THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CRUISE ROUTE DESIGN 2027 NORTHERN EUROPE An extraordinary diversity of destinations, from fjords and iconic capitals to hidden gems BALANCING THE EQUATION Costa Cruises’ Davide Truscello discusses balancing guest appeal, feasibility and sustainability BEYOND THE BERTH Francesco Di Palma of Explora Journeys on forging close cruise line and port partnerships
*2026 cruise passenger survey Victoria, Canada Cruise passengers want more Victoria There’s so much to see and do in Victoria, it’s no wonder it’s been voted the best small city in the world by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, four years in a row. It’s why cruise passenger satisfaction is linked to spending more time there. The earlier they arrive, the higher the score.* Give your passengers more time in Victoria. For a vibrant waterfront. gvha.ca/cruise
1 For today’s cruise guests, a port is no longer simply somewhere to stop. It is often the reason for choosing a voyage in the first place: a chance to spend longer in a destination, meet the people who live there and bring home a story that is entirely their own. That shift runs through this issue. “A port is not simply a destination; it is an integral part of the overall value proposition of an itinerary,” says Davide Truscello of Costa Cruises, in our keynote interview on page 6, where he explains why itinerary design and commercial planning cannot be separated. Then, in our Marketwatch section on page 12, we share details of late departures and overnight stays that cruise lines are adding to their itineraries for 2027 and beyond. Of course, understanding that guests appreciate longer stops is just part of the work of an itinerary planner. The next step is to identify which destinations are the most appealing and what’s on offer to guests when they arrive. Throughout this issue, we find out how cruise line executives approach this challenge. From Luke Clarke of Swan Hellenic catering to the “intellectually curious” to Viking UK’s Wendy Atkin-Smith highlighting the “rich history, culture, architecture and natural beauty” of Northern Europe and the Med, we get valuable insights on route planning. Explora Journeys’ Captain Francesco Di Palma, Mystic Cruises’ Michael Braathen, Victory Cruise Lines’ Shelly Hartfield, HX Expeditions’ Lasse Roebers and Uniworld’s Chris Townson are among those who share how they choose destinations, work with local communities and plan for unpredictable conditions. Ports have their say too. We discover more about the infrastructure being built to keep pace with growing ships, and how destinations and operators are managing visitor numbers together. Regular readers will be accustomed to this welcome message coming from our executive editor, Jon Ingleton, who has been the voice and heart of the Cruise & Ferry magazines since the late 1980s. We recently lost Jon and this issue includes a tribute to him, written by our publisher and his brother Toby, on page 24. We are privileged to be carrying Jon’s legacy forward and maintaining the exceptional standards of journalism he inspired in us all. Alex Smith Editor, Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning More than a port of call Foreword 2027 £24.00 Follow Cruise & Ferry: Head of editorial Rebecca Gibson Editor Alex Smith Editorial team Richard Humphreys, Laura Hyde Cruise industry advisors Claudine Pohl, Jason Gelineau Head of media sales Shelly Palmer Publication manager Kimberley McLean Account managers Marie-Emmanuelle Dagri, James Luscombe, Benedict Pask Publisher Toby Ingleton Production manager Stuart Fairbrother Design Bruce Graham, Libby Sidebotham Cover image courtesy of Viking Website development Chris Jackson Circulation Sophia Brinkley Advertise info@cruiseandferry.net Subscribe subscribe@tudor-rose.co.uk www.cruiseandferry.net/subscriptions Published by Tudor Rose 6 Friar Lane Leicester LE1 5RA Tel: +44 116 2229900 www.tudor-rose.co.uk ISSN 1367-2657 (Print) ISSN 2635-0394 (Online) Printed in Great Britain by The Manson Group. © 2026 Tudor Rose Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be stored or transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means, including by photocopying, scanning, downloading onto a computer or otherwise without the prior written permission from Tudor Rose Holdings Ltd. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply official endorsement of the products or services concerned. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of content, no responsibility can be taken for any errors and/or omissions. Readers should take appropriate professional advice before acting on any issue raised herein. All wording in the Featured Ports & Destinations section is based on content provided by the companies profiled. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject advertising material and editorial contributions. The publisher assumes no liability for the return or safety of unsolicited art, photography or manuscripts.
