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In recognition of a distinguished maritime career spanning five decades, Captain John W. Murray, CEO of the Canaveral Port Authority, was inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame (IMHOF) during a ceremony hosted by the Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey (MAPONY/NJ) at Chelsea Piers in New York City.

Capt. Murray and his fellow inductees were recognized for their leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to advancing the maritime industry throughout their careers.

“I’m deeply honored to be inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame alongside so many respected leaders in our industry,” said Capt. Murray. “The maritime industry has provided me with extraordinary opportunities over the past five decades and I’m grateful to the many colleagues, mentors and co-workers who have helped shape my journey along the way.”

“Each of these individuals has made a lasting impact on the industry through leadership, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We were proud to recognize their accomplishments alongside so many colleagues, partners, and friends from across the maritime sector,” said Stephen Lyman, Executive Director, MAPONY/NJ.

After graduating from the Maine Maritime Academy in 1979, Capt. Murray began his maritime career as a third mate at Lykes Bros. Steamship Company, rising through the ranks to master before moving ashore to hold executive positions, including SVP, Operations. He then served as President and CEO of Hapag-Lloyd USA, the U.S.-Flag subsidiary of Hapag-Lloyd AG, one of the top five global container shipping companies.

During his 10-year tenure at Port Canaveral, Captain Murray has shaped the Port into one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse deepwater seaports, elevating its long-term strategic mission with nearly $1 billion in planned capital improvements and tripling operating revenues to a record $218 million in 2025.

A member of the National Cargo Bureau, Captain Murray was elected to the American Bureau of Shipping and has served on the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, as well as the U.S. Transportation Command Executive Working Group. He also served as a Director with the Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association, Ltd., London, UK and participated in the biannual Department of Defense forum established to regularly interact with commercial ocean carriers supporting U.S. military sealift requirements.

A U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain, he has testified before the U.S. Congress about cargo preference and the importance of the Maritime Security Program to the United States. A lifelong advocate for the Jones Act and a strong U.S. Flag fleet of deep-sea ships, he is a longstanding member of the National Defense Transportation Association, the Navy League of the United States, the Council of American Master Mariners, and the International Propeller Club. 

Virgin Voyages has officially headed north. Yesterday, the award-winning adults-only cruise line launched its highly anticipated Alaska season from Seattle aboard Brilliant Lady.

The new season introduces two new Happenings Cast members, a Cultural Heritage Guide from Alaska Native Voices, destination-inspired dining centered on Alaska’s freshest seasonal seafood, and an expanded lineup of Alaska-exclusive onboard experiences.

For Virgin Voyages’ fiercely loyal Sailor community, the launch answers years of demand for deeper itineraries and a stronger West Coast presence — delivering a bold new way to experience Alaska at sea.

Entering Alaska the Virgin Voyages Way

Entering new destinations thoughtfully has always been part of Virgin Voyages’ DNA. The brand’s ethos, “To Create an Epic Sea Change for All,” extends beyond the ship and shapes how Virgin Voyages shows up in the communities it visits. Having spent years preparing for this debut in collaboration with local ports and environmental organizations, that groundwork is visible across the season:

• More than half of Alaska Shore Things are operated by sustainable tour operators, including those certified through Adventure Green Alaska and Travelife
• The onboard marine team partnered with ORCA for detailed training on whale sighting and collision-avoidance best practices and has a wildlife expert onboard full-time to educate Sailors
• Virgin Voyages will abide by voluntary speed reductions throughout the region to protect large cetaceans and marine life
• Brilliant Lady is equipped with advanced wastewater treatment systems and Shore Power capability

“Alaska has always held a special place for me personally. The sheer scale of its landscapes, the richness of its culture, the biodiversity – it’s humbling,” said Michelle Bentubo, Chief Operating Officer of Virgin Voyages. “We felt a real responsibility to honor that. Deep partnerships with local communities and organizations were essential to making sure we’re telling Alaska’s story the way it deserves to be told.”

