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Sustainable Shore Excursions Are a Win for Cruise Passengers and the Communities They VisitSustainable Shore Excursions Are a Win for Cruise Passengers and the Communities They Visit
Sustainable travel has grown from a trend into a way of life. Cruise travelers are among those invested in responsible, sustainable, eco-friendly travel, and shore excursions are a direct way guests can have a positive impact on local communities.“We are seeing a growing trend of travelers desiring sustainable shore excursions and authentic experiences as people are looking to travel with purpose and leave a positive impact on the destinations they visit,” says Linden Coppell, MSC Cruises’ Vice President of Sustainability & ESG.Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and several of its member lines partner with global organizations, such as the United Nations World Travel Organization, World Travel & Tourism Council, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), to develop and promote sustainable tourism initiatives.Member cruise lines are doing their part to create shore excursions that align with the GSTC goals of effective sustainability planning, maximizing social and economic benefits for local communities, enhancing cultural heritage, and reducing negative impacts on the environment.Sustainable shore excursionsA growing number of cruise guests are seeking shore excursions that go deep.“Our guests are increasingly drawn to experiences that foster authentic connections with local communities and craftspeople, including First Nations artisans, oyster cultivators, distillers, and vintners,” says Jessica Ashe, Senior Director of Shore Excursions and Future Cruises forHolland America Line. The line’s new sustainable tour offerings, such as a visit to a banana farm in St. Lucia and a walk with an Aboriginal guide on Kangaroo Island, Australia, revolve around community interactions.Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) brands have tours focused on local conservation efforts, such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Eco-Connect tours and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Go Green tours. Examples include exploring a sloth habitat in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, or planting a tree at the Sierra Espuña regional park in Cartagena, Spain, while learning about reforestation efforts.MSC Cruises’ Protectours shore excursions aim to have lower environmental impact, whether employing zero-emission electric tour buses, focusing on human-powered activities like cycling or kayaking, or involving guests in volunteer efforts, such as beach cleanups or planting trees.Certifications and partnershipsCLIA and its member cruise lines partner with destinations, communities, and with leading organizations in delivering guests sustainable experiences ashore.Royal Caribbean, for instance, has pledged that 60% of its tours will be certified to GSTC’s standards by 2026; as of 2024, 36% of its 3,500+ excursions met the organization’s criteria. Examples: A wild-caught salmon cooking class with a third-generation Alaskan fisherman and a tour of Aruba’s cultural and geological landmarks combined with a visit to a local aloe factory.In Alaska, where sister brands Holland America Line and Princess Cruises own their own lodges and transportation and rail divisions, Holland America Princess is certified by Adventure Green Alaska for its environmental, economic, and cultural sustainability practices, such as using electric and hybrid vehicles and providing guests with recyclable aluminum water bottles. Both lines work with many local companies that are also AGA-certified for shore excursion options, such as the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Kenai Fjords Tours, and Wings Airways.In 2024, French line Ponant became the first cruise line to achieve Green Globe certification for its contributions to sustainable tourism, which include involving local communities in developing shore activities. For example, Balinese guides introduce guests to the island’s unique Hindu-Indonesian traditions and provide opportunity for guests to help with daily activities.Economic benefits for local communitiesOne of CLIA’s guiding principles for responsible tourism is to “contribute to the economic well-being of host communities.” Shore excursions support this effort. In addition to working with local communities on planned, managed tourism, CLIA member lines support local businesses through activities ashore.For example, when Carnival Cruise Line created its new beach destination, Celebration Key, on Grand Bahama Island, the company prioritized economic opportunities for Bahamians. In addition to enjoying water activities, cruisers can purchase art from local craftspeople and sample authentic Bahamian flavors from food trucks, that are operated by local vendors and feature locally sourced ingredients.In line with their personal sustainability goals, cruise passengers can have a meaningful positive impact on the treasured places they visit.© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected] 18 May, 2026 -
Port Canaveral Leads in LNG Cruise Ships, Supports Florida JobsPort Canaveral Leads in LNG Cruise Ships, Supports Florida Jobs