2 CONTENTS Keynote 6 Costa Cruises’ Davide Truscello explains how guest appeal, operational feasibility and commercial sustainability shape itinerary decisions as environmental regulation adds new variables Marketwatch 12 A collection of news from cruise lines, ports and destinations worldwide, including a look at the growing number of late departures and overnight stays planned for 2027 and beyond Feature 26 Vitor Alves of AROYA Cruises and Luke Clarke of Swan Hellenic explain how they identify destinations that provide guests with unique and authentic experiences 39 Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, will spend its inaugural season sailing the Mediterranean and Northern Europe 42 Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Prestige will begin its inaugural season in the Caribbean, Central America and Europe Maiden season 35 Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas spent its first summer in the Western Mediterranean before heading to the Caribbean for the winter season 37 MSC World Asia will spend its maiden season sailing seven-night Mediterranean itineraries from December 2026 6 12
3 2027 Planner perspectives 44 Francesco Di Palma of Explora Journeys discusses why closer partnerships between cruise lines and ports are key to strengthening destination experiences 47 Michael Braathen of Mystic Cruises explains how Atlas Ocean Voyages selects destinations and plans expedition itineraries as it expands into Asia and Africa 50 Shelly Hartfield of Victory Cruise Lines describes working with local communities to connect guests with the cultures of the Great Lakes and beyond 52 Former Explora Journeys head of product Jason Gelineau outlines how he is helping ports and destinations create stronger connections with cruise brands 54 Lasse Roebers explains how careful itinerary planning at HX Expeditions aims to deliver depth and discovery on shorter voyages 56 Chris Townson of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises discusses how the brand designs flexible, destinationled cruises for changing waterways 42 52 54 56
5 CONTENTS www.onecaribbean.org | www.cruising.org | www.expeditioncruisenetwork.com www.interferry.com | www.ifiworld.org | www.oceancouncil.org | www.wtcf.org.cn 78 68 65 Report 68 CFIP highlights infrastructure investments by cruise ports around the world as they keep pace with the growing global fleet Regional spotlight 73 Executives from Explora Journeys, HX Expeditions, MSC Cruises, Viking and Windstar Cruises explain how guest expectations, destination management and emerging ports are reshaping Northern European itineraries 78 Holland America Line’s Robert de Bruin tells why Northern Europe remains one of the most versatile cruise destinations Commentary 80 Hirohito Ito of Central Consultant considers how AI and new technologies could help destinations solve challenges beyond the cruise terminal Association highlights 60 Cruise associations from across the world share their latest efforts to promote their region as a cruise destination 63 Ida Katrine Skaarup of Cruise Baltic explains how the network helps itinerary planners discover new destinations and assess port suitability 65 Sarah Rumley outlines how Cruise Atlantic Canada is working with industry partners and cruise lines to raise the region’s profile 67 Adam Ceserano tells how the FCCA is working with its members and destinations to strengthen the benefits of Caribbean cruising Cruise & Ferry is proud to partner with the following organisations to support and promote their global visions and objectives Ports & destinations North America 83 PortMiami 84 Prince Edward Island Caribbean 86 Jamaica 88 Aruba Featured ports & destinations guide 89 A guide to popular ports and destinations around the world
6 KEYNOTE Balancing the equation As cruise lines navigate changing guest expectations, commercial pressures and evolving environmental requirements, Costa Cruises’ Davide Truscello speaks with Alex Smith about the considerations shaping itinerary planning For many travellers, a cruise provides a gateway to exploring the world. Each itinerary provides a chance to experience cultures, cuisines and adventures, with each destination offering a taste of a different way of life. For a passenger, exploration becomes as easy as stepping off the gangway. But behind that step lie years of preparation and a planning process that brings together a range of commercial, operational and environmental considerations. Working on a global scale, cruise lines must assess the appeal of destinations alongside port infrastructure, sailing distances, guest demand and the costs and practicalities of operating a particular route. At the same time, changing environmental requirements, including emissions rules and shore power provisions, are adding further considerations to deployment decisions. For Costa Cruises, these factors are considered as part of an integrated planning process that not only assesses logistics and guest appeal but also emphasises commercial viability. “Itinerary design and commercial planning are closely connected,” says Davide Truscello, pricing, itinerary and revenue planning director at the cruise line. “A port is not simply a destination; it is an integral part of the overall value proposition of an itinerary.” This thinking extends to how Costa evaluates individual destinations. “Our objective is not to build the simplest or least demanding itinerary, but the one that offers the strongest experience for our guests within a sustainable operating model,” he says. “A destination that strengthens the distinctiveness of the product and the quality of the guest experience can add more to the itinerary than a more straightforward alternative. Ultimately, itinerary planning is about balancing guest appeal, operational feasibility and long-term commercial sustainability, which is why commercial thinking is part of the process from the earliest design stages.” Data underpins these decisions. “We combine several layers of information,” explains Truscello. “First, we analyse guest demand and experience, including booking patterns, guest satisfaction scores and feedback from previous deployments. Second, we assess commercial performance indicators internally to understand how a destination contributes to the overall itinerary.” Costa also monitors broader market trends and competitive developments to understand how guest preferences evolve and how destinations are positioned within the wider cruise market. Operational and logistical information is also important in forming the final judgement. “The assessment therefore brings together guest demand, commercial considerations, operational feasibility and factors such as fuel consumption, emissions and shore power availability,” says Truscello. Environmental regulation adds a further variable to the equation. “Regulation is becoming an increasingly important factor in itinerary planning, although it is not the sole driver,” says Truscello. “The industry is adapting to new requirements on “ Itinerary planning is about balancing guest appeal, operational feasibility and long-term commercial sustainability”
7 Photo: Costa Cruises
lehavrecroisieres.com Le Havre Etretat D-Day beaches A gateway to France’s greatest landmarks and Normandy’s treasures Mont-Saint-Michel Paris Welcome to a new era of cruising 16,500 passengers per day Terminals 2 & 3 - now open Terminal 1 - January 2027 Aiming for emission-free calls Onshore power at 3 berths 16 MW capacity per berth LNG-ready 3 berths Accessible 24/7 No size limit Grand Opening Le Havre Verrazzano Cruise Terminal A new cruise complex now awaits you! In 2026, Le Havre opens a new chapter for cruise operations with the grand opening of the Verrazzano Cruise Terminal. This major infrastructure project significantly enhances the port’s capacity to welcome cruise ships and passengers in modern, efficient, and comfortable facilities. The new complex brings together three cruise terminals engineered to meet the operational requirements of today’s cruise industry. The facilities have been designed to optimise passenger flows, facilitate embarkation and disembarkation processes and support efficient turnaround operations. Terminals 2 and 3 have been operating cruise calls throughout the 2026 season within the new facilities. Terminal 1 is set to open shortly, completing the new Le Havre Verrazzano Cruise terminal and marking a major milestone in its development. Le Havre combines efficient port operations with direct access to one of Europe’s most attractive tourism regions. The port serves as a major gateway to Paris and Normandy, offering cruise passengers access to world-renowned destinations such as the dramatic cliffs of Étretat, the picturesque harbour of Honfleur, the historic D-Day beaches and the legendary Mont-Saint-Michel.
