“This year’s geopolitical context has certainly amplified last-minute bookings in the cruise world, but it is important to remember that to obtain the best offers and guarantee the best cabins to discover the world by sea, one generally needs to book 9 to 18 months before departure, depending on the cruise line,” says Emmanuel Joly, director of Cruisepro. “Autumn is therefore typically a sign of a seasonal shift in booking dynamics, with heightened focus on departures for the following year, especially for the summer. The shipowners know this and therefore offer enticing deals to encourage early reservations.”
This is not an easy exercise to select the main opportunities that travel agencies can book with Cruisepro, but here is what could constitute a first approach.
Royal Caribbean. The world’s leading cruise line is strengthening its presence in the Mediterranean in 2027. Notably, the second season of the Legend of the Seas, the latest vessel in the Icon class, which will now depart from Barcelona and Rome from May to October 2027. On the Legend of the Seas, the destination is the ship itself—a ship of excess in terms of memories made with family, simply incomparable. Another novelty for Royal Caribbean in Europe is the arrival of the Mariner of the Seas, a mid-sized ship that was recently renovated and now offers unprecedented itineraries from Barcelona, with calls on the Spanish Costa del Sol, Casablanca and Tangier, then on to Portugal. The Brilliance of the Seas with itineraries to the Greek Islands from Athens is my third choice in this Royal Caribbean selection, a ship of just over 2,000 guests that will regularly visit the new Royal Beach Club in Santorini.
This is not an easy exercise to select the main opportunities that travel agencies can book with Cruisepro, but here is what could constitute a first approach.
Royal Caribbean. The world’s leading cruise line is strengthening its presence in the Mediterranean in 2027. Notably, the second season of the Legend of the Seas, the latest vessel in the Icon class, which will now depart from Barcelona and Rome from May to October 2027. On the Legend of the Seas, the destination is the ship itself—a ship of excess in terms of memories made with family, simply incomparable. Another novelty for Royal Caribbean in Europe is the arrival of the Mariner of the Seas, a mid-sized ship that was recently renovated and now offers unprecedented itineraries from Barcelona, with calls on the Spanish Costa del Sol, Casablanca and Tangier, then on to Portugal. The Brilliance of the Seas with itineraries to the Greek Islands from Athens is my third choice in this Royal Caribbean selection, a ship of just over 2,000 guests that will regularly visit the new Royal Beach Club in Santorini.
Celebrity Cruises. With six ships in Europe in 2027, Celebrity, the premium brand of the Royal Caribbean Group, continues to offer unforgettable sea vacations. Let’s start with the Celebrity Infinity, which for winter periods from Barcelona offers long cruises in search of sunshine, toward the Canary Islands and Morocco. In 2027, it will also mark the second season of the latest Celebrity Xcel in the Mediterranean. Not to forget the modern Celebrity Ascent departing from Rome for the Greek islands, or the Celebrity Silhouette which will again host a full summer season in Iceland with a 7-night itinerary around the island.
Cunard Cruises. The iconic British luxury brand will offer unique vacations in 2027. The Queen Mary 2 will be renovated at the Brest shipyard in spring 2027 before beginning notably the Le Havre–New York cruise on June 25, 2027, a voyage with French crew and lecturers on board, with the option to book transfers from Paris and return from New York. But Cunard is not limited to transatlantic sailings; it also offers a portfolio of premium itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Alaska. And of course World Tours on the Queen Anne and the Queen Victoria, in full versions up to 111 nights but also available in shorter segments that will delight travelers seeking exotic experiences.
Cunard Cruises. The iconic British luxury brand will offer unique vacations in 2027. The Queen Mary 2 will be renovated at the Brest shipyard in spring 2027 before beginning notably the Le Havre–New York cruise on June 25, 2027, a voyage with French crew and lecturers on board, with the option to book transfers from Paris and return from New York. But Cunard is not limited to transatlantic sailings; it also offers a portfolio of premium itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Alaska. And of course World Tours on the Queen Anne and the Queen Victoria, in full versions up to 111 nights but also available in shorter segments that will delight travelers seeking exotic experiences.
Virgin Voyages. The brand of “cruises without children” that includes Wi-Fi, all specialty restaurants, fitness classes, and a highly varied entertainment program has now firmly established itself in the cruise landscape. The Mediterranean, the Greek Islands, Northern Europe, and the Caribbean are Virgin’s new “classics.” And regarding the new features: 16 departures to Alaska, and for 2028 cruises to the Norwegian Fjords from Amsterdam.
NCL. The Norwegian Aura, the largest ship ever built for NCL, will begin its season from Miami and in the Caribbean starting in April 2027. The second major novelty for NCL in 2027 remains in turquoise waters, with even more fun at Great Stirrup Cay, the Bahamas’ private island. And NCL has ambitious plans with the opening of the Great Tides Waterpark, a 2.4-hectare water park featuring 19 waterslides, a kids’ water zone, and a hidden-bar cave.
Aroya Cruises. The “remarkably Arabian” brand with Saudi roots innovates in 2027 with even more departures from Istanbul and Alexandria. A remarkable value proposition, immersive journeys, and the Khuzama suites for the most discerning travelers are the pillars for a brand that will continue to grow in France in 2027.
