In a surprise move, David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), a brand of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), has left the company. That's according to NCLH's recent 8-K financial report. Describing Herrera's exit as part of a "strategic leadership change," the report also said that Harry Sommer, NCLH's president and CEO, will temporarily take the helm of NCL while an executive search is under way for Herrera's replacement.
By last weekend, Hurricane Erin had moved into the North Atlantic Ocean. Fortunately, the storm didn't make a direct hit on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, but it did bring high surf, dangerous waves, and coastal flooding. During its path from the Caribbean northward toward Bermuda, cruise lines either shifted a few port calls, totally switched itineraries, or kept ships longer in port.
Sales this year for Riviera Travel are soaring. The brand is posting more than 100 percent year-over-year passenger growth, compared with 2024. That's just seven months post-rebrand from Riviera River Cruises. Also on the river front, Viking's newest Nile River vessel, the 82-guest Viking Amun, was delivered to the line in Cairo, Egypt.
Across the world, Japan-based Mitsui Ocean Cruises announced that its next 458-passenger ship will be named Mitsui Ocean Sakura. That ship currently operates as Seabourn Sojourn. After completing its 2026 schedule of Seabourn sailings, it will become a Mitsui ship and head for Japan. In late 2024, Mitsui announced that it was entering the North American market for cruise sales. Travel Agent is currently sailing on the recently updated Mitsui Ocean Fuji, the former Seabourn Odysseyk, so look for our insights soon.
Ship Swap, New Schedules
Swapping itineraries for two ships in 2026-2027, Royal Caribbean International announced that Grandeur of the Seas will now sail from Cartagena, Colombia, and Colon, Panama. In turn, Jewel of the Seas will take over Tampa and Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) itineraries. Passenger reservations will automatically be transferred from one ship to the other. Guests will receive price protection and comparable staterooms, according to Cruise Hive.
Disney Cruise Line's new fall 2026 to spring 2027 schedule will position both Disney Magic and Disney Wonder sailing from San Diego, CA; that's the first time Disney will operate two ships from that port. Plus, Disney Magic will offer a longer season of sailings from Galveston, TX. Five Disney ships will also sail from Florida ports. In Asia, the Singapore-based Disney Adventure will continue three- and four-night cruises from the city's Marina Bay Cruise Center.
In more itinerary news, boutique luxury Atlas Ocean Voyages has introduced 2027 Europe expeditions. Plus, ultra-luxury Regent Seven Seas Cruises has whetted our appetite by introducing 12 holiday season cruises (Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year's Day) through 2027.
New in Cruise: That's Entertainment
Research astronaut and payload specialist Kellie Gerardi christened Royal Caribbean International's Star of the Seas, the line's second Icon-class ship at Port Canaveral, FL, last week. While aboard for a pre-christening cruise, Rachel Shapiro, a business development manager for Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, loved many of the fun activities on board, but atop her list of favorites was the fun Y2K party and seeing everyone's interpretations of the fashion styles of the new millennium.
"What's more, I loved the music because it is the music that defined my generation, and I had a blast singing along to all the songs." she quipped.
Speaking of entertainment, Seabourn has revealed the entertainment lineup for its 2026 World Cruise - Ring of Fire: Hidden Gems onboard Seabourn Sojourn. Departing January 6, 2026, from Long Beach, CA, the 129-day voyage will spotlight Grammy-winning artists, A-list performers and original variety shows.
Trends, Promotions, Trade Moves
One growing vacation trend is that multigenerational family cruising isn't always about families with kids in tow. A Luxury Travel Advisor print magazine story examines the Adriatic Sea's appeal for adult multi-generational vacations. Advisors say the region is an enticing option for father-son or mother-daughter duos; siblings traveling with spouses; or three and even four generations of grown adults, from their 20s to their 90s.
For customers looking for super-duper late summer deals, Cunard unveiled a Labor Day Sale with fares from $999 per person, double occupancy, plus an onboard credit. For travelers who'd love a French Polynesia sailing, Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering a "Tempting Tahiti" deal. Guests can receive $1,000 in shipboard credit per stateroom or suite on all 2026 departures. To snag this offer, bookings must be made by September 26, 2025.
In another promotion, Holland America Line has introduced "Book Early and Save." Swan Hellenic, a culturally focused expedition line that Ensemble recently added as a cruise partner, has just launched a new group travel program.
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