VIDEO: “I Can’t Wait”: Cruise Suppliers Count Down to TravelBrands’ SeaU 2026
by Michael PihachAll aboard!
TravelBrands Encore Cruises’ tenth SeaU conference is just days away, and if the enthusiastic messages pouring in from participating suppliers are any indication, this year’s gathering is shaping up to be a shipload of fun.
Taking place November 9–14 aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, the five-night event will bring together 265 English and French-speaking travel advisors from across Canada, along with representatives from 10 ocean and river cruise brands.
The learning event at sea begins in Miami, Florida, before setting course for George Town, Grand Cayman, followed by a visit to Bimini Beach Club – a signature Virgin Voyages experience – in the Bahamas, and finally returning to Miami.
And Travel Market Report Canada will be there, capturing all the action!
Ten Brands, One Unforgettable Voyage
Think of SeaU as the ultimate floating classroom.
The conference combines supplier presentations, interactive workshops, networking and one-on-one conversations with the opportunity to experience cruising firsthand.
The mission? Help advisors sharpen their skills, discover emerging trends, explore new destinations and products, and learn how to match the right client with the right cruise.
With Wave Season quickly approaching, the timing couldn’t be better.
SeaU is also an opportunity for TravelBrands to spotlight its technology and tools, including its air-sea protection program, which helps clients reach their ship, or a subsequent port, when flight disruptions interfere with their departure.
SeaU 2026 boasts an all-star lineup of cruise industry heavyweights, with 10 ocean and river cruise brands joining the voyage: Virgin Voyages, AmaWaterways, Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Celestyal, Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Silversea.
Scarlet Lady Rolls Out the Red Carpet
Hosting this year’s festivities is Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages’ inaugural ship, which debuted in 2021.
The adults-only vessel underwent its first major dry dock refurbishment in November 2024, introducing new suite categories, refreshed venues and updated dining experiences.
For Sean Russo, director of sales, Canada at Virgin Voyages, welcoming SeaU aboard is an opportunity to turn travel advisors into brand ambassadors.
“We’re so excited to host SeaU this year and welcome Canadian travel advisors aboard Scarlet Lady,” Russo said. “Travel advisors – or First Mates in Virgin Voyages speak – have an important role to introduce Canadian Sailors [customers] to Virgin Voyages, so we want them to see it, taste it and feel it for themselves.”
Russo is eager to introduce advisors to Virgin Voyages’ playful, adults-only approach to premium cruising.
“Picture it: not a single child in sight, a table at an eatery with dishes from Michelin-starred chefs included in your fare, a show that sends you straight to the dance floor, and a sunrise workout class that’s already part of the voyage,” he said.
“That’s what their clients keep raving about, and we can’t wait for our First Mates to experience it firsthand.”
His advice to attendees?
“Pay attention to how you feel,” he said. “Notice where you catch yourself smiling, what surprises you, and what you’ll want to tell your next client about. Come curious, come hungry, ask us everything, and leave with a few new favourite moments to share.”
Nathalie Tanious, president and CEO of H.I.S.-Red Label Vacations Inc., the parent company of TravelBrands, is equally enthusiastic about what’s on the horizon.
“Looking forward to another exciting SeaU!” she told Travel Market Report Canada. “I’m proud of how far we’ve come, grateful for the people who make it happen, and energized by the opportunities ahead. The best is yet to come!”
Watch our special preview video above to hear from the suppliers themselves — and stay tuned for Travel Market Report Canada’s land-and-sea coverage of SeaU 2026!
