Scheduled for delivery in May 2028, Crystal Grace will embark on its inaugural voyage on 11 June 2028, following a series of preview sailings.

As part of the launch campaign, the brand created a digital word game shared on its social channels inviting fans to guess the name of the ship before the reveal.

Cristina Levis, chief executive of A&K Travel Group, said: “Crystal Grace is more than a name; it’s a promise. It reflects the effortless elegance, generous spirit and sense of tranquillity that define the Crystal experience.

“Crystal Grace is the embodiment of why we were awarded the World’s Best Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure, combining the best food, service, space, entertainment and shore experiences. With this ship, we are honouring our heritage while continuing to evolve for a new generation of guests.”

The 650-passenger, 61,800-gross-tonne vessel will offer all-suite accommodations, entertainment and dining options including Umi Uma, the only Nobu restaurant at sea, the only Beefbar at sea and menus designed by the Michelin-starred Italian Alajmo brothers at Osteria d’Ovidio.

Guests will also find a promenade extending the ship’s perimeter, and the vessel will offer one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in the market. Details of Crystal Grace’s suite categories will be announced in December, with news on the inaugural voyages, design features and new onboard offerings unveiled in the coming months.

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The line will continue to work with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique, which is currently constructing two other World class ships. The new order takes its total spend with the company to €7 billion.

Construction of both World Class 7 and 8 will begin in 2029, with both having LNG fuel capability. Details on the number of cabins and other onboard features are yet to be revealed.

The announcement was made during the float out ceremony for MSC World Asia ahead of its inaugural Mediterranean season next month and the traditional coin ceremony for MSC World Atlantic. The latter will enter service in 2027 and will be deployed in the Caribbean from Port Canaveral, for the winter 2027-28 season.

MSC Cruises stated that the plan for two further World Class ships reflects its confidence in the future of cruise tourism and its ongoing commitment to shipbuilding in France and across Europe.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, cruise division, MSC Group, said: “We mark a proud moment today for MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique as we celebrate important milestones for our future – the float out of MSC World Asia, the coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic and the order of two new ships.

“The World Class platform is a symbol of our vision to set new standards for the future of cruising. These are some of the most energy efficient ships in the world and we continue our commitment to LNG, ensuring we are ready for future renewable fuels.”

Laurent Castaing, general manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, added: “We are deeply grateful to MSC Cruises for [its] renewed confidence. What our shipyard is achieving today is truly exceptional.

“The World Class series, now totalling eight vessels, is a testament to our teams’ expertise and to MSC’s vision. It exemplifies our shared commitment to elevating the passenger experience while advancing environmental performance.”

Last month MSC Cruises confirmed that MSC Meraviglia will sail a season from Southampton in 2027. From 18 May-30 October 2027, the vessel will offer 19 sailings ranging from six- to 14-nights in duration, visiting new destinations such as Ibiza, Gibraltar and Tangier in Morocco.

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Every month, up to 180,000 people visit our sister publication’s website, with thousands using its search tool to find their next sailing. This behaviour gives us a valuable, real-time snapshot of consumer intent across the cruise market and offers early clues on what’s driving demand.

A month ago, we reported huge interest in last-minute departures, with 30 per cent of searches with a specified travel period for sailings departing within two months. At the time, we noted early signs that longer-term bookings were beginning to rise.

Fast‑forward a few weeks, and that shift has gathered real momentum. Spring and summer 2026 voyages now dominate the charts, making up just over 45 per cent of all searches – up ten points since last month.

Breaking it down further, spring 2026 leads the way with 25 per cent of searches, followed by summer 2026 at 20 per cent and winter 2025–26 at 19 per cent. There’s also an early flicker of interest in 2027 departures, which now represent eight per cent of searches – up from five per cent just a few weeks ago.

Together, these figures suggest that travellers are moving from spontaneous getaways to more considered, future-focused planning.

‘It’s time to pivot marketing efforts towards 2026’

Seasonal patterns are playing a major role. While the Mediterranean remains the most searched-for region, its share has slipped from 40 to just over 29 per cent of searches in recent weeks.

