New images have been shared of A&K Sanctuary’s 22-passenger riverboat Pure Amazon which set sail on the waters of Peru’s vast Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve earlier this year.

The vessel offers “intimate wildlife encounters across 21,000 square kilometres of protected Amazonian wilderness.”

Designed by Milan-based architect Adriana Granato, A&K Travel Group’s Artistic Director and Director of Studio Ibsen, Pure Amazon features “site-specific commissioned pieces” from Peruvian artists.

Granato describes the vessel as “a mysterious presence, its façade softly lit with spots that mimic firelight,” reflecting Pure Amazon’s commitment to elegance, sustainability, and reverence for the rainforest.

At the heart of the dining room hangs “Manto de Escamas de Paiche,” a striking installation by Venice Biennale artist Silvana Pestana. The piece features hand-crafted bronze and clay elements” put together to conjure the Amazon’s giant fish scales. Pestana’s works across the vessel explore environmental themes, particularly illegal gold mining’s impact, using materials like gold leaf and traditional textiles.

Every suite features authentic kené textiles by Shipibo-Konibo master artist Deysi Ramírez, whose intricate patterns represent cosmological maps. The BENEAI Collective also contributed exclusive hand-embroidered cushions with “20 unique compositions,” supporting Indigenous women artists and preserving their ancestral craft.

Sailing through the reserve, guests can witness pink river dolphins and three-toed sloths. Guided by expert naturalists, travellers might also spot giant river otters, piranhas and scarlet macaws.

Meanwhile, the Iquitos-based culinary team has created a nightly five-course tasting menu paired with Latin American wines. The bar celebrates Peruvian heritage with pisco cocktails infused with “coca leaf and dragon’s blood resin.”

Through A&K Philanthropy, Pure Amazon extends its luxury ethos to conservation and community engagement. Partnerships with Nueva Arica and Amanatari foster sustainable bio-businesses such as aguaje fibre and honey production. Guests also visit FORMABIAP which empowers Indigenous youth—especially women—through education and cultural preservation.

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Scenic Group has introduced new early season departures on its European river program, catering for travellers wanting to explore the Continent in cooler weather. The Australian founded company has also added more Christmas departures in its extended season on the Main, Moselle, Rhine and Danube rivers.

The new capacity comes as demand for off-peak travel in Europe soars. New early season departures have been introduced in Portugal on the Douro by the Group.

“As Europe now tends to be experiencing quite a very warm July, August, we’ve seen the shift from seven or eight years ago, when that was the peak period, to shoulder periods now being the peak season,” says Anthony Laver, Scenic Group GM Sales & Marketing APAC.

“We’re now seeing an elongation of the whole season,” Laver told LATTE in Hong Kong last week at Luxury Travel Collections’ Global Owner Managers Harbour Soirée.

The shift is already seeing what has traditionally been the ‘peak summer season’ becoming a new shoulder season, and appealing to different markets.

“We’re seeing a younger cohert coming onboard, as mature travellers don’t want to go in July and August when it is too hot,” he said – carefully noting that he isn’t intending to stereotype any particular demographic.

“A different audience is saying, that’s actually when I want to go.”

“We have this dichotomy of people saying that’s a great time and they can get great deals, but if you want to travel in May, June or the beginning of July, we’ve noticed that the cost of flights have gone up because there is more demand.”

Laver said that in the past, the Group needed to run special promotions and pricing to assist with filling its ships in the shoulder season. And while that activity is still relevant, with earlybird and super earlybird offers to kick off each new season, the extent of the yield management has changed year to year, adjusting to customer demand and shifting trends.

“Our primary objective still remains. To sell all the capacity,” Laver emphasised.

Scenic’s low season for European river cruising remains in January and Februrary, however that too “will change depending on what we put together as product offerings and the season starting earlier,” he suggested.

Scenic Group, which owns and operates rivers ships for both Scenic and Emerald Cruises brands, will add further new metal in Europe in the coming years.

Emerald Astra will join the Emerald Cruises fleet of eight ‘Star-Ships’ in Europe in early May next year. The 180-guest ship will inherit design hallmarks from the brand’s superyachts, featuring enhanced interiors with a sleek and contemporary design. Those tweaks were carried out across the rest of the Emerald river fleet in Europe during the 2025 season.

“We’re on a big growth capacity,” Laver said, revealing to LATTE that further ships, “probably two or three more” will also be announced in 2026.

While unable to confirm specifically which brand and ships the new vessels were destined for, Laver said “we want to make sure that our core product, which we are well-known for river, is also growing in tandem with our ocean product.”

