Cruise lines are enhancing onboard experiences with new dining concepts, immersive entertainment and ship renovations. Discover the latest cruise upgrades designed to elevate your client’s next voyage.
Here’s what’s new across top cruise brands:
Crystal: Showing You The Money
Crystal is accelerating its commission payments to travel advisors, ensuring they receive their earnings sooner. Under this new policy, commissions will now be paid using their new structure once the booking is paid in full and within the 100% penalty period:
- Standard bookings (cruises under 40 nights): Commission paid from 50 days before departure.
- Standard bookings (cruises over 40 nights): Commission paid from 90 days before departure.
- 20% Explorer Fare bookings: Commission paid within 30 days of receiving final payment.
“Travel advisors are at the heart of our success, and we recognize the importance of providing them with the financial support they deserve—faster,” said Matias Lira, SVP Trade Sales Americas, UK & EMEA Crystal, in a press statement. “By accelerating commission payments, we’re reinforcing our commitment to our partners and ensuring they can focus on what they do best: crafting unforgettable journeys for their clients.”
The enhanced policy will be applied retroactively to all existing, qualifying standard bookings paid in full within the 100% penalty period. Advisors can expect payments to be processed within the next 30 days for standard bookings and in the coming months for applicable Explorer Fare bookings.
Crystal is also offering Wellness Retreat Cruises in 2025. These voyages offer expert-led fitness programs, yoga, mindfulness sessions and holistic nutrition while exploring the world at sea. Your clients can revitalize their body and mind on a 15-night Lisbon-to-Tema journey (Nov. 26 – Dec. 11, 2025) or a 12-night Tema-to-Cape Town sailing (Dec. 11 – 23, 2025).
For more information, travel advisors can contact their Crystal Representative or visit the travel advisor portal, crystalcruises.com.
Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises’ flagship vessel, Wind Surf, has unveiled its latest transformation project to the yacht’s common spaces and suites.
Highlights of the renovation include full refurbishments to the main lobby and reception area, Yacht Club Cafe, Compass Rose Bar and Lounge, Amphora Restaurant and Wine Room, Pool Bar & Deck, Owner’s Suite, Star Boutique and public restrooms, along with new TVs in all guest staterooms.
“Wind Surf has always been a guest favorite, and this refurbishment honors its legacy while elevating the onboard experience to new heights,” said Stijn Creupelandt, Chief Operating Officer of Windstar Cruises, in a press statement. “From refreshed design elements to modern technology upgrades, this transformation sets the stage for an unforgettable journey on our flagship sailing yacht.”
Joining Windstar’s all-suite, Star Class yachts, Wind Surf’s refurbishment also features the brand-new addition of Broadmoor and Sea Island Suites, which are inspired by luxury, Five Star sister resorts The Broadmoor in Colorado and Sea Island in Georgia.
The Sea Island Suite evokes the property’s Addison Mizner design including a sea-glass green color palette, curved arches, light walls and wood furnishings. The Broadmoor Suite boasts a more traditional space with classic furniture, floral motifs, wide crown molding and white trim with gold finishes, along with custom wallpaper, which is a replica of the wallpaper used at The Broadmoor Main Building designed by Julie Penrose, wife of resort founder, Spencer Penrose.
During the final phase of the refurbishment, Wind Surf’s staterooms will receive new furniture, soft goods and decor. The second phase will also see updates to Stella Bistro, Veranda and the fitness studio.
The full project will be completed in Dec. 2026. All of Windstar’s three Wind Class sailing ships (Wind Surf, Wind Star and Wind Spirit) are undergoing redesigns and updates as part of a multi-year initiative.
For more information, visit windstarcruises.com.
Carnival Launches Year-Round Cruises from Norfolk
Norfolk, Virginia, is officially a year-round cruise hub as Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Sunshine embarks on its inaugural sailing from the city today. This transforms Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise Center from a seasonal operation to a permanent homeport capable of welcoming 150,000 guests annually—the highest passenger volume in the city’s history.
“Carnival’s 23-year partnership with the City of Norfolk and Nauticus has been a great success, and we’re honored to build on our relationship by making Norfolk the newest year-round cruise port on the East Coast,” said David Candib, Carnival Cruise Line Vice President of Port Operations, in a press statement. “Year-round cruises mean more options for fun adventures and unforgettable vacations for our loyal guests, as well as more tourism and economic impact for the Norfolk community both before and after each cruise.”
The city has invested $12 million in infrastructure upgrades to enhance the cruise experience, from a new debarkation ramp to a larger seating area.