New Expert Guests and Immersive Programming 

Virgin Voyages is introducing two new Happenings Cast members created specifically for the Alaska season, alongside a Cultural Heritage Guide from Alaska Native Voices.

The Lumberjack, part athlete, part storyteller, and all flannel, is the Happenings Cast’s resident keeper of Alaska’s timber legacy, bringing the real story of Ketchikan to life through the kind of North-forged knowledge you won’t find in a port guide. The Lumberjack will be onboard for select voyages.

The Naturalist, a seasoned wildlife and ecology expert, helps Sailors experience Alaska through a more personal lens with unscripted conversations and small-group moments focused on glaciers, whales, wildlife, and the surrounding ecosystem.

Virgin Voyages will also welcome a Cultural Heritage Guide from Alaska Native Voices on select voyages. Rooted in Indigenous and local Alaskan perspectives, the guide hosts conversations and workshops centered on art, storytelling, contemporary culture, and the lived experiences of Alaska Native communities, bringing Indigenous makers, contemporary Alaskan artists, and community voices into the room as participants, not exhibits. Sailors leave feeling like they know Alaska, not just that they saw it.

Beyond the new roles, Virgin is rolling out a roster of new Alaska-inspired Happenings, including:

• Primetime Ports: This visually driven alternative to traditional port lectures prepares Sailors emotionally and intelligently for what they’re about to see
• Drawn to the Wild: Hosted in The Manor, Sailors are invited to pick up colored pencils and sketch on canvases made of birch, allowing the sights and sounds of Alaska to inspire their own interpretation of the wild
• Northern Nightcaps: This hands-on mixology workshop lets Sailors learn to create Alaska-inspired cocktails, from Glacial Toddies to Forest Negronis, balancing heat, smoke, citrus and spice
• Baking Alaska: Sweet with a splash of wilderness, this new class offers an interactive taste of Alaska-inspired desserts paired alongside a wine flight
• Crack the Crab: This high-energy trivia showdown has Sailors battling with oversized foam crab claws to snap up the correct answers. Fast, loud, slightly unhinged, it’s Alaska trivia, the Virgin way.

Alaska-Inspired Dining Across the Fleet

To bring the season’s freshest regional flavors on board, Virgin Voyages’ culinary team developed eight Alaska-featured dishes across its eateries, available for a limited time while Brilliant Lady is in the Pacific Northwest. King Crab, Alaskan halibut and black cod anchor the lineup, with several restaurants offering an elevated “Treat Yourself” dish built around local ingredients:

• The Wake: Pan-Roasted Alaskan Halibut with fondant potato, spinach and champagne caviar sauce
• Pink Agave: Chorizo-Crusted Black Cod with red rice, mole poblano and Alaskan king crab
• Extra Virgin: Squash Wrapped Halibut with king crab stuffed zucchini blossom, cherry tomato and basil seeds
• Rojo: Grilled Squid with king crab, marcona almond and chorizo shellfish sauce
• The Dock: Smoked Salmon Taramasalata with kalamata olives, pickled pearl onion and pita chips

The onboard beverage program has also been tailored for the climate, with expanded hot beverage and local brew offerings across the bars and Ship Eats. 

Alaska, On High Street

Finally, the Pacific Northwest extends to High Street, where 10 retail brands onboard feature artisans or products from the region, alongside new cold-weather essentials including Ahoy beanies, textured knits and layered outerwear.

Voyages from Seattle aboard Brilliant Lady are on sale now at virginvoyages.com.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority has named respected global tourism executive Jan Hutton as its next Chief Executive Officer.

Hutton most recently served as CEO of the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) and is widely recognized as a trusted advisor to governments, tourism boards, and international organizations focused on destination growth and competitiveness.

Known for her innovative leadership style, Hutton brings extensive experience in destination strategy, tourism marketing, AI-driven innovation, and sustainable growth initiatives. Her career spans more than two decades across the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region, where she has helped guide destinations through evolving traveler trends and economic challenges.

