From new onboard technology and celebrity chef programs to milestone-themed itineraries, cruise lines are expanding guest experiences and destination offerings across their fleets.
Oceania Launches America’s 250th Anniversary Sailings
Oceania Cruises has launched a collection of 2026 Alaska and New England voyages sailing between May and October 2026.
Sailings on board the Oceania Riviera include the 10-day Alaska Discoverer, departing from Seattle and sailing north to Ketchikan and Wrangell before visiting Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) and Juneau. After cruising the Holkham Bay Glacier Fjords, the voyage concludes in Vancouver. Another option is the 12-day Alaska Horizons roundtrip Seattle. Departing on July 2, guests will be calling at Ketchikan during the July 4th celebrations. That’s followed by visits to Juneau, Skagway and Hubbard Glacier. A landmark stop in Klawock introduces guests to a culturally rich Tlingit community before the journey continues to Victoria and returns to Seattle.
In New England, you can recommend the 11-day Autumnal Allure on board Oceania Vista, which departs from New York and calls at Newport, Rhode Island, Boston, the Bay of Fundy, Halifax and Sydney, Canada. The journey continues to Quebec City before concluding in Montreal.
“Oceania Cruises has always been about immersing travelers into the heart of the destination,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, in a media statement. “As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, we are honored to offer journeys that showcase the country’s enduring spirit, mesmerizing landscapes, fascinating history and rich tapestry of culture.”
Throughout the season, guests aboard World Traveller, World Navigator and World Voyager will be able to participate in intimate, hands-on culinary programming, with experiences ranging from live cooking demonstrations and tastings to shoreside, food-focused discoveries, including the guest-favorite Yachtsman Cook-Off, where guests roll up their sleeves to participate hands-on while guest chefs serve as judges.
“Our Epicurean Expeditions are designed to go far beyond exceptional dining,” said James A. Rodriguez, President and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, in a media statement. “By welcoming such an extraordinary collection of culinary talent, we create a deeply personal environment where guests can learn, engage and form genuine connections, whether sharing a meal, joining a shore excursion or simply enjoying conversation at sea. This level of access, enrichment and friendship is a defining part of the Atlas experience and a tremendous value for our guests.”
The culinary maestros your clients will get to rub elbows with range from the “Queen of Biscuits,” Regina Charboneau, whose culinary style is deeply rooted in her Natchez heritage, to Mara Papatheodorou, a former longtime editor at Bon Appétit as well as a culinary historian and entertaining specialist. Wine aficionadoes will want to know that Vintner Master Sommelier Peter Neptune, one of only 279 Master Sommeliers worldwide, will be on board the World Traveller for the Aug. 27 Athens-to-Rome sailing,
Celestyal Introduces In-cabin Tablets
Celestyal has completed the rollout of in-cabin guest experience tablets across all 630 cabins on Celestyal Journey, becoming the first cruise line to introduce SuitePad tablets across its stateroom accommodations.
Designed to streamline onboard services and simplify how information is communicated, the technology allows guests to manage key aspects of their cruise directly from their cabin, including making service requests and purchases via the onboard shops, ordering room service, requesting a cabin upgrade and reserving tables at speciality restaurants. They can also access essential information including deck plans and onboard entertainment schedules, replacing printed schedules and flyers.
Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer at Celestyal, said: “Technology should always make the cruising experience feel easier and more intuitive for our travelers, and that’s exactly what these tablets are designed to do. Our guests now have more control at their fingertips, while we also create smarter, more seamless ways to connect them with our onboard offering. It’s a great example of how we continue to invest in guest satisfaction across our fleet.”