Carnival Sunshine’s departure from Norfolk also marks its return to service following a month-long dry dock refurbishment. The 3,700-guest ship now boasts refreshed public areas and staterooms, along with a 3-level Serenity adult-only retreat and dining and bar venues like Guy’s Burger Joint, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, RedFrog Pub, Havana Bar and the Alchemy Bar.
Carnival Sunshine set sail on a 6-day cruise to The Bahamas, with stops in Freeport and Bimini. Its year-round deployment includes sailings to popular destinations such as The Bahamas, Bermuda and The Eastern Caribbean.
For more information, visit carnival.com.
AmaWaterways Partners with Smithsonian
AmaWaterways is partnering with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution. This collaboration will bring exclusive Smithsonian-crafted experiences to select European river cruises starting in April 2026. Drawing from the Smithsonian’s 175+ years of expertise, these journeys will offer small-group travel experiences featuring expert-led excursions and opportunities for local immersion.
The partnership will debut with 33 sailings across Europe’s rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Rhone. Guests will engage with Smithsonian Journeys experts, such as art historians, archaeologists, scientists and anthropologists.
Each sailing includes a selection of pre- and post-cruise land packages, led by an AmaWaterways cruise manager, allowing guests to further explore their destinations beyond the river itinerary.
These new Smithsonian-inspired European river cruises, ranging from 8 to 15 days, are now available for booking.
For more information, visit amawaterways.com.
Oceania Elevates Dining Aboard Allura
Oceania Cruises is redefining fine dining at sea with an enhanced Grand Dining Room menu debuting on its newest ship, Allura, launching in July 2025. This culinary evolution introduces more than 270 new dishes across all three meal services, showcasing refined flavors, modern techniques and elegant presentations.
Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, emphasizes the importance of dining in the Oceania experience, stating, “Dining is the cornerstone of the Oceania Cruises journey. Every dish reflects craftsmanship, passion, and unparalleled quality, perfectly aligning with the warmth and elegance of our service.”
The open-seating Grand Dining Room serves as the heart of Oceania Cruises’ culinary journey, offering guests an elegant and immersive dining experience. Allura, the second 1,200-guest Allura Class ship, is designed for immersive luxury and exceptional service. Notable features include:
- One chef per 10 guests, ensuring an unparalleled dining experience
- Complimentary specialty dining, including the renowned Jacques and Aquamar Kitchen
- Spacious accommodations, with the largest standard staterooms at sea (291 sq. ft.)
- Personalized service, with an 800-member crew
- Enriching experiences, such as art classes at the Artist Loft and expert-led culinary programs
For more information, visit oceaniacruises.com.
MSC World America to Debuts New Entertainment
Your clients will have the time of their lives with the new lineup of world-class entertainment aboard MSC World America, including the first-ever “Dirty Dancing in Concert” at sea. The ship will also showcase an array of stage productions and live music to immersive activities, game shows and more.
Each of MSC World America’s 7-night Caribbean cruises will offer multiple opportunities to enjoy ‘Dirty Dancing in Concert’, including a matinee performance on sea days. The 90-minute live-to-film concert will feature a talented live band and vocalists performing classic songs in sync with the movie, complemented by dancers. The event culminates in an interactive finale where guests are invited to dance in the aisles and sing along at a ‘Dirty Dancing ’ afterparty.
The new World Theatre, a 1,150-seat venue, will showcase top-tier industry creators and producers to deliver four productions: ‘Dirty Dancing in Concert’; ‘Odyssey’; ‘Momentous’ and ‘Hall of Fame.’ There is also The Loft, a late-night venue for adults and Luna Park, serving as the ship’s entertainment epicenter. Daytime activities include dance classes, enrichment talks, movies, e-gaming and virtual reality experiences. Nighttime activities include family and kids’ parties, family gameshows and late-night themed experiences for adults including a Miami Nights party and Après, a Euro Alpine party.
For more information, visit msccruisesusa.com.
PONANT Introduces New 8-Day Côte d’Azur Tour
In May 2026, PONANT EXPLORATIONS will debut an 8-day itinerary along the Côte d’Azur aboard its three-masted sailing yacht, Le Ponant. Starting and ending in Nice, the journey explores coastal cities like Portofino, Menton, Antibes, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Cassis.
Le Ponant accommodates 32 guests in 16 staterooms, each with panoramic sea views. Curated excursions highlight the region’s cultural landmarks, including Portofino’s lighthouse and Antibes’ 16th-century ramparts. Guests can also enjoy a variety of water activities, from kayaking to snorkeling.
For more information, visit us.ponant.com.