9 emissions, shore power and environmental compliance, while some destinations are also introducing capacity restrictions or new operating rules. We support these objectives and are investing accordingly.” The timing of new requirements is another consideration for the cruise line. “From a cruise line perspective, predictability is essential,” he says. “Itineraries are planned, contracted and sold well in advance, so stable frameworks and realistic implementation timelines allow us to adapt properly and to communicate clearly with our guests. Sufficient lead time allows cruise lines to incorporate new requirements effectively into itinerary planning and guest communication. “We therefore place growing value on ports that combine strong guest appeal with long-term operational reliability, infrastructure readiness and shore power capability. Ports that combine early infrastructure planning with clear and stable frameworks create the right conditions for long-term cruise development.” With such a variety of commercial and logistical factors to take into account, striking the balance between delivering a smooth sailing and a fulfilling experience for guests is a delicate task. But Truscello suggests the relationship between performance and guest satisfaction is a complementary one. “I do not see the two factors as competing ones,” he says. “In our experience, the itineraries that perform best over time are those that generate high satisfaction, repeat guests and positive recommendations.” The cruise line therefore looks closely at the experiences guests value, including distinctive destinations, time in port and opportunities to experience places in a more immersive and authentic way. “Some choices are made with a longer horizon in mind,” he says. “Improving port sequencing or the quality of the destination experience may not change the “ The itineraries that perform best… generate high satisfaction, repeat guests and positive recommendations KEYNOTE Costa Cruises sees consistent interest in its itineraries to destinations such as the Norwegian fjords in Northern Europe Photo: Costa Cruises
Port of Naples now equipped for LNG bunkering operations is the gateway to the beauty, art, history and technologies of Italy C M Y CM MY CY CMY K mezza pagina 2026-2 180x117.pdf 1 29/07/2026 23:11:22 Discover North Cape, coastal communities and Arctic adventures with Ports of North Cape. EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES NORDKAPP.PORT360.NO EXPLORE OUR PORTS IN 360° Honningsvåg · Skarsvåg · Gjesvær · Kjøllefjord · Lakselv EVERY SEASON
11 near-term picture, but it builds loyalty and strengthens the product over time.” Truscello points to several itineraries as examples of the success of Costa’s approach. They include the sevenday Canary Islands fly-and-cruise programme, which combines a shorthaul holiday for European guests with a destination suited to winter travel, and the Greece fly-and-cruise programme from Athens, launched a few years ago. Each year, the cruise line also introduces special cruises for loyal customers, including its Northern Lights cruise in October and its world cruises. “Although these products are targeted at different customer segments, their common appeal is clear: each one offers a distinctive, memorable experience that is difficult to replicate through other forms of travel,” says Truscello. The Mediterranean, Costa’s home market and the region where the brand was born, remains central to its itinerary planning. Truscello sees opportunities for further itinerary development in the Eastern Mediterranean. “In parts of the Eastern Mediterranean, strong destination appeal is accompanied by varying levels of infrastructure readiness for cruise operations,” says Truscello. “Terminal capacity, berth availability, passenger flows and transport links vary considerably from port to port. Where that infrastructure is well developed, the guest experience is noticeably stronger. This is a port-by-port observation rather than a comment on the region as a whole, though.” Beyond the Mediterranean, Truscello highlights one further region as particularly popular among guests. “Northern Europe is the other area where we see consistent guest interest,” he says. “The fjords, North Cape and Northern Lights itineraries attract guests who are looking for distinctive, experience-led travel, and that appetite has remained solid.” Ultimately, Truscello sees the itinerary planning process as a synthesis, with a successful voyage delivering commercial success through smooth operation and outstanding experiences that leave guests satisfied. He therefore views the ideal destinations for an itinerary as the ones that can deliver on all those fronts. “The destinations that work best for us are those that combine guest appeal with operational reliability and well-prepared port infrastructure,” he says. “That combination is what makes a destination a strong long-term partner.” The Mediterranean, Costa Cruises’ home market, remains the line’s central focus Photo: Costa Cruises KEYNOTE