With its year-round operations, Port Canaveral is the preeminent cruise port in North America for cruise ships powered by cleaner-burning liquified natural gas (LNG) and the second busiest cruise port in the world. Some 9 million cruise guests are expected to sail from Port Canaveral next year, and the port anticipates exceeding 10 million passengers by fiscal year 2027.The popular port’s ability to attract the world’s newest and largest cruise ships was built on prescient investments in LNG fueling readiness. LNG is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel readily available. As the cruise industry pursues net-zero cruising by 2050, LNG-powered ships will be able to easily switch to future sustainable fuels, such as bio or synthetic LNG.For cruise guests, Port Canaveral is an easily accessible destination. About 85% of passengers drive to the port for their cruise vacations. These drive-in market guests, and guests who fly in too, visit local beaches, restaurants, and attractions and stay at local hotels.In addition to cruise and cargo operations, Port Canaveral has recreation options, including its own Jetty Park beach – a popular spot to watch space launches or passing cruise ships. The port has commercial fishing and local seafood outlets, aerospace and military operations, restaurants and retail shops, public boat ramps, marinas, and more.Among the 20 homeported cruise ships in Port Canaveral are some of the newest and largest LNG-powered ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean launched the world’s largest cruise ship, the 250,000-ton Star of the Seas, from Port Canaveral in August 2025.LNG LeaderPort Canaveral was the first North America homeport to accommodate cruise ships powered by LNG. Capt. John W. Murray, CEO and Port Director of Port Canaveral, who joined the port in 2016 from the commercial ocean carrier side of the maritime industry, was studying cruise industry trends and observed that several new cruise ships under construction would be powered by LNG, a first for the industry. Murray saw LNG as a way for the port to distinguish itself and attract the cruise industry’s largest and most innovative ships.“I started asking questions,” Murray says. “I knew if we figured out the ‘how’ in terms of LNG fueling of passenger vessels, those new ships might come to Port Canaveral. It took more than five years and considerable effort to develop bunkering best practices and protocols and specialized safety and firefighting capabilities to get to a point where it worked.”The LNG bunkering practice developed by Port Canaveral has become the prototype for ports around the world. The first LNG-powered cruise ship arrived at the port in 2021, Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras – which debuted as the first ship in North America to run on LNG. The ship operates from Cruise Terminal 3, built to accommodate Carnival Excel-class ships.Five LNG-powered ships are now homeported in Port Canaveral – Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, Mardi Gras, and Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas and Star of the Seas. Coming in 2027 are MSC World Atlantic and Carnival’s Festivale, bringing the number to seven – as Port Canaveral continues as an LNG leader.In addition to these lines, homeporting ships in Port Canaveral are Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises. Ships also visit as a port of call or to provision. Passengers book shore excursions such as a tour to see the NASA Kennedy Space Center.Port Canaveral Benefits FloridaThe thriving port is a significant economic driver for Central Florida and the entire state, accounting for $6.1 billion in statewide economic impact and nearly 43,000 jobs. The port and its business segments deliver some $2.1 billion in wages and $189.5 million in state and local taxes.“We’re providing jobs in the State of Florida and Florida-based businesses benefit from port operations,” says Captain Murray. “When you have a ship with thousands of people onboard, they are getting all of their food supplies, laundry and everything else for a whole week delivered, and all of that is provided from local vendors and suppliers.”As cruise grows, so do local businesses. “The cruise industry is a vital and fast-growing part of Central Florida’s economy, and we’ve been growing every step of the way,” says Janne Meinertz, president of Cape Canaveral, Fla.-based American Cruise-Aid Logistics.Eric Garvey, CMO of a local hospitality group, says, “Cruising from Port Canaveral is not just holding steady—it’s thriving. Transportation services, hospitality partners, and local businesses are all feeling the positive impact of this growth.”© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected] 18 May, 2026 -
Attending Major World Events Is Seamless on a CruiseAttending Major World Events Is Seamless on a Cruise
Taylor Swift put a spotlight on event-based travel, but cruise lines have long been offering guests front row seats to major world events, such as the Monaco Grand Prix and Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, and nature-based delights such as Japan’s cherry blossom season.“Cruising makes attending major world events seamless,” says Nico Corbijn,Chief Administrative Officer of Azamara Cruises. “Transportation, accommodations, dining, and curated experiences are integrated, allowing travelers to focus on the moment itself instead of the planning complexities that often accompanythese high-demand events.”Taking a cruise to a major event eliminates for guests the need to book overpriced hotels months in advance or navigate the complexities of ticket booking systems. It also embeds the big-draw event within a larger exploration of the region. The shipboard enrichment team typically offers programming to give context to the events on land, enhancing the experience.These event-themed itineraries benefit the cruise lines as well, as they often attract new-to-cruise and new-to-brand guests. “Travelers are drawn in by the event or passion point first... and only secondarily by the idea of cruising,” says Corbijn. “That reframesthe purchase decision and brings in people who may not have otherwise considered a cruise.”Cultural eventsA great way for travelers to immerse themselves in a destination’s culture is to experience its festivals, religious events, and national holidays. Members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) take note to align itineraries with these experiences.As an example, cruise lines