From revitalized ships and milestone anniversary sailings to science-led Antarctica voyages and expanded Alaska and Asia deployments, these newly announced cruise experiences reflect strong demand for longer journeys, deeper cultural access and high-value, all-inclusive offerings.
AmaWaterways’ River Cruise Enhancements
AmaWaterways is rolling out fleetwide enhancements designed to elevate its luxury river cruise experience, with upgrades spanning onboard amenities, culinary programming and beverage offerings.
Guest accommodations now feature refreshed design details, upgraded linens, bathrobes and slippers and sustainable bath products by Marie-Stella-Maris. Culinary updates include Italian lunches in the Chef’s Table restaurants, signature dinners by Culinary Director Chef Robert Kellerhals and a revamped lounge concept, The Lark, introducing an all-day “Savor at The Lark” menu.
Wine offerings have expanded to more than 30 included labels per sailing, alongside premium options for purchase. Select itineraries will also feature locally sourced chocolates delivered to staterooms. The enhancements build on AmaWaterways’ core inclusions — multiple daily shore excursions, wine and beer with meals, Sip and Sail cocktail hour, complimentary WiFi and Cruise Manager service.
For more information, visit amawaterways.com.
American Cruise Lines Launches 16-Day Cruises for 2027
American Cruise Lines has unveiled a new 16-Day Grand Columbia & Snake Rivers cruise, sailing round-trip from Portland, Oregon, beginning in May 2027 aboard its newest riverboat, American Anthem.
The extended itinerary explores both the Columbia and Snake Rivers, featuring an included pre-cruise hotel stay in Portland before sailing from Stevenson, Washington. Highlights include Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River, the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers near Richland, Washington, Clarkston and Hells Canyon. The program integrates onboard enrichment and shoreside excursions focused on Native American heritage and the Lewis & Clark expedition, including a visit to Fort Clatsop.
Designed for active travelers, the cruise offers hiking, kayaking, rail-bike and e-bike tours, jet-boat adventures in Hells Canyon and flightseeing experiences. Wine-focused excursions feature tastings at Maryhill Winery, Rivaura Winery and vineyards throughout the Walla Walla Valley.
For more information, visit americancruiselines.com.
Celebrity Cruises Relaunches Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Cruises has relaunched Celebrity Solstice following a comprehensive bow-to-stern revitalization.
The revamped ship introduces eight new experiences across dining, entertainment, wellness and outdoor spaces. Highlights include the debut of Sunset Park, a top-deck venue featuring yoga, lawn games, live music, private cabanas and the new Sunset Park Cafe. Culinary additions include Trattoria Rossa, specializing in Roman and Southern Italian cuisine, and Fine Cut Steakhouse, the Forbes Travel Guide-rated restaurant previously exclusive to Celebrity’s Edge Series ships.
Entertainment upgrades include the new Boulevard Lounge and The Parlor, along with two new theatre productions: Smoke and Ivories, celebrating 1950s music, and Rockumentary, a tribute to iconic rock performances.
All staterooms have been upgraded, 54 new cabins have been added and four new categories have been introduced. AquaClass now features enhanced spa-inspired amenities, while The Retreat includes a redesigned lounge and expanded sundeck.
For more information, visit celebritycruises.com.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS Teams with Oceanographic Institution
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution experts will join PONANT EXPLORATIONS for a rare Antarctica voyage in December 2027. The 10-night expedition, Antarctica: Ocean (Re)Imagined, departs Ushuaia, Argentina, on Dec. 7, with an optional pre-night stay in Buenos Aires.
Aboard the Le Lyrial, travelers will take part in expert-led discussions on marine biology, glaciology and climate research, while guided Zodiac excursions and landings provide close encounters with penguin colonies, icebergs and polar landscapes.
Guests will also witness cutting-edge research techniques and data collection in the field. All-inclusive fares cover shore excursions, gratuities, gourmet dining, fine wines and spirits, WiFi and wellness facilities.
For more information, visit us.ponant.com.
Royal Caribbean Expands Mediterranean Sailings
Royal Caribbean is expanding its 2026–2027 Mediterranean cruise lineup with a mix of curated shore experiences and port of calls designed to drive strong Europe demand.
Headlining the season is Legend of the Seas, the newest Icon Class ship debuting in July 2026 with 7-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona and Rome. Meanwhile, Odyssey of the Seas will sail 7- to 9-night voyages to ports including Ephesus, Naples, Mykonos and Santorini. Additional deployments include Harmony of the Seas from Barcelona; Brilliance of the Seas from Ravenna, Rome and Athens; and Explorer of the Seas exploring Greece, Croatia and the Adriatic.
Onshore, Royal Caribbean is elevating its product with curated Royal Signature Excursions, including the new Ultimate Santorini Day, a full-day experience featuring guided exploration of Oia and Fira plus access to the brand’s first Royal Beach Club in Europe, Royal Beach Club Santorini.
For more information, visit royalcaribbean.com.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s New Alaska & Asia Itineraries
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has announced its Summer 2027 Alaska and Asia season aboard Luminara, featuring 21 voyages from April through October, including 15 Alaska sailings, four Asia itineraries and two transcontinental crossings.
In Alaska, Luminara will sail between Vancouver and Whittier with expanded departures and additional calls to Juneau. Select voyages transit the Inside Passage, with nearly all itineraries featuring a dedicated glacier day and scenic cruising through Tracy Arm Fjord. Programming includes onboard talks by naturalists and regional experts, wildlife viewing, and immersive shore experiences such as privately chartered glacier flights, Zodiac explorations and wilderness landings.
The 2027 season also expands the brand’s Asia footprint with new port calls. Seoul debuts as a new embarkation port, while Tianjin serves as a gateway to Beijing. Northern Japan joins the portfolio with inaugural calls in Otaru and Akita, including select overnights. Curated shore experiences range from guided food tours in Fukuoka and matcha workshops in Uji to glacier flightseeing and exclusive lodge dining in Alaska.
For more information, visit ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.
