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Costa to refit Serena, sell the Fortuna

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 May 2025 09 May 2025

As part of a plan started in 2021, the ships in the Costa fleet have undergone significant improvements. All ships have been or are being upgraded to offer high-quality fittings and amenities with the latest product innovations for a total investment of more than 200 million euros in the last five years.

This plan will be completed in November this year when Costa Serena will undergo an extensive dry dock at the end of which the ship will emerge as a completely evolved vessel, featuring a vibrant new food court with innovative restaurants and bars, such as Archipelago starred chef restaurant, Pizzeria Pummid’Oro, and Sushino@Costa, a fresh and modern design for the main restaurants, beautifully redesigned pools and bars, and completely renovated suites offering ultimate comfort and style.

Between October and December 2026 Costa Serena will embark on extraordinary itineraries, including a World Cruise from Tokyo to Buenos Aires, before her positioning in South America for regular rotations in winter 2027. Starting from spring 2027 Costa Serena will offer Mediterranean-focused journeys.

“Our goal is to provide unmatched experiences for our guests while embracing innovation, sustainability, and exceptional value for money," said Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises. "We continuously focus on product innovation, such as the Sea and Land itineraries, an exclusive by Costa, that combines new Sea destinations and Land Destinations. We are also investing in our fleet to enhance onboard experience and introducing new itineraries, including Costa Serena new deployment for 2026-2027. The strategy path that we started a few years ago is strengthening our offer in our key markets with a portfolio of unique vacations.”

As part of the strategic focus on product innovation, Costa Fortuna, the longest serving ship, will be transitioning out of Costa fleet. The ship will be transferred to the new owner in mid-September 2026. Until then, guests will continue enjoy the ship and to receive the same amazing Costa experience they have come to expect including the highly anticipated new programs towards Greece and Turkey in summer 2025 and the Canary Islands in winter 2025/2026.

This further step showcases Costa's unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, setting the stage for the future by emphasizing outstanding quality, pioneering itineraries, and extraordinary onboard and on-land experiences.

Costa Cruises boasts a long heritage and 77 years of history. The Company is a proud part of Carnival Corporation & plc, the largest global cruise company and among the largest leisure travel companies with distinct cruise lines serving travelers from all walks of life.

Sea Cloud Cruises promotes Mirell Reyes and Kevin Smith

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 May 2025 09 May 2025

Sea Cloud Cruises, one of the world's most storied names in cruise travel, has announced the promotion of senior leadership in North America as part of its strategic market expansion. Yesterday, the company named Mirell Reyes as CEO of North America and Kevin Smith as chief sales officer (CSO) of Sea Cloud Cruises. In her role, Reyes will oversee all sales, marketing, and communications in the region, while Smith, as CSO, will lead North American sales and take on responsibility for global consortia partnerships. Reyes will report to newly appointed Global Chief Operating Officer Victoria Seidel, who is based in Germany and serves as shareholder as well as board member.

"We are proud of the leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence Mirell and Kevin continue to display as Sea Cloud Cruises expands its presence in the North American market and strengthens global partnerships,” said Victoria Seidel, chief operating officer. “We have full confidence in their ability to continue driving growth and upholding the unparalleled standards of our brand, which dates back to 1931 and Marjorie Merriweather Post.”

Reyes and Smith joined Sea Cloud Cruises in mid-2023, tasked to grow the brand in North America. During that brief time, the boutique cruise line has earned preferred-supplier status in elite consortia Signature Travel and Virtuoso. Moving the brand to an all-inclusive pricing including shore excursions has been welcomed by advisors. The duo has also elevated the experience further with Cultivated Journeys, which bring shipboard enrichment focused on culture, culinary, art, wellness and history to the beautiful vessels.

Guest chefs and lecturers attracting North American travelers include Michael Collantes, Laurent Tourondel and Mario Pagan, veteran journalists Kerry Sanders and Joel Siedman, and iconic literature figures including Books & Books Mitch Kaplan. Sea Cloud Cruises’ ongoing partnership with Steinway continues to showcase music onboard with performers including Travis Moser. Reyes and Smith have also developed new Exclusive Cultural Immersions and Signature pre and post stays in Istanbul, Marrakesh and Panama City.

With over 35 years of combined experience in the cruise industry, Reyes and Smith have built successful careers in travel and hospitality with a shared passion for luxury small ship cruising.

Trafalgar expands into river cruising

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 May 2025 06 May 2025

Trafalgar, renowned worldwide for its expertly guided land tours and decades of creating meaningful travel experiences, announces its expansion into river cruising. Launching in Spring 2026, Trafalgar will debut in Europe with two river cruise journeys along the Rhine and Danube.

As part of its rollout strategy, Trafalgar is opening sales to its trusted travel partners today - ahead of sharing with the general public, giving advisors the chance to secure preferred sailing dates and cruises.

"We’ve always been about making it easy for travelers to connect with the heart and soul of every destination. Now, we’re bringing that same philosophy and unmatched experience - valued by our travel advisor partners, to Europe’s iconic rivers," said Melissa DaSilva, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, TTC Tour Brands. "Our strategy is simple: unlock the best of Europe’s rivers through trusted Trafalgar touchpoints including our much-loved ‘Be My Guest’ and 'MAKE TRAVEL MATTER' Experiences, giving travelers a fun, new way to river cruise that is as enriching as it is responsible. And oh yes, giving advisors the chance to sell it first.”