12 Photo: iStock/Nikada MARKETWATCH Multiple cruise lines are adding extended port and overnight stays to future itineraries, suggesting they increasingly view destination immersion as a key differentiator for guests. This is also creating additional revenue opportunities for ports and local businesses. From September 2027 to April 2028, Norwegian Cruise Line will offer 71 late departures across 31 ports and 70 overnight stays, giving guests more time to explore destinations. Highlights include Norwegian Jade’s calls at Kobe, Japan, allowing guests time to visit Kyoto’s renowned temples, as well as Norwegian Spirit’s visits to Fremantle, Melbourne and Adelaide in Australia. Across the programme, itineraries ranging from two to 22 days will feature an average port stay of 9.5 hours across 144 destinations in 47 countries. “With longer port stays, overnight calls, and our award-winning onboard New itineraries reveal trend towards overnight stays and late departures As demand for destination-focused travel continues to grow, several cruise lines are providing guests with opportunities for more time on land Some Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries include an overnight stay in Hong Kong, providing guests with more time to experience the city’s harbour views
Photo: iStock/Christian Vinces experiences, guests can explore at their own pace and personalise every moment at ease,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Norwegian Cruise Line is not alone in expanding opportunities for longer destination experiences. Princess Cruises’ 2027-2028 South American itineraries onboard Majestic Princess include late-night port calls at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Ushuaia in Argentina, as well as overnight experiences in the Antarctic Peninsula with extended opportunities for wildlife viewing and glacier excursions. Each sailing calling at Buenos Aires, Argentina, will also include an overnight stay, offering guests the chance to explore the city’s sights. Holland America Line’s ‘Legendary Voyages’ itineraries have been designed around “the luxury of lingering” and offer overnight calls and extended port days. Highlights include 39 hours in Barcelona, Spain; 31 hours in Istanbul, Turkey; 34 hours in Reykjavík, Iceland; and 34 hours in Cairns, Australia, enabling guests to explore the Great Barrier Reef. In the South Pacific, overnights in Moorea and Raiatea provide guests with approximately 33 hours ashore. Select itineraries also feature inland access and extended city stays in Alexandria in Egypt and Tilbury in London, UK, as well as overnights in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Tahiti in French Polynesia. In 2027-2028, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will sail three ‘Immersive Overnight’ European itineraries, with each port call spanning multiple days to offer guests “deeper cultural connection and unhurried exploration”. The cruise line will also offer overnight stays in destinations such as Lima, Peru; Gqeberha and Cape Town, South Africa; Singapore; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Bali; Mumbai, India; Reykjavík; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Its Mediterranean programme includes 48 voyages spanning seven to 14 nights with two ‘Immersive Overnight’ sailings with multiple days in select ports. The cruise line will also offer one ‘Immersive Overnight’ sailing in Northern Europe. Between spring and autumn 2028, Azamara Cruises will offer new itineraries including more than 360 late nights and overnight stays, which represent 53 per cent of total port days. Ships sailing the new itineraries will spend 87 per cent of their deployment time in port to give guests time to explore “in a more authentic way”, according to the cruise line. For the 2028-2029 season, Oceania Cruises will sail 230 itineraries ranging from seven to 180 days, which also include more than 60 overnight port stays to give guests “greater time and flexibility” in destinations such as Copenhagen, Denmark; Lisbon, Portugal; Bangkok, Thailand; Bali; and smaller ports like Seville in Spain and Malé in the Maldives. “From the historic harbours of the Mediterranean to the remote fjords of New Zealand, each sailing reflects our belief that the world’s greatest destinations deserve to be experienced, not simply visited,” said Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises. Regent Seven Seas Cruises will offer overnight stays in multiple destinations, including Lima in Peru 13
14 MARKETWATCH Scenic Group expands into India Scenic Group has partnered with Assam Bengal Navigation to introduce two ultra-luxury ships on India’s Brahmaputra River by 2030. The brand formed the long-term partnership following “exceptionally strong” demand for the 44-guest Scenic Aura’s maiden season on the Hooghly River in West Bengal, which will begin in October 2027 and include pre- and post-cruise excursions to cities, sacred sites, historic palaces and artisan communities across India and Sri Lanka. Photo: Scenic Group Oceania Cruises plans first full winter season in the Med Oceania Allura will sail 17 Mediterranean voyages between November 2027 and March 2028, marking Oceania Cruises’ first full winter deployment in the region. The ship will offer voyages ranging from nine to 26 days, visiting destinations including Barcelona, Spain; Rome, Italy; Athens, Greece; and Istanbul, Turkey. Photo: Oceania Cruises Photo: Unsplash/Meg von Haartman Photo: Unsplash/Freeman Zhou Explora Journeys heads to Alaska and Asia Luxury ocean travel brand Explora Journeys is to deploy Explora III in two new regions in 2027-2028. From May to September 2027, Explora III will cruise in Alaska, taking guests to destinations including Juneau, Ketchikan, Prince Rupert on Kaien Island, the Hubbard Glacier and Seward. In autumn, Explora III will reposition to operate 28 voyages visiting 47 destinations across Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Highlights will include overnight stays in Bali, Hong Kong, Shanghai in China, Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, and Tokyo, Osaka and Naha in Japan.
