A&K Sanctuary is debuting Nile Seray with an Egyptian-inspired dining program; Princess Cruises is opening more than 250 departures for its 2028–2029 Americas season; Cunard is extending its Chef Michel Roux culinary residencies aboard Queen Anne through 2028; Celestyal has unveiled new onboard offerings for its Celestyal Discovery Western Mediterranean season and Ponant Explorations is returning to Antarctica for its 2028–2029 season.
Here’s a closer look at the latest cruise news and experiences to share with your clients.
A&K Sanctuary Debuts Nile Riverboat With Egyptian-Inspired Cuisine
A&K Sanctuary is introducing a new culinary experience aboard Nile Seray, an all-suite luxury riverboat launching in November 2026, with menus inspired by Egypt’s culinary heritage and the flavors of the Nile Valley.
Accommodating 64 guests across 32 suites, Nile Seray will sail 4-night journeys between Luxor and Aswan, combining exclusive archaeological access with A&K Sanctuary’s signature service. The onboard dining program blends traditional Egyptian dishes and regional influences with contemporary cooking techniques and locally sourced ingredients.
Dining experiences will range from live cooking stations and outdoor grills to five-course tasting menus and street food evenings inspired by Cairo’s bustling markets. Guests can sample Egyptian specialties such as fava bean bissara, hawawshi and rozz me’ammar, alongside dishes influenced by the broader Middle East and Mediterranean.
Nile Seray will join A&K Sanctuary’s existing Nile fleet, which includes Nile Adventurer, Sun Boat III, Sun Boat IV and Zein Nile Chateau. A sister vessel is scheduled to launch in 2028, further expanding the company’s presence in Egypt.
For more information, visit abercrombiekent.com.
Princess Cruises Unveils 2028–2029 Americas Program
Princess Cruises has announced its 2028–2029 Americas program, featuring more than 250 departures across North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Antarctica. Voyages range from 4-day coastal getaways to extended explorations.
Highlights include the return of Amazon River cruising for the first time since 2014, a new 64-day Circle South America voyage combining Antarctica, the Amazon and the Panama Canal, and the debut of Îles de la Madeleine on select Canada and New England itineraries. The season also brings back roundtrip Hawaii sailings from Vancouver and offers expanded opportunities for guests to spend more time ashore through late-night and overnight port calls.
The program includes Caribbean sailings from five gateways, Panama Canal transits, Mexico and California Coast itineraries, and South America voyages featuring Patagonia and Antarctica.
The 2028–2029 season is now on sale. Through Feb. 16, 2027, Princess’ Early Booking Bonus offers up to $300 in instant savings, up to $300 in onboard credit, $100 deposits and other perks.
For more information, visit princess.com.
Cunard Extends Michel Roux Culinary Residencies Through 2028
Cunard is bringing back its popular Culinary Residencies with acclaimed chef Michel Roux aboard Queen Anne, with five exclusive sailings scheduled across 2027 and 2028.
The 7-night voyages will visit Norway, the Norwegian Fjords and Denmark, combining exclusive dining experiences inspired by Roux’s celebrated Le Gavroche restaurant with culinary demonstrations, Q&A sessions, book signings and talks through Cunard’s enrichment program.
The centerpiece is Le Gavroche at Sir Samuels, where just 50 guests per evening can enjoy a specially curated tasting menu inspired by the iconic restaurant. Guests will also have opportunities to meet Ursula and Silvia Perberschlager, known as “The Sisters,” who were beloved members of Le Gavroche’s team for more than 20 years.
“The response to Le Gavroche at Sea has been extraordinary since its launch, and we’re delighted to continue our partnership with Michel in 2027 and 2028,” said Paul Ludlow, President of Cunard, in a press statement.
For more information, visit cunard.com.
Mediterranean-Inspired Dining & Entertainment with Celestyal
Celestyal is introducing 13 new shows, regionally inspired menus and destination-focused activities aboard Celestyal Discovery for the ship’s first dedicated Western Mediterranean season, launching Dec. 5.
The 1,360-guest ship’s new onboard offerings will bring the region’s food, wine, music and culture to life, with menus featuring Portuguese caldo verde, Spanish gazpacho and churros, Italian arancini and Moroccan tagines.
A “Royal Moorish” themed buffet will coincide with the ship’s call in Casablanca, while specialty restaurant Grill Seekers will introduce a European bistro-style menu and Greek Deli will add Mediterranean street-food favorites.
The entertainment lineup includes “Pasión Española,” celebrating Spanish music and dance; “Buona Sera Italia,” featuring classic Italian songs; and “Viva la Mediterranea,” showcasing music from across the region. Guests can also take part in cooking demonstrations and destination-focused talks covering topics such as Spanish olive oil, the spice trade and Pompeii.
Celestyal Discovery will operate Western Mediterranean itineraries during the 2026–27 and 2027–28 winter seasons. Its 14-night Mediterranean Odyssey includes overnight stays in Barcelona and Lisbon, along with calls in Malaga, Gibraltar, Casablanca, Cadiz, Tangier, Valencia, Palma and Sete. Seven-night sailings between Barcelona and Lisbon are also available, as is a combined 22-night vacation pairing the itinerary with an 8-night Mediterranean Riviera voyage between Athens and Barcelona..
For more information, visit celestyalcompass.com.
Ponant Explorations Unveils 2028–2029 Antarctica Expedition Season
Ponant Explorations is returning to Antarctica for the 2028–2029 season with 12 expedition itineraries and nearly 30 departures, ranging from 10 to 59 nights. The program spans the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, the Weddell Sea and beyond, with select voyages featuring enrichment partnerships with Smithsonian Journeys and The Explorers Club.
Guests will sail aboard Le Boréal, Le Lyrial, Le Soléal and Le Commandant Charcot, the line’s luxury icebreaker, accompanied by expedition teams and naturalist guides offering onboard lectures, shore landings and wildlife-focused exploration.
A season highlight is the 59-night Antarctica Circumnavigation, departing roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, on Jan. 11, 2029, aboard Le Commandant Charcot. The voyage covers approximately 14,300 miles, exploring remote regions including the Ross, Amundsen, Bellingshausen and Weddell seas, as well as Macquarie Island and other rarely visited destinations.
Other featured departures include a 12-night Weddell Sea expedition in alliance with The Explorers Club, departing Nov. 6, 2028, and a 10-night Antarctica: The White Continent Voyage with Smithsonian Journeys aboard Le Lyrial, departing Jan. 28, 2029.
Additional itineraries explore South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Patagonia, the Ross Sea and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands. Activities across the program may include Zodiac excursions, shore landings, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and polar plunges, subject to weather and ice conditions.
For more information, visit us.ponant.com.
