Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line is beginning to reveal its 2026/2027 deployment plans and today announced the first wave of sailings for summer 2026, including cruises to some of summertime’s most sought after destinations in Europe and Alaska, as well as the first time Carnival guests can take part in a special solar eclipse cruise.  Reservations for these new summer 2026 Europe and Alaska sailings open today.

See Europe and Sail Under Eclipse Aboard Carnival Legend

For the first time, Carnival is introducing a special 11-day Carnival Journeys Eclipse cruise featuring stops in Spain, Portugal and France on Carnival Legend departing from Dover, England on August 9, 2026.  The total solar eclipse will occur on Aug. 12, 2026, when the ship is at sea, providing guests with a prime viewing vantage point for this rare celestial occurrence.  Ports of call on this bucket list voyage include Le Havre (Paris), France; St. Peter Port, Guernsey; Vigo, Spain; Lisbon and Leixões (Porto), Portugal; Le Verdon (Bordeaux), France; and Zeebrugge (Brussels), Belgium.

“The chance to see a total solar eclipse while having fun exploring the cultural richness of Spain, Portugal and France aboard Carnival Legend, is a truly special opportunity – among a lineup of many phenomenal cruises,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “And as the popularity of Carnival Legend’s 2024 Europe sailings prove, it’s never too soon for our loyal guests to start planning their next summer vacation.”

Carnival Legend’s summer 2026 season in Europe begins with a 14-day transatlantic voyage that departs Miami on May 24, 2026, and visits Liverpool, England; Holyhead, Wales; and Dun Laoghaire (Dublin), Ireland before arriving in Dover (London), England. While homeporting in Europe, Carnival Legend will sail nine cruises from Dover, with varied itineraries that span 9-12 days, and six cruises of either nine- or 12-day itineraries from Civitavecchia (Rome).

From Dover, Northern Europe sailings showcase destinations such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam. The ship will also cruise the British Isles, with several stops in ports across Ireland, England and Scotland, in addition to one cruise with four stops in Iceland.  Scandinavia and Baltic cruises offer visits to Germany, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Belgium while Western Europe ports include those in Portugal, Spain and France.

From Civitavecchia, nine-day and 12-day sailings will bring guests to popular destinations across Italy, the Greek Isles, Turkey and Croatia. Ports of call from Civitavecchia include Istanbul and Kusadasi (Ephesus) in Turkey; Piraeus (Athens) and Mykonos in Greece; and Naples (Amalfi/Pompeii), Italy; Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia. The ship’s final cruise from Europe in 2026 will be a 14-day Carnival Journeys voyage departing Nov. 1, 2026, from Civitavecchia to Tampa, Fla., with visits to Cartagena and Malaga, Spain; Gibraltar; and Bermuda.

Alaska Cruises from Seattle Aboard Carnival Spirit and Carnival Miracle

Carnival Miracle will join Carnival Spirit sailing from Seattle to Alaska in summer 2026. The itineraries available today are Seattle embarkations only. Carnival will once again offer Alaska itineraries from San Francisco in 2026, and those itineraries will be available this Fall.

Seven-day Alaska sailings departing every Thursday on Carnival Miracle begin on May 7, 2026.  Carnival Miracle will cruise Tracy Arm Fjord and visit Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Also available are two special Carnival Journeys sailings aboard Carnival Miracle. A nine-day cruise adds more time aboard the ship as guests explore the natural wonder of the region’s Inside Passage and an added visit to Sitka, Alaska. A similar 10-day Carnival Journeys cruise to the Inside Passage also visits Icy Strait Point, Alaska.

Alaska sailings on Carnival Spirit also offer cruising of Tracy Arm Fjord and stops in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. The sailings begin April 28, 2026, and continue through Sept. 15, 2026.  When Carnival Spirit returns to Seattle on Sept. 23, 2026, the ship will embark guests on a 15-day round-trip Carnival Journeys cruise to Hawaii, with stops in Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Kahului, Maui and Hilo, Hawaii; as well as a visit to Victoria, British Columbia in Canada.

Also new are four Carnival Journeys cruises that transit the Panama Canal to reposition Carnival Miracle and Carnival Spirit before and after the summer in Alaska. The cruises feature visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Cartagena, Colombia. Carnival Spirit’s 16-day Carnival Journeys cruises take the ship to Seattle from its Mobile, Ala. homeport on April 12, 2026 then back to Mobile with an Oct. 8, 2026 departure. These are the first Carnival cruises connecting the two cities of Seattle and Mobile. Carnival Miracle will reposition with guests on board from Tampa, Fla. on April 11, 2026 and depart Seattle Sept. 26, 2026 on 16-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal repositioning cruise ending in Galveston, Tex.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Viking® (NYSE: VIK) has taken delivery of the company’s newest ship for the Nile River, the Viking Hathor. The delivery ceremony occurred when the new ship was presented at the Massara shipyard in Cairo, Egypt. The 82-guest Viking Hathor joins the company’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art vessels for the Nile River and will sail Viking’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.  

