He joins the company with more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across sales, operations, and innovation in the global travel industry.

The expansion comes as the National Geographic Sea Bird and Sea Lion prepare for their farewell season in 2026.

The 2026 program features 19 Christmas Market itineraries, ranging from 5 to 17 days, with opportunities to extend the experience in destinations such as Prague, Lucerne and Budapest.

MSC World Atlantic will offer alternating seven- and 14-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, including stops at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the brand’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas.

The line is extending instant status recognition to about 50 million travellers who hold high-tier status with more than 35 airline, hotel and cruise loyalty programs.

The port saw 8.6 million passengers in 2025, a 13% increase, officially making it the busiest cruise port in the world, ahead of longtime leader PortMiami.

Carnival will offer 60 tours and eight seminars at sea in 2026.

The season pass allows cruisers to spend a full month onboard Brilliant Lady while sailing the Alaska coast.  

Until now, PONANT EXPLORATIONS, Paul Gauguin Cruises, and PONANT Yachting operated under the shared PONANT Yacht Club program, while Aqua Expeditions introduced its own loyalty program, Circolo Aqua, in September 2025.

Departing January 6, 2029, and ending May 14, 2029, the 128-day east-to-west voyage marks the brand’s first-ever continuous world journey, spanning four continents, 29 countries and territories, and 63 distinct destinations.