Atlas Ocean Voyages is to sail 37 ‘Epicurean and Cultural Expeditions’ in Europe and the Mediterranean between April and September 2028. The season will feature 26 overnight stays, visits to 13 Unesco World Heritage Sites and maiden calls at 12 ports: Svolvær, Norway Fjällbacka, Sweden Ystad, Sweden Saaremaa, Estonia Ostend, Belgium Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France Boulogne-sur-Mer, France Agropoli, Italy Casamicciola Terme, Italy Lavrion, Greece Naxos, Greece Poros, Greece Atlas Ocean Voyages plans biggest-ever European season for 2028 Princess Cruises returns to the Amazon Princess Cruises is to sail on the Amazon River for the first time since 2014 as part of its 2028-2029 Americas programme, which features more than 250 departures spanning North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Antarctica. In addition to scenic cruising on the river, Coral Princess will call at Santarém in Brazil. Photo: Princess Cruises Royal Caribbean to operate year‑round in Europe Rhapsody of the Seas will become Royal Caribbean International’s first vessel to homeport year‑round in Europe from May 2028. The ship will initially provide seven- to 12-night departures from Athens in Greece, Barcelona in Spain, and Lisbon in Portugal, calling at destinations such as the Greek Isles, Turkey and Egypt. In winter, the vessel will offer nine- to 12-night voyages to the Canary Islands, Portugal, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta and Greece. Photo: Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Cruise Line prepares for first Africa calls Carnival Sunshine will make Carnival Cruise Line’s inaugural visits to Africa in the 2027-2028 season, calling at La Goulette in Tunisia and Tangier in Morocco. The ship will also make the brand’s maiden calls at several European ports, including Bari in Italy, Bar in Montenegro, and Ajaccio in Corsica. In addition, Carnival Sunshine will return to several ports not visited by the cruise line in many years, such as Genoa, Salerno, Palermo and Catania in Italy, as well as Palma de Mallorca in Spain and Izmir in Turkey. Photo: Royal Caribbean International 15
16 TUI to boost river cruise capacity in summer 2028 TUI River Cruises will have 10 ships offering 43 itineraries between March and October 2028. Newbuilds TUI Zora and TUI Velara will debut on the Danube, Moselle and Rhine in May and August, respectively. Meanwhile, TUI Elara will offer the brand’s first-ever sailings on the Seine, calling at Paris, Vernon, Rouen and Le Havre in northern France. In addition, TUI Aria and TUI Maya will sail on the Danube, TUI Skyla and TUI Isla will cruise on the Rhine, TUI Luzia will remain on the Douro, and TUI Bahareya and TUI Al Horeya will both operate in Egypt. What five key trends are shaping river cruising? Insights from Cruise Lines International Association’s river cruise members suggest several emerging and continuing trends are driving the sector’s growth, including: 1 Rising demand for long-haul destinations outside Europe, such as in Asia and South America. 2 Shorter sailings are attracting new audiences as an alternative to three-to-five-day city breaks. 3 Guests want immersive experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing, with greater emphasis on local culture, cuisine and community engagement. 4 Shoulder-season and winter departures continue to grow, with travellers attracted by fewer crowds. 5 There is greater interest from solo travellers looking for smaller ships, included excursions and a range of dedicated solo departures and accommodation. The 120-guest Transcend Connect sailed National GeographicLindblad Expeditions’ first river expedition in Europe in August 2026, taking guests to destinations on the Rhine and Dutch and Belgian waterways. The following month, the ship sailed another Rhine itinerary, with calls including Mainz, Frankfurt and Heidelberg in Germany, plus Strasbourg and Colmar in France. The brand will also offer ‘Christmas Market’ itineraries onboard Transcend Connect’s sister ship, Evolve, in winter 2026-2027. All itineraries feature private tours and curated experiences guided by an expedition leader, field staff and, for the inaugural season, at least one National Geographic Expedition Expert. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions joins European river expedition market MARKETWATCH Photo: TUI River Cruises Photo: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Photo: TUI River Cruises
HX Expeditions makes adventure cruising more accessible HX Expeditions is introducing 57 voyages across 14 destinations worldwide, including 26 new itineraries and two maiden destinations for its 2028-2029 season. The new itineraries are designed to make expedition cruising more accessible. They include Antarctic departures from Stanley in the Falkland Islands – the first by a major cruise company in more than a decade; a new 19-day ‘Antarctica & South Georgia’ cruise; shorter-format expeditions in Alaska and Greenland; HX’s first dedicated Scandinavia programme sailed by Spitsbergen; a 19-day Baffin Island circumnavigation into the Northwest Passage; and nine new ‘Ocean Crossing’ voyages connecting the Arctic and Antarctica. The 2028-2029 season will feature 1,288 ports of call and will see HX Expeditions’ ships travel as far as 81 degrees north and 70 degrees south. The shortest itinerary is six nights, while the longest is 25 nights and covers 6,650 nautical miles. Read more in our interview with Lasse Roebers, head of expedition product at HX Expeditions, on page 54. Photo: HX Expeditions Photo: HX Expeditions Photo: CFIP/Laura Hyde ECN launches Responsible Expedition Framework Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) has launched an industry-first framework to help travel advisors communicate the responsible tourism practices of expedition cruise operators to guests. Drawing on recognised global sustainability principles, the framework evaluates operators annually against six criteria: certifications and external validation; sustainable management and governance; environmental stewardship; community, cultural and destination stewardship; guest education and expedition ethos; and positive impact and conservation contribution. Eleven operators have already completed the voluntary self-assessment: 60South, Aqua Expeditions, Aranui Cruises, Australis Cruises, Golden Galapagos, HX Expeditions, Oceanwide Expeditions, Ponant, Poseidon Expeditions, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and UnCruise Adventures. “This new framework… will help travel advisors have more informed conversations with their clients while giving participating operators a practical roadmap for continued improvement,” says Akvile Marozaite, ECN’s co-founder and CEO (pictured). DID YOU KNOW? Thousands of guests helped HX Expeditions generate a record 26,491 citizen science contributions across nine research programmes and collect 308.4 kilograms of waste from beaches during 31 Arctic sailings in 2026. 17
www.portseattle.com/cruise SEATTLE