On the ocean, Scenic Ikon is the latest addition confirmed in the superyacht space for the ultra-luxury Scenic brand, joining Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II in the Scenic Discovery Yacht fleet. Meanwhile, Emerald Cruises has two superyachts in service, Emerald Azzurra (build in 2022) and Emerald Sakara (2023), with Emerald Kaia launching next year. Two further superyachts, Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara will further bolster the Emerald Cruises superyacht fleet to five by 2027.

Notably, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours operates 12 of its ‘Space-Ships’ in Europe – Scenic Sapphire (built in 2008), Scenic Diamond (2009),Scenic Ruby (2009), Scenic Pearl (2011), Scenic Crystal (2012), Scenic Jewel (2013), Scenic Jade (2014), Scenic Gem (2014), Scenic Jasper (2015), Scenic Opal (2016), Scenic Azure (2016), and Scenic Amber, the most recent addition which also launched in 2016.

Meaning, Scenic is well overdue for new metal in its European ‘Space-Ship’ fleet, so perhaps a next-generation ‘Space Ship’ design is in the pipeline?

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The inaugural Luxury Cruise Showcase, a collaboration by The Cruise Centre by Travelcall and Main Beach Travel, part of the Goldman Travel Group, took place last week at the Emporium Hotel South Bank, Brisbane.

The event hosted more than 150 cruise travellers and 11 partner cruise lines. Delivered in two sessions, the event offered attendees the chance to explore “a wide variety of luxury cruise experiences and discover their next voyage.”

“Luxury cruise is evolving, and our goal is to connect clients with experiences that truly inspire them. The event highlighted the diversity of today’s cruise experiences, from intimate river voyages to extraordinary polar explorations,” Anthony Goldman, Joint Managing Director at Goldman Travel Group said.

“We are incredibly grateful to our cruise partners for their support – their expertise and presence made this inaugural event an outstanding. It was also wonderful to integrate our newest member of the Group, Main Beach Travel, into this showcase.”

The first session, themed Find Your Perfect Cruise Match, welcomed 100 clients and new-to-cruise prospects. It featured showcases and presentations from AmaWaterways, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal, Oceania Cruises, Ponant Explorations, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Tauck, and Viking.

Guests “engaged directly with cruise specialists, explored exciting itineraries and learned about exclusive offers, with cruise presentations that highlighted stand-out destinations.”

The second session, presented in partnership with The Luxury Network, explored luxury travel more broadly with 50 clients. Highlights included a travel trends presentation by Goldman, followed by a fireside chat with Elizabeth Clarke, Director of Cruise at Goldman Travel Group, and Mandy Dwyer, Director at Main Beach Travel. The discussion explored “what it means to be a modern luxury cruise traveller and sharing insights into the latest destinations and experiences shaping the industry.”

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An innovative way for guests to engage with art at sea will launch aboard Oceania Allura when it sets sail on 13 November 2025, featuring nearly 30 celebrated artworks from 14 artists representing seven countries.

The digital Art Experience aboard Oceania Cruises‘ newest ship promises to “redefine the onboard enrichment” on offer.

“The Art Experience is a testament to our commitment to create beauty and wonder in every dimension of our travel experience,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises. “This experience transforms Oceania Allura’s spaces into a journey of discovery and reflection, allowing our guests to not only explore the wonders at sea, but also within the ship itself.”

Highlights include Roberto Matta, renowned for his abstract expressionism, and award-winning Judy Pfaff, celebrated for her spatial paintings and abstract installations. Other contributing artists, such as Bobbie Burgers and Eduardo Arranz-Bravo, bring a variety of mediums, spanning refined fine art to expressive sculpture.

Guests can explore the Art Experience through a custom-designed website accessible on their mobile devices, exclusively on Oceania Allura, spanning Decks 5 and 6. QR codes discreetly positioned around the ship invite travelers to engage with intimate, emotional films directed and produced by design agency CONDUCTR. These films provide “a personal perspective on the artist’s process, inspirations and philosophies,” offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative minds behind the works.

“The Art Experience is one of the most meaningful projects we’ve had the privilege to deliver, created from the ground up by our team, in collaboration with Oceania Cruises. It reflects the care and detail that define the cruise line’s approach to hospitality,” Jos van der Steen, co-founder of CONDUCTR, added.

The collection is centered around the Grand Lounge and the iconic Martinis bar, with guests encouraged to chart their own course through the experience. A suggested route available via the digital platform for those seeking a more structured exploration. In addition, Oceania Cruises offers select artworks as exclusive prints available for purchase on board.