“We are proud to welcome the Viking Hathor to our award-winning river fleet,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “With its abundance of cultural treasures and ancient antiquities, Egypt has always been a destination of great interest to curious travelers, including our guests. We believe our ships are by far the most elegant vessels sailing the Nile River, and we look forward to introducing even more explorers to this fantastic destination in the years to come.”  

The Viking Hathor & Viking’s Growing Egypt Fleet 

Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new Viking Hathor is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships with the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. An identical sister ship to the Viking Osiris and the Viking Aton, the Viking Hathor features several aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Additional ships in the Egypt fleet include the Viking Ra and the MS Antares. 

Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids Itinerary 

During the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, guests begin with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where they can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, or the Grand Egyptian Museum. Guests then fly to Luxor, where they visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding a Viking river ship for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River, featuring visits to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel and the High Dam in Aswan, and a visit to a colorful Nubian village, where guests can experience a traditional elementary school. Finally, the journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city. 

Viking is rated #1 for Rivers, as well as #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions, by Condé Nast Traveler in the most recent Readers’ Choice Awards. Recently, the Viking Aton was also named one of the “Best New Cruises” in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List 2024,” and the Viking Osiris was named one of the “Best New Cruises” in the “Hot List 2023,” as well as the “Best Luxury River Cruise of 2024” in Forbes’ “Best Luxury Cruises” list. Additionally, TIME magazine featured both Giza and Saqqara on its “World’s Greatest Places” 2023 list, mentioning sailing the Nile River with Viking. TIME notes that Viking is among the very few who stop in both Giza and the village of Sakkara, where excavation sites, like the megatombs of animal and human mummies, are active. 

For guests looking to extend their journey in Egypt, Viking also offers Pre and Post Extensions that provide Privileged Access to archives and exhibits. Guests on the five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt extension will begin the journey in London, where they will meet their Viking Tour Director, an expert Egyptologist, and experience Privileged Access to two museums: first a private, early morning visit to the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum before it opens to the general public – and then a visit to the home and personal museum of world-renowned architect, Sir John Soane, where the tour will be illuminated by candlelight, a re-enactment of how Soane entertained guests and showcased his exquisite collection of Egyptian antiquities, including a 3,000-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus. Guests will also visit London’s Petrie Museum, which houses more than 80,000 artifacts from ancient # and Sudan. In Oxford, guests will visit the Ashmolean Museum, one of the oldest in the world, and home to a varied collection of Egyptian mummies and art—and go behind the scenes at Oxford University’s Griffith Institute, where they will enjoy a Privileged Access visit to see Howard Carter’s archives, which detail the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Lastly, guests will have further Privileged Access with an exclusive visit to Highclere Castle to view the Earl of Carnarvon’s magnificent private collection of Egyptian artifacts, as well as archives and exhibits not normally accessible to the public. 

Additional offerings include a three-night Pre-Extension in Istanbul, where guests can visit the timeless city and important religious sites including the “Blue Mosque” and the legendary Hagia Sophia. After concluding the river voyage, guests can also extend the journey with a 4-night Post-Extension to Jordan—Petra, Dead Sea & Amman to view Roman antiquities at Jerash, Crusader-era castles at Kerak or Shobak and experience the lost city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Travelers worldwide are taking advantage of flexible work arrangements and making the most of their time by combining vacation and work. In fact, 74% of Americans who work from home said they would consider taking a “workcation,” according to a recent Harris Poll data. With the recently announced MedallionNet Max, now is the time to book a longer voyage with Princess Cruises with the ability to stay persistently connected while exploring the world.

Available in Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, MedallionNet Max offers enhanced onboard Wi-Fi to meet the growing demands of today’s digitally connected travelers. While featured on all Princess voyages, it provides even greater flexibility on longer journeys, allowing guests to explore remote corners of the globe without fear of missing out, along with iconic ports, and historic landmarks on curated voyages from Princess, including World Cruises, Journeys Far & Away, Immersive Itineraries, and Ocean Crossings.

“Today’s travelers are increasingly drawn to longer, more immersive experiences, often in remote or bucket-list destinations, without wanting to disconnect from their digital lives,” said Terry Thornton, Chief Commercial Officer of Princess Cruises. “MedallionNet Max ensures that connectivity is never an issue, and when combined with the Princess Premier package, which offers unlimited beverages and specialty dining, it makes longer voyages not only feasible but incredibly rewarding.”

