From exciting new vessels to immersive itineraries, luxury river and ocean cruises are expanding their fleets and curating experiential travel for guests seeking elevated, one-of-a-kind adventures at sea. Here’s the latest cruise news to help you craft unforgettable experiences for your clients.
Viking Expands Mekong Fleet with New River Ship
Viking has added to its Southeast Asia fleet with the delivery of the Viking Tonle, a new river ship designed to sail exclusively on the Mekong River. The vessel will operate the company’s 15-day Magnificent Mekong itinerary, joining sister ship Viking Saigon in offering sailings through Vietnam and Cambodia.
The Viking Tonle accommodates 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms, each featuring floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with either a veranda or French balcony. Reflecting the brand’s signature Scandinavian design, the ship offers light-filled public spaces and modern amenities, including a pool, spa, fitness center and an open-air Sky Bar on the Upper Deck.
The launch of Viking Tonle is part of the company’s long-term growth strategy to expand its river, ocean and expedition offerings. Viking currently expects delivery of 25 additional river ships by 2028 and 10 more ocean ships by 2031—a pipeline that will bring its fleet to 112 river ships and 23 ocean and expedition ships within the next six years.
For more information, visit vikingcruises.com.
Aqua Expeditions to Launch New Luxury Yacht in 2026
Aqua Expeditions, part of the Ponant Explorations Group, has announced the upcoming launch of Aqua Lares, its sixth vessel and first luxury expedition yacht in the Seychelles.
Set to debut in February 2026, Aqua Lares will sail 5- to 11-night itineraries across the Seychelles, with select voyages extending to the Aldabra Atoll and Zanzibar, Tanzania. The yacht will also mark a first for the region as the only luxury expedition vessel bookable by the cabin.
The yacht will accommodate just 30 guests in 15 suites and cabins, including three Owner’s Suites. Public areas span six decks and feature amenities such as a panoramic sun deck, cinema, boutique, gym, indoor and outdoor dining venues, and a wellness area with Jacuzzis, sauna, massage room and spa.
Guests will enjoy a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, cuisine by world-class chefs and small-group excursions led by naturalist guides. To support flexible exploration, Aqua Lares will carry five private tenders, plus kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling and diving equipment and mountain bikes. Aqua Lares will operate annually in East Africa from November to April.
After her journey into East Africa, the luxury yacht will sail to Svalbard and the Arctic Circle for 5 to 14 nights, focusing on remote routes through Svalbard, the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø and beyond.
For more information, visit aquaexpeditions.com.
Oceania Cruises Unveils 2027–2028 Collection of Voyages
Oceania Cruises has released its 2027–2028 Collection of Voyages, offering more than 230 itineraries across all seven continents. Spanning seven ships, the sailings range from 7 to 96 days and include a 59-day South Pacific Grand Voyage from Miami to Sydney and a 3-month journey from Auckland to Rome aboard the Oceania Vista.
Reservations open Sept. 17, 2025, with voyages scheduled through April 2028. The new collection emphasizes immersive experiences with overnight stays that unlock cultural and culinary highlights worldwide.
Sailings include a winter season in the Mediterranean on Oceania Allura between November and March; sailings to Alaska on the Oceania Riviera from Seattle; and sailings to Europe, the Caribbean, the South Pacific and Australia.
As part of the launch, Oceania is enhancing its value proposition with new amenity choices: guests may select complimentary wine and beer by the glass during lunch and dinner or a shore excursion credit applicable toward small-group or private tours.
For more information, visit oceaniacruises.com.
Riviera Travel Launches First-Ever Solo-Only Cruise Ship
Riviera Travel is introducing the first cruise ship dedicated entirely to solo travelers. Beginning June 2027, MS George Eliot will sail exclusive solo departures on the Danube, Rhine and Moselle rivers.
Riviera has steadily expanded its solo offerings since launching land tours in 2017 and limited solo river cruises in 2018. Demand has grown significantly, and the addition of a solo-dedicated ship allows travelers to sail during peak season or at other times of the year without paying a single supplement.
MS George Eliot will feature four 7-night itineraries that feature sailings along the Danube River, a Rhine River cruise to Switzerland, and a Rhine, Strasburg and Heidelberg river cruise. Accommodating 68 solo guests, the ship offers double cabins for each traveler.
Solo travelers can enjoy welcome dinners, cocktail receptions, daily entertainment and Riviera’s all-inclusive amenities covering excursions, meals and an all-day drink package.
For more information, visit RivieraTravel.com.