In appointing Ms. Hutton, the BTA Board recognized a people-centric transformation leader working at the intersection of destination strategy, AI innovation, and sustainable growth. Her career spans more than two decades across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, her roles have included Managing Director within Ogilvy Group, Director at Nielsen Company, Chief Marketing Officer roles at Deloitte Consulting, South African Tourism, Destination Gold Coast, and Destination NSW. With global corporations such as Salesforce, Barclays, BHP Group having also shaped her career, she is widely regarded as a trusted voice for destinations navigating economic uncertainty and evolving consumer behavior.

Ms. Hutton has been recognized with numerous industry accolades, including ‘Most Impactful Women Shaping Australian Travel & Tourism (2025)’, ‘Most Influential CEO in Tourism Strategy’ (2023), ‘Top 100 Global Travel Marketing Experts’ (Travelstart), and ‘Top 50 Brand Marketer’ (SKIFT). She has also served on Australia’s THRIVE 2030 ‘Reimagining the Visitor Economy’ panel as Director on the GIFT (Griffith Institute for Tourism) Advisory Board. 

Ms. Hutton will be joining the BTA team on July 1, dedicating her early weeks to listening and learning from the team, industry partners, and community leaders.  

BTA Chairman William “Billy’ Griffith added: “The BTA Board of Directors welcomes Ms. Hutton and looks forward to working with her for the ongoing advancement of our tourism product. She brings a wealth of experience in destination marketing, digital transformation, and visitor economy strategy across three continents. Her expertise will help drive the BTA mission of making Bermuda a premier destination for visitors. Ms. Hutton joins the BTA at a critical time when new significant foundations are being laid in our visitor economy — new hotel capacity, airlift development, and product investment. Her role is to make sure the marketing and commercial strategy is ready to capture and capitalize on what’s coming.”

Ms. Hutton said: “I’m genuinely honored to be joining the BTA, and I don’t take lightly the responsibility that comes with this role. Before I do anything else, I’m here to listen. The BTA team has been holding the line through a difficult period — they know this destination, they know this industry, and their perspective is essential. I’m coming in with eyes open.

Acting CEO Erin Wright will resume her role as Chief Operating Officer once Ms. Hutton takes up the position. 

Mr. Griffith added, “On behalf of the Board, I want to sincerely thank Erin for her dedication and leadership during her time as Acting CEO.  She has provided critical stability and continuity for the organization during a significant transition period, while ensuring the BTA continued to deliver on its core mandate and strategic priorities. Under her leadership, the organization strengthened key stakeholder relationships, advanced important initiatives, and successfully recruited several senior leaders that will help support the BTA’s next phase of growth and transformation.  The Board is deeply grateful for her commitment to the organization, the industry, and Bermuda during an especially demanding time.”

Bermuda is a rare destination — one with genuine emotional resonance, a loyal visitor base, and a proud tourism legacy. That legacy matters, and so does what comes next. Global destination marketing has entered the most transformative period any of us have seen — driven by AI, shifting traveler values, intensifying competition, and a fundamental reset in how people choose where to go and why. No destination gets a free pass through that. There is real work to be done.

Bermuda competes in one of the world’s most demanding tourism corridors. We have to earn our place every time. I’m here to do that work, alongside the team, our industry partners, and the community who are at the heart of everything we do. This is a shared endeavor, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has kicked off its 2026 Alaska and Arctic seasons, underscoring the brand’s destination leadership across two of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions. On May 14, guests joined the first of 30 Alaska voyages, focusing on immersive coastal sailings aboard some of the most intimate ships in the region, pairing scenic glacier cruising with calls at iconic ports and lesser‑known destinations. The following day, the brand’s 21‑voyage Arctic season began, set to deliver expert‑led expeditions to remote fjords and wildlife-rich polar environments with zodiac excursions and extended time ashore.  