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The all-inclusive model introduced by HX Expeditions has “proved itself very well” over the past year, according to CEO Gebhard Rainer, as growing global demand for expedition cruising continues to reshape the market.

Speaking to LATTE during a visit to Sydney this week, Rainer confirmed that the all-inclusive concept had been “really well accepted by our customers.” “One of the things that they wanted to have is a simplification in terms of planning for their own vacations,” he explained.

Rainer, who joined HX from all-inclusive hospitality brand Sandals, added that the approach has also helped to redefine perceptions of the term “all-inclusive”. “It had this stigma attached that once it’s all-inclusive, it must be cheap, it must be cheerful, it must be not good quality – but none of that really applies anymore,” he pointed out.

“You can still have it, but there is differentiation and with us over this last year now, your inclusive concept really proved very well. Our customers are very happy with and operationally, it works very well as well.”

While he “absolutely” sees HX as an all-inclusive pioneer within the expedition cruise sector, the spread of the all-inclusive model from hospitality into other segments in recent years has made HX’s own transition an easier concept for both consumers and the trade to grasp, according to Rainer.

“All inclusive has really spread from hospitality into other segments as well. It’s not the norm yet, but it’s become the new desire of many areas to come up with the simplicity of pricing an experience, without having to nickel and dime the consumer along that journey,” he said.

That simplicity has resonated strongly amid what Rainer described as “very healthy growth” in global demand for expedition travel. “The market since 2019 pre-pandemic has grown over 70% in expedition, in terms of demand – consumer demand and consumer purchase,” he said. “The US market has seen year over year growth of over 50%. The Australia, New Zealand market has seen close to 30% growth year over year.”

With greater demand comes greater competition, but Rainer is adamant this is good news for HX. “Competition is healthy. It helps expedition to be more exposed and be more seen,” he said.

But he expects the landscape to shift further over the coming years. “I think there’s going to be a natural selection or natural cleansing,” he predicted. “Because within the field of companies that are there now, there’s too many onesies and twosies. “There [are] small ones that would have difficulty surviving. We’ve seen the beginning of that already with Exploris in France that just declared bankruptcy. And I think there’s going to be others that will emerge and and collapse into larger organisations.”

Amid these competitive shifts, Rainer sees HX’s future as certain thanks to its clear point of difference around science and sustainability. “The advantage that we have, or the advantage that we have built, is the fact that we are the only ones at the moment that are clearly focused on sustainability, science and education,” he said.

“We work with over 30 different scientific institutes around the world. We have constantly scientists on board that work on projects. Every one of our ships has professional science lab as well. All of our customers can participate as science citizen scientists.”

He referred to HX’s recent expansion of its partnership with UTAS as case in point, with the free educational series extended to cover Arctic destinations.

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Japanese cruise newcomer Mitsui Ocean Cruises has confirmed its newest vessel Mitsui Ocean Sakura, formerly Seabourn Sojourn, will enter service on 19 September 2026, sailing a debut season of 29 voyages.

The ship, purchased from Seabourn in March 2025, will be delivered to Mitsui after completing its final Seabourn voyage in May 2026. Following a comprehensive refurbishment, the Mitsui Ocean Sakura will enter service under the Japanese flag in September 2026. It will join Mitsui Ocean Fiji, which launched in December 2024, in the fleet.

The inaugural season will feature several short voyages of one to three nights, over a three-month period through December 2026. Itineraries will be centered on Japan with the vessel’s compact size enabling it to call at “ports in various regions, from remote islands in Okinawa and Hokkaido … to ports located within walking distance of urban areas.” Reservations for these debut cruises will open on Monday 19 January 2026.

The ship will blend tradition with innovation, reflecting the company’s signature hospitality and design philosophy. “While preserving the ‘Omotenashi’ cultivated through previous cruise ships … the new cruise ship will offer guests a new kind of cruise experience with our sense of Japanese beauty unique to MOL Cruises,” the company said.

Among the ship’s new features are the Shiosai Sushi Bar and a Grand Pool with Foot Bath.

Mitsui Ocean also announced the appointment of Captain Satoshi Ninomiya, former master of the Nippon Maru, as one of the ship’s inaugural captains, and Executive Chef Katsutoshi Nakayama, also a Nippon Maru veteran, as the ship’s Head of Culinary Operations.

Mitsui Ocean Sakura’s itineraries will include short and medium-length cruises, along with themed voyages celebrating “festivals, fireworks, music and food.” The company will also continue to offer one-night cruises, which have proven especially popular among domestic travellers.

