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American Cruise Lines reveals names for next two U.S. riverboats

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 August 2026 14 August 2026

American Cruise Lines has announced the names of two more U.S.-built small ships: American Beauty, a new riverboat for the Mississippi that will launch in 2028, and American Rhapsody, another new riverboat for the Columbia and Snake Rivers that will launch in 2029. These riverboats represent the 29th and 30th ships in the company’s ever-expanding fleet and will be among the finest new riverboats in the world. All American Cruise Lines’ new ships are built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland.

American Beauty will begin cruising the Mississippi River in September 2028, operating the company’s popular 8-Day Upper Mississippi River cruises between St. Louis, MO and St. Paul, MN. Toward the end of the season, American Beauty will also cruise the company’s new 8-Day Gulf Coast cruises, which operate between New Orleans, LA and Pensacola, FL. In 2029, American Rhapsody will begin cruising the company’s 9-Day Columbia & Snake Rivers cruises between Portland, OR and Clarkston, WA.

American Beauty and American Rhapsody are both part of the company’s acclaimed modern American Riverboat series, which began in 2018, when American Song became the first modern style riverboat ever available for U.S. River cruising. Since then, the demand for these world-class riverboats has increased year after year. American Beauty and American Rhapsody follow three others previously announced: American Encore (which debuted in May 2026), American Anthem (sailing in April 2027), and American Grace (sailing in April 2028). All the company’s American Riverboats accommodate 180 guests in 100% private balcony accommodations and showcase the finest amenities available in river cruising worldwide.

The demand for U.S. River cruising around the country continues to grow rapidly. In order to keep pace, American Cruise Lines is introducing new ships at a rate of 3 per year. The company has introduced more new U.S.-built cruise ships over the last 10 years than all the U.S.-built cruise ships combined in the previous 4 decades. The company has also expanded and developed new itinerary options across 40 states, including many cruises that are totally exclusive to the Line.

In addition to these new riverboats for the Mississippi and the Columbia and Snake Rivers, American continues aggressively expanding their fleet in many other regions of the USA, with new small ships sailing over 50 U.S. itineraries along the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, as well as all the major U.S. rivers, lakes, bays, and inland waterways in-between. Today, the new ships and the breadth of domestic itinerary options offer more diversity than at any other time in history and the U.S. market is a booming sector of the global cruise industry, rivaling Europe and all other river regions worldwide.

American Ranger, the company’s 3rd new ship this year (launching in September) will cruise the Line’s exclusive Hudson River Fall Foliage cruises, Potomac River & Chesapeake Bay cruises, and Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises throughout the holiday season and into the New Year. One of American’s new 2025 ships, American Patriot, is currently sailing the company’s first season of domestic cruises on the Great Lakes (these are the only all-domestic cruises available in the Great Lakes market). In 2027, when American Anthem debuts, it will sail the company’s newest regional itinerary, 16-Day Grand Columbia & Snake Rivers cruises, throughout its entire inaugural season.

Americas becomes HX Expeditions' largest source market

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 August 2026 11 August 2026

HX Expeditions, the world’s first and longest-running expedition cruise company, today announced that the Americas has become the company's largest source market worldwide, marking a milestone in the region's continued growth. Supporting this momentum, HX is expanding travel advisor resources across North America through a new advisor onboarding program, the launch of a dedicated Groups division, and ongoing expansion of its commercial team.

As HX celebrates its 130th anniversary, the announcement underscores the rapid growth of its North American business. Founded in Norway and headquartered in London, the expedition cruise company has historically drawn the majority of its guests from Europe. From 2024 to the first half of 2026, the Americas grew from HX's third-largest source market to its largest. The region delivered 53% year-over-year growth in the first half of 2026, including 61% growth in travel advisor sourced sales.

"Becoming our largest source market reflects the strength of our travel advisor partnerships and the growing demand across the Americas," said Steve Smotrys, Managing Director and SVP Commercial, Americas. "Our travel advisor partners have told us where they need additional support, and we've responded with investments in onboarding resources, dedicated Groups support and a stronger commercial team designed to help them grow their business with HX."

New travel advisor onboarding program

To help newly registered advisors quickly build confidence in selling HX voyages, the company has launched an automated Travel Advisor Welcome Program. The personalized onboarding journey consists of five emails delivered during an advisor's first three weeks following registration on the HX Travel Advisor Portal.

The program introduces advisors to HX's expedition heritage, destinations, onboard experience, sustainability initiatives, scientific contributions and Basecamp philosophy, while highlighting tools and resources designed to help grow their expedition cruise business.