“Silversea has a longstanding leadership in delivering deeply immersive experiences in over 900 of the world’s most remarkable destinations, including both polar regions,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “Whether navigating Alaska’s glacier lined waterways to lesser-known destinations like Pine Island or witnessing the Arctic’s diverse wildlife alongside Silversea’s expert expedition team, guests can expect true discovery at every turn.” 

Expedition Experts Bring the Arctic to Life

Silversea’s 2026 Arctic season unfolds across 21 voyages aboard Silver Endeavour and Silver Wind, with guests exploring some of the most remote and pristine regions on Earth, spanning four countries, 55 destinations, and reaching as far as 80 degrees north. Guests will explore destinations such as Svalbard, Disko Bay, Ilulissat, and can even traverse the legendary Northwest Passage. Many of these iconic destinations will also be enhanced by overnight stays that allow for deeper exploration. 

Led by Silversea’s expert expedition teams – made up of naturalists, historians, glaciologists, and marine biologists – these voyages will feature daily zodiac landings, guided hikes, kayaking and wildlife spotting. Guests may witness polar bears, Arctic foxes, musk oxen, walruses, seals and whales, alongside vast seabird colonies nesting along dramatic cliffs. Some guests will also have a chance to witness the ethereal Midnight Sun or the early return of the Aurora Borealis, set against a backdrop of icebergs, towering glaciers and untouched tundra landscapes. 

Small Ships Deliver Closer Encounters With Nature

Sailing between Vancouver and Seward, Silversea’s Alaska season features 30 voyages aboard Silver Whisper and Silver Moon, two of the smallest ships to sail to the region. Itineraries will introduce guests to the Last Frontier through 13 destinations, pairing famous highlights with off‑the‑beaten‑path gems. Guests will cruise past spectacular glaciers, while calling at storied ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Valdez. Smaller destinations like Pine Island, British Columbia, and transits through Seymour Narrows further enhance the sense of discovery. 

For those seeking to extend their journey, Silversea also offers pre‑cruise land programs, including a five-day immersive experience through Anchorage, Denali National Park, and Alaska’s iconic rail routes, culminating in embarkation at the pier in Seward. 

New 2027 Voyages Offer Deeper Access to Alaska and the Arctic

Silversea will further expand its Alaska and Arctic offerings in 2027, with a range of voyages designed to explore these regions in greater depth. With 36 voyages to Alaska and 19 to the Arctic, each journey will be tailored to the unique character of the region and brought to life through immersive programming and expert-led exploration. Highlight voyages include: 

· SEWARD (ANCHORAGE) TO VANCOUVER – June 3 – June 10, 2027:This 7-night Alaska voyage on Silver Moon will take guests through the Inside Passage, tracing a scenic route from Seward to Vancouver. Guests will experience glacier-carved landscapes and wildlife-rich waters, with calls at iconic ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, alongside opportunities to cruise past spectacular ice formations, including Hubbard Glacier. The journey highlights Alaska’s rugged beauty and cultural heritage before concluding in Vancouver. 

· VANCOUVER TO SEWARD (ANCHORAGE) – August 19 – August 26, 2027: This immersive sailing traces the Inside Passage from Vancouver to Seward, showcasing the region’s dramatic landscapes and wildlife-rich coastlines. Guests on Silver Moon will cruise past towering glaciers and fjords while calling in iconic ports such as Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka, alongside quieter destinations that offer a deeper connection to Alaska’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Highlights include glacier viewing in areas such as Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm, before concluding in Seward, a gateway to Alaska’s rugged interior. 

· LONGYEARBYEN TO REYKJAVIK – July 19 – July 31, 2027: This 12-day expedition voyage departs Svalbard and ventures deep into the High Arctic, offering an immersive exploration of remote polar environments. Guests will navigate dramatic fjords and icy seascapes onboard Silver Endeavour, with opportunities to spot polar bears, walruses and seabird colonies, before crossing toward Greenland’s rugged eastern coast. The journey continues through vast fjord systems and remote Arctic landscapes before concluding in Reykjavik.  