19 MARKETWATCH PortMiami hits 10 million annual passenger mark PortMiami achieved its highest-ever annual passenger volume in the 2026 fiscal year, welcoming more than 10 million cruise guests and surpassing its previous record of 8.56 million. The port attributes this growth to continued investment in new terminals, upgrades to existing facilities and strong demand for Miami-based sailings. “Reaching 10 million passengers reflects our focus on innovation, efficiency and superior passenger experience, as we continue to modernise PortMiami’s infrastructure and expand our capacity for future growth,” said Jonathan Daniels, port director and CEO. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has sailed from the Port of Tyne near Newcastle, UK, for 20 years, embarking more than 180,000 guests during that time. In 2027, it will operate its biggest-ever cruise programme from Newcastle, with 21,000 guests already booked on 27 voyages. Holland America Line will mark 80 years of sailing in Alaska in 2027. Between April and September next year, six ships will operate in the region. Highlights of the season will include a new eight-day ‘Alaska Inside Passage’ cruise, enhanced Denali Cruisetours, and the return of the 28-day ‘Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice’ itinerary. Cruise lines mark milestones Photo: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Photo: Holland America Line Taiwan to handle over 1.15 million cruise passenger movements in 2026 In 2026, Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) expects to handle more than 300 cruise calls – up from 285 in 2025 – and also exceed last year’s record of 1.15 million passenger movements. International travellers accounted for 470,000 of these movements – 41 per cent of the total. The fly-cruise segment also gained momentum, attracting 60,000 visitors and accounting for 13 per cent of international passengers. According to a TIPC spokesperson, the figures “underscore Taiwan’s growing role as a key cruise hub in Asia”. Photo: PortMiami Photo: Taiwan International Ports Corp. Ltd. Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Millennium, Seabourn’s Encore and Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Regatta pictured at the Port of Keelung
Port of Naples successfully completes first LNG refuelling The Port of Naples has completed its first LNG refuelling operation for Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess in a collaboration between energy company Axpo and Terminal Napoli. The operation followed months of technical and regulatory work involving local maritime authorities, Terminal Napoli, Axpo and engineering specialists to establish procedures for ship-to-ship LNG bunkering. The milestone expands the range of fuelling options available to cruise ships calling at the port, which welcomes around 1.8 million cruise passengers and over 10 million total travellers per year. Port Tampa Bay in Florida has started work on its fourth cruise terminal, which will enable the port to handle more than 200 additional calls and up to two million passengers per year. Estimates suggest the facility will also help the port generate an extra $100 million in annual economic impact. Kimmins Contracting Corporation is leading site preparation works for the terminal and the parking garage, which have been designed by HDR and BEA Architects. Construction is expected to be complete by 2029. Photo: Terminal Napoli Construction starts on Naha terminal in Okinawa Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha, Royal Caribbean Group and MSC Cruises have begun building a new cruise terminal at Naha Port on Okinawa Island. The terminal is expected to open in March 2028 and will be managed by Cruise Port Naha. It will accommodate “some of the most advanced cruise ships in the world”, supporting the long-term growth of cruise tourism in Okinawa. “This project forms part of our long-term vision to expand our presence in the region and create new opportunities for guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys to enjoy Asia year-round,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division. Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said: “Japan is one of the most important cruise markets in Asia – not only as a destination, but as a long-term partner in our global business.” Photo: Royal Caribbean Group Tampa begins building first new cruise terminal in 25 years Photo: Port Tampa Bay 21 MARKETWATCH
22 MARKETWATCH Cruise lines upgrade the onshore experience Four of the world’s major operators are investing to improve facilities at their exclusive destinations in The Bahamas 1. Celebration Key Carnival Corporation has doubled the number of berths at Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island, enabling the exclusive destination to accommodate four ships simultaneously. The expanded pier will support around 200 additional calls and a further 700,000 guests each year. 3. Sandy Cay MSC Group’s cruise division has started building Sandy Cay, a luxury private island adjacent to its Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve destination in The Bahamas. Sandy Cay is scheduled to open exclusively for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests in 2028 and will offer dining venues, private retreats and curated wellness and relaxation experiences. 2. RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay Holland America Line has added a beach club with open-air lounge and dining spaces (pictured), an outdoor food pavilion serving island‑inspired cuisine, and four pickleball courts to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. It has also renovated existing bars and eateries, upgraded beach cabanas and increased the number of daybeds, canopy loungers and chairs in the beach area. 4. Great Stirrup Cay Norwegian Cruise Line has opened Great Tides Waterpark on Great Stirrup Cay. The park features attractions such as the 170-foot-high Tidal Tower, various slides, the 800-foot-long Wandering River, industry-first cliff jumps and interactive splash zones. Other recent additions to the island include Great Life Lagoon, Splash Harbor, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club and Silver Cove. Photo: Carnival Corporation Image: MSC Group Photo: Holland America Line Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line
The Port of Nanaimo is offering a two-hour walking excursion for cruise guests exploring the history and culture of the city in British Columbia, Canada. Led by a Nanaimo Museum guide, the tour includes a museum visit, a tasting of the Nanaimo bar dessert and stops at waterfront landmarks and the 1853 Nanaimo Bastion. Participants will also learn about Snuneymuxw First Nation and the city’s history, including stories of early pioneers and coal miners. Nanaimo offers historic downtown walking excursion DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Interferry2026 31 October-4 November 2026 Bangkok, Thailand www.interferryconference.com International Cruise Summit 10-11 November 2026 Madrid, Spain www.internationalcruisesummit.com Seatrade Cruise Asia 16-17 November 2026 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia www.seatradecruiseevents.com Seatrade Cruise Global 5-8 April 2027 Miami Beach, Florida www.seatradecruiseevents.com American influencer and online streamer IShowSpeed visited Miss T’s Kitchen in Ocho Rios as part of his culinary and cultural exploration of Jamaica’s North Coast in May 2026. The trip was facilitated by Jamaica Vacations through Jamaica Cruising. Photo: Jamaica Vacations/Keon Predi Photography Image: Port of Nanaimo 23
