Cruise Lines

Viking® (NYSE: VIK) is giving travelers another chance to see the world in extraordinary fashion with the announcement of its new 2028-2029 World Cruise itineraries. Leading the lineup is the 142-day Viking World Cruise aboard the elegant Viking Vesta®, a journey designed for guests seeking immersive experiences across the globe.

Departing from Fort Lauderdale on December 21, 2028, the sailing will take guests across six continents and through 31 countries, featuring 62 included guided tours in some of the world’s most fascinating destinations. The itinerary also includes overnight stays in 16 cities, allowing travelers more time to explore iconic ports before the voyage concludes in London on May 12, 2029.

“Our approach has always been to focus on the destination,” said Torstein Hagen, Executive Chairman of Viking. “Our World Cruises are thoughtfully designed for curious travelers who have the time and desire to experience dozens of phenomenal destinations around the globe in one seamless journey.”

Viking’s 2028-2029 World Cruise

Viking’s 2028-2029 World Cruise itineraries combine many of the world’s most iconic cities with lesser-known destinations and culturally rich ports of call across one continuous global journey. Guests can transit the famed Panama Canal, journey along the West Coast of North America and cross the Pacific Ocean to explore destinations including Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia, with opportunities to visit up to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites throughout the journey. The voyages also call on ports throughout Southeast Asia and Africa—with opportunities for wildlife safari excursions—before concluding in Europe. Along the way, guests enjoy access to both celebrated cultural capitals and smaller destinations that offer a deeper connection to local life.

Guests on Viking’s World Cruises will enjoy overnight stays in world-renowned ports such as Sydney, Singapore, Zanzibar, Cape Town and Casablanca, allowing for more in-depth exploration. Those wishing to extend their journey may choose the 170-day Viking World Voyage III, which continues from London and includes 21 additional ports of call across Northern Europe and Scandinavia before concluding in Stockholm. Viking also offers additional voyage options, including the 153-day Viking World Voyage IV, which sails from Los Angeles to Stockholm and visits 37 countries, as well as the shorter 125-day Viking World Discoveries voyage, which departs from Los Angeles, visits 27 countries and concludes in London.

While on board, Viking offers extensive cultural enrichment through onboard lectures and entertainment, including the Viking Resident Historian® program, which provides guests with a high-level historical and cultural education specific to their journey. Guests can immerse themselves in the world’s cultures during included excursions that provide unmatched insight into daily life and opportunities to connect with local culture, traditions and communities.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of the destination, optional excursions provide in-depth experiences that range from behind-the-scenes access to Local Life and the Working World, as well as Privileged Access® experiences at cultural institutions that are not available to the general public. Viking also offers World Cruise guests the unique opportunity for optional multi-day overland excursions to explore the region further inland before rejoining the ship at a later port. Guests can choose a variety of overland excursions, including the six-day Uluru & Great Barrier Reef Overland excursion to admire Australia’s natural wonders; a six-day India’s Golden Triangle Overland excursion to experience the famed landmarks of the country including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the “Pink City” of Jaipur; or the five-day Kruger National Park Overland excursion in search of Africa’s “Big 5.”

Viking’s Award-Winning Fleet

Viking continues to receive top honors from leading travel publications and industry organizations around the world. Viking was recently named to TIME’s 2026 TIME100 Most Influential Companies list, recognizing companies making an extraordinary impact around the world. Viking was also rated #1 for Oceans and #1 for Rivers by Condé Nast Traveler for the fifth consecutive year in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. In addition, Viking was named “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

Recently, the Viking Vesta® was also named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Hot List. Additional recognition includes ranking #1 in seven categories in USA TODAY 10BEST 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, earning top honors from Southern Living for both its river and ocean voyages in the publication’s 2026 cruise rankings, receiving eight awards in Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards and, for the fifth year in a row, earning top rankings from U.S. News & World Report as “Best Luxury Line,” “Best Line for Couples” and “Best Line in the Mediterranean.” Viking also earned AOL’s Best Cruise Line for 2025 and continues to receive “Recommended” ratings for its ocean ships in Forbes Travel Guide.

Booking Details

From now through May 31, 2026, Viking is offering North American travelers special savings on 2028-2029 World Cruises, including free business class airfare and transfers, a $4,000 per couple shore excursion credit, a $4,000 per couple shipboard credit for returning guests, complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package and more. Plus, guests can enjoy a limited-time reduced deposit of 10%. As always, Viking Inclusive Value also features one complimentary shore excursion in each port, complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center, free Wi-Fi and more. Guests who pay in full early may also enjoy additional savings. Call Viking toll free at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or contact a travel advisor for booking details.