· LONGYEARBYEN TO REYKJAVIK – August 11 – August 28, 2027: This extended 17-day expedition voyage onboard Silver Endeavour explores even deeper into the Arctic’s remote wilderness, combining Svalbard’s wildlife rich environments with an in‑depth discovery of Greenland’s fjords and remote communities. Guests will experience zodiac landings, guided hikes, and rich wildlife encounters, from polar bears and Arctic foxes to whales and migratory birds, before sailing on to Iceland, with a final exploration of its dramatic coastal landscapes en route to Reykjavik. 

For more information on Silversea’s Alaska voyages, please visit: https://www.silversea.com/destinations/alaska-cruise.html 

View Silversea’s range of voyages to the Arctic & Greenland here: https://www.silversea.com/destinations/cruises-arctic-greenland.html 

American Cruise Lines has officially welcomed its newest riverboat, American Encore, following a christening ceremony in Lewiston on May 12.

The brand-new riverboat began its inaugural 9-Day Columbia & Snake Rivers voyage on May 6, sailing from Stevenson through the scenic Pacific Northwest. Guests on the first sailing also enjoyed a complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay in Portland before embarking on the journey.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who represented Eastern Washington and the Snake River in Congress for twenty years, was named American Encore’s Godmother. Ms. Rodgers was joined on the ship’s top deck for the ceremonial blessing and bottle smash by cruise guests, travel advisors, company executives, crew members, as well as local officials from Lewiston, Idaho, and Clarkston, Washington.

Historic First-Ever Idaho Riverboat Christening

Speeches and remarks were given by American Encore’s Captain, Andrea Mickelson; Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines; Kristin Meira, American’s Director of Government Affairs; Joe Anderson, Commissioner of the Port of Lewiston; the Honorable Dan Johnson, Mayor of Lewiston; and Steven McGee, President of Chesapeake Shipbuilding, where all American Cruise Lines’ small ships are built. The day’s festivities also included a special flyover and patriotic music by The Victory Belles, as well as a ship tour and reception in American Encore’s stunning Sky Lounge.

During the event, Robertson, American’s President & CEO, remarked to the gathered crowd that “this is our 6^th ship on the river and the flagship of our aggressive posture to up the game globally.”

American Encore underscores the domestic industry’s innovation and furthers the understanding that U.S. River cruising is here to compete with Europe. The brand-new riverboat is easily one of the finest riverboats ever built and raises the bar for all riverboats worldwide. Among its many advantages, it offers more space per passenger than any other riverboat in the world. American Encore will be quickly followed by sister ships American Anthem in 2027 and American Grace in 2028.

American Encore’s Christening Celebration

The christening celebrations also included ongoing recognition of the new dock, which was recently built through a partnership between the cruise line and the Port of Lewiston. The Lewiston dock provides additional space for American’s growing fleet and host of itineraries in the region—also allowing the company’s riverboats to visit Lewiston and Clarkston simultaneously. The dock provides better access to many shore excursions for cruise guests and enhances the local community’s waterfront access year-round. American’s expanding operations on the Columbia and Snake Rivers are a considerable driver of increased tourism in the region, and the cruises deliver a significant economic impact to local communities throughout the area.

American Cruise Lines Growing Fleet

American Cruise Lines has also rapidly expanded operations around the country in the past decade, most notably in the Pacific Northwest, where it operates a fleet of small ships sailing coastal itineraries in Puget Sound and Alaska. The company remains the leader in U.S. River and small-ship cruising and has introduced over 80% of all new cruise ships built in the United States over the past several decades.