make it easy for guests to experience the brightly colored, high-energy spectacle that is Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Silversea Cruises, for one, offers excursions that include transportation to the stadium where the Samba Parade takes place, with either grandstand or box seat tickets to the popular event. In addition to Carnival, Azamara Cruises also plans sailings around Holy Week in Brazil.Cruise lines also go beyond the big-name celebrations. “We bring guests to iconic moments, but we also go further, opening the door to the traditions, festivals, and everyday cultural moments that are known mostly by locals,” says Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea Cruises. These include Andalusia, Spain’s weeklong Feria de Málaga summer fair and Japan’s Awa Odori dance festival. “These lesser‑known celebrations offer an intimate window into local life,” Hernandez says.River cruise lines deliver easy access to Europe’s famous Christmas Markets. Guests visit multiple iconic holiday markets along the Danube and Rhine, the ships often docking within walking distance of the main attractions.Sporting eventsThe most popular worldwide sporting event to cruise to is the Monaco Grand Prix. Silversea Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Windstar Cruises, and Azamara Cruises are among cruise lines offering sailings to the iconic Formula 1 race. Explora Journeys’ 922-passenger Explora I will take up residence in Monaco’s Port Hercule from June 3 to 8, 2026, and offer guests three-day Grandstand or F1 Paddock Club access to all the races.Golf fans can cruise to events too. Azamara Cruises, in partnership with PerryGolf, for instance, offers access to the British Open, as well as tee times at top courses in the U.K.Cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises plan cruises around tennis’s Australian Open.Nature-based eventsSolar eclipse travel has exploded in popularity and many cruise lines are putting ships in position for the August 2026 eclipse. Cruise ships are the ideal base for eclipse viewing because the ships can adjust their position at sea to be directly in the path of totality. Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Crystal Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International are among lines providing guests opportunity to watch this year’s celestial show off the coast of Spain. Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, and Cunard will base ships in Icelandic waters, while guests on expedition line Quark Expeditions can watch from Greenland.Attractions such as Japan’s cherry blossoms and the fall colors in Canada and New England also draw cruisers. Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Princess Cruises are among the lines positioning ships in Japan for peak bloom, while Holland America Line and American Cruise Lines have long offered fall foliage cruises in North America.© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected]. 18 May, 2026 -
Cruise Lines Focus on Sustaining the Future of Coral ReefsCruise Lines Focus on Sustaining the Future of Coral Reefs
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) members are working on innovative and ambitious ways to sustain and grow coral reefs, key marine habitats that are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, and extremely vulnerable to warming ocean temperatures. CLIA places environmental sustainability among its top priorities, including the health of the oceans.CLIA member cruise lines are taking a leading role as an energizing force for change, partnering with marine science organizations and universities in coral reef restoration initiatives. Member lines are also focused on public engagement and helping guests understand the need to preserve and sustain coral reefs.These are among the ambitious cruise line-sponsored projects underway.MSC Cruises is involved in the preservation and growth of coral species through the MSC Foundation’s “Super Coral Reefs Programme,” which is playing an important role in revitalizing coral populations, including the critically endangered elkhorn and staghorn corals. Among projects, MSC is supporting the growth of coral trees. Once they reach a certain level of growth, the coral trees are transplanted into MSC’s offshore nursery of Ocean Cay, MSC’s private Bahamas island, and eventually to coral reefs. Under development is a scalable model that MSC hopes will aid coral reef restoration worldwide. Partners include Bahamian and international scientists, universities, and conservation organizations, with research shared in scientific publications. In 2025, MSC opened a Marine Conservation Centre on Ocean Cay, its private island in the Bahamas. The facility includes 22 coral tanks used for growth and scientific study by marine scientists and students. Cruise guests have the opportunity to visit the center to gain a greater understanding of the importance of healthy coral.Royal Caribbean Group has joined with the Inter Miami CF soccer team and the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science to support the school’s citizen science program, Rescue a Reef, in South Florida. The triad focuses on bringing back the growth of marine invertebrates in more than 1,000 coral colonies off Miami. Royal Caribbean Group also underwrites coral restoration work with the Marine Resilience & Sustainability Center (MARES), dedicated to restoring the biodiversity of the Caribbean Sea. The center’s work has included the rehabilitation and repair of nearly 50 acres of delicate marine ecosystems. In addition, Royal Caribbean has placed “reef balls,” also known as “bay balls” – which mimic natural reefs as habitats for marine life – near Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas. These balls, weighing some 1,750 pounds, help create a home for coral and sustain its growth.Disney Cruise Line plays a key role in