Registration is now open for next year’s CLIA Conference in Southampton
The event will take place from June 4-6, 2026 and will feature conference sessions and a trade fair on day one and a sailaway party on day two.
Six vessels will be in port and open to delegates to explore during the conference – Cunard’s Queen Anne and P&O Cruises’ Britannia on day two, and Celebrity Apex, MSC Virtuosa, Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Insignia and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur on day three.
An optional ‘New to Selling Cruise Day’ will take place on June 3, offering training and brand introductions for agents looking to boost their cruise knowledge.
CLIA UK & Ireland MD Andy Harmer said: “CLIA Conference brings the cruise community together in a way no other event does – and 2026 will be no exception. From exploring extraordinary ships to hearing from inspiring speakers, agents will come away with new ideas, stronger connections and the sales insight to grow their business.
“It’s also our opportunity to recognise and celebrate the trade’s ongoing role in shaping the incredible success story that cruise has become.”
Details of the conference theme and keynote speakers will be announced at a later date.
Arctic wildlife spotting itineraries unveiled by Aqua
Aqua Expeditions has unveiled a host of wildlife-spotting Arctic itineraries for 2026 to be operated by its new vessel Aqua Lares.
The ultra-luxury ship, which can cater for 30 guests, will offer a series of five to 14-night all-inclusive sailings through Svalbard and the Norwegian Arctic, as well as dual-destination options combining the Arctic with the Scottish Isles.
The expedition programme begins from May 30, 2026, with departures from Longyearbyen, Tromsø and Glasgow. Highlights include the bird cliffs at Alkehornet, where thousands of guillemots and kittiwakes nest above reindeer-grazed tundra, the chance to explore the historic 17th-century Danish whaling outposts at Gravneset and Smeerenburg, and close-up Zodiac tours to see polar bears, seals and whales.
In addition, six-ship Aqua Expeditions is rolling out a its new its Circolo Aqua Guest Loyalty Program, which awards Miles on every voyage, advancing through four tiers — Voyager, Navigator, Explorer, and Legend. Guests can earn savings on future expeditions and charters with the Ponant-owned line, onboard credits, exclusive dining experiences and priority access to Aqua’s newest itineraries.
Prices start $10,150pp(double occupancy) for five-night itineraries.
Alaska sales open with MSC
MSC Cruises has opened sales of its 2027 summer season in Alaska aboard MSC Poesia.
The seven-night sailings will operate from April to September, with the revamped ship based in Seattle. MSC Cruises recently announced comprehensive upgrade plans for the ageing MSC Poesia in readiness for its 2026 Alaska debut, which include the addition of its luxury tier MSC Yacht Club area with 69 suites, two speciality restaurants, the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and Asian-themed Kaito Sushi Bar, plus a new All-Stars sports bar and refreshed Aurea Spa and gym areas.
Alaska itineraries will offer guests the chance to explore some of the region’s most picturesque destinations including Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm, and Juneau (Alaska), along with Victoria (British Columbia, Canada).
Agents can get that loving feeling with P&O wedding commission
Agents can grab that loving feeling with P&O Cruises by earning commission on shore-based weddings for the first time.
The new Ceremonies on Shore offer applies to Barbados weddings and commitment ceremonies booked for guests on Arvia and Britannia sailings held either on the beach or at the luxury Fairmont Royal Pavilion resort’s private beach or garden.
The P&O packages take the hassle from guests looking to tie the knot. A dedicated wedding planner co-ordinates the big day, with the deal including a couple’s breakfast in bed, exclusive transfers to/from ship, wedding flowers, Champagne for toasting, dinner for two at a speciality restaurant, £100 per couple towards spa treatments and wedding night prosecco.
Packages start at £4,999 and earn agents 5% commission on top of the cruise price. Ceremonies Sea and Shore are available until April 16, 2026.
Viva unveils details of 2027 sailings onboard new ships
Viva Cruises has unveiled details of its 2027 sailings in a bid to highlight the variety of its expanded nine-ship fleet.
The European river specialist says the programme has been launched early to maximise the impact of its new upscale Viva Boutique offering, which will be operated by luxury vessels Viva Beyond and Viva Unique. They launch in Spring 2026 and May 2027 respectively.
Viva claims the 2027 programme is its “most comprehensive” ever and introduces new itineraries including Basel to Brussels, Dresden to Prague and Amsterdam to Nuremberg. Meanwhile, additional departures have been added to popular sailings such as Amsterdam to Budapest.
The season includes 32 sailings on the Douro River aboard the popular Porto Mirante, plus the option of three-night city-stay cruises in both Venice and Paris. An early-booking incentive runs until November 15.