American Encore features five decks and accommodates 180 guests in 100% private balcony accommodations. The riverboat showcases a stunning four-story glass atrium at the center of the ship and introduces American’s newest stateroom category, the extraordinary Signature Suite. At 1,500 square feet, American Encore’s Signature Suite is the largest riverboat suite in the world, offering a wrap-around balcony, panoramic views, separate living and sleeping spaces, and a hotel-sized bathroom with soaking tub and heated floors. Other onboard amenities include a grand dining room and a casual café, multiple indoor and outdoor lounges, a top-deck lounge and an outdoor walking track, a large gym, a complimentary laundry room, and elevators to all passenger decks.

American Encore is the newest and most elevated ship in the company’s acclaimed series of modern American Riverboats, first introduced to the U.S. market in 2018 with American Song. American Encore will continue to sail the company’s popular 9-Day Columbia & Snake Rivers cruises through early November 2026. Cruises for 2027 and 2028 are already open to book.

Get To Know American Cruise Lines and Its Expanding U.S. Cruise Fleet

American Cruise Lines is the largest river cruise line in the U.S.A. with 28 small ships sailing the Mississippi River, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and protected waterways all over the country. American’s award-winning fleet exemplifies the company’s 50-year history of offering domestic small-ship cruises that explore exclusively in the United States.

Today, it is the only 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and small ships in the world. American now offers 50+ domestic cruise itineraries in 35+ states operating year-round, including new Extended Cruises honoring the country’s 250^th in 2026.

VidantaWorld Voyages has unveiled its 2027 Mediterranean itineraries for the ultra-luxury yacht ELEGANT, featuring a rare total solar eclipse voyage strategically positioned within the Mediterranean’s path of totality. The special sailing offers guests an extraordinary opportunity to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events from sea, creating one of the most unique and carefully curated travel experiences available in Europe.

On August 2, 2027, ELEGANT will sail between Kalamata, Greece, and Chania, Crete, placing the ship directly within the eclipse’s path of totality. From this vantage point at sea, guests will experience the full progression of the eclipse – from first contact to totality – under open skies and unobstructed horizons.

The 2027 season is also shaped by other defining Mediterranean moments, including a May 12 call in Cannes, France, timed to coincide with the opening of the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival, offering guests a front-row seat at one of Europe’s most high-profile cultural events.

Across the season, itineraries are designed to maximize time in each destination – through extended stays, late departures, and overnight calls.

“We designed the 2027 itineraries around time – having more of it in the places that matter most,” said Ivan Chavez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta. “From Cannes at the start of the film festival to the eclipse at sea, these voyages are built around moments that define a destination.”

A Front-Row Seat to Totality – Without the Crowds

Unlike land-based viewing, where congestion, fixed positioning, and limited sightlines can impact the experience, ELEGANT’s setting at sea offers a distinct advantage.

Guests will experience:

·       Totality at sea, with the sun fully obscured and daylight giving way to mid-day darkness

·       Unobstructed 360-degree viewing from expansive open decks

·       Real-time navigational positioning to optimize viewing conditions

·       A controlled, uncrowded environment limited to just 216 guests

This combination of precision positioning and limited capacity creates a viewing experience that is both rare and exceptionally refined.

Elevated Luxury at Sea

Originally constructed for more than 600 passengers, VidantaWorld’s ELEGANT has been completely reimagined to host just 216 guests across 108 spacious suites and staterooms — creating a far more intimate, yacht-like experience at sea with one of the most generous space-to-guest ratios in the Mediterranean.

“From the beginning, our goal was to rethink what luxury at sea should feel like,” Chávez added. “We took a ship originally designed for more than 600 guests and intentionally reimagined it for just over 200 — because true luxury isn’t about adding more. It’s about creating space, ease, and a level of service that feels genuinely personal.”

The result is a more open and relaxed onboard experience defined by:

•       Nearly three times the space per guest compared to many traditional luxury vessels

•       A near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, enabling highly personalized and intuitive service

•       Oversized suites and residential-style accommodations, including butler service in select categories

•       Expansive public spaces designed for flow, comfort, and ease of movement

The overall design prioritizes spaciousness and flexibility over density and volume, creating an atmosphere that feels closer to a private yacht or luxury resort than a conventional cruise experience.