24 In the 30 years my brother Jon and I worked together, first planning and then running the publishing company Tudor Rose, perhaps our most exciting moment was completing the acquisition of the Cruise & Ferry brand in 2011. International Cruise & Ferry Review, as it was known then, was among the first publications Jon worked on when he left a burgeoning career in retail (on the management fast-track with John Lewis) to enter the world of publishing in the late 1980s. Jon moved to the centre of London, where his work quickly became his life: I distinctly remember one Christmas in the early 1990s when our family came together at our parents’ house in Leicester and Jon arrived armed with stacks of paper that represented the workin-progress on the latest issue. He spent much of what was meant to be a wellearned break meticulously proofreading and marking up those page previews so the issue would be correct and complete in time for its print deadline. One of my fondest memories from our childhood was a family holiday on Jon Ingleton 1968-2026 Written by Toby Ingleton
the Isle of Wight, where we had hired a paddle boat so that Jon could try out his newly purchased handline, in the hope of reeling in some crabs from the sea floor. As we were getting ready to step from the pier to the boat, the line fell from Jon’s grasp and disappeared beneath the surface. He was devastated and, in a moment of pique, got in the boat and pushed it from the pier on his own, leaving us all behind, with the paddles, as he drifted away, searching in vain for his lost line. It wasn’t long before he saw the funny side, and we recognised that familiar mischievous glint in his eye as he watched our parents assembling a rescue party to ensure his safe return. Maybe that was the moment he first got the taste for life at sea. Always on the hunt for adventure and excitement, Jon found the ideal match in Cruise & Ferry. He travelled the world, experiencing new places and meeting fascinating people, while his unmatched work ethic and passion for the subject resulted in publications that were always insightful, accurate, enjoyable to read… and delivered on time! By the late 1990s, Jon was eager to forge his own path, and we established Tudor Rose. For a decade or so, while we built a business that covered a diverse range of topics from human development to technology and golf course design, his connection to the world of passenger shipping was maintained purely on a social basis, through the relationships he had formed in the early years of his career and valued since. And those connections would ultimately lead to the opportunity for Tudor Rose to embrace the Cruise & Ferry brand as one of its own. Jon oversaw the revival of a publication that by then was not quite achieving the success it had under his original leadership, also resurrecting its sister magazine Cruise & Ferry Interiors and introducing another, which you are reading now, Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning. For the past 15 years we have loved every minute of work, alongside an incredible team, in an industry of so many wonderful people. Jon’s dedication to sustainability has been evident in everything we do, from a steady shift towards digital editions of our publications to the formation of the Sustainable Maritime Interiors initiative that has achieved widespread support within the sector. Tudor Rose is also proudly a member of the UN Global Compact, which includes a pledge to promote greater environmental responsibility in our daily business. As part of this, we strive to ensure that our publications spread the message of how businesses are making a positive impact through action to improve all forms of sustainability. Above all, though, Jon was an incredible, intelligent and thoughtful person who took time to help colleagues in any way he could, approaching everything he did with a positive attitude and a desire to enjoy life and make people happy. He was an inspiration to us all. Since sharing the news of Jon’s death in September, we have received an influx of heartwarming messages from friends throughout the cruise and ferry industry. Thank you so much to everyone who shared fond memories of time spent with Jon. We have loved hearing your stories. His wife Jo, children Tom, Amy and Josie, the rest of our family, our colleagues at Tudor Rose and I are all incredibly grateful to know how much he meant to you. Always courageous, Jon put up an incredible fight in his battle against cancer. He eventually lost that but will be remembered for what we all gained: his warmth and friendship. Photo: Sustainable Design Summit Photo: Claudine Pohl 25
26 Embarking on a cruise provides a unique opportunity for exploration, allowing travellers to visit locations steeped in history, enjoy outstanding local cuisine and explore remote natural landmarks over the course of a single, well-planned voyage. Such excursions allow guests to go beyond the surface level of a destination and have a glimpse of its real character. However, in order to run these excursions, cruise lines must carry out a rigorous process of research, collaboration and organisation. For Saudi Arabian operator AROYA Cruises, the starting point for this process is identifying experiences that will fit with its own brand identity. “Our goal when selecting shore excursions is to deliver experiences that are culturally immersive, memorable and true to our ‘Remarkably Arabian’ brand values,” says Vitor Alves, executive director of guest experience and product development at AROYA Cruises. “We look for local partners and experiences that provide genuine cultural depth, whether through heritage sites, regional gastronomy or meaningful engagement with local communities.” The line must also cater to a diverse mix of regional and international guests, including families travelling across generations. “Accessibility, comfort, activity levels and the time available onshore are important factors in ensuring a varied and well-balanced selection,” says Alves. On its Mediterranean itineraries, experiences include exploring the Acropolis in Athens, sea kayaking at Kaş and visiting the beaches of Lindos. Swan Hellenic also makes cultural immersion central to its approach, but its expedition focus means it looks for experiences that go beyond conventional sightseeing. “Everything begins with our core ethos: ‘See what others don’t’,” says Luke Clarke, senior sales director for the UK, Ireland, India and Africa at Swan Hellenic. “Our guests are intellectually curious, culturally minded and welltravelled; they aren’t looking for standard coach tours or tick-box sightseeing. We identify experiences by looking at destinations through the lenses of cultural depth, geographical rarity and genuine immersion.” Examples include securing exclusive access to an archaeological site with a historian, arranging a culinary exchange with local producers or making expedition-led Zodiac landings in remote locations. “It’s about uncovering hidden narratives,” says Clarke. Vitor Alves of AROYA Cruises and Luke Clarke of Swan Hellenic speak with Alex Smith about how they identify destinations that provide guests with unique and authentic experiences Uncovering an identity FEATURE
