Luxury Cruising Editorial

Virgin Voyages has a simple message for travelers who love to get out and explore the world: if you’ve stayed loyal to brands that promised to reward wanderlust but feel like you aren’t being valued as much as you used to, jump on board Virgin Voyages because they’re ready to show you what it feels like when a brand loves you back.

Today, the world’s most-awarded adults-only cruise brand is launching the broadest Status Match program ever offered, extending instant status recognition to about 50 million travelers who hold high-tier status with more than 35 airline, hotel, and cruise loyalty programs. They believe travel should be rewarded, explorers should be valued, and loyalty should always feel like love, not fine print.

The numbers tell us how travelers feel. According to recent data, 83% of consumers feel undervalued by the brands they remain loyal to (Emarsys, January 2025), and McKinsey reports that sentiment toward many loyalty programs has declined significantly. When travelers don’t feel valued, they’re likely to look for alternatives, and the premium brand that has won multiple awards for best cruise line wants to show how sailing the high seas the Virgin way may be the antidote for a case of the loyalty blues.

Virgin Voyages’ new course for top travelers starts today: the elite status you’ve earned exploring the world means instant Blue Extras on your first sailing. No hoops. No hurdles. Just immediate recognition and a vacation designed entirely for adults who deserve to feel valued from bow to stern.

“Loyalty programs have gotten it backward,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “They ask for more, give less and call it a reward. We’re flipping that. From the moment Sailors step aboard, we want them to feel recognized, relaxed and reminded of why they fell in love with travel in the first place.”

Status Match: Set Sail With Instant Recognition

Eligible Programs: Virgin Voyages recognizes loyalty members across the Virgin family, extending Blue Extras hospitality to eligible members of Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club and Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer. This brings even greater value to Virgin customers across the UK, US, and Australia, ensuring they can enjoy elevated perks from air to sea.

Virgin Voyages’ enhanced Status Match is also eligible across 35+ travel programs including American Airlines’ AAdvantage, United MileagePlus Program, Delta SkyMiles, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards, Carnival’s VIFP Club, and dozens more.

What Blue Extras Unlocks: Premium coffees at The Grounds Club to fuel your mornings at sea, complimentary laundry service, exclusive cocktail events where you’ll connect with Crew and fellow Sailors, and personalized Sailor Services support from embarkation to disembarkation. Access to special deals and entry into our global rewards program benefits.

Matching Window: Apply for Virgin Voyages’ Status Match now through Jan. 16, 2026 and book a voyage by March 31, 2026 to snag Blue Extras.

Sailings Available: Now through Summer 2027, with departures from Miami, San Juan, New York, Barcelona, Athens, Los Angeles, and Seattle with ports that connect Sailors to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and beyond.

Valuing Travelers, Not Just Transactions

Virgin Voyages’ Status Match program reflects the brand’s fundamental belief: people who love to travel deserve to be valued for it.

“You earned your status,” said Saverimuttu. “You put in the flights, the nights, the spend. Other programs responded by taking more and giving less. We’re responding by opening our doors and saying: We see you, we appreciate you, come sail with us.”

The approach resonates. Virgin Voyages maintains industry-leading repeat customer rates, with Sailors returning at rates as high as 50% on some voyages – more than triple the cruise industry average. The brand has been named Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Mega-Ship Cruise Line” for three consecutive years and 2026 revenue is already up approximately 60% year over year.

Why? Because when brands genuinely value travelers, they come back. And they bring friends.

Why Now? The Kid-Free Travel Boom

The data is clear: adults are increasingly seeking travel experiences designed specifically for them, ones that offer true relaxation. After years of saying their loyalty programs are shrinking and following a holiday season spent overdoing it, this period marks the moment discerning travelers plan what comes next, a real reward, a real escape and a vacation truly worth looking forward to. Travelers are seeking experiences designed specifically for adults; ones that offer genuine relaxation, sophisticated entertainment and the freedom to explore without compromise.