Trafalgar begins with two new journeys, an 8-day cruise along the Danube on the 128-passenger Trafalgar Reverie and a 10-day cruise along the Rhine on the 128-passenger Trafalgar Verity. Both journeys feature signature Trafalgar moments including Local Specialists offering deep destination insights, opportunities to connect with locals through ’Be My Guest’ encounters and at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience that supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; plus onboard entertainment – from regional performances to in-house baking demonstrations; wellness options from yoga sessions to complimentary bicycles for off-shore excursions, and delicious regional dining.

River cruise journeys are open for booking now for sailings beginning April 11, 2026.

Windstar completes its first-ever President's Mystery Cruise

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 May 2025 06 May 2025

Windstar Cruises, one of travel’s leading destination discovery specialists, concluded its inaugural President’s Mystery Cruise, which took place on Star Legend from April 19 – 27 in the Mediterranean. The sold-out journey, which was based from Athens (Piraeus), featured ports of calls that were previously unvisited not only by many of its passengers but also by the line itself; three all-new-to-Windstar ports in the region, including Italy’s Taranto and Reggio Calabria, and Greece’s Kalamata, were on the itinerary. The cruise also called at Sicily’s Naxos Giardini, near Taormina, a signature port for the line.

Onboard, passengers were given a clue to the identity of each port some 36 hours before the visit. Shore excursion options that ranged from urban history to countryside rambles were offered in each destination. Special touches included a destination discovery event -- a signature Windstar experience -- on a coastal hilltop in Reggio Calabria, and an invigorating performance of the Tarantella, a romantic dance ritual in Puglia, performed onboard while Star Legend was docked in Taranto.

“So many of Windstar’s guests are wonderfully adventurous and curious about the world they live in that we wanted to create a trip around the idea of discovering new destinations in a spontaneous fashion,” says Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, who hosted the sailing. “The Mediterranean offered so many opportunities to venture to places, such as Italy’s Puglia and Calabria, that hadn’t been on their radar – yet.”

Some of these new ports, such as Reggio Calabria and Taranto, both in Italy’s “boot,” have already been incorporated into 2026 itineraries, he says.

“This has been such fun,” he adds. “Letting go of the daily planning that happens in advance to instead live in the moment and embrace your current destination is thrilling and liberating. I highly recommend it as a new travel experience. We are all ready for the next Mystery Cruise in the Caribbean!” You can read more about Windstar’s first Mystery Cruise on our blog.

Indeed, Windstar’s next Mystery Cruise, which launched last week and is already nearly sold out, will depart on March 20, 2026 aboard the 224-guest Star Seeker, Windstar’s newest yacht. The Caribbean-oriented voyage based from San Juan, Puerto Rico, has outpaced all other 2026 cruise bookings, showcasing the incredible excitement and demand for spontaneous travel experiences paired with Windstar’s trusted service and expertise. It’s without a doubt that guests can expect more itineraries like this from Windstar in the future.

Lindblad signs charter deal with Transcend to launch European river expeditions in 2026

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 May 2025 06 May 2025

Lindblad Expeditions, the pioneer of modern expedition cruising, and Transcend Cruises today announced a multi-year charter agreement that will reframe European river cruising for discerning travelers looking to experience the continent’s most iconic waterways like a true explorer.

The initial agreement with Transcend Cruises will run through at least 2028, and will see a notable increase in annual European river departures operated on behalf of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand year-over-year on board Transcend Cruises’ luxury newbuild ships.

“We are thrilled for the upcoming launch of our unique interpretation of River Expeditions in Europe – an experience our guests have long desired and will deeply enjoy,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO, Lindblad Expeditions. “We know that how you see it matters, and that’s why we’ve curated these river voyages with the same depth, care, and expertise that define all of our expeditions. With National Geographic naturalists and historians, and exclusive events woven into each journey, our guests will explore Europe’s storied rivers in truly meaningful ways. We’re equally excited to partner with Transcend Cruises to introduce a brand-new ship, custom-designed to deliver the elevated, personalized experience our guests expect from us.”

“Transcend Cruises is extremely pleased to join Lindblad Expeditions in a symbiotic partnership. We are a natural fit in working so close together with such a respected brand in mindful exploration travel,” said Hans Rood, CEO, Transcend Cruises. “Our state-of-the-art newbuild river cruise ships offer both a luxury experience, as well as the opportunity to accommodate the lecturing and mind enriching requirements essential for their travelers. With a strong focus on wellness, sustainability and best of services, we are the perfect fit to deliver the programs Lindblad Expeditions require. By collaborating, we are able to create the most exclusive experiences on Europe’s most spectacular waterways.”

Working together with Transcend Cruises, the two leaders are developing a series of customized itineraries expertly crafted to provide curious travelers the opportunity to embark on journeys of deep discovery and venture closer, deeper, and farther into the river-side cities, towns, and villages with the experts in expedition, Lindblad Expeditions.

Each voyage will be staffed by one of the brand’s veteran Expedition Leaders, several knowledgeable Field Staff, and at least one National Geographic Expert. Staff will guide guests on private tours, exclusive tastings, and expertly curated synonymous with the co-brand.

For more than 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has explored some of the most iconic waterways – including the Peruvian Amazon, the Nile in Egypt, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the United States’ Pacific Northwest – however, this partnership will mark a historic first for the company, which has never offered river expeditions in Europe before.

Details of Lindblad Expeditions’ first-ever European river expedition season and the chartered vessel will be released in the coming weeks.