Ambassador unveils early booking incentives
Ambassador Cruise Line is driving early interest in its 2028/29 programme through its ‘Marveless’ promotion.
The initiative offers ‘Buy One, Get One Half Price’ on all 2028/29 sailings, up to 25% off for solo travellers, and a 15% discount on the Expedition Drinks Package for those booking an Ambassador Fare by June 30, 2026.
Running from April 23, 2028, to March 29, 2029, the season offers 74 sailings across its two-ship fleet, departing from six regional UK hubs: London Tilbury, Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast and Portsmouth. The adult-only, no-fly itineraries are tailored specifically for the over-50s market and include 35 sailings for Ambience and 39 for Ambition.
New destinations for the season include Akrafjorden in Norway, Motril in Spain and the increasingly trending French port of Marseille. The line is also highlighting festive options, such as a 15-night ‘Christmas Sun Escape’ to Spain and Portugal and dedicated Christmas Party events held at London Tilbury throughout December 2028.
Unforgettable Croatia opens 2027 fleet for private charters
Unforgettable Croatia has announced that its fleet of six luxury small ships will be available for private charter for the 2027 season. The move follows a doubling in demand for group charters over the last two years. Each 36-guest vessel features up to 18 cabins, many with private balconies, alongside facilities like a swim deck, jacuzzi and sun deck.
Sailing between May and October, the ships primarily depart from Split or Dubrovnik, offering five to seven-night itineraries that can be fully customised by the trade to suit group interests in history, gastronomy or nature.
Charters are serviced by nine crew members and include private arrival and departure transfers, daily buffet breakfasts, three-course set lunches and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Destinations on offer include Hvar, Korcula, Vis and Trogir. Weekly prices for a full ship charter start from £85,000. For smaller parties of nine to 21 people, the operator also offers a fleet of more than 12 luxury yachts and gulets for private hire.
“Private charters are proving increasingly popular as groups look for more personalised travel experiences. Our cruises can be tailored by the trade to the interests of the group – including culture, gastronomy, history and nature, creating an experience that goes far beyond a standard package,” said Graham Carter, co-founder at Unforgettable Croatia.
“We’re proud to be able to offer these bespoke itineraries built around our extensive on-the-ground experience, ensuring every charter delivers a truly memorable way to explore the Croatian coast.”
AmaWaterways debuts City Escapes and booking incentive
AmaWaterways has a new City Escapes programme for 2026 and 2027, designed to offer a more relaxed pace on Europe’s iconic rivers. Operating on the Seine, Rhine and Danube, these sailings are intentionally scheduled during quieter travel periods to avoid peak crowds.
The itineraries have been reimagined to provide more daylight sailing and extended stays, ensuring guests have at least 24 hours in key cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, Strasbourg and Budapest to experience the destinations more like locals.
On the Seine, guests can enjoy culinary demonstrations in Paris or cider tastings in Normandy, while Danube sailings include cultural evenings at the House of Strauss in Vienna and guided hikes to Budapest’s Gellért Hill.
AmaWaterways has also introduced new pre- and post-cruise land extensions in London and Rome to further personalise the journey.
“City Escapes is about experiencing Europe at its most authentic,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways.
“We designed these journeys for travelers who want more time to explore the museums, enjoy local cuisine and walk historic streets without feeling rushed or crowded. Luxury is the gift of time. That is exactly what we aim to offer with this new programme.”
To celebrate the launch, agents can offer a limited-time promotion for bookings made by June 30, 2026, which includes up to $1,000 in cruise savings per stateroom, a complimentary stateroom upgrade and $50 in onboard credit per guest.
