Agents can earn £100 per passenger with Trafalgar
Trafalgar has introduced a new travel agent incentive across its river cruise programme, giving agents the opportunity to earn £100 per passenger on eligible bookings made this summer.
The promotion runs until 31 July 2026 and applies to new bookings on Trafalgar River Cruises made using the promo code TR26EARN. Earnings are uncapped, allowing agents to receive commission rewards on every qualifying passenger booked during the incentive period.
In addition to the per-passenger reward, the top-selling agent across the EMEA region, based on a minimum of five qualifying passengers, will win an air-inclusive place on the inaugural Best of the Seine with Paris and Normandy sailing aboard Trafalgar Harmonie.
The cruise departs on 18 April 2027 and forms part of Trafalgar’s expanding river cruise portfolio.
Kelly Jackson, Managing Director and SVP Sales EMEA at TTC Tour Brands, said: “Following the success of our inaugural sailings and our first travel agent fam trip onboard Trafalgar Verity, we’ve seen firsthand the excitement Trafalgar River Cruises is generating amongst both agents and travellers. This incentive is about rewarding agents for being part of that journey from the very beginning.”
Jackson added that not only can agents earn on every booking, but one EMEA top-selling agent will have the opportunity to experience our inaugural Seine sailing onboard Trafalgar Harmonie in 2027.
The incentive is available on eligible new bookings made and deposited between June 1 and July 31 2026. Scheduled group bookings qualify where per-person deposits are paid within the incentive window, while group charter bookings are excluded.
CLIA discloses new agent initiatives and events
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK and Ireland has announced a series of new trade initiatives, training programmes and events at its annual conference in Southampton from June 4 – 6.
Speaking to more than 800 delegates, Managing Director UK and Ireland Andy Harmer confirmed applications for the 2027 intake of CLIA Cruise Champions will open in September, following the graduation of this year’s cohort on June 26.
The Expedition Showcase will return to Svalbard this July, giving attendees the opportunity to visit five expedition ships while taking part in business sessions, destination experiences and networking events.
CLIA has also announced a new Seattle Awaits fam trip for 2026, organised in partnership with the Port of Seattle, Visit Seattle, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Travel Weekly. The programme will include ship visits, hosted activities and a six-night itinerary across Seattle and Washington State.
A Luxury Cruise Summit will take place in Southampton on September 4, featuring a guided visit to Oceania Marina, along with business sessions and networking opportunities.
Further training events include a River Cruise Forum in Manchester on October 6 and a Yacht and Small Ship Forum in Birmingham on October 7.
Andy Harmer commented: “The range of initiatives announced underlines our ambition to make 2026 our most impactful year yet for trade engagement. Whether via ship visits, specialist training, networking opportunities or flagship events, we’re continuing to invest in helping agents develop their expertise and unlock new sales opportunities across every cruise sector.”
MSC teases onboard attractions ahead of MSC World Asia launch
MSC Cruises has disclosed new details of MSC World Asia as the countdown begins to the ship’s inaugural season in the Mediterranean.
To mark six months until the first sailing, MSC Cruises has announced six attractions onboard, including Cliffhanger, an over-water swing ride suspended 50 metres above the sea, and The Spiral @ Tree of Life, which is set to become the longest dry slide at sea at 81.3 metres.
The cruise line confirmed the vessel will be officially named on November 28 2026 in Le Havre, France, before launching seven-night Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona on December 4.
Other attractions include the Twin Racer and U Drop waterslides, a two-level Adventure Trail ropes course, the MSC Formula Racer simulator and the interactive MSC Luna Park Arenawhere travellers can compete in gaming experiences. The venue will also host game shows, themed parties and entertainment across two decks.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “Our World Class ships have been a great success with guests, and MSC World Asia, the third of eight in this class, marks the next step in this journey. As we look ahead to her inaugural Mediterranean season, we are proud to continue delivering ships that reflect our vision, innovation, beautiful design, and focus on the guest experience, with each one raising the bar even further.”
MSC World Asia will sail seven-night itineraries calling at Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples and Valletta, with embarkation available at every port.
The ship will also feature more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants, seven pools, 13 hot tubs and the cruise line’s widest range of MSC Yacht Club suite categories to date.
