Carnival doubles Down Under, Celebrity Cruises expands to Europe

As cruise lines continue to unveil new itineraries around the world, they’re making sure that no matter what region you want to explore, there’s a cruise ship sailing the seas.

The new itineraries announced for 2026 – 2027 offer travelers new experiences in popular destinations not only in the Caribbean and Alaska, but also in Europe and Australia. Expanded offers for extended stays at sea and longer voyages to unique and sought-after destinations open up new options for travelers to feed their wanderlust.

Related: Carnival, Holland America, MSC share news on dining and itineraries

As they expand their fleets and itinerary options to give passengers more to explore, cruise lines are also working to offer more on board. This week, Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled its new brand positioning, “MORE,” and with it, a new package of cruise amenities included to give passengers more to enjoy.

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Carnival Cruise Line will sail two more ships to Australia for 2026 – 2027

With the addition of Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet from sister line P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival offers passengers more Australian itineraries to choose from for the 2026 – 2027 season. Four ships will sail in the region, offering more opportunities cruise from Sydney and Brisbane.

From Sydney, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Splendor will offer a variety of cruise itineraries in Australia and the South Pacific, from two to 12 days. Sailing from Brisbane seasonally, Carnival Luminosa will offer a variety of itineraries from three to 14 days. Carnival Encounter will also offer new crossings from Brisbane, offering a variety of destinations in the South Pacific and Great Barrier Reef regions.

Related: Carnival Cruise Lines Shares Important Celebration Key Updates

Celebrity Cruises Announces Extended 2026 – 2027 Season

During its 2026 – 2027 season, Celebrity Cruises will sail more than 600 voyages and visit more than 280 destinations in more than 70 countries on all seven continents.

In Europe, Celebrity will sail eight ships to more than 100 European destinations and offer 59 nights. Celebrity Xcel, the fifth ship in the cruise line’s Edge series, will sail its inaugural season in the region, with Celebrity’s first overnights in Madeira, Portugal.

Celebrity also offers Iceland’s biggest season with multiple seven-night sailings from Reykjavik on Celebrity Silhouette. The season will include a solar eclipse cruise, giving passengers the opportunity to view the 2026 celestial spectacle on August 12 off the coast of Iceland.

Related: Celebrity Cruises Offers New Itineraries, World Cruise

In the Caribbean, Celebrity will sail nine ships in winter 2026-2027 from four Florida ports. Travelers can explore Alaska on three Celebrity ships and experience unique itineraries in Asia, the South Pacific and Australia. Celebrity will also return to South America with new sailings visiting Patagonia and Antarctica.

With the cruise line’s first 110-night Grand Voyage sailing in 2026, travelers can explore the world aboard the newly renovated Celebrity Solstice. The voyage will visit 55 destinations in 15 countries, from Canada to Hong Kong, with no repeat ports.

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Norwegian Cruise Line to offer passengers ‘More at Sea’

Norwegian Cruise Line is upgrading its Free At Sea package of included cruise amenities to offer passengers “More at Sea.” The new More At Sea package offers benefits such as an expanded unlimited Open Bar drinks package with more premium inclusions, more special dining options and enhanced Wi-Fi.

Starting October 1, any Norwegian cruise booking for a sailing of more than 3 days starting January 1, 2025 is eligible to receive the new More At Sea package.

In an effort to simplify specialty dining for passengers, Norwegian is also moving from à la carte pricing to fixed fares for specialty dining restaurants starting January 1, 2025.

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line Makes Big Changes Many Don’t Like

Virgin Voyages is bringing back the popular summer pass

Back by popular demand, Virgin Voyages is bringing back its fleet-wide Summer Season Pass for the summer of 2025. Designed for remote workers, the pass gives passengers the chance to spend a month at sea and “trade that gloom for seaside views “.

Memberships are limited and range from 24 to 40 nights, starting at $14,999 for two passengers. The extended sea stay includes premium WiFi, laundry service and a central sea terrace cabin with a private balcony featuring one of Virgin Voyages’ iconic red hammocks.

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