“Kid-free travel is no longer a niche, it’s a movement,” said Stephen Hopkins, Vice President of Growth. “Virgin Voyages has become the go-to brand for adults traveling without children, and the numbers prove it. Demand for adults-only luxury travel has climbed 47% since 2022, and market experts project the segment will double over the next decade.”

Virgin Voyages’ kid-free philosophy extends from ship design to entertainment programming to shore excursions. The result: travelers seeking sophisticated exploration without compromise are finding their tribe, and the word is spreading across every port.

Here is a complete list of all eligible programs from Cruise Lines, Air Lines, and Hotels that you can status match – Click Here

For more information about Status Match and to claim your instant recognition, visit www.virginvoyages.com/status-match.

MSC Cruises has unveiled an expanded list of entertainment activities scheduled to debut at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve starting in January 2026.

As part of the cruise line’s commitment to offering an outstanding guest experience, these new offerings at Ocean Cay – MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas – will provide families with unforgettable memories and unique moments.

Ocean Cay, a former industrial site, serves as a unique private island destination where guests can relax on eight pristine beaches, explore beautiful turquoise waters, and learn about the MSC Foundation’s coral conservation efforts at the island’s new Marine Conservation Center. With late-night and overnight stays on select itineraries, guests can also enjoy extended time to relax and explore the island.

As an extension of its world-class onboard family programming, MSC Cruises will introduce new entertainment options at Ocean Cay starting in January 2026, with offerings rolled out in phases over subsequent months. The lineup of new experiences includes:

Sports Program and Daily Wellness Activities

Two professional coaches featured on MSC Cruises’ ships will lead a daily wellness and sports program to create an authentic beach-retreat experience on Ocean Cay. From yoga and functional training sessions to popular sports, guests can recharge in one of the Caribbean’s most stunning destinations.

With activities scheduled throughout the day, offerings will include a fire-and-ice challenge featuring hot yoga and ice baths, and sunrise yoga paired with sound-healing meditation.

Ocean Cay Augmented Reality Treasure Hunt

In line with Ocean Cay’s commitment to marine conservation, guests can participate in an innovative, educational Augmented Reality (AR) treasure hunt for all ages. Guests can use their mobile devices or tablets to embark on a digital adventure, uncovering unique locations throughout the island through immersive storytelling. The app will guide players to wooden sculptures around Ocean Cay, which can be scanned to trigger the AR storytelling feature. Each of these points is part of an educational treasure hunt, with each location focusing on a specific ecological challenge and the measures MSC Cruises is taking to address it. Children can also learn about species native to the island, including fish, flora, and fauna.

LEGO® POP-UP

Families will be welcomed to Ocean Cay with a vibrant LEGO® activation at the Welcome Pavilion, featuring seven LEGO® mascots and the beloved MSC Cruises mascot, Doremi. The pop-up provides a fun, interactive experience for children and families to enjoy together.

Whether guests are looking to learn more about the conservation efforts on the island, enjoy rejuvenating wellness activities or build unique memories, the expanded family entertainment will provide something for all ages.

The new lineup of activities will complement the existing offerings on the island, from snorkeling, paddleboarding, to jet skiing, and provide immersive experiences and more ways for guests to enjoy the private island.

For more information, visit MSC Cruises.

Holland America Line celebrated the grand opening of four pickleball courts that were added to Relax Away, Half Moon Cay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas. The new courts are part of an island enhancement that also includes refurbished amenities and new experiences throughout the pristine oasis.

To inaugurate the new courts, guests aboard Rotterdam and Eurodam competed in a friendly pickleball tournament on December 6. This week also marks the 28th anniversary of the opening of the award-winning island known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.  

Private Island Pickleball Debuts

“Pickleball has become one of our most popular activities across the fleet, so adding courts to our private island lets guests enjoy the game in one of the most stunning settings imaginable,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development for Holland America Line. “All of the enhancements build on what makes the island so special, creating even more ways for guests to relax and enjoy their day. We’re continuing to elevate the Relax Away, Half Moon Cay experience while preserving its uncrowded beaches and unspoiled charm.”

