If you really want the inside scoop on the future of cruise travel and how you’ll be cruising next, the place to be is Seatrade Cruise Global, the industry’s largest conference.
It’s not open to the public… but World’s Greatest Cruises’ producer and host, travel journalist Lynn Elmhirst, was there, so you have all the news, insights, and you get to look into the cruise crystal ball of the future.
Here’s a hit parade of news from some of our favorite cruise lines:
Scenic Group: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises Celebrate 40 Years of Growth
President of Scenic Group in the USA and LATAM Ken Muskat and Vice President of Marketing Robert Castro always have great news to share at Seatrade!
Scenic Group has been making waves on the oceans and rivers of the world decades, and this 40th anniversary year, it’s got a lot to talk about! A new Emerald, warm-weather yacht, the Emerald Kaia, followed by a new European river cruise ship Emerald Astra.
And with the Scenic Ikon on the way, another luxury expedition ‘Discovery’ Yacht with an ice-class hull, but with outdoor spaces enhanced (for example, lots more pool space!) for guests to enjoy as this ship spends more time in warm than polar waters.
This is just part of a 9-ship expansion through 2028. Watch for more Scenic and Emerald episodes of World’s Greatest Cruises coming soon!
A Tulip Time river cruise in the Netherlands on Emerald Cruises,
A coastal cruise of the French Riviera on Scenic Eclipse, and
Two episodes on the rivers and waterways of the legendary wine region of Bordeaux!
Atlas Ocean Voyages: Launching the Largest Sailing Cruise Ship Ever
It’s like we’re re-visiting the Golden Age of Sail – for the 21st century. Atlas Ocean Voyages is building what will be the largest sailed cruise ship ever! Under sail, the ship won’t require fuel at all, and when there’s not enough wind, she will be under electric propulsion – what a giant leap forward in sustainable cruising!
And she will have an ice-class hull – imagine a sailed ship cruise to Antarctica!
Chairman, founder and owner of Portuguese parent company Mystic Cruises, Mario Ferrerira, joined Atlas Ocean Voyages’ President and CEO James Rodriguez and Jason O’Keefe, Atlas’ Senior Director of Guest Experience, to reveal suites on the new ship.
And the news that the entire Atlas Ocean Voyages fleet would be transitioning to an all-suite environment.
It’s exciting to watch where this cruise line is headed in small-ship expedition cruising! They have already pioneered a new style of expedition cruises, epicurean expeditions, and with the new, sailed, ice-class ship, who knows where Atlas Ocean Voyages will take cruising next?
Century Cruises’ Breakout Year: From China to Europe and Beyond
Great meeting more of the Century Cruises Inc. team at Seatrade Cruise ! This year is Century Cruises’ breakout year, expanding from their roots in China and extensive fleet of luxury ships on the Yangtze River to Europe and soon, the Nile.
Luxury meets sustainability: the upcoming Century Star in Europe has a recycled steel hull, ability for electric power, and meets EU net-zero goals!
River cruising is more popular than ever, and new cruise travelers will be looking for choices that reflect their values and quest for outstanding travel experiences.
Looking forward to experiencing Century Cruises this year and working with David Fredericks, Alejandro Polanco, Richard Xie and the Century Cruises team!
Transcend Cruises – A Completely Different Kind of River Cruise Line
It’s not just a new river cruise line, but a completely new and innovative river cruise line. Transcend Cruises' first river ship launches in July, but at Seatrade, they managed to get a group of invited guests out on the water, with sample bites paired with wines from upcoming itineraries.
With a charter-only model, and an approach that erases all the pain points of organizing group travel with eager customization of menus for dietary requirements, itineraries and onboard and shore excursions, Transcend is about to fill a vital niche for groups: corporate/ meetings /conferences, large family get togethers, affinity groups and more.
Bravo to Founder and Chief Visionary Officer Matthew Shollar, Chief Operating Officer, Kim Daley, Chief Development Officer Hans Rood and the whole Transcend Team.
Can’t wait to see this sexy new ship launched in July!
Explora Journeys – Full, 6-ship Fleet is Now a Reality
In 5 short years. Explora Journeys has gone from concept to cruise line, and by Seatrade 2026, all 6 ships originally planned for the fleet are a reality, following a triple ceremony at the shipyard for the final 3 ships under construction (pictured, top).
In Service: EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II are currently sailing.
Launching this year: EXPLORA III debuts in July, with its naming ceremony set for August 1 in Barcelona.
Under Construction:
EXPLORA IV: "Floated out" (technical launch).
EXPLORA V: Celebrated its "coin ceremony," marking the formal start of the hull assembly.
EXPLORA VI: Commenced construction with its "steel-cutting ceremony."
And have you seen Explora Journeys’ new spot? At Seatrade, Explora Journeys’ President Anna Nash and Chris Austin, President North America played it at their media conference.
Those of us close to cruise are used to talking about how cruising allows you to unpack once and experience multiple places on your floating boutique hotel…
But Explora Journeys takes that concept to another level, speaking directly to non-cruisers and challenging them to imagine travel if their hotel were at sea.
It doesn’t feel like an ad. It feels like an entrée into a world of cinematic drama and intrigue on the seas… and that’s exactly what this small-ship luxury cruise line from the MSC Group wants us to feel. Intrigued by cruising!
Holland America Line’s Half-Billion Dollar, Fleet-wide ‘Evolution’
Three New Ships for Princess Cruise Lines
Not just 3 ships – but a whole new class of ships for fans of the ‘Love Boat!’
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