CruiseNews

05/30/2026

Passenger-cargo service remains one of the travel industry’s most fascinating niches.

Havila Voyages operates 4 ships along Norway’s Bergen–Kirkenes coastal route, where passengers travel alongside cargo, mail, supplies and local communities spread across one of the world’s longest shorelines. The result is a style of travel deeply connected to the places the ships serve.

Havila's experience combines fjords, Arctic scenery, Northern Lights voyages and regional cuisine with contemporary Scandinavian design and quieter onboard spaces designed around the landscape outside.

Read more about how Havila offers a compelling example for modern travelers seeking a different kind of meaningful regional travel experiences: https://cruisenews.com/havila-voyages-norway-coastal-cruise/

Photo courtesy of Havila Voyages.

05/29/2026

Costa Cruises is sending Costa Pacifica straight into the path of totality for the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse. The catch most coverage is missing: over the Balearic Sea, totality hits near sunset with the sun just a few degrees off the horizon, so an open western sea view is one of the only reliable ways to actually see it. https://cruisenews.com/costa-cruises-2026-total-solar-eclipse-cruise/

05/28/2026

Crystal Cruises just cut the first steel on Crystal Grace, its newest ocean ship, at the Fincantieri yard in Italy. She's set to debut in 2028 with a Rome-to-Venice maiden voyage and the brand's first-ever Owner's Suite. More on CruiseNews: https://cruisenews.com/crystal-grace-steel-cutting-fincantieri-2028/

05/28/2026

Miami is already starting to look and feel like a World Cup city.

From FIFA branding on Lincoln Road and the MetroMover to Fan Festival preparations at Bayfront Park Miami, travelers arriving in Miami this summer will encounter more than seven matches at Hard Rock Stadium. For cruise passengers, beachgoers, locals and soccer fans, the tournament could turn South Florida into a nearly six-week celebration.

Read how Miami is preparing for the World Cup: https://cruisenews.com/fifa-world-cup-miami/

Visit Miami FWC26Miami

05/27/2026

Mah Jongg, meet the Danube. Emerald Cruises is introducing two Mah Jongg-themed river cruises in August 2027, with organized gameplay, instructional opportunities, onboard social events, and stops in Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, Passau, and more. The two sailings run in opposite directions, which means dedicated players could even book them back to back.

Read more: https://cruisenews.com/emerald-mah-jongg-river-cruises-danube/



Photo courtesy of Emerald Cruises & Tours.

05/24/2026

Memorial Day cruise deals are here, and there’s a lot to sort through before booking.

We reviewed offers from nearly 30 cruise brands to compare what you are actually getting among fare savings, onboard credit, reduced deposits, free passenger fares, airfare credits, hotel credits and more.

Many promotions include 2026 sailings, but the best deal still depends on your travel style. Families may want to watch for free 3rd and 4th fares. Couples may find stronger value in 2nd-passenger discounts and onboard credit. Luxury travelers may see bigger headline savings, while river and expedition cruisers should pay close attention to included perks.

Read our full analysis and see our comparison table: https://cruisenews.com/memorial-day-cruise-deals-2026/

05/23/2026

A recent Spanish announcement caught Monte Mathews' attention — and led to a bigger question for cruise travelers.

From Barcelona to Venice, some of the Mediterranean’s most beloved ports are rethinking how much cruise traffic they want, especially when thousands of day-call passengers arrive at once.

Monte looks at what this means for Barcelona, Nice, Cannes, Venice, Dubrovnik and Santorini — and why the future may favor travelers who treat ports as destinations, not quick stops.

Read his latest: https://cruisenews.com/mediterranean-cruise-ports-cruise-tourism/



Photo: Monte Mathews

05/19/2026

American Encore has officially launched on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, following a historic christening in Lewiston, Idaho.

American Cruise Lines says the ceremony was the first riverboat christening ever held in the state. The new 180-passenger riverboat is now sailing Pacific Northwest itineraries with stops tied to Lewis and Clark history, wine country and the Columbia River Gorge.

Read more: https://cruisenews.com/american-encore-christening-idaho/

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American Cruise Lines has christened American Encore in Lewiston, Idaho, marking the state’s first riverboat christening ceremony.

05/18/2026

Crystal Cruises is expanding its Wellness at Sea program with a new *Crystal Serenity* retreat cruise sailing from Lisbon in 2026.

The six-night voyage will feature Sanctum Studios’ immersive movement sessions alongside yoga, sound healing, nutrition consultations, longevity programming, and guided wellness-focused excursions across Portugal, Morocco, and Lanzarote. Crystal Wellness Ambassador Dalila Roglieri is among the experts leading the retreat experience.

Read more: https://cruisenews.com/crystal-wellness-retreat-cruises-sanctum/

Photos courtesy of Crystal Cruises.

05/15/2026

Monte Mathews thought he didn’t like Alaska. Then he realized he may have missed the thing that matters most: the Alaskans.

His latest article explores how Icy Strait Point, Klawock Island and Chugach Glacier Gateway are changing the Alaska cruise experience through culture, community, wildlife and a deeper sense of place.

Read the full article: https://cruisenews.com/new-alaska-cruise-destinations/

📸 Photos: Huna Totem Corporation

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