Victory Cruise Lines is fully back on the Great Lakes following the christening of Victory II in Chicago. Under the leadership of John Waggoner, founder and CEO, the small-ship ocean line is now operating voyages on two ships to all five Great Lakes. Victory I was christened earlier this month. Travel Agent is aboard Victory II this week and we'll have an update soon on this revitalized small ship and the Great Lakes cruising experience.
Elsewhere, Crystal unveiled its 2028 World Cruise “Treasures of the Tides,” its most robust such global cruise to date. According to sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor, the 150-night journey, departing in 2028 aboard Crystal Symphony, marks a milestone as the ship hasn't operated a World Cruise since 2018. Departing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale January 11, the global journey will touch 84 destinations across 39 countries on six continents. Bookings will open to the public on May 29, 2025.
Also on the ultra-luxury cruise front, Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveiled its first look inside the new 822-passenger Seven Seas Prestige. Among the highlights were renderings of the ship's new Starlight Atrium and Galileo's Bar. Separately, in discussing the new Hawaii cruise ship Transient Accommodations Tax, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, parent of Regent, Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line (which operates intra-Hawaii sailings on the American-flagged Pride of America) called it both a burden and a challenge, according to Seatrade Cruise News.
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Azamara introduced new summer 2027 cruises. featuring 68 sailings and six Grand Voyages. Guests will access marquee events and lesser visited ports. Plus, they'll have longer stays in each destination. Separately, Carnival Cruise Line's refurbished Carnival Miracle kicked off its 2025 summer season in Europe, while sister brand Princess Cruises added a third solar eclipse voyage for 2026. AmaWaterways also extended its Concierge Golf Program to France and Explora Journeys debuted new summer 2027 itineraries, including a voyage in Alaska.
Royal Caribbean also shared some updates on its Perfect Day Mexico private island. There will be seven "neighborhoods"—one with 30-plus waterslides, another all-ages space with the longest lazy river in the world, an adults-only neighborhood with a swim-up bar, a beach club, the "Fiesta Plaza" and "chill" stretches of beach for those looking to relax. There will also be 12 regionally inspired dining options, from sit-down spots to grab-and-go eateries, with nearly all food spots complimentary to guests.
On the expedition front, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has unveiled several voyages to South America and Central America in 2025. Guests will sail on Hanseatic Inspiration, the line's international expedition ship where both English and German are spoken on board as official languages. They'll explore such destinations as Costa Rica, the Panama Canal and the Chilean fjords.
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Crystal unveiled an Experience Finder, accessible through its Travel Partner Center. This new tool is designed to help travel advisors quickly and easily explore shore excursions for guests aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. Advisors will discover options to book everything from curated half- and full-day excursions to exclusive overland journeys, major global events and pre- and post-cruise adventures. Many were created in partnership with Crystal’s sister brand Abercrombie & Kent.