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The flavours of the Arctic’s Indigenous Sámi people are now being rolled out across the Hurtigruten fleet, as the cruise line unveiled a new menu by its latest Culinary Ambassador, Máret Rávdná Buljo.

Blending Sámi traditions with contemporary Norwegian gastronomy, the menu aims to introduce international travellers to the heritage-rich ingredients and techniques of the Sámi people, native to Arctic Europe. The new dishes form part of the company’s award-winning Norway’s Coastal Kitchen concept, which highlights “the freshest and most sustainable produce” from more than 70 local Norwegian partners.

“This is a big step for Sámi cuisine, as it has not always been traditionally acknowledged in Norway,” said Buljo. “Hurtigruten is opening the door for Sámi food to be more widespread. It was important for me when creating the dishes… to tell our history and traditions through the various dishes. I hope international visitors will feel a connection with the Sámi traditions when they visit Norway.”

Buljo, who was recently recognised as one of three nominees for Norway’s Matprisen 2025 sustainability award, has curated five signature dishes for Hurtigruten’s Árran restaurant, found aboard the MS Trollfjord and MS Finnmarken. Highlights include salmon with ember bread, cloudberries, and truffle seaweed, a broth with dried reindeer meat, and warm coffee cheese served with redcurrant sorbet and caramel sauce. Several vegetarian options are also available, underscoring her sustainable approach to Arctic cuisine.

The MS Midnatsol – set to join the Signature Voyage fleet in 2026 – will adopt Buljo’s menu next, while guests aboard the Original Coastal Express ships can sample her dishes at Torget, Kysten, and Brygga Bistro.

Øistein Nilsen, Hurtigruten’s Culinary Director, described the new partnership as “a natural evolution” of the company’s long-standing commitment to local and sustainable flavours. “This honours the Sámi knowledge and craftsmanship that’s been handed down through generations,” he said. “By bringing Sámi cuisine to international visitors, indigenous traditions meet innovation… while still keeping and respecting their heritage.”

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises will welcome a third Prestige Class ultra-luxury ship to its fleet in 2033, today confirming a newbuild order with the Fincantieri shipyard.

Following the debut of the highly anticipated Seven Seas Prestige in 2026 and a second Prestige Class ship in 2030, the third vessel will build upon the hallmark design and elevated guest experience that has defined the brand’s legacy in all-inclusive, unrivalled cruising.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH), the parent company of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said the new ship continues the “expansion of the company’s growth strategy in the luxury segment.”

“This newbuild order continues our measured, strategic expansion within the luxury space, providing guests with yet another way to experience the unrivaled aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

“It reflects our confidence in the growing demand for Regent’s best-in-class offering and reaffirms our long-standing partnership with Fincantieri, one rooted in craftsmanship and shared pursuit of perfection.”

“Our long-term strategic expansion with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., established over the past years through multiple successful orders, continues to strengthen our collaboration, especially within the ultra-luxury segment represented by Regent Seven Seas Cruises”, commented Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri.

Regent’s Prestige-Class ships begin a new legacy in ultra-luxury travel, marking Regent’s first new ship class in 10 years, following the success of the line’s Explorer-Class vessels.

Seven Seas Prestige will be 40 percent larger than previous Regent ships yet accommodates only 10 percent more guests, delivering truly Unrivalled Space at Sea.

At 77,000 tons and carrying just 822 guests with 630 dedicated crew members, the vessel offers one of the highest space-to-guest and crew-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry.

The class will offer 12 distinctive accommodation categories, including four all-new suite types, and the largest all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise ship suite in history: the Skyview Regent Suite, and two-level Skyview and Grand Loft Suites.

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Early Access Starts Now!

There’s never been a better time to discover Norway, with up to 50% off with Hurtigruten’s ‘Spektakulært’ Black Friday Sale. 

It’s not just the views that are spectacular in this year’s Black Friday Sale. Save up to 50% on Hurtigruten cruises along Norway’s famously picturesque coastline – at a price that’s just as amazing. Or, as the locals would say… ‘Spektakulært’! 

Imagine yourself beneath the magical Northern Lights or basking in the golden glow of Norway’s Midnight Sun. If Norway is a destination on your clients’ bucket-list, now is the perfect time to book. Hurtigruten’s ‘Spektakulært’ Black Friday Sale offers you up to 50% off select voyages, making an unforgettable journey even more irresistible. 