Currently available to newly registered North America-based travel advisors, the program is already delivering strong engagement, generating click-through rates approximately three times higher than standard advisor communications. HX plans to expand the program to additional markets in the future.

Launch of dedicated groups division

Last year, HX doubled its North America-based Guest Excellence (GX) team and introduced dedicated, in-market service specialists focused exclusively on supporting the unique needs of North American travel advisors and their clients.

Now, HX has launched a Groups division to support expedition group travel across the United States and Canada. The new team provides specialized support for travel advisors and tour operators, helping them develop and manage group business through inventory planning, logistics coordination, guest experience support and voyage execution.

The team is led by Senior Group Specialist Zachery Krapes and Groups Specialist Madelyn Nunez Paredes. Prior to joining HX, Krapes managed large group programs with Windstar Cruises, overseeing planning and operational execution while partnering closely with travel advisors. Nunez Paredes brings more than 16 years of hospitality industry experience, including 12 years with The Walt Disney Company, where she managed group business across meetings, conventions, weddings and sporting events.

"Zach and Madelyn bring outstanding expertise and a deep understanding of group travel," said Smotrys. "Their experience positions us to continue growing our group business across North America."

New appointments & team expansion

HX also announced the promotion of Jennifer Kennedy to Senior Manager, National & Strategic Accounts and the appointment of Charlene Sherman as Senior Manager, National & Strategic Accounts.

Previously serving as Business Development Manager for the Southeast region, Kennedy will now oversee a portfolio of HX's national accounts, consortia and key strategic partners. Kennedy brings more than a decade of travel industry experience and has been instrumental in strengthening advisor partnerships since joining HX in 2023.

Sherman brings expertise in partnerships, advisor engagement and commercial growth across the premium and luxury cruise industry. Most recently, Sherman developed Trade Sales and National Account Marketing initiatives for Viking and previously held sales and marketing roles with Cunard and Seabourn. In this role, she will oversee a portfolio of national accounts and strategic partnerships across the Americas.

In addition, Aliette Penton has joined HX as Business Development Manager, Southeast, overseeing Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. Penton brings more than two decades of cruise industry experience spanning trade sales, partner engagement and advisor development. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles in sales coaching and business development, building strong relationships with travel partners across the region.

HX also plans to add Business Development Manager positions in Northern California and the Midwest, as well as a new Sales Coordinator role.

Travel advisors can learn more about HX's travel advisor programs, resources and support tools by registering through the HX Travel Advisor Portal at agentportal.travelhx.com.

Viking to offer over 700 ocean cruise departures in 2028-2029

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

Viking has announced that its 2028–2029 ocean voyages are now open for booking, featuring more than 700 new departure dates on 80 voyages, spanning 301 ports across 84 countries and six continents. Representing Viking's largest ocean deployment to date, the new departures include voyages on the company's fleet of small, award-winning ocean ships, including the new Viking Vega and the Viking Leda. The deployment also expands Viking’s global offerings with additional departures of the recently introduced Japan Discovery itinerary, two new itineraries – Alaskan Fjords & the Inside Passage and Mediterranean, Malta & North Africa – and more opportunities to explore the world through Viking’s destination-focused voyages.

"With our largest ocean deployment to date, we are pleased to offer guests even more opportunities to explore the world in Viking comfort," said Leah Talactac, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking. "From new itineraries to our two newest ocean ships, this deployment reflects our continued commitment to providing destination-focused voyages for curious travelers."

The 2028–2029 deployment includes itineraries spanning the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean, South America and the Panama Canal. Guests can choose from voyages ranging from eight days to extended World Voyages, with thoughtfully designed itineraries that can be combined for longer, more immersive experiences. Itinerary highlights include:

The Viking Vega and the Viking Leda, currently scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029, respectively, will be the newest ships in Viking's award-winning ocean fleet. Classified as small ships, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Vega and the Viking Leda will have a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that host 998 guests and will feature all-veranda staterooms, elegant Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options.

Crystal confirms order for third ultra-luxury ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 August 2026 06 August 2026

Crystal announced yesterday that the contract for the construction of the third next-generation ocean ship by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has become effective. The vessel, scheduled for delivery in 2034, is covered by the option exercised in 2024 and reflects Crystal's continued investment in the future of luxury cruising.

The new vessel will join Crystal Grace, currently under construction at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard, scheduled to debut in 2028, along with its sister ship arriving in May 2031. Together, the three ships will represent the next evolution of Crystal's renowned approach to exceptional service, spacious design and immersive luxury travel.

