These itineraries highlight fresh opportunities to match clients with the style of cruising that best fits their travel ambitions—whether it’s tracing Japan’s coastlines aboard Holland America Line, exploring the polar wilderness on a luxury yacht with Aqua Expeditions or savoring Europe’s scenic waterways with VIVA Cruises. Across all three, one theme stands out: authentic, far-flung exploration paired with elevated service and unforgettable experiences.
Holland America Line Charts New Course Through Asia
Holland America Line is expanding its footprint in Asia with an immersive 2027–2028 season aboard the Noordam, featuring new destinations, extended stays and culturally rich itineraries. Sailing from September 2027 through April 2028, the Noordam will operate 13- to 15-day cruises through Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.
This season introduces three new Japanese ports—Hitachinaka, Nagoya and Maizuru—along with a scenic sailing through Maizuru Bay, and six overnight stays in Halong Bay, Seoul, Bangkok, Manila, Osaka and Shanghai.
Among the numerous itineraries offered, highlights include:
- Circle Japan (14 days) – Four departures round-trip from Tokyo, exploring up to 10 Japanese ports with calls in South Korea.
- China & Japan Discovery (14 days) – Hong Kong to Tokyo with overnights in Shanghai and Osaka.
- Far East Discovery (14 days) – Hong Kong to Singapore, featuring overnight stays in Halong Bay and Bangkok, and festive holiday departures over Christmas and New Year’s.
Aboard Noordam, guests can enjoy the Destination Dining program, highlighting locally inspired dishes such as Japanese rockfish, Korean bibimbap, Filipino chicken adobo and Thai mango sticky rice.
Encourage early bookings with Holland America’s Have It All premium package, which includes shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Wi-Fi—plus bonus perks such as prepaid crew appreciation and package upgrades. Mariner Society members who book by Jan. 12, 2026, can also earn up to $400 in onboard credit.
For more information, visit hollandamerica.com
Aqua Expeditions Debuts Ultra-Luxury Arctic Voyages
Aqua Expeditions is charting new territory with its first-ever Arctic season, opening bookings for 2026 expeditions aboard the new Aqua Lares. Designed for just 30 guests.
Launching May 30, 2026, Aqua Lares will operate 5- to 14-night voyages through Svalbard and the Norwegian Arctic, including two dual-destination sailings that combine the Arctic Circle with the Scottish Isles.
Before heading north, Aqua Lares will debut in the Seychelles in February 2026, with 5- to 11-night Indian Ocean expeditions exploring the remote Aldabra and Alphonse atolls, and the granite islands of Mahé and Praslin.
Aqua Expeditions’ Aqua Lares features 15 luxury cabins (including three expansive Owner’s Suites), and a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio. Onboard highlights include refined cuisine crafted by world-class chefs, five private tenders, kayaks, paddleboards, diving equipment and guided small-group excursions led by expert naturalists.
Aqua Lares can navigate through moderate ice conditions without escort, allowing access to remote areas like Van Keulenfjorden, Reinøya, and Gjesværstappan—home to some of Europe’s largest seabird colonies.
Coinciding with the launch, Aqua Expeditions has introduced Circolo Aqua, a new guest loyalty program rewarding repeat travelers with tiered benefits—from onboard credits and exclusive experiences to savings on future sailings.
For more information, visit aquaexpeditions.com.
VIVA Cruises Expands European River Offerings
VIVA Cruises has unveiled its 2027 river cruise collection across its nine-ship fleet. The announcement includes new destinations, year-round operations and the debut of the line’s latest boutique vessel, VIVA UNIQUE, set to be christened in Venice before joining VIVA BEYOND in the brand’s premium VIVA Boutique segment.
The 2027 season introduces several new itineraries, including Basel–Brussels, Dresden–Prague and Amsterdam–Nuremberg, as well as expanded departures on the popular Amsterdam–Budapest route. Travelers can also look forward to 3-night “City Stay” cruises in Paris and Venice, ideal for short-break travelers or those combining a river cruise with a land-based holiday.
Each ship in the VIVA Cruises fleet can traverse Europe’s most celebrated waterways—from the Rhine, Main and Danube to the Elbe, Moselle and Douro. The newest VIVA Boutique vessels—VIVA BEYOND on the Seine and VIVA UNIQUE on the Po River and Venetian Lagoon—offer a more intimate and refined onboard experience, featuring all-suite accommodations and elevated culinary offerings.
To mark the launch, VIVA Cruises will offer a special onboard credit promotion based on voyage length for bookings made between now and Nov. 15, 2025. All itineraries include the line’s VIVA All-Inclusive product—covering full board, high tea, premium beverages, Wi-Fi, minibar, beauty amenities and all gratuities.
For more information, visit viva-cruises.com.