Holland America Line. For 2027, Holland America is focusing on a major acceleration of its fleet renovation program, the substantial development of its long-haul cruises, for example in Asia, and unprecedented deployments celebrating major anniversaries, such as its 80 years in Alaska.
NCL. The Norwegian Aura, the largest ship ever built for NCL, will begin its season from Miami and in the Caribbean starting in April 2027. The second major novelty for NCL in 2027 remains in turquoise waters, with even more fun at Great Stirrup Cay, the Bahamas’ private island. And NCL has ambitious plans with the opening of the Great Tides Waterpark, a 2.4-hectare water park featuring 19 waterslides, a kids’ water zone, and a hidden-bar cave.
Aroya Cruises. The “remarkably Arabian” brand with Saudi roots innovates in 2027 with even more departures from Istanbul and Alexandria. A remarkable value proposition, immersive journeys, and the Khuzama suites for the most discerning travelers are the pillars for a brand that will continue to grow in France in 2027.
Holland America Line. For 2027, Holland America is focusing on a major acceleration of its fleet renovation program, the substantial development of its long-haul cruises, for example in Asia, and unprecedented deployments celebrating major anniversaries, such as its 80 years in Alaska.
The luxury and ultra-luxury brands of Cruisepro will also be in the spotlight for the upcoming season.
Silversea, the luxury brand of the Royal Caribbean group, is launching a massive program that includes 414 new cruises across 12 ships on seven continents. Including a 149-night World Tour and Grand Theme Voyages in South America and the Mediterranean.
Azamara, the destination-immersion specialist with its four small “hotel-boutique” ships, is perhaps the industry’s best-kept secret.
Oceania Cruises, which recently announced its shift to an “adults-only” policy, is best known for offering the finest dining at sea (The Finest Cuisine at Sea). Oceania unveils in 2027 its collection of Specialty Cruises. These are immersive itineraries led by renowned culinary and media figures, such as the cruise line’s culinary directors Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, or the renowned chef Sara Moulton. These cruises will feature cooking demonstrations and exclusive gala menus, notably in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The next season also includes a new ship for Oceania with the launch of the Oceania Sonata in August 2027.
Regent Seven Seas. For 2027, the ultra-luxury Regent Seven Seas Cruises reaches a new milestone with the introduction of a completely new ship class, the Prestige class, a historic World Tour, and a revamp of its onboard thematic experiences. For its new lineup, Regent Seven Seas adopts an even slower and more immersive approach to travel, featuring 100% overnight itineraries and 19 new intimate ports of call, including hidden gems off the beaten path in Croatia or Colombia.
Silversea, the luxury brand of the Royal Caribbean group, is launching a massive program that includes 414 new cruises across 12 ships on seven continents. Including a 149-night World Tour and Grand Theme Voyages in South America and the Mediterranean.
Azamara, the destination-immersion specialist with its four small “hotel-boutique” ships, is perhaps the industry’s best-kept secret.
Oceania Cruises, which recently announced its shift to an “adults-only” policy, is best known for offering the finest dining at sea (The Finest Cuisine at Sea). Oceania unveils in 2027 its collection of Specialty Cruises. These are immersive itineraries led by renowned culinary and media figures, such as the cruise line’s culinary directors Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, or the renowned chef Sara Moulton. These cruises will feature cooking demonstrations and exclusive gala menus, notably in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The next season also includes a new ship for Oceania with the launch of the Oceania Sonata in August 2027.
Regent Seven Seas. For 2027, the ultra-luxury Regent Seven Seas Cruises reaches a new milestone with the introduction of a completely new ship class, the Prestige class, a historic World Tour, and a revamp of its onboard thematic experiences. For its new lineup, Regent Seven Seas adopts an even slower and more immersive approach to travel, featuring 100% overnight itineraries and 19 new intimate ports of call, including hidden gems off the beaten path in Croatia or Colombia.
Lovers of luxury cruises and refined experiences will also be delighted by the new schedules of Hapag-Lloyd, Crystal Cruises and Seabourn.
And to end, moving from seas to rivers, with AmaWaterways, one of the world’s leading river cruise operators, represented by Cruisepro in France. 2027 will be exceptional for AmaWaterways with the arrival of three new ships, including the AmaRudi which will offer an unparalleled space per passenger, ultra-spacious cabins, and redesigned lounges. 2027 also confirms that river cruising is expanding beyond the Danube and Rhine, with even more AmaWaterways departures in Colombia featuring remarkable itineraries on the Magdalena River on two small ships of 60 passengers, for extraordinary journeys and including stops at Mompox, a true colonial jewel preserved and listed as a UNESCO site.
And to end, moving from seas to rivers, with AmaWaterways, one of the world’s leading river cruise operators, represented by Cruisepro in France. 2027 will be exceptional for AmaWaterways with the arrival of three new ships, including the AmaRudi which will offer an unparalleled space per passenger, ultra-spacious cabins, and redesigned lounges. 2027 also confirms that river cruising is expanding beyond the Danube and Rhine, with even more AmaWaterways departures in Colombia featuring remarkable itineraries on the Magdalena River on two small ships of 60 passengers, for extraordinary journeys and including stops at Mompox, a true colonial jewel preserved and listed as a UNESCO site.