Like its sister ships, the new vessel will accommodate 650 guests (based on double occupancy) and measure approximately 62,000 gross tons. Thoughtfully designed by renowned international architectural firms, the ship will feature spacious all-veranda suites, including an expansive Owner's Suite and new categories created to meet evolving guest preferences including solo travelers. Every accommodation is designed to maximize space, comfort and connection to the sea, complemented by one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in luxury cruising to deliver Crystal's signature personalized service.

The ship will blend timeless elegance with contemporary innovation through expansive indoor and outdoor spaces designed for effortless luxury living. Guests will enjoy a full wrap-around promenade inspired by the beloved walkways aboard Crystal Symphonyand Crystal Serenity, beautiful open-air venues and inviting outdoor spaces for relaxation and socializing. Outdoor dining terraces will allow guests to enjoy specialty restaurants al fresco while taking in panoramic ocean views, further strengthening Crystal's connection between exceptional cuisine and life at sea.

“Seeing Crystal Grace move from vision to reality has been tremendously rewarding, and today's announcement demonstrates our unwavering confidence in Crystal's future. This third ship reflects our long-term commitment to the brand and to our guests, who continue to inspire us to raise the standard for luxury cruising around the world.," said Manfredi Lefebre D'Ovidio, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group.

Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, added, “The response to Crystal Grace has exceeded our expectations, reaffirming the demand for authentic, exceptional travel experiences. With each new ship, we are building on Crystal's legacy while thoughtfully evolving the experience for a new generation of luxury travelers.”

"The effectiveness of the contract signed back in 2024 is a testament to the strength of our partnership with Crystal and A&K Travel Group and reflects our shared commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and excellence,” commented Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division. "We are proud to continue building a new generation of luxury ships that combine Italian shipbuilding expertise with Crystal's uncompromising vision for exceptional hospitality at sea."

The announcement builds on significant momentum for Crystal, including the successful steel-cutting ceremony for Crystal Grace, the opening of bookings for her inaugural 2028 season and continued strong demand for the brand's expanding portfolio of global itineraries.

More space is coming: Regent Seven Seas to reduce the capacity on its Explorer-class ships

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 August 2026 06 August 2026

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the ultra-luxury cruise line part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., last week announced plans to reimagine select accommodations aboard its Explorer-class ships, introducing larger suites, a new suite category and reduced capacity to deliver an even more spacious and luxurious onboard experience. Following planned dry docks in 2027 and 2028, Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Grandeur will each sail with a new maximum of only 344 suites, reduced from 373 suites, eliminating 29 suites per ship to provide even more unrivaled space.

Regent will continue in its rich heritage of leading the way in ultra-luxury cruise travel by expanding Veranda Suites into the largest entry-level suites in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, alongside the Deluxe Veranda Suites aboard Regent's Prestige-class ships. Every redesigned Veranda Suite will feature luxurious amenities including walk-in closets, double vanities, and spacious balconies, and will now measure between 415 and 464 sq ft, having previously been 307 sq ft.

“Since 1992, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has undertaken a relentless pursuit of perfection. We changed the game with the launch of our Explorer-class ships in 2016, 2020 and 2023, and we are excited to now take these beloved ships to new heights,” said Wesley D’Silva, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “These enhancements reflect our commitment to continually raising the standard in ultra-luxury travel. By reducing suite inventory, expanding accommodations and introducing new suite categories, we are creating an even more spacious experience at sea while strengthening the exceptional service that defines Regent.”

In addition, new Horizon Penthouse Suites – which will first debut on Seven Seas Prestige – will also be incorporated into the Explorer Class collection of spacious suites. Ranging from 616 to 722 sq ft, the suites feature oversized balconies, offering an exceptional experience that blends outdoor luxury and indoor comfort. With a beautifully appointed bedroom, full bath suite, and spacious living area, Horizon Penthouse Suites create an exclusive retreat, perfect for relaxing after a day’s adventure.

Completing these opulent accommodation upgrades, three additional Distinctive Suites measuring from 821 to 918 sq ft will be added to each ship and feature a spacious bedroom with a king-size Elite Slumber Bed, a spacious sitting and dining area, one-and-a-half marble-and-stone-appointed bathrooms, and a large private balcony. The suites – respectively named Explorer Suite, Splendor Suite and Grandeur Suite on each ship – come with a host of high-end amenities such as fresh orchid arrangements, cashmere blankets, a sumptuous in-suite caviar service, a selection of pillow styles and the services of a personal butler.

Accommodation upgrades will begin with Seven Seas Splendor when she enters dry dock in November 2027. In 2028, Seven Seas Explorer will enter dry dock in April and Seven Seas Grandeur will follow in October.