coral reef restoration through the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF), which supports the Coral Reef Foundation, the world’s largest non-profit focused on restoring coral reefs. Disney’s work has blossomed from its initial efforts in planting a few thousand corals in Florida’s Coral Reef to a program that now numbers in the tens of thousands of corals. The cruise company has also helped create a Pillar Coral Recovery Project focused on growing and preserving Pillar corals, a somewhat rare species that the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries describes as cigar-like clusters growing upward. In addition, DCF has also supported work in coral genetics, and education efforts including “Coral Reefs and You,” a student education program, which educates on the importance of coral reefs, including on local economies, and stresses the need for conservation efforts.Windstar Cruises is involved in coral reef restoration though a partnership with Coral Gardeners, an organization based in French Polynesia’s Moorea, part of the Windward Islands, about 11 miles northwest of Tahiti. The organization’s goal is to restore reefs through “innovative coral farming and transplantation.” The program began on Windstar’s 312-passenger Star Breeze in 2022, with Windstar adopting 1,000 corals and encouraging guests cruising Tahiti to do the same for a $35 per person donation. Since then, Windstar has encouraged guests on any itinerary to adopt a coral, which they can gift to friends or family. More than 3,500 corals have been adopted. A goal of the line is a dedicated coral nursery. Windstar also takes interested guests in French Polynesia on an excursion to see what Coral Gardeners does. They are introduced to staff who educate them about growing coral and steps taken towards restoring reefs.© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please [email protected]. 18 May, 2026 -
AI Is Making Your Cruise More Personalized and SustainableAI Is Making Your Cruise More Personalized and Sustainable
It may sound futuristic, but Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already changing the way we cruise, for the better. On today’s cruise ships, AI is enhancing guest and crew experiences, playing a role in reducing food waste, and improving operational efficiency.As cruise line members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) follow a path to decarbonization with advancements in technology, infrastructure, and operations, AI will be a factor, providing officers and engineers with advanced tools for more efficient operations.And as digitalization progresses, cruise lines will have more data, which will allow for further customization of the guest experience.Here's how AI is improving the cruise landscape.AI starts at the terminalA decade ago, cruise guests had to print out boarding passes to embark their ship. Now, digital AI technology allows cruise lines, and cruise guests, to go paperless, reducing waste.AI-driven facial recognition technology is becoming more commonplace at cruise terminals around the world and is improving the passenger experience. Rather than standing in lines for customs and immigration at the end of their voyage, most passengers are now able to pass seamlessly from ship-to-shore, thanks to technology that matches each passengers’ face to their given identification.The same is true for enhancements to the booking process: Generative AI tools are now being used by approximately 56 percent of cruisers in the U.S. and Canada, according to a study done by international management and consulting firm Oliver Wyman.Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises have all been early adopters of technology that can not only offer guests what they want, but utilizing AI, can predict the things that are most important to each passenger.AI assisting in sustainable operationsCruise executives admit AI isn’t there yet when it comes to handling complex service tasks – nor do they want it to be. The human element of service remains crucial to the onboard cruise experience. But where AI can really shine is behind the scenes."For most of the cruise world, especially smaller lines, generative AI is not a massive part of the cruise experience," said Gregory Ross-Munro, CEO at digital product development firm Sourcetoad, during a panel at the annual Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami in 2025. "I think that is going to change very quickly, though."As CLIA member cruise lines pursuenet-zero emissions by 2050, AI can help optimize and manage fuel consumption, which decreases emissions as well as operational costs. It can also assist in anticipating maintenance needs, allowing ships to continue to run at optimal efficiency and in accordance with environmental rules and regulations.In addition, AI can help more accurately predict (and minimize) food waste right down to predicting which dishes and drinks will be most popular, leading to more efficient provisioning. Crew have been doing this manually, by hand or through laborious data entry for years, but AI can do these calculations on the fly – which frees up crew to focus on other aspects of the ship, and guests.AI is also playing a role in crew training and security, with AI-simulated safety drills for a range of scenarios.Human touch requiredOne area that AI won’t be found on your next cruise: The crew.Though AI may assist crew in their day-to-day duties, AI cannot replace the kind of service and technical know-how that deck, engine, and hotel officers can provide. AI can, for instance, tell the officer of the watch if there is oncoming weather, but cannot bring a vessel safely into port – which requires human expertise. And though AI may be able to aid your bar, dining, and cabin staff, it cannot replicate their duties – or friendly personalities.Instead, AI looks to improve the cruise experience, making ships run more efficiently than ever before.© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected]. 18 May, 2026 -