The Black Friday Sale starts from 15 November to 8 December 2024, with early access from tomorrow! Connect with Hurtigruten’s dedicated travel specialists to curate your clients’ journey on +61 1300 146 551 and quote the code ’BLACKFRIDAY25‘ to unlock incredible savings – for a limited time only! 

Since 1893, Hurtigruten has been the lifeblood of the Norwegian coast – a household name loved by locals for decades. The route Hurtigruten founded binds the country together, transporting people, delivering goods, and sustaining communities. Hurtigruten offers more than just a cruise—it’s a passage through time, tradition, and untouched natural beauty. 

Experience “The World’s Most Beautiful Voyage” with up to 50% off on selected Original Voyages*

12-day ‘Round Trip’ voyage Bergen – Bergen. From $1,685.50 per person twin share 

Includes daily lectures, breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the ship’s main restaurant, Torget. Unlimited selection of tea and black filter coffee. 

Save up to 25% on selected premium all-inclusive Signature Voyages*

14-day Signature Voyage, The North Cape Line, Bergen-Oslo – From $4,393 per person twin share 

The most premium way to sail the Norwegian coast, one of the world’s longest coastlines, from Oslo to North Cape at the top of Europe and the Arctic city of Tromso.   

7-day Signature Voyage, Southbound, Tromso-Oslo – From $3,207 per person twin share

As you journey along Norway’s breathtaking coastline, each port introduces a world of contrasts—from tranquillity fishing villages nestled against rugged cliffs to vibrant Arctic cities alive with rich cultural heritage. Hurtigruten’s expert guides and daily lectures enhance every moment, providing insight into Norway’s unique landscapes, wildlife, and history. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, Hurtigruten’s voyages offer an immersive experience that connects you deeply to the soul of Norway. 

*Terms and conditions apply. Check Hurtigruten’s website for full T&Cs. 

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Crystal has confirmed plans for its third annual Wellness at Sea® retreat voyages aboard Crystal Symphony, sailing in August 2026.

The retreats offer guests a holistic journey of movement, mindfulness and culinary nourishment in the refined surroundings of one of the world’s most exceptional ships.

The first sailing runs 17–24 August from Vancouver to San Diego, followed immediately by a second voyage on 24 August to 5 September, from San Diego to Guayaquil, Ecuador. The itineraries can be merged to offer a back-to-back voyage for a continuous Pacific wellness journey.

Leading the program is Dalila Roglieri, Crystal’s wellness ambassador and registered nutritionist, who has been instrumental in shaping the program’s philosophy since its inception. Roglieri, whose expertise bridges nutrition science and Mediterranean lifestyle principles, will be joined by returning specialists Jenni Demus, yoga and mental well-being specialist; Mandi Appelberg, fitness and yoga specialist; and Magnus Appelberg, cold exposure expert, somatic therapist and yoga and meditation teacher. The team will also welcome Chef Abbie Gellman, MS, RD, CDN, a nationally recognised culinary nutrition authority, author and director of Teaching Kitchen and Culinary Medicine at SBH Health System in New York.

Guests will be guided through a series of immersive Wellness at Sea sessions including yoga and meditation, sound baths, functional training, and breathwork and mind-reset classes such as Wake Me Up Breath and Master Your Mind. The voyage also features a two-day detox at sea, encouraging digital mindfulness and deep restoration.

The program includes an educational focus on longevity science, with lectures exploring key topics such as aging well, maintaining a sharp mind and a strong, vital body and understanding the healing and harmful effects of emotions on the heart and health.

Culinary offerings take centre stage with an expanded variety of plant-rich dishes crafted exclusively for the Wellness at Sea retreats. All recipes are created by Crystal’s culinary team under Roglieri’s guidance in nutrition science, highlighting flavour and nourishment in perfect harmony. Guests can enjoy hands-on wellness cuisine workshops and culinary demonstrations led by Gellman and Roglieri, blending nutritional insight with the art of gastronomy, as well as individual nutrition consultations and blind tasting sessions designed to engage all the senses.

Daily offerings include wellness-focused juices and smoothies, nutritious toasts, soups, appetisers, dips, main courses and desserts. This innovative culinary approach earned Crystal recognition in the Women’s Health 2025 Travel Awards for Best Healthy Food.

“These voyages represent wellness at its most complete, where every sunrise, every movement, and every meal becomes part of a greater harmony. It’s an invitation to reconnect with yourself and the world, surrounded by the exceptional elements that define Crystal,” notes Dalila Roglieri, Crystal’s Wellness Ambassador.

The 2026 Wellness at Sea retreat voyages are now open for booking.

Details for the 2027 Wellness Retreat will be announced in the coming months.

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