By contrast, the Caribbean has surged from 16 to 21 per cent, which was also noted earlier this month by Virgin Voyages. The core of that demand, however, remains concentrated in the traditional winter‑sun travel period. So, what does this mean for you?

If you’ve not done so already, it’s time to pivot marketing efforts towards 2026, where three quarters of all searches now sit. The strongest demand clusters are for December–February Caribbean voyages and April–June Mediterranean sailings.

Those who act early stand to capture the growing pool of consumers already mapping out their next holiday at sea.

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Hollands, who joined the line last month, has a background in the travel and expedition cruise sectors having spent six years with AE Expeditions, a year with Polar expedition specialist ExplorEarth and four years with Rocky Mountaineer. She is also an IAATO Antarctic Ambassador.

In her new position, Hollands will be the main point of contact for all trade partners, from first point of enquiry through to fulfilling quotations, converting sales and offering a dedicated after sales/concierge service. She will report into Danielle Bates, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ head of UK sales.

Bates said: “I’m delighted to welcome Karen to the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions team and am confident that her first-hand knowledge of the expedition sector and excellent trade relationships will prove invaluable as we look to grow the UK business.

“I’m particularly excited to be taking our service to the next level by offering this brand new concierge-style end-to-end experience.”

Hollands added: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions who are true leaders in the world of expedition travel. I’m also delighted to be working alongside Danielle Bates to grow and strengthen the UK market, sharing the spirit of exploration with an even wider audience.”

It comes amid the expedition line’s new trade incentive, which will see agents who make a new booking from the operator’s fly/cruise Galápagos’ brochure between 1 September and 31 December 2025 secure a spot on a 2026 expedition to the archipelago on National Geographic Endeavour II.

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Taking place on 26 November at the stunning Dorchester Hotel on London’s iconic Park Lane, the event by Cruise Trade News and World of Cruising in partnership with Virgin Voyages promises a night of glitz, glamour and glory as the very best of the cruise industry come together to celebrate the sector’s rampant 2025.

As well as the award ceremony, hosted by actor and comedian Sally Phillips, the evening will see attendees enjoy a gala dinner, a mystery headline act sponsored by Virgin Voyages, and a special iteration of entertainment found onboard Cunard’s Queen Anne in the Bright Lights Society.

You can purchase tickets for the Wave Awards here, but hurry as only a few remain!

The winners were decided after a comprehensive judging day at The Independent HQ in Finsbury Square, London earlier this year. A total of 40 judges made up the independent panel, with new additions including Helen Beck, managing director, global commercial, Windstar; David Duff, managing director, UK, Azamara; and Torey Kings-Hodkins, trade sales and marketing director EMEA, Disney Destinations International. You can view the shortlist here.

The last 12 months has seen the cruise industry go from strength to strength, with the travel community’s enthusiasm to recognise its achievements translating into a record number of entries. This was also fuelled by several new categories, including Best Initiative for Attracting New-to-cruise and Best PR Team.

This year will also see new awards voted for by consumers, such as Favourite Ultra Luxury Cruise Line and Favourite Expedition Cruise Line, as well returning favourites Favourite Cruise Travel Agent; Favourite Luxury Cruise Line; Favourite Ocean Cruise Line; Favourite River Cruise Line; and Favourite Specialist Cruise Line or Travel Operator.

Join us in celebrating the very best of the cruise sector at the industry’s premier event in November by purchasing tickets at thewaveawards.com now. £10 from each ticket sale will go to our new charity partner, the National Literacy Trust. A silent auction will also take place to raise even more funds for the independent charity.

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Schmitt joins the firm with a career spanning more than 20 years in the travel industry, having held senior roles at several leading cruise lines and travel brands.

In the newly created role, Schmitt will oversee all aspects of JTA’s cruise business, working closely with cruise and travel agent partners to further expand the company’s portfolio and drive continued growth.

Wayne Darrock, CEO of JTA Travel Group, said: “Cruise is one of the fastest-growing sectors within our business, and Mark’s appointment marks a significant step forward in our strategy to build a stronger, more dynamic cruise offering.

“His wealth of industry knowledge, leadership experience, and proven ability to deliver results make him a valuable addition to our senior management team. We’re excited about the expertise he brings and the new opportunities this will create for our trade partners.”