Vacation Matchmakers: Travel Advisors Are Key to Cruise Industry SuccessVacation Matchmakers: Travel Advisors Are Key to Cruise Industry Success
Travel advisors are both the cruise industry’s biggest supporters and vacationers’ most trusted allies when it comes to the ultimate success of a cruise vacation.Whether travelers are looking to cruise for the first time or already fans, they turn to travel advisors for their knowledge and experience. In fact, 79% of cruise travelers say travel agents have a “meaningful impact on their decision to cruise,” according to Cruise Lines International Association’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report. Only friends and family have more sway.“Travel advisors are the principal distribution channel for cruise lines, producing a majority of cruise bookings worldwide, and they offer unique value that ensures that their clients (the cruise lines’ guests) keep coming back,” says Charles Sylvia, ECC, CLIA’s VP, Industry & Trade Relations.Cruise passengers report being happiest with their experience when they book their holiday with a professional travel advisor.Travel advisors are matchmakers for cruise lines and vacationersAdvisors start by creating consumer awareness about the benefits of cruising, guiding travelers to consider a vacation at sea.A knowledgeable advisor can then direct clients to the best cruise line and itinerary for their vacation preferences. “Most consumers haven’t a clue what options will best serve them, but a travel advisor will ask the right questions and learn about their clients’ needs, wants, and expectations to align them with just the right cruise line, itinerary, ship, category, etc.,” says Sylvia.Pair the right ship with the right guest, and that traveler will have a better vacation experience. Cruise travelers who booked with a travel advisor rated their vacation and cruise line higher than those who booked independently, according to CLIA.High satisfaction rates lead to future bookings, and 82% of past cruisers intend to book another sailing – in many cases thanks to smart guidance from their travel advisor.Advisors offer valueCruise travelers often seek out travel advisors because they want the best cruise deal. Advisors deliver by leveraging promotional group rates and supplier relationships and pointing clients toward high-value sail dates, cabin options, and booking promotions.But that’s not all they offer. Advisors make sure their clients get the specialty restaurant reservations they desire, that their shore excursions get booked, and that they understand how to make onboard bookings for shows and activities. They can also arrange pre- and post-cruise travel and support their clients while they’re in transit between their home and the ship.“My travel advisor cares about my total cruise experience from when I leave my house to when I return home,” says Sylvia. “That level of client care and painstaking attention to detail is what keeps clients coming back to the same trusted travel advisor and to cruise travel.”How CLIA supports its travel advisor and agency membersCLIA’s North America Travel Trade Membership team supports more than 74,000 travel advisor members with professional development opportunities. There are also regional memberships in Australasia, Brazil, the UK and Ireland. When travel advisors can maximize their cruise sales and grow their portfolio of loyal clients, everyone benefits.Professional development options for agents include a robust catalog of online courses and various specialized certificate programs (with both virtual and in-person training). The top offering is CLIA Certification, the cruise industry’s only official professional designation, focused on how to sell and market cruises to grow a travel business. Multiple levels of accreditation accommodate travel advisors at different stages of their careers.CLIA’s professional development content is so well regarded that it’s used in university hospitality programs throughout North America, Sylvia notes.Live events such as CLIACruise360 conferences and more intimate gatherings bring travel advisors and cruise line representatives together for networking and discussion of new ships and cruise industry trends.A thriving, educated travel advisor community benefits both the cruise lines, and the nearly38 million travelers expected to cruise globally this year.“I believe travel advisors are the leading contributor to the growth and success of our industry,” says Sylvia. “They are the face of cruise travel and our most valuable champions.”© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected]. 18 May, 2026 -
Wellness at SeaWellness at Sea
Wellness at SeaWellness tourism has grown faster than any other special interest segment of travel for more than a decade, with an upward trajectory that is expected to continue. Cruise lines have taken notice, focusing onboard programs and cruises on health, wellness, and self-care.Lynne McNees, president of the International SPA Association, says that savvy travelers expect to see a spa in their hotel, and now more than ever they are taking advantage of wellness options on their cruise ships as well.“Cruise passengers often see their voyage as a chance to reset and may identify wellness and self-care as a goal for their trip,” says McNees. “It takes a dedicated space—like the onboard spa—to truly deliver on that intention, providing professional, holistic services that renew mind, body and spirit.”Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) members are at the forefront in the wellness space.Innovative TechnologiesA trio of industry firsts set sail in 2025, all using technology to enhance guests’ wellness experiences. On the mat, thefirst immersive yoga practice at sea debuted onboardOceania Cruises’ new Oceania Allura. Guests do the downward dog with a backdrop of virtual landscapes ranging from tropical islands to tranquil forests.Debuting in the fitness center on Silversea Cruises ships is amp, a strength training system with an intelligent app integration that guides users through more than 500 exercises and provides real-time feedback – think of it as anAI-powered trainer to help keep health routines on track while at sea. Also new, golfers onboard Silver Dawn can up their game with SeaDrivePro by Off the Deck, the world’s first fully portable golf entertainment system where guests can virtually play iconic courses with real-time analytics.Play (Pickle) BallPickleball has taken the world, and sea, by storm – the sport has surged more than 300% over the past three, according to Pickleheads, an online platform for fans. Holland America Line was named the exclusive Official Cruise Line of the Professional Pickleball Association in 2022 and quickly outfitted all its ships with refreshed pickleball courts. Ships in the fleets of lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Royal Caribbean are outfitted with courts, and they are coming too to select Silversea ships. On the rivers, AmaWaterways was the first river cruise line to offer pickleball.Thermal SuitesCruise lines are going all-in on their thermal suites, elevated, limited-occupancy areas with facilities such as whirlpools, saunas, experience showers, and steam rooms. A first-at-sea is Norwegian Cruise Line’s addition of a circulation-boosting clay sauna, which compliments other wellness spaces onboard Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. Explora Journeys, which recently partnered with tennis champion Jannik Sinner to serve as its global ambassador and co-create exclusive onboard wellness rituals, already enhances its spas with hydrotherapy pools, salt caves, and ice falls. Celebrity’s new Celebrity Xcel features the line’s first-ever Hydra Room, a warm, bubbling pool with massaging jets and heated lounge chairs.Local focusIn addition to wellness programs inspired by the latest technology and wellness advancements, cruise spas also draw inspiration from the destinations that ships visit. For example, on the Paul Gauguin based in Tahiti, guests can enjoy a Volcanic Stone Massage while cruising past the volcanic islands of the South Pacific. On Celebrity ships, guests can book coconut-infused treatments in the Caribbean and Asian therapies in the Far East.Wellness Themed CruisesAmaWaterways, Windstar Cruises and Crystal Cruises are among lines introducing new sailings specifically focused on wellness. Cunard embarks on its first Wellness at Sea voyage in July 2026 – onboard the Queen Anne, in partnership with Harper’s Bazaar experts, and featuring Olympic silver medalist Katarina Johnson-Thompson. For yoga fans, river line Uniworld’s sailings on India’s Ganges feature an onboard yogi leading an exclusive wellness program, with twice-daily yoga and meditation practices, healthy cooking demonstrations, and daily wellness talks.© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected] 18 May, 2026 -
World Cruises Offer Outsized Value to Cruise Lines and GuestsWorld Cruises Offer Outsized Value to Cruise Lines and Guests
An increasing number of cruise lines have four- to six-month world cruises on their annual calendars. The sailings are so popular they often sell out years in advance.Typically beginning in winter, world cruise itineraries tend to follow the sun to warmer climates. Some circumnavigate the globe; others circle oceans, calling on multiple continents. Guests book the full voyages or choose shorter segments that focus on a specific region.World cruises are a staple in the annual offerings of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) cruise line members such as Azamara Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises. MSC Group’s Explora Journeys will launch its inaugural world cruise in 2029.With varied itineraries, ship sizes, and levels of luxury, all world cruises are geared to give well-traveled guests an unforgettable tour of the globe.Planning a world cruise is a team effortIt’s no easy feat to plan a 120- to 180-night itinerary that spans continents, visits new ports, includes bespoke special events and entertainment (such as destination-focused parties), excites guests with daytime activities, and needs to be fundamentally different from the previous year’s world cruise.Itinerary planning for Holland America Line’s popular Grand World Voyages starts some three years in advance.Likewise, Silversea’s world cruise itineraries are the result of “a collaborative and strategic planning process” that begins years in advance, says Cailyn Hennessy, Silversea’s Associate Vice President Commercial and Deployment. “Our world cruises are shaped by a cross-functional team that works together to identify emerging travel trends, assess port capabilities, and curate immersive experiences that reflect the spirit of each voyage.”Product development, food and beverage, shore excursions, hotel operations, and entertainment departments – plus partners and businesses in the destinations the ship visits – all get involved in planning.Cruise lines gain too from listening and getting feedback from guests and trade partners, says Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “They’re the most critical thing that helps us get the best world cruise itineraries out there.”World cruises appeal to a wide range of travelersWorld cruises appeal to wealthy luxury travelers, retired brand loyalists with time to explore, and beyond. The one commonalty: curiosity about the world.Many retired teachers sail on the line’s world cruises, says Nathan Hickman, Oceania Cruises’ Chief Commercial Officer. They see value, he says, in a cruise that visits multiple destinations in one trip.Families, solo travelers, and travelers working remotely are growing segments. Some people book world cruises who have never cruised before.Travelers may initially take a world cruise to check many items off their bucket list in one fell swoop, but it’s not uncommon for them to subsequently book a world cruise every year. While many world cruisers are devoted to a particular brand, some cruisers sample different brands and ships for their annual getaways.Hosting a world cruise is hard work but worth itFrom the cruise line perspective, all the specialized planning and logistics involved in world cruises has a bonus benefit: piquing people’s interest and steering them towards a brand.