More Time, Less Rush

Across the 2027 season, itineraries are built around extended stays, late departures and overnight calls – allowing guests to experience destinations beyond peak daytime hours.

Highlights include:

·       Overnights in marquee destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini and Monte Carlo

·       Late-night departures that extend well into the evening

·       Tender-on-demand service, allowing guests to explore freely

Rather than rushing between ports, ELEGANT is designed around time in destination—when it matters most.

“We want to show the Mediterranean at night, not just during the day,” said Chavez. “The most beautiful moments in Europe happen around sundown, and we thought it would be such a shame for our guests to only experience sunsets on the way out of Europe on their way to the next destination.”

2027 Itinerary Highlights

The newly released program features a curated collection of seven-night Mediterranean sailings:

Spring Mediterranean Journeys (April–June) – Portugal, Spain, France and Italy during quieter early-season months

Cannes Film Festival Sailing (May 8-15, 2027) – Timed arrival in Cannes at the opening of the annual festival

Mediterranean Classics (Summer) – Italy’s most iconic coastal routes, including Capri and the Amalfi Coast

Greek Isles & Adriatic (Peak Summer) – Croatia, Montenegro and Greece with extended stays in Mykonos and Santorini

Total Solar Eclipse Voyage (July 31-August 7, 2027) – Roundtrip from Athens, this Aegean sailing will be positioned within the path of etotality between Kalamata and Crete

Late-Season Mediterranean (September) – Spain, France and Italy with warm weather and fewer crowds

Now Open for Booking

The 2027 Mediterranean program is now open for reservations, with strong early demand expected for both the eclipse sailing and Cannes departure.

For more information or to book clients on a VidantaWorld Voyages vacation, travel advisors can visit a dedicated portal at advisors.vidantaworld.com.

Atlas Ocean Voyages announced the inaugural season of Atlas Adventurer, the newest addition to its fleet of luxury expedition yachts. Marking a major milestone for the brand, the season introduces an all-new collection of voyages across Asia and Africa — destinations never before featured in the company’s expanding portfolio of immersive expedition experiences.

The inaugural season expeditions begin November 6, 2028, in Kobe, Japan, and culminate in late spring 2029 in Athens, Greece. This highly anticipated deployment represents a bold expansion of Atlas’ immersive expedition experience, introducing an extraordinary range of new ports across Southeast Asia and Eastern Africa. Guests will explore the vibrant cultures and diverse landscapes of destinations including Indonesia and Thailand, as well as the remote, wildlife-rich shores of Madagascar and Kenya.

Enriched by Atlas’ Epicurean Expeditions and Cultural Experiences, each journey is thoughtfully designed to deepen connections through regional cuisine, local traditions, and meaningful encounters, all while blending authentic discovery with the brand’s signature yachting elegance.

To celebrate the launch of Atlas Adventurer, Atlas Ocean Voyages introduces its exclusive Explorer’s Choice Inaugural Offer, giving guests the flexibility to tailor their journey with added value. Travelers reserving a suite exclusively aboard Atlas Adventurer’s inaugural season may select one amenity from the following: an Air Credit of up to $3,000 per suite, complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi, or a pre-expedition hotel stay, while those booking within the Concierge Collection can choose two amenities.

Guests securing a Reserve Collection Suite will enjoy all three amenities, ensuring an ultra-inclusive experience. This limited-time offer underscores Atlas Ocean Voyages’ commitment to delivering elevated, personalized exploration at every stage of the voyage.

“This inaugural season is a defining moment for Atlas Ocean Voyages,” said James A. Rodriguez, President and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “With Atlas Adventurer, we are introducing entirely new destinations while staying true to our ethos of delivering deeply immersive, culturally rich journeys. These voyages are designed for discerning travelers seeking both discovery and refinement in some of the world’s most compelling destinations.”

A Landmark Inaugural Season