Commenting on his appointment, Schmitt added: “I’m delighted to be joining JTA Travel Group at such an exciting time. The company has an outstanding reputation for supporting agents and offering exceptional value across its brands.

“I’m looking forward to developing the cruise proposition further and working with our cruise partners to create even greater opportunities within the sector.”

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New inductees include AdventureSmith Explorations, Auria Travel, Panache Cruises, Polar Routes, The Polar Travel Company and Travelpack. The Boat Company, meanwhile, has joined the network as an expedition cruise member.

Launched at the second annual ECN Conference in London on 30 September, the new membership initiative recognises travel agencies and tour operators as trusted expedition cruise sellers and provides access to training, support and marketing assets.

Mollie-Jo Green, assistant partnerships manager for Panache Cruises, said: “The ECN is doing incredible things right now in the world of expedition cruising and we’re excited to be a part of the development and innovation happening within the industry.

“The opportunity to join the network is vital to Panache Expeditions’ growth as it opens up conversations with cruise lines, helps our staff with training and support and ultimately helps us increase expedition sales.”

Akvile Marozaite, CEO of the ECN, said the new membership tier reflects the organisation’s belief that “travel agencies and tour operators are central to the continued success and sustainability” of the sector.

“We look forward to working with our new partners to grow sales and expertise. A huge welcome too to The Boat Company, a company steeped in ambitions to conserve the wilds of Alaska,” she added.

The additions come following the appoint of Ponant Explorations Group general manager for UK and Ireland Anthony Daniels as chair of the network, taking over from ECN co-founder Martin Johnson.

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The yet-to-be named vessel will be sister ship to Seven Seas Prestige, the first in the new class, which is currently under construction at the Marghera shipyard and set for delivery in 2026.

A second ship in the same class is already scheduled for delivery in 2030. With a gross tonnage of 77,000 tons and a length of 257 meters, the third vessel in the class will host 822 passengers.

“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 Regent parent Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

“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.”

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri, added: “Our long-term strategic expansion with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, 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.

“This latest contract confirms the trust NCLH places in Fincantieri’s expertise to deliver innovative, sustainable, and exquisitely crafted ships that meet the evolving aspirations of the luxury cruise market.”

He continued: “As the industry embraces new challenges and opportunities, including stronger environmental commitments and enhanced guest experiences, Fincantieri remains fully dedicated to supporting our clients’ growth strategies and the future of cruising worldwide.”

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I am all for a sun-kissed getaway-at-sea, but when temperatures are peaking at 50°C in Turkey in mid-August, I’d rather battle the inconsistent weather of the UK. Couple this with mile-long queues for tourist attractions and it’s no surprise that this sentiment runs true for most Brits, who are turning to the shoulder seasons for their fix of overseas relaxation.

The term “shoulder season” refers to April-May and September-October, flanking the peak June-August period. As well as lower prices, these months tend to come with slightly cooler temperatures and less crowds, thanks to term times and busy work calendars. According to the Advantage Travel Partnership’s latest summer trading report, travelling during these months is becoming increasingly popular.

Data shows that bookings departing from May-June 2025 are up 13 per cent from the same period last year whilst bookings for September-October have seen an increase of 20 per cent. These findings come off the back of record temperature levels posted in Spain and Croatia this summer, with the former seeing highs of 46°C and the latter up to 40°C.

According to Euronews, Europe saw its worst wildfire season in decades this year, with more than one million hectares – equivalent to half the land area of Wales – having burnt since January.

Spain and Portugal accounted for more than two-thirds of the devastation. Meanwhile, UN Tourism reported a 5 per cent rise in international arrivals to Europe during the first half of 2025 compared to 2024, an issue which can lead to further choke points at some of the continent’s biggest attractions – such as Barcelona’s Las Ramblas and The Uffizi in Florence.

According to a study conducted in July by the European Travel Commission, about 9 per cent of European travellers have changed the months they travel due to these factors, up by 8.5 per cent during the same survey period last year.

Julia Lo Bue-Said OBE, CEO of the Advantage Travel Partnership, highlights that cost and quality remain key booking drivers, fuelling demand for destinations like Croatia, Cyprus and Egypt, where travellers can enjoy warm and dry weather during the shoulder seasons.