Created by the destination experts at Princess Cruises to point consumers to the unique itineraries within various destinations, Epic Voyages include four categories, offering flexibility and something for everyone:

World Cruises – 35,000 Nautical Miles into the World’s Wonders

For travelers who want to see the world in a whole new way – without the hassle of airport travel, constant unpacking and expensive meals – Princess is the perfect escort to cruise through the immensity of the planet, full of hidden treasures and adventure, making it accessible, tangible, less overwhelming and convenient. Plus, the camaraderie among guests with shared experiences in fascinating ports and a warm crew that gets to know their every need make this the ultimate epic voyage that every adventurer should embark on in their lifetime.

World Cruises sail through the Panama Canal, Hawaii & the South Pacific, Western and Eastern Mediterranean, Australia and Southeast Asia and even Africa.

Three ships – Crown Princess, Coral Princess and Island Princess – sail on World Cruises up to 116 days or divided into shorter segments. In total, 26 itineraries highlight the wonders of the world. World Cruises depart from Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Auckland, Brisbane or Sydney.

Journeys Far & Away – Multiple Epic Destinations

Journeys Far & Away are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an “off-the-grid” experience, wildlife lovers, adventurers and naturalists. Whether it’s experiencing the ultimate remote continent where 1,200 miles of dramatic landscapes appear in Antarctica, visiting Greenland – the world’s largest island full of scenic stunners, or discovering hidden gems like “Mystery Island” and Sopo’aga Falls in the South Pacific, guests enjoy multiple destinations on one voyage.

With itineraries ranging in length from 11 to 33 days, sailing on seven ships – Coral Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Majestic Princess and Sapphire Princess – cruises sail to Southeast Asia, South America and Antarctica, South Pacific & Hawaii, Greenland and Canada.

Journeys Far & Away sail from Boston, Los Angeles, New York City and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Immersive Itineraries – Destinations in One Region

For the culturally curious, or those travelers inspired by history, these carefully crafted Immersive Itineraries are a go-to for an immersive and authentic experiential voyage. From the midnight sun in the Arctic Circle to the ancient landmarks and ruins in Rome, Marseille and Athens, to mesmerizing temples and shrines in Japan or the crystalline waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, these cruises feature multiple destinations in one region.

With itineraries from 17 to 31 days, cruises take guests to Alaska, Australia, Japan, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The cruise line’s newest Sphere-Class ships – Sun Princess and Star Princess – both offer immersive itineraries through the Mediterranean. With 11 ships total, Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Diamond Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Majestic Princess, Ruby Princess and Sky Princess also sail to these transformative regions.

Immersive Itineraries sail roundtrip from Adelaide, Athens, Barcelona, Brisbane, Fremantle (Perth), Melbourne, Rome (Civitavecchia), Seattle, San Francisco, Southampton (London), Sydney and Tokyo (Yokohama).

Ocean Crossings – Sailing the Oceans Blue from One Continent to Another

Like a true seafarer, Ocean Crossings weaves the continents together, calling to some of the most revered sites and cities, diverse cultures, cuisines, and exotic destinations. Onboard, Princess guests enjoy a host of modern luxuries, personal and attentive service, award-winning cuisine, world-class entertainment, amenities, and more.

With trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific crossings, these voyages are the perfect prologue to a renowned Princess World Cruise and offer the perfect mix of sea days, a chance to see the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, and far-reaching destinations like Casablanca, Ponta Delgada (Azores), and Antigua.

With 26 itineraries, ranging in length from 13 to 24 days and nine ships – Caribbean Princess, Emerald Princess, Island Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Sky Princess, Star Princess, and Sun Princess – guests cross hemispheres and travel through time east to west, and vice versa.

The new Star Princess, debuting in fall 2025, sails in October on a not-to-be-missed Iberian Passage crossing from Southampton to Ft. Lauderdale, offering ample time to explore and enjoy everything this exceptional vessel has to offer.

Ocean Crossings offers convenient domestic departures from Ft. Lauderdale, Honolulu, New York, and Vancouver, BC. International departure ports include Barcelona, Southampton, Athens, Copenhagen, and Rome.

Epic Voyages have been designed for Princess’s beautiful ships to be the stage for guests to look out and experience the great wonders of the world. Onboard, every voyage offers enrichment programming with destination-specific events, speakers, productions, various celebrations, and Indigenous entertainment.

More information about Epic Voyages, including special offers, can be found here: https://www.princess.com/en-us/cruise-destinations/epic-voyages.

