creating even more opportunity within the luxury and ultraluxury cruise segments.”

For global commercial alignment, both North American domestic sales teams as well as international sales teams will report to Hickman and Tubman:

– Brennan Quesnele, Senior Vice President North America Sales & Trade Marketing, Oceania Cruises (reporting to Nathan Hickman only)
– Jerod Evans, Vice President, North America Sales, Regent Seven Seas Cruises (reporting to Shawn Tubman only)
– Melaine Diaz, Vice President, Sales Strategy & Trade Marketing, Regent Seven Seas Cruises (reporting to Shawn Tubman only)
– Paul Beale, Vice President, UK & Ireland Sales, Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruises
– Gabriella Fonzo, Senior Director, Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa Sales, Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruises
– Lisa Pile, Vice President Sales & General Manager, APAC, Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruises
– Frank Medina, Vice President, LATAM & Brazil Sales, Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Additionally, Steve Odell, one of the company’s most respected and longstanding senior commercial leaders, will transition into an ambassador role supporting both Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“Steve is a well-known, much loved, and highly accomplished sales professional in the luxury travel industry, and we couldn’t be happier that he has agreed to continue his connection with our brands,” Montague continued.

These developments come at a time of exceptional achievements and exciting milestones ahead for both brands. Oceania Cruises accomplished a recordbreaking opening day for Oceania Sonata™, the line’s newest ship, in January, and has an exciting newbuild program with five Sonata Class ships scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2037. Regent recently celebrated the most successful booking month in its history also in January, and will welcome Seven Seas Prestige later this year, its first new ship class in a decade, with three more Prestige Class ships scheduled for delivery 2030, 2033 and 2036.