Holland America Line is now accepting bookings for Oosterdam’s first collection of voyages following its debut as the inaugural ship to undergo Holland America Evolution, the cruise line’s largest fleet investment in its 153‑year history. Spanning eight itineraries and 15 departure dates, the new sailings give guests the earliest opportunity to experience Oosterdam’s onboard enhancements, paired with destination-rich itineraries across Europe, the Caribbean and North America. Oosterdam’s return to service marks the first chapter of Holland America Evolution, a multiyear modernization designed to bring the best of the fleet’s Pinnacle Class to more ships. Following the ship’s transformation, Oosterdam introduces new stateroom and suite categories created to reflect how guests travel today, while expanding access to signature venues.

Holland America Line today announced itineraries for its two 2028 Grand Voyages, thoughtfully designed journeys shaped by years of guest feedback and a shared appetite for discovery measured not in days, but in continents crossed and time well spent ashore. Travelers can choose between a sweeping 129-day circumnavigation of the globe aboard the 2028 Grand World Voyage or a 90-day deep dive into Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific on the Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage. Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner shared the news today with guests aboard the 2026 Grand World Voyage.

Cruise.co.uk will make its television debut from today (May 1, 2026), appearing in a 30-minute repeated programme across the Sky network. Hosted by Tony Andrews, cruise.co.uk managing director, and Holly Crabtree, cruise expert and content creator, the programme showcases a selection of cruise and stay packages, alongside offering travel tips and advice for first-time cruisers.

Princess Cruises, a world leader in premium cruising, announced that two of its standout specialty dining venues, Makoto Ocean and The Butcher’s Block by Dario, have been honored with the prestigious 2026 International Five Star Diamond Award, recognizing excellence in culinary innovation, quality and service.

Virgin Voyages has confirmed the return of its annual Eat & Drink Festival, with a new ‘Festival of Senses’ concept. The programme will run across the four-ship fleet on a limited number of August and September sailings, offering a series of food and beverage-led experiences designed to enhance onboard dining for Sailors (guests). New for 2026 is ‘A Feast for the Senses’, an immersive culinary event hosted in the onboard nightclub, The Manor. The experience combines film, interactive elements and tasting opportunities, with Sailors moving through a series of staged food and drink moments.

Virgin Voyages has introduced Rovey - the brand’s first AI crew assistant and the first deliverable of Project Ruby, Virgin Voyages’ long-term AI initiative built with Google Cloud. The announcement was made at Google Cloud Next in Las Vegas, earlier this week. Built with Google Cloud, Rovey is an AI travel-planning assistant for travel agents. It navigates the decisions that shape a cruise booking, where itinerary, timing, destination mix and onboard experiences all intersect. Instead of starting from a blank slate or navigating multiple itineraries manually, First Mates (agents) can rely on Rovey to make human-like recommendations based on a sailor’s (guest’s) travel style, timing and preferences.