As the first and only cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association, all Holland America Line ships feature top-deck pickleball courts. With the addition of the courts to Relax Away, Half Moon Cay, guests who love the game can play while visiting the secluded island. The island’s pickleball courts are located in the sports area, which also features basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Additional activities such as tai-chi take place on the beach in front of the Lobster Shack, where crew members host family-friendly events such as beach ball relays, scavenger hunts, and sandcastle contests, as well as ring toss and shell-collecting challenges.

In addition to the new pickleball courts, guests visiting Relax Away at Half Moon Cay will find even more ways to unwind and play. Cabanas and day beds were refreshed, while the addition of extra beach chairs ensures more places to relax on the beach. New clamshell loungers will also be added in time for the holidays.

Relax Away, Half Moon Cay – Recent Upgrades

Relax Away, Half Moon Cay features 15 private cabanas for rent while on the island. Each was renovated with new umbrellas, beach loungers, fresh paint, and decking — everything needed for a picture-perfect day in the sun. Guests who book a cabana also receive complimentary snacks and beverages, as well as floating mats and snorkel gear for use throughout the day.

Guests who enjoy lounging on the beach can relax on a complimentary beach chair, with 500 recently added to expand capacity along the crescent-shaped stretch of golden shoreline. New and improved clamshell sunshades, popular for rental, will arrive before the holidays.

This winter, Holland America Line will renovate the two-story Villas on the island. By next season, a new food pavilion will open for guests, complementing the current pavilion, which serves an Island Barbecue lunch featuring Caribbean flavors.

Relax Away, Half Moon Cay is on nearly every Holland America Line Caribbean cruise. Whether on a weeklong getaway or a 21-day Collectors’ Voyage, all guests will visit the private island on their Caribbean itinerary.

Relax Away, Half Moon Cay — Celebrating 28 Years

This month marks the 28th anniversary of Holland America Line’s private island as a destination. Over the years, the cruise line has maintained Relax Away, Half Moon Cay’s pristine landscape and reputation as a beach paradise while offering experiences and amenities designed to create unforgettable moments. From the natural 700-acre lagoon and children’s waterpark to dozens of shore excursions and delicious eateries like Lobster Shack, Relax Away, Half Moon Cay continues to uphold its status as the highest-rated Caribbean port by Holland America Line guests.

Caribbean 2025-2026 Cruise Season

Travelers looking to explore the Caribbean have nearly 30 different Holland America Line itineraries to choose from on six ships from now through April 2026. Cruisers can explore the eastern, western, and southern regions of the Caribbean, as well as a partial transit of the Panama Canal.

• The 7-Day Western Caribbean itinerary departing March 1, 2026, offers guests a week in paradise. Swim under waterfalls in Jamaica, dine al fresco at Georgetown’s renowned restaurants, and snorkel Cozumel’s fish-filled reefs on a voyage sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In addition to weeklong getaways, Holland America Line offers longer Caribbean cruises of 9 to 14 days, featuring more islands in a single itinerary. Back-to-back sailings can be combined into Collectors’ Voyages, allowing guests to enjoy multiple regions in one seamless vacation. Special December cruises make it fun and easy to celebrate the winter holidays in the tropics.

• The 14-Day Eastern Caribbean voyage departing February 28, 2026, promises two weeks of discovery and relaxation. Unwind on Turks and Caicos’ white-sand beaches, explore Dominican history, and savor Bahamian cuisine. Zip-line through lush landscapes in the U.S. Virgin Islands and then explore UNESCO World Heritage sites in Puerto Rico on this round-trip journey from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425), or visit hollandamerica.com.

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company, together with ITM Group and Hutchison Ports ECV, unveiled plans for Ensenada Bay Village, a new shoreside destination inspired by the culture and natural beauty of Baja California, Mexico. The unveiling took place during a formal project presentation held on Friday, December 5, at the Ensenada Cruise Terminal.

