PONANT has unveiled a festive season promotion offering an additional 10% off almost 190 sailings across destinations including Antarctica, Polynesia, the Kimberley, the Arctic, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
Running until January 5, 2026, the limited-time deal applies to selected departures in 2025, 2026 and even some 2027 voyages.
All 2026 Paul Gauguin Cruises and expeditions aboard Le Jacques Cartier in Polynesia — a new addition to the PONANT EXPLORATIONS programme — are included. The offer can be combined with PONANT Yacht Club benefits.
The discount is available on new bookings made using the privilege code XMAS25, though it cannot be used with other exclusive promotions and is subject to availability.
CLIA announces next edition of Expedition Summit
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK and Ireland has revealed plans for its next Expedition Summit, set to take place on May 8, 2026 in Dover.
The annual trade event will give travel agents the opportunity to step aboard one of HX Expeditions’ most iconic vessels. MS Fram, which accommodates up to 250 guests, underwent a major refurbishment in March 2025, adding a new Science Centre, refreshed suites and cabins, and redesigned public areas and crew facilities.
Alongside the ship tour, the Summit will feature business sessions, networking opportunities, and a pre-event dinner in Canterbury on May 7. Registration is due to open soon, with more than 100 places available for agents.
Andy Harmer, CLIA managing director UK & Ireland, said: “Expedition cruising has never been more popular, and next year’s Summit reflects our continued commitment to supporting agents who want to take advantage of the opportunities this sector presents. We look forward to bringing the trade together for another insightful, engaging and inspiring programme.”
The 2026 edition marks the third CLIA Expedition Summit, following previous events held in partnership with Seabourn and Swan Hellenic. July’s CLIA Expedition Showcase in Svalbard was the industry’s first trade gathering of its kind in a polar destination.
Silolona Sojourns showcases Indonesia with five new voyages
Silolona Sojourns has launched five new curated cruise itineraries showcasing some of Indonesia’s most culturally rich, remote and biodiverse regions, from the volcanic islands of Alor to the sacred villages of Sumba and the world-famous reefs of Raja Ampat.
For the first time, travellers can now book individual cabins aboard the hand-crafted phinisi yachts Silolona and Si Datu Bua.
The new itineraries span three themes; cultural encounters, landscape and adventure, and marine biodiversity, and include guided experiences with expert crews, time to relax onboard, and locally inspired cuisine. Highlights include:
- Savu Sea and Sumba Connection (10 days): Ancient villages, sacred rituals and traditional artistry, plus visits to Komodo
- Cenderawasih Bay and Raja Ampat (14 days): Encounters with whale sharks, remote semi-nomadic communities and WWII dive sites
- Komodo Trek Expedition (seven days): Dragon encounters, rugged island treks and world-class snorkelling
- Alor Archipelago Adventure (nine days): Volcanic peaks, weaving communities and possible dugong sightings
- Whale Sharks and Hidden Reefs of Cenderawasih Bay (seven days): Marine-focused exploration of one of Indonesia’s richest ecosystems.
Cabin rates start from £2,300 / $3,000 USD per night based on two sharing, including all food and beverages, diving, scheduled activities and accommodation.
Princess introduces Celebration Key island as part of Caribbean offering
Princess Cruises has announced its largest and most diverse Caribbean and Panama Canal cruise programme yet for the 2027/28 season, featuring 31 ports, 43 itineraries, and 187 departures across nine ships and five homeports.
A major highlight is the introduction of Celebration Key, a new, purpose-built private destination on Grand Bahama Island. Beginning November 1, 2026, the island will welcome its first Princess guests, including the line’s newest ship, Star Princess, followed shortly by Regal Princess and additional vessels such as Caribbean Princess, Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess and Sun Princess throughout late 2026 and into the 2027/28 season.
Celebration Key blends relaxation with adventure across five distinct zones. These include Paradise Plaza; family-oriented Starfish Lagoon; adults-focused Calypso Lagoon; the exclusive, adults-only Pearl Cove Beach Club (a paid upgrade); and Lokono Cove, a marketplace showcasing Bahamian artisans. The island features more than a mile of beaches, turquoise lagoons and over 30 dining and beverage venues. Celebration Key excursions open for booking from December 17, 2026.
For the 2027/28 Caribbean season, Princess will deploy nine ships, including Star Princess in her inaugural Port Canaveral season and Sun Princess, offering sailings from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, New York, and San Juan.
Voyages range from four to 15 days and visit 31 destinations, including 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 22 islands across the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean. Guests can also enjoy more late-night stays in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.
Princess will further expand its long-standing presence in the Panama Canal, offering 22 departures across five ships between September 2027 and April 2028. Options include roundtrip Fort Lauderdale voyages and ocean-to-ocean transits between Los Angeles or Vancouver and Florida homeports.
The programme features 21 destinations in nine countries, including seven UNESCO sites, and late-night stays in Cartagena, Aruba and Puerto Amador.
A&K announces second Nile vessel
Abercrombie and Kent Travel Group (AKTG) has signed an agreement with Egyptian shipbuilder The Arab Contractors to construct a second newbuild luxury riverboat, a sister vessel to the forthcoming Nile Seray, An A&K Sanctuary, which launches in late 2026.
The new ship will join the fleet in 2028, marking the company’s largest Nile fleet expansion in nearly 50 years of cruising in Egypt.
The yet-to-be-named vessel will replicate Nile Seray’s design, featuring 32 suites for just 64 guests with floor-to-ceiling windows and waterside Juliet balconies. Two flagship suites will offer full private balconies and outdoor spa pools overlooking the Nile.
The addition brings A&K’s Egyptian fleet to six luxury vessels, including the Zein Nile Chateau dahabiya and the Sun Boat III and IV riverboats.
The expansion comes amid a surge in luxury tourism to Egypt, bolstered by the recent opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum and rising demand for tailormade and private travel experiences.