“The overall trend indicates a move away from peak summer travel and a shift in holiday habits,” she says. The increase in consumers looking to book during the shoulder season supports the case, adds Lo Bue-Said, that there should be a rethinking of the traditional school holiday calendar by shortening summer breaks and extending other holiday slots, such as the May and October half term breaks, throughout the year to allow families to visit these destinations while avoiding extreme heat and potentially benefitting from lower prices.

Lo Bue-Said explains: “By giving schools longer breaks at these times, families would really benefit from having the option of taking holidays in destinations that have warm climates in these months, but not the extreme summer heat.”

As families look to dodge the peak travel periods to save money and avoid the heat, the shoulder seasons will continue to see an increase in demand. Here, we take a closer look at five port cities perfectly poised to welcome customers who are on the lookout for quieter travel periods and comfortable temperatures.

Venice

Venice in winter is a revelation, with a romance born of fog and silence. Mist swirls over the water, marble palazzi glow in the soft light and basilicas beckon on wet, windy days. The cold has advantages, too. The mosquitoes have vanished and, crucially, so have the crowds.

The latter means guests have a fighting chance of securing a table at the hottest restaurants, just as the region’s best seafood is at its most seasonal. Think cuttlefish stewed in its ink or lagoon-fresh clams served with hearty polenta.

Of course, you can’t mention Venice in winter without Carnival in the same breath. This is a season for masks, music and masquerade balls. The revelry begins with the Flight of the Angel, featuring a young woman soaring by harness from St Mark’s bell tower to the square below.

Windstar Cruises’ eight-day Winter Italy and the Dalmatian Coast cruise aboard Star Legend, from Venice to Rome via Zadar, Dubrovnik, Messina (Taormina) and Naples, departs on 4 January 2026, from £2,520pp.

Nice

Of all the coastal destinations on this list, Nice was arguably one of the first to embrace winter tourism. The region became a magnet for aristocrats and royalty during the belle-epoque boom of the late 19th century, with wealthy travellers absconding there for the mild end-of-year weather.

Today, its pastel-hued seafront and opulent palaces look just as resplendent in the low light of the winter sun, where average temperatures hover around 13°C. The historic Vieux Nice neighbourhood, with its 200-year-old chocolate shops and cavernous wine cellars, is a year-round treat.

However, the low season is when the locals come out to play, infusing the cobbled streets with a genial atmosphere that’s impossible not to be swept up by. Guests can follow their lead and peruse the flower markets before gorging on freshly baked socca, a chickpea pancake and Niçois staple.

Fewer crowds also mean easier access to the islands that dot the coastline, where you’ll find sugar-white beaches and eucalyptus groves. On Saint-Honorat Island, monks toil away at the 11th‑century monastery, producing wines and liquors from the ground’s sprawling vineyards.

For €25pp travellers can sample it for themselves during a private tour, with return boat transfers from Cannes included in the price.

Celebrity Cruises’ 12-night Adriatic & Med cruise, from Athens (Piraeus) to Barcelona, via Dubrovnik, Kotor, Naples and Nice (Villefranche), on Celebrity Infinity, departs 3 November 2025, from £2,348pp.

Barcelona

On an off-season sailing, travellers will find there’s far more to the Catalan capital than sun, sea and lengthy queues. At Christmastime, markets like 18th-century Fira de Santa Llúcia are known for their elaborate nativity scenes, which often feature the mischievous Caganer figurine.

Throughout the city, landmarks such as Gaudí’s dreamlike Casa Batlló are bathed in festive illuminations. In January, the celebrations continue with Epiphany, marked by the grand Three Kings’ Parade, followed by Festa Major de Sant Antoni, when firework-brandishing devils and castellers (human towers) take over the streets.

A spirit of beberse la vida (literally “to drink life”) abounds, often toasted with cava and vermouth. Festivities aside, even the most ordinary winter’s day in Barcelona is an adventure for those led by their taste buds.

As Lindsay Collard, operations manager for the food tour operator Eating Europe, explains: “Visitors get acquainted not only with the historic neighbourhoods of Gothico, El Born and Barceloneta but also with the charismatic vendors within them. You can expect to taste Catalan’s favourite flower, local paella and refined bites with a modern twist.”