Developed collaboratively by Carnival Corporation, ITM Group, and Hutchison Ports ECV — which operates the cruise terminal under concession from the Government of Mexico — the project reflects a shared vision to expand Ensenada’s offerings and create a destination that celebrates Baja’s beauty, culture, and community. The presentation brought together local, state, and federal officials, business partners, community leaders, and representatives from Carnival Corporation, ITM Group, and Hutchison Ports ECV to highlight the vision behind the project. Attendees included Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line; Mauricio Hamui, CEO of ITM Group; and Jorge Magno Lecona, managing director of Hutchison Ports Latin America/Caribbean and CEO of Mexico Ports; along with the following officials: from Mexico City, Director General of Ports Captain Marisa Abarca and Director General of Port Development and Administration Admiral Marco Antonio Martínez; from the State of Baja California, Coordinator General of Public Relations Miguel Ángel Badiola and Secretary of Tourism Zaida Luz López; and from Ensenada, Municipal President Claudia Agatón, Admiral Luis Javier Robinson Portillo, Director General of ASIPONA Ensenada, and Naval Zone Commander Juan Carlos Vera Minjares, along with other government officials, business partners, members of the Carnival Corporation team, community representatives and other guests.

Representing an investment of over $26 million and a shared commitment by the project partners, the new destination will enhance the visitor experience through a mix of adventure, gastronomy, and relaxation inspired by Baja’s traditions. Designed to complement the existing port, the destination draws from 18th-century California-style architecture reminiscent of old California towns, celebrating Baja’s coastal character and spirit of discovery.

The destination will include high-energy attractions such as zip lines, river rides, a scenic boat ride, and the signature Dune Rally, as well as chocolate and tequila tastings, Valle de Guadalupe wine and cheese pairings, artisan crafts, and relaxation and wellness experiences including thermal springs, the Baby Beach adult pool area and spa offerings. Family-friendly areas will invite visitors of all ages to connect with Baja’s vibrant culture and coastal charm. The destination will also welcome guests from other cruise lines, reinforcing a shared commitment to inclusive tourism and regional growth.

Once completed, following a construction period of approximately 24 months, Ensenada Bay Village is expected to welcome up to 9,000 visitors per day, creating new opportunities for local artisans, vendors, and tour operators. The project is also anticipated to generate approximately 350 direct jobs and 800 indirect jobs, and deliver more than US$120 million in annual economic impact, strengthening the port’s role as a cornerstone of Baja California’s cruise tourism economy. Carnival Corporation — the market share leader in Ensenada — continues to support this growth as part of a shared commitment to inclusive tourism and regional development.

“This presentation reflects our shared vision to create destinations that inspire pride and prosperity,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Together with our partners — ITM Group and Hutchison Ports ECV — we are proud to highlight a project that celebrates Baja’s culture, supports the local community, and offers guests family-friendly, authentic, and memorable experiences.”

“Ensenada Bay Village represents meaningful investment in Baja California. This project supports local jobs, expands tourism, and highlights the culture and natural beauty that make our state a unique destination,” said Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda, governor of Baja California.

“Ensenada Bay Village represents a vision we share with our partners to elevate Mexico’s cruise destinations through sustainable, culturally authentic experiences,” said Mauricio Hamui, CEO of ITM Group. “By working together, we’re creating opportunities that strengthen local communities and enhance Baja’s appeal to visitors from around the world.”

“This project reflects our commitment to Ensenada’s continued growth and to collaboration with both public and private partners,” said Jorge Magno Lecona, managing director, Hutchison Ports Latin America. “Through Ensenada Bay Village, we’re expanding the port’s role as a gateway for tourism and local economic opportunity.”

The project underscores Carnival Corporation’s broader strategy to invest in destinations that generate lasting benefits for local communities, honoring local culture while fostering economic growth.

The presentation featured cultural performances, including mariachi and ballet folklórico, reflecting Mexico’s heritage and hospitality. Guests also viewed renderings of Ensenada Bay Village, showcasing its design inspired by Baja’s landscapes, architecture, and traditions. Following the pierside ceremony, guests were invited for a luncheon on board Carnival Panorama.