The Alaska operations of Holland America Line and Princess announced a leadership transition within their Alaska government affairs teams, marking the retirement of a long-tenured executive and the promotion of a rising leader. In Alaska and Yukon, Holland America Line and Princess jointly manage Carnival Corporation’s combined land operations business, supporting Holland America and Princess Cruises.

After nearly 18 years of distinguished service, Ralph Samuels, vice president of government affairs, will retire effective June 2, 2026. A trusted advisor to the organization, Samuels has built strong relationships across federal, state, and local stakeholders in support of Carnival Corporation’s commitment to Alaska.

“Ralph’s steady leadership, integrity, and deep understanding of our industry have left a lasting mark on our business,” said Robert Morgenstern, senior vice president of Alaska operations. “We are grateful for his many contributions and wish him the very best in a well-earned retirement.”

Following Samuels’ retirement, Micaela Fowler has been promoted to vice president of government affairs. Fowler joined the organization a year ago as the director of Southeast Alaska government and community relations, after serving as Alaska’s Deputy Commissioner of Commerce, where she oversaw various government functions and initiatives. Since joining the Alaska operations of Holland America Line and Princess, she has played an integral role on the government affairs team, guiding the business through strong policy expertise, collaborative leadership, and the creation of valuable community relationships.

“Micaela has quickly become a trusted voice for Alaska and Yukon operations for Holland America and Princess,” said Morgenstern. “She is well-positioned to build on the strong foundation Ralph established and to continue our strong partnership in the state of Alaska.”

Get To Know Holland America Line & Princess Cruises

Holland America Line maintains a deep and longstanding presence in Alaska as it approaches 80 years exploring The Great Land. In addition to cruise operations across the region, the company supports land-based experiences, including Holland America Denali Lodge at the doorstep of Denali National Park, Holland America Skagway Inn and the Holland America Dawson City Inn in the Yukon, with a major Denali Lodge expansion to be completed in 2027. Operating both at sea and on land, Holland America Line works closely with local communities, partners and government stakeholders to strengthen its long-term commitment to the region.

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

Princess Cruises owns and operates a portfolio of five lodges in Alaska, including Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, and Copper Rover Princess Wilderness Lodge, along with rail services that connect guests from ship to shore. Princess partners with local communities and partners to support sustainable tourism.

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

Holland America Line has officially opened bookings for its highly anticipated 2028 Grand Voyages, unveiling two epic itineraries aboard Volendam and Zaandam that will take guests across six continents. The newly announced 2028 Grand World Voyage and 2028 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage are designed for immersive exploration, combining marquee destinations, scenic cruising, and extended port stays throughout Antarctica, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, and beyond.

“When we plan a Grand Voyage, we are looking closely at how each part of the itinerary connects and how much time guests will have in each region,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning for Holland America Line. “For 2028, the focus was on building routes that make sense from start to finish, with meaningful time in destinations like Antarctica, New Zealand and the South Pacific, paired with scenic passages that are integral to the journey.” 

The 129-day 2028 Grand World Voyage circles the globe with a full Antarctic Experience and scenic cruising through South America’s most dramatic waterways, including the Chilean Fjords, Glacier Alley and Beagle Channel. Guests cross the equator twice and experience a sail past Null Island, where the prime meridian and equator intersect at 0°N, 0°E. The itinerary also includes a call at Easter Island and ports across six continents. 

The 90-day 2028 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage offers a focused exploration of the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, combining overnight calls and multi-day stays with a measured pace at sea. Guests visit multiple destinations across both countries while allowing ample time for exploration ashore. Both Grand Voyages include a call at Bora Bora, making 2028 the first season in which Holland America Line’s two Grand Voyages visit the “Pearl of the Pacific.”  

2028 Grand World Voyage Highlights — Volendam 

• 129‑day voyage sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, departing Jan. 4, 2028. 

• Visits 45 ports in 26 countries and territories across six continents.  

Travels through the Caribbean and South America en route to Antarctica, followed by scenic cruising in the Beagle Channel, Glacier Alley and the Chilean Fjords. 

• Crosses the equator on the way to Easter Island, then continues through the South Pacific and French Polynesia, including Bora Bora. 

• Spends eight days exploring six ports across New Zealand before continuing through Australia, Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. 

• Rounds the Cape of Good Hope and sails along Africa’s west coast before crossing the Atlantic Ocean back to Fort Lauderdale. 

• • Access to 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Valparaíso, Chile; Komodo National Park in Komodo Island; and the Taj Mahal in India. 

• Memorable moments include a fourday Antarctic Experience, eight days in New Zealand, extended time in Cape Town, South Africa, two equator crossings and a sail past Null Island. 

2028 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage Highlights — Zaandam 

• 90‑day voyage sailing roundtrip from San Diego, departing Jan. 30, 2028. 