Windstar Cruises’ seven-day Southern Spain Winter Escapes aboard Star Legend, from Barcelona to Málaga via Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena and Gibraltar, departs on 21 November 2025, from £1,363pp.

Malaga

It doesn’t take much convincing to visit Malaga in the winter, with daytime temperatures ranging between 17°C and 20°C. The 1,000-metre-long Playa de La Caleta beach, a short stroll from the city centre, is great for kids, with its playgrounds and shallow waters.

Grown-ups, meanwhile, can embrace the year-round tradition of tardeo – where locals welcome the weekend with tapas, beer and live music at the local tavernas. The Andalucian city also boasts a yearly calendar of events, which according to malagueña Eva Gonzalez, are best experienced between November and January.

“The Christmas lights in Calle Marqués de Larios, are spectacular, but my favourite is the Lantern Festival in November. Even in my forties, I watch these 600 lanterns go up in the sky with child-like wonder.”

During the Three Kings Parade in January, visitors can try some local Roscón de Reyes cake and visit magnificent towns nearby. “West from Malaga, you’ll arrive at the medieval city of Ronda, which has Celtic and Roman history and far fewer crowds in the winter near the iconic El Tajo gorge.”

Windstar Cruises’ eight-day Southern Spain Winter Escapes cruise aboard Star Legend, from Malaga to Barcelona calling at Gibraltar, Cartegena, Valencia and Palma de Mallorca departs on 13 December 2025, from £2,199pp.

Dubrovnik

Between autumn and winter, this ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ hosts a range of cultural festivals which give travellers a peek into the city’s gastronomy, music and sport. Take the Good Food Festival, for example.

Hosted every October, restaurants and wineries across the city serve rich stews like Peka (meat and vegetables cooked on coals under an iron bell) or Zelena Menestra (a braised, hearty mix of cabbage and smoked meat).

Guests can also participate in olive picking, pastry-making classes, wine tastings and workshops on sustainable cooking. In early November, Lumiart, the festival of lights sees the Old Town every year adorned with dazzling light installations.

The Dubrovnik Winter Festival which kicks off in late November, includes concerts, a Christmas Fair with markets serving traditional Dalmatian Bakalar (dried salted cod) and a lively, open-air New Year’s Eve celebration.

The Old Town is equally charming in the winter, with guaranteed sunny days, a fraction of the crowds and daytime temperatures reaching 14°C. Travellers shouldn’t leave without trying the flat oysters, served in most restaurants and sourced nearby from Mali Ston Bay.

Oceania Cruises’ Hellenic & Dalmatian Gems cruise on Oceania Sirena, from Istanbul to Venice via Mykonos, Katakolon, Dubrovnik and Zadar, departs 12 November 2026, from £2,209pp.

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The collection of 17 itineraries in winter 2027-28 range from nine to 26 days, and visit destinations such as Italy, Turkey and Morocco, as well as Spain and Montenegro.

“Winter sailings in the Mediterranean have a completely different pace and atmosphere to those in the summer months,” said Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises.

“We are so excited to offer our well-traveled and curious guests these opportunities to explore this perennially popular region, affording them countless opportunities to linger longer with extended days in port and overnight stays to savour the season’s rich flavours and traditions.”

The new season includes a 10-day Trieste to Barcelona cruise on 7 November 2027, calling in Koper, Dubrovnik, the Greek Isles, Athens and Barcelona.

Allura will also sail a 14-day Barcelona to Rome cruise on 20 December 2027, from southern Spain to the north coast of Africa, across to Sicily and then mainland Italy. Guests can explore Valencia and Casablanca, followed by Tangier on Christmas Day.

The nine-day Istanbul to Rome cruise, meanwhile, departs on 19 February 2028 and begins with an overnight stay in Istanbul. Ports of call include Volos, Katakolon and Rome.

It comes after the line offered agents and clients the opportunity to choose one of two additional amenities on reservations made after 17 September 2025. Clients can decide between shore excursion credit or complimentary wine and beer during mealtimes. This is also in addition to Oceania Cruises’ permanently included onboard amenities such as free speciality dining, unlimited WiFi and shipboard gratuities.

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