“There’s something very attractive, aspirational about a world cruise,” says Hickman. “We get a lot of people who look at us because of our 180-day around-the-world cruises, but maybe they end up taking a shorter itinerary.”Another positive side effect of planning world cruises is that they allow cruise lines to assess lesser-known ports and test guest reaction, before expanding additional ship visits, notes Hennessey.For repeat guests, world cruises can feel like a big reunion. It’s common for returning passengers to greetthe crew as family, and vice versa.“Guests tend to travel again and again on the world cruise because they know each other, and they’ve now formed this group,” says Hickman.“We create communities and people really bond.” Newcomers are, of course, welcome to the party.© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected] 18 May, 2026 -
Northern Lights Cruises Light Up the Shoulder Season With Bucket-List ItinerariesNorthern Lights Cruises Light Up the Shoulder Season With Bucket-List Itineraries
Interest in aurora chasing has skyrocketed since the recent solar maximum brought northern lights viewing outside of the Aurora Zone. More travelers are willing to brave short days and cold climates for a chance to view the aurora borealis.Cruise lines have turned the trend into a business opportunity, extending their northern Europe seasons with sailings targeting northern lights hot spots. Astro-tourists recognize that cruise ships are an ideal base for sky watching since ships can sail away from light pollution, and guests are just an elevator ride away from expansive sky views from their ship’s top deck.This new traveler obsession with night-sky tourism has reinvigorated the northern Europe shoulder season with itineraries that fulfill cruisers’ bucket-list goals.Both expedition and ocean-going cruise lines are hopping on the trendExpedition cruise lines that explore the Arctic are well-suited to offer northern lights cruises because they already have ships stationed within the prime aurora-viewing zones of Greenland, Iceland, and Norway. HX Expeditions and Aurora Expeditions are among lines with dedicated northern lights itineraries. Luxury lines Silversea Cruises and Ponant and Quark Expeditions might not label their late-summer Greenland expedition itineraries as “northern lights cruises,” but they’re well timed to coincide with celestial light shows.It’s not just small ships embracing the trend. Cunard and Princess Cruises have series of northern lights cruises in fall and winter in Norway, and Holland America Line has new northern lights cruises in Norway scheduled for fall 2026. P&O Cruises offers fall and early spring norhtern lights cruises in Norway abord its aptly named ship, Aurora.“In recent years the auroras have been more visible further south, and this increased interest in travelers wanting to see them in a more authentic setting like Northern Europe,” says Robert de Bruin, Holland America’s Director of Deployment and Itinerary Planning. “Not only are we able to offer our guests an itinerary that is unique and special, but we’re also able to deliver an experience that is at the top of their bucket list.”Close to home, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess and Royal Caribbean are among lines that offer late-season Alaska sailings and add-on land tours with the possibility of aurora sightings in inland destinations - such as Fairbanks.Smart itinerary planning is the key to optimal northern lights viewingA successful northern lights cruise hinges around port selection and timing. Mainstream lines schedule their northern lights sailings to take advantage of ships already positioned in Northern Europe. Coincidentally, the prime aurora-viewing seasons around the equinoxes fall at the beginning and end of the summer cruise season in this region and in Alaska, as well.Cruise lines prioritize time in ports that have a reputation for frequent and reliable aurora displays, like Tromsø or Alta, Norway. Holland America schedules overnights in Alta for additional aurora opportunities.Northern lights cruises are more than just sky-gazingOnboard programming and operations support guests in their quest for the perfect viewing opportunity. Cruise lines will share aurora forecasts, issue wakeup calls on request when the lights are spotted (even in the middle of the night) and dim lighting on the upper decks to aid in viewing.Some bring scientists and experts onboard to educate guests about the phenomenon. Cunard regularly hosts astronomer John Maclean, who lectures on the science and mythology surrounding the northern lights and spends evenings pointing out celestial features to fellow sky-watchers.Itinerary planners also make sure daytime hours are filled with memorable experiences – even when it’s dark. Excursions might include snowshoeing, kayaking, polar plunges, and cultural interaction with the Arctic’s indigenous communities. Evening options beyond sky-viewing include night hikes and bonfires.In this way, northern lights cruises are an entry point for cruise travelers to slow down and experience a destination in a new way. “It’s a holistic way to experience the polar winter,” says McNeil, “one that helps guests slow down, be present, and connect with the world around them.”© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected] 18 May, 2026 -