“ Our guests are intellectually curious, culturally minded and well-travelled; they aren’t looking for standard coach tours or tick-box sightseeing” Luke Clarke Swan Hellenic Photo: Swan Hellenic 27
28 Identifying the right experiences also requires a realistic assessment of each destination. AROYA Cruises begins by working closely with local tourism boards, port authorities and destination management companies, carrying out assessments to pinpoint distinctive local activities and sights. “Proposed excursions undergo rigorous operational evaluation, considering journey times, site capacities, accessibility and safety protocols,” says Alves. “We also assess how each experience fits within the time available in port, allowing guests to explore at a comfortable pace.” Guest feedback is then used to refine the programme. “Having welcomed guests of more than 100 nationalities, we recognise the importance of offering different ways to discover a destination,” says Alves. Swan Hellenic’s approach varies depending on the port. “In popular ports, the challenge is curation and avoiding the crowds,” says Clarke. “Our approach is to peel back the layers and take guests off the beaten track to discover authentic, lesser-known perspectives.” In remote destinations, meanwhile, the line must adapt to a lack of tourism infrastructure. “Rather than viewing the lack of infrastructure as a limitation, we treat it as an opportunity,” says Clarke. “Because our boutique ships carry a small number of guests, we have the agility to navigate secluded bays, deploy Zodiacs and create responsible, bespoke landings where larger cruise lines simply cannot go.” Local partnerships are essential to both cruise lines. AROYA Cruises works with destination partners, tour operators and local authorities to develop experiences that provide time in each destination while aligning with the ship’s schedule. “Our partners bring the local knowledge that makes these experiences distinctive,” says Alves. “We work with them to align delivery with AROYA Cruises’ brand values, guest expectations and service requirements, while ensuring that local heritage and storytelling remain central to the experience.” Coordination continues throughout the excursion, with ticketing, transport, guiding and visit timings carefully managed to ensure smooth transitions between ship and shore. Alves says shore excursions can also support local economies. “By including local artisans, heritage sites and regional businesses in the guest experience, we can enrich destination discovery while creating opportunities for the communities that welcome our guests,” he says. “ Our partners bring the local knowledge that makes these experiences distinctive” Vitor Alves AROYA Cruises AROYA Cruises works alongside local partners to pinpoint excursions at each destination FEATURE Photo: AROYA Cruises
29 Clarke agrees that authentic travel must be anchored in local experience. “Swan Hellenic collaborates directly with local experts, community leaders and native guides who live and breathe these regions,” he says. “They understand the nuances that guidebooks miss: the untold local stories, the living traditions, who to engage with and, crucially, where not to tread to protect delicate cultural and ecological heritage.” AROYA Cruises’ plans for its Red Sea seasons illustrate its approach to marrying local knowledge with operational planning. The line is preparing an exclusive shore excursion to AlUla in north-western Saudi Arabia. “AlUla is home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first Unesco World Heritage Site, renowned for its ancient Nabataean tombs carved into the rock,” says Alves. “This planned excursion will be a distinctive element of AROYA Cruises’ shore offering, connecting guests with the Kingdom’s heritage and landscapes while reinforcing the brand’s Arabian identity.” Swan Hellenic’s signature experiences, meanwhile, include a trip to Cenderawasih Bay in West Papua, where guests can safely enter the water alongside whale sharks gathering near traditional bagan fishing platforms. “It’s an intimate, life-changing wildlife encounter that no documentary can match,” says Clarke. In West Africa, excursions go “well beyond textbook history” to provide a taste of everyday life, ranging from visiting regional food markets and learning about music traditions to attending sacred ceremonies and meeting artisan communities. Whether the focus is on cultural heritage, local communities, wildlife, food or remote landscapes, cruise lines are looking for experiences that give guests a deeper connection with the destinations they visit and the people who live there. “Our role is to bring the care and attention that define our hospitality to these experiences, while allowing local heritage and storytelling to lead,” says Alves. Swan Hellenic aims to visit lesser-known destinations for more authentic excursions Photo: Swan Hellenic Creating connection Meaningful interaction with local communities is increasingly important to cruise guests, who want more than beautiful scenery and photographs. They want to connect with the people, culture, food and traditions that make each destination unique. The most memorable experiences often come from genuine human connections, whether that means meeting a local artisan, learning a family recipe or hearing stories passed down through generations. Cruise lines and destinations can create these opportunities by working closely with local communities, involving residents in experience design and giving them a platform to share their stories. Authentic storytelling across digital channels can also inspire guests to visit. When my youngest daughter watched IShowSpeed try a Jamaican patty during a livestream, she immediately wanted to cruise to Jamaica to try one herself. It showed how a single authentic moment can spark curiosity and travel demand. Ultimately, tourism is human to human: helping guests move beyond seeing a destination to feeling connected to it. Claudine Pohl, founder and CEO of hospitality and tourism consulting firm Lemoneight, shares her perspective on how destinations can create unforgettable moments for guests
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=