All 16 ships in the Princess fleet offer well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities. 

No matter the cruise, Princess delivers a premium vacation with the line’s award-winning, signature Princess MedallionClass experience which offers unparalleled service and personalization. Guests booking can take advantage of inclusive packages like Princess Plus and Princess Premier which add popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, desserts, fitness classes, crew gratuities and more at an even greater savings of up 65% when the inclusive package amenities are purchased separately. 

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com.

Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas will soon double the world’s best vacation count in one of the world’s top travel destinations, and the full lineup of unrivaled experiences in store has been revealed. From thrills like the fastest and tallest waterslides to 40-plus ways to dine and drink combined with adventures in idyllic destinations like the cruise line’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, the next combination of the best of every vacation sets the stage for everyone to make memories from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. To dive into the exclusive details and book the highly anticipated 7-night vacations on Star, adventurers can visit Royal Caribbean’s website.

In August 2025, every type of family and vacationer can experience the acclaimed features first introduced by Icon of the Seas and even twists to fast favorites, like new restaurant Lincoln Park Supper Club – a 1930s Chicago-inspired spin on the supper club experience that pairs multiple courses with live entertainment. On deck is everything from the six adrenaline-pumping waterslides at Category 6 waterpark and seven pools – one for every day of the week – to the Surfside neighborhood designed for young families and what will be one of only two suspended infinity pools at sea – the adults-only Hideaway.

“Star of the Seas is the second bold act of this exciting, new era of vacations first introduced with Icon of the Seas, and it’s putting the world’s best vacation on the map at yet another top travel destination,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Between Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando), more adventurers than ever can set their sights on the only vacation that combines the best of all vacations – from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure – with experiences that have and will continue to make headlines and memories for years to come.”

Star is set to bring more of the revolutionary Icon Class combination across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in themselves, with everything from restaurants and bars to live entertainment and more. The highlights include five neighborhoods unique to Icon and Star:

• Thrill Island – There are thrills of all kinds with Category 6, the first waterpark at sea when introduced on Icon,andits six record-breaking waterslides – from family raft slides to a drop slide and mat-racing duos; Crown’s Edge, the part skywalk and thrill ride 154 feet above the ocean; plus longtime favorites, the FlowRider surf simulator and mini golf, and spots to grab a bite and drinks like Basecamp and Desserted.
• Chill Island –The three-deck slice of paradise is home to four of seven pools, each with different vibes and prime ocean views, including swim-up bar Swim & Tonic and Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea. With live bands and DJs, and places for drinks and quick, casual food just steps away, like The Lime & Coconut, vacationers can chill day and night.
• Surfside –Theneighborhood designed for young families is where they can stay and play all day together and without compromise. There’s everything from ways to splash, with kids and tots at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay and grown-ups nearby at Water’s Edge pool, to spots to grab a bite like Surfside Eatery and The Lemon Post bar – all with options for adults and kids.
• AquaDome – The tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot at night atop of Star is back with wraparound ocean views, deck-defying shows with high divers, aerialists, robots, dancers and more at the marquee AquaTheater; and food and drinks to take it all in at the AquaDome Market food hall, the Rye & Bean bar, Hooked and The Overlook bar and Overlook Pods for jaw-dropping views.
• The Hideaway –Hidden 135 feet above the ocean, the adults-only spot combines all the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world with a suspended infinity pool – joining the only other pool of its kind on Icon – a DJ, dedicated bar, a terrace with whirlpools and uninterrupted ocean views.

The tried-and-true favorites reimagined on Icon round out the best-selling Icon Class vacations on Star, from the Royal Promenade with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, the jaw-dropping Pearl – the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture – and 15-plus restaurants, bars and lounges to the open-air Central Park lined with more than 30,500 real plants and alive day to night with restaurants like the new Lincoln Park Supper Club, live music at Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues, convenient pick-up windows for sushi and champagne, and more. Plus, the ultra-luxe and exclusive Suite Neighborhood.

Star is joining the newly debuted Oasis Class vacation, Utopia of the Seas – the ultimate short getaway – when it arrives in Port Canaveral (Orlando). By next summer, vacationers celebrating any occasion or just getting away can head to Central Florida and have their pick of the best of both worlds – a weeklong Caribbean vacation, a 3-night weekend or 4-night weekday getaway to The Bahamas, with weekend energy from beginning to end; or both. Also upping the ante when it comes to destinations and joining the expanding lineup of Royal Caribbean’s standout experiences will be the opening of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas – the first of the Royal Beach Club Collection – in late 2025.

Vacations on Star are open to book on Royal Caribbean’s website. Media can find assets and more information on www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com/Star.