Antarctica: Seeing the ice and more in this exciting cruise destinationAntarctica: Seeing the ice and more in this exciting cruise destination
Expedition cruising is on the rise as travelers seek immersive experiences, nature-based exploration, uncrowded destinations, and bucket list adventures. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports that the global capacity for expedition ships will increase 150% from 2019 to 2029. The key destination for adventurous cruisers in winter is Antarctica.During the 2024-2025 season, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), 117,020 travelers visited Antarctica by cruise ship, including on more than a dozen CLIA member lines. Roughly two-thirds of passengers had the opportunity to bundle up in parkas and make a landing on Antarctica’ shores, while others viewed the icy “White Continent” and wildlife such as penguins and marine mammals from the comfort of their cruise ships.What’s the appeal of sailing to the end of the world? “Antarctica captures the imagination because it offers a rare glimpse into one ofour planet’smost untouched and extreme environments,” says Samuel Chamberlain, CEO, Americas at small ship line Ponant.A vast range of itineraries and experiences“Guests are looking beyond traditional itineraries, drawn to destinations that offer true exploration, learning, and a sense of accomplishment,” says Robin West, Vice President of Expeditions for Seabourn. Antarctica offers a diverse array of itineraries, ships, and experiences that appeal to many types of cruisers.The basic Antarctica itinerary visits landing sites on the Antarctic peninsula, the long arm that stretches toward the tip of South America, and its surrounding islands. Longer trips (three to four weeks) incorporate visits to the South Shetland Islands, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands.Most itineraries depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, and cross the famed Drake Passage, which typically adds two days to and from Antarctica. An option is skipping the Drake and flying one or both ways to board your ship. Silversea is opening a hotel in fall 2026 in Puerto Williams, Chile to house Antarctica-going guests in its fly/cruise itineraries. Other lines with fly-in options include Aurora and Quark Expeditions.Creature comforts in the wildernessModern shipbuilding has brought a sea change to the vessels plying Antarctica waters, and cruise travelers need not give up creature comforts to sail south.The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) classes non-yacht cruise ships into three categories. Ships carrying more than 500 guests cannot discharge passengers ashore for landings. Guests on lines such as Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceana Cruises and Princess Cruises can take in the otherworldly scenery while enjoying the many onboard amenities of these larger ships.Ships carrying between 201 and 500 passengers can make landings at a limited number of stops. Ponant, Seabourn, Scenic Cruises and Silversea’s expedition fleets have expedition fleets that feature luxurious suites and upscale lounges to enjoy when guests are not ashore. Seabourn and Scenic carry submersible vessels for underwater exploration, and Scenic also carries a helicopter for flightseeing.Small ships (up to 200 guests) have access to IAATO’s full roster of landing sites. These cruise lines – such as Aurora Expeditions, HX Expeditions, and Quark Expeditions (with helicopters onboard the Ultramarine ship) might make multiple landings in a day or offer additional activities such as snowshoeing, kayaking, and onshore camping.Antarctica cruise tourism benefits the local economy and global scienceIAATO sets guidelines for member cruise lines to support environmentally responsible tourism in Antarctica and works with numerous partners to make tourism beneficial to the surrounding gateway communities, as well as to conservation efforts and research science.“IAATO works with local government and the community to identify shared goals and collaborative opportunities which create meaningful impact for those who call Ushuaia home,” says Lisa Kelley, IAATO’ Executive Director. The organization has partnered with cruise lines to increase the locally sourced products used on board and to hire more workers from southern Argentina, for example.Cruise lines are also using their unique access to remote places to support global science. Many ships feature science labs on board and offer participatory “citizen science” opportunities to guests. Projects include contributing photos to a whale identification database, analyzing sea water samples, and launching weather balloons.Antarctica-based ships partner with research facilities to transport scientists and research equipment to field sites. Some lines also host scientists aboard, giving them space to conduct field research. As an example, Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot icebreaker hosts scientists from the University of Western Australia, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in the U.S., and French research institute EPHE to study ocean dynamics, ice systems, and seabird ecology.Antarctica cruises, as noted by IAATO, bring first-hand opportunity to turn curious travelers into advocates for the preservation of the remote and pristine continent, preserving Antarctica for future generations.© 2026 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All rights reserved.This content may be shared or republished with clear attribution to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Content must remain intact and may not be altered, edited, or excerpted in any way that changes its meaning or context. For additional permissions, media inquiries, or additional information, please email [email protected] 18 May, 2026