• Calls at 41 ports in 12 countries and territories across two continents. 

• Sails west through Hawaii and the South Pacific, crossing the International Date Line en route to New Zealand.  

• Continues through Australia before returning via Melanesia, Fiji, Samoa and French Polynesia, with an extended stay in Bora Bora. 

• Access to 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and New Zealand’s Tongariro National Park. 

• Overnight calls in Hobart, Tasmania; Sydney, Cairns and Fremantle (Perth), Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; and Papeete, French Polynesia. 

• Memorable moments include ports across New Zealand, extended evening time in Bora Bora and a roundtrip departure from San Diego without the need for international flights. 

Immersive Overlands in Iconic Regions  

For guests looking to check off even more bucket-list moments, select multi-day overland tours turn a port day into a true once-in-a-lifetime detour. On Volendam’s Grand World Voyage, guests can trade the ship for safari country, flying from Durban to Johannesburg, South Africa, for an overnight before continuing to Hoedspruit and on to Thornybush Game Lodge, a 5-star retreat in Big Five country adjacent to Kruger National Park, with dawn and dusk game drives in open vehicles plus time on foot with a qualified ranger. After days of unforgettable wildlife viewing and lodge life, guests fly on to Cape Town to rejoin the cruise.  

On Zaandam’s Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage, an overland from Fremantle dives into Western Australia’s Margaret River region, pairing the Busselton Jetty and its Underwater Observatory with Cape Naturaliste’s rugged coastline, vineyard tastings and an underground Lake Cave experience before returning to the ship. 

A Shared Call in Bora Bora 

Both 2028 Grand Voyages include a call at Bora Bora, where guests sail through the Teavanui Pass into the island’s lagoon, framed by white‑sand islets and Mount Otemanu. Zaandam’s extended stay allows guests time ashore into the evening for snorkeling, exploring the lagoon or simply spending additional time on land. 

A Grand Onboard Experience 

Each Grand Voyage features onboard programming designed to complement extended travel. Guests enjoy gracious service, enrichment presentations and destination‑inspired entertainment, along with special guest performers throughout the journey. Signature events include gala evenings, dressy nights and the Captain’s Grand Voyage Dinner. Dining evolves throughout the voyage with menus that change regularly and are rarely repeated, highlighting regional flavors and fresh ingredients. 

Early Booking Bonus Benefits 

Guests who book the 2028 Grand World Voyage by June 14, 2027, may receive up to $10,700 in early booking benefits per stateroom, including onboard credit, air credits when booked through Flight Ease, complimentary Wi‑Fi and additional savings. Guests booking the 2028 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage may receive early booking benefits valued up to $8,500. Terms and conditions apply. 

For more information or to book a cruise, consult a travel advisor, call 1‑877‑SAIL HAL (877‑724‑5425) or visit hollandamerica.com. 

For more information about Holland America Line’s shore excursions or to book a cruise, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com. 

Carnival Cruise Line has revealed a fresh new look for its exclusive Roatán destination, Isla Tropicale, along with the debut of Mangrove Bay — a new pool area designed for relaxation and family fun. The addition brings 48,000 square feet of new recreational space to the destination, featuring a dedicated splash pad for kids, a swim-up bar, and nearby bar service for guests soaking up the Caribbean sun.

At the center of the experience is a scenic peninsula lined with cabanas and loungers, creating a premium retreat for cruisers looking to unwind. Guests can also relax on poolside daybeds while enjoying the tropical atmosphere at Carnival’s enhanced destination in Honduras.

“Isla Tropicale marks another exciting investment in the largest group of exclusive cruise destinations, Paradise Collection by Carnival,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “New features, including the destination’s first pool area, will elevate the guest experience at Isla Tropicale. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Roatán and Honduras and expanding our positive economic impact in the region.”

Isla Tropicale features two berths for Carnival’s Excel- and Vista-class ships, 52 shops, local artisan kiosks, three restaurants, four bars, a scenic chairlift and oceanview cabanas. Since opening in 2009 as Mahogany Bay, the newly named Isla Tropicale has represented a $93 million investment in Roatán, welcomed close to nine million visitors and generated $750 million in economic impact, supporting more than 1,300 local jobs. Its beach earned the Honduras Blue Flag Award and a five-star rating in 2024 and 2025 for excellence in environmental management, water quality, safety, accessibility and sustainable tourism.

“Isla Tropicale reflects the continued importance of cruise tourism to Roatán and to Honduras,” said Andrés Ehrler, minister of tourism of Honduras. “We value partnerships that support local jobs, create opportunities for businesses and help strengthen Roatán’s position as one of the Caribbean’s most welcoming destinations, and Carnival has done exactly that.”

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