The cruise industry is sailing into a new era of growth and innovation, with a wave of exciting announcements designed to meet the evolving demands of modern travellers. From a new fleet of record-breaking ships and ultra-intimate luxury yachts to expanded itineraries and a renewed focus on sustainability, the sector is charting a dynamic course for the years ahead.
This collection of the latest news from around the world provides travel professionals with a guide to the new products, partnerships and trends set to shape the future of cruising. PONANT launches yachting brand PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP has launched a new brand, PONANT YACHTING, offering ultra-intimate luxury sailing experiences with bespoke itineraries, refined gastronomy and personalised activities. To strengthen this segment, the group has ordered the Spirit of Ponant II, a Lagoon EIGHTY 2 catamaran joining the fleet in late 2026 and based in French Polynesia. Accommodating up to 10 guests with 5 staterooms and 427 m² of space, it will be available for full private charter. By 2026, PONANT YACHTING will operate three catamarans across destinations including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Seychelles, and Polynesia. RCL preps for 4th Icon Class vessel Royal Caribbean celebrated the keel-laying ceremony for the fourth addition to its Icon Class lineup to mark the start of the ship’s physical construction. The new ship, now officially underway, will continue to take shape over the next two years for its 2027 debut. Joining the ranks of Icon, Star and Legend of the Seas, the yet-to-be-named fourth Icon Class vacation will deliver more of the unmatched combination of experiences that defines the game-changing Icon Class. Each bold adventure brings together plenty of ways for every type of family and vacationers to make memories across adrenaline-pumping thrills and unmatched ways to chill, a variety of ways to dine and drink, and more. “By 2027, we will hold the record of top 10 largest cruise ships in the world under one brand -Royal Caribbean,” says Mohamed Saeed, Managing Director Middle East, Royal Caribbean International. Seatrade forges green growth pact Seatrade Cruise, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) have signed a new 10-year agreement to advance innovation, sustainability, and growth in the global cruise industry. The partnership builds on decades of collaboration and will strengthen joint efforts across a portfolio of world-class events, including Seatrade Cruise Global, the industry’s premier annual gathering. The long-term collaboration will focus on creating new business opportunities, sharing knowledge, and supporting sustainable practices, benefitting stakeholders across the Caribbean, Latin America, and the wider cruise community. Princess Cruises unveils record Japan season Princess Cruises will launch its most expansive Japan deployment in 2027, sailing March to December from Tokyo aboard Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess. The season features 78 departures across 50 itineraries, ranging from 7 to 28 days, marking the line’s most robust Japan programme to date. Highlights include Cherry Blossom Voyages following blooms across all four main islands, Festival Cruises timed with Japan’s famous summer celebrations, Circle and Grand Japan Voyages, Okinawa & Taiwan itineraries, and Japan Explorer Cruises. MSC Euribia returns to Dubai MSC Cruises has announced the return of its award-winning ship MSC Euribia to Dubai for the 2025-26 winter season, sailing from November 8, 2025, to April 1, 2026. Guests can enjoy roundtrip itineraries from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, Doha, Manama, and Muscat, with options from three- and four-night mini cruises to seven-night Arabian Gulf voyages. As one of MSC’s first LNG-powered ships, MSC Euribia combines sustainability with comfort, offering the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, 10 dining venues, 21 bars and lounges, five pools, the Ocean Cay AquaPark and an expansive kids’ area. SeaDream: 100 pc shore-power ready SeaDream Yacht Club has connected SeaDream II to shore power for the first time during a 14-hour call in Bergen, Norway, eliminating all emissions while in port. With both SeaDream yachts now equipped, it becomes the first luxury cruise line with an entirely shore power–ready fleet. The upgrades, completed in 2023 and 2024, align with SeaDream’s longstanding sustainability leadership, which includes banning heavy fuel oil since 2013, offering plant-based menus, sourcing locally, eliminating single-use plastics, and optimising itineraries for lower emissions. SeaDream continues to pioneer boutique yachting with responsible, environmentally conscious practices.