Ambassador Cruise Line to launch new trade portal for agents
Ambassador Cruise Line has revealed plans to introduce a brand-new Trade Portal this autumn, designed to make it faster and easier for travel agents to search, book and manage cruises.
The announcement was made during a trade event onboard Ambition in Dundee, with the platform set to roll out to all trade partners in September following a phased onboarding programme. During the lead-up to launch, agents will receive individual logins and access to training modules, replacing shared accounts and giving consultants personalised access from day one.
The new portal has been created as a one-stop shop, bringing together cruise search, booking management, live campaigns, incentives, training, marketing assets, ship visit requests and business support within a single platform. Ambassador said the enhanced cruise search mirrors the customer booking journey, helping agents find sailings and offers with fewer clicks.
The cruise line developed the system in collaboration with trade partners and ROL Cruise, whose consultants helped test and refine the platform to ensure it reflects the way agents work.
Nicola Harper, Head of Distribution at Ambassador Cruise Line, said the investment was focused on creating a platform that genuinely improves the day-to-day experience for agents rather than simply updating the existing system.
Karen Cameron, Deputy Head of Trade, added that personalised accounts would allow Ambassador to better support and reward individual consultants while making the onboarding process as smooth as possible.
The phased rollout begins immediately, with the full launch scheduled for September.
Uniworld unveils three new luxury river ships for 2028
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced plans to expand its fleet with three new ships in 2028, as bookings go on sale.
The additions – S.S. Helen, S.S. Clara and Mekong Mystique – will take the luxury river cruise line’s fleet to 22 vessels and follows the introduction of four new ships in 2027, marking one of the biggest periods of investment in the company’s history.
Sailing on the Danube, the 2028 debut of S.S. Helen will bring Mediterranean-inspired interiors and operate itineraries including the 15-day Danube Grandeur voyage. Meanwhile, S.S. Clara joins the Rhine fleet with interiors inspired by Dutch Golden Age artist Clara Peeters and will launch on the popular Holland and Belgium at Tulip Time itinerary.
In Asia, Mekong Mystique will expand capacity on the Mekong River, offering the 15-day Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong itinerary with interiors blending European influences and traditional Indochine design.
Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, said the fleet expansion reflects growing demand for immersive luxury travel while allowing the line to continue raising the bar for river cruising.
Bookings for the 2028 programme are now open, with Uniworld expecting inaugural sailings and premium suites to prove particularly popular among repeat guests and early bookers.
VIVA Cruises adds André Rieu Christmas concerts to festive sailings
VIVA Cruises has unveiled the full programme for its Winter Magic with André Rieu sailings, giving guests the chance to enjoy a live Christmas concert by the world-famous violinist during a festive Rhine cruise.
The six-night itineraries onboard the 80-guest VIVA RUBY will sail from Düsseldorf, calling at Venlo, Roermond, Maastricht and Nijmegen, with departures on December 9 and 15, 2026, and December 15, 2027. Fares start from £1,550pp.
A highlight of the cruise is an evening in Maastricht, André Rieu’s hometown, where guests will attend one of his renowned Christmas concerts. Tickets, along with return transfers to and from the venue, are included in the cruise fare.
Michelle Daniels, Director of Sales for the UK and Ireland and Australia and New Zealand, said the itinerary combines the magic of a festive river cruise with an experience that appeals to the violinist’s loyal fan base.
Alongside the concert, guests can enjoy VIVA Cruises’ all-inclusive offering, which includes meals across multiple restaurants, premium drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, a stocked minibar, Nespresso coffee machine, welcome prosecco, High Tea and Rituals toiletries.
The themed departures are expected to appeal to music lovers looking for a festive river cruise with a unique cultural experience at its heart.
