Wave Season Deals, New Ships, and The Biggest Cruise News Stories of January 2026

by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Thu January 29, 2026

January has been a busy month for the cruise industry, with numerous companies announcing new ships, new brand identities and other developments. To recap, these are some of the biggest cruise news stories from January 2026 that you might have missed.

Wave Season Continues

Wave season is officially in full swing, with numerous cruise brands offering discounts, promotions and perks. Some, like Celestyal Cruises, are already reporting record results amid the traditional promotional period, which typically runs from December through March.

AmaWaterways Unveils New Brand Identity

New year, new look for AmaWaterways. This month, the company unveiled a new brand identity. The refreshed look includes a new logo inspired by AmaWaterways’ musical heritage, a new color palette with destination-specific accents and authentic imagery featuring real guests and crew. The update also includes a redesigned website offering a more intuitive, engaging, and visually immersive way to explore AmaWaterways.

Oceania Cruises Announces Change to Adults-Only Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises is now an adults-only cruise line. Officials announced this month that the brand would exclusively welcome guests aged 18 and older for all new reservations for future voyages. The cruise line’s existing reservations made before January 7 that include travelers under 18 will be fully honored.

Riviera Travel to Launch New Ship in 2027

Riviera Travel plans to add a new river ship to its fleet. Riviera Reflection will set sail in September 2027, joining sister ships Riviera Radiance and Riviera Resplendence on Europe’s rivers. Riviera Reflection will debut on the Danube River, with sales opening March 18, 2026.

“Riviera Radiance was the first ship to debut in the Radiance Class, and it has received an incredible response from both travelers and advisors,” says Stuart Milan, president of North America for Riviera Travel. “As we continue to enhance the Riviera Travel experience, we are proud to expand our fleet with a ship that truly embodies the spirit of refined travel.”

Riviera Reflection will set sail in 2027

Norwegian Cruise Line Announces New Ship, Norwegian Aura, Slated to Debut in 2027

The Norwegian Cruise Line fleet is growing. This month, the brand revealed its plans to build a new ship called Norwegian Aura, which will be the longest and largest ship in its fleet. After setting sail in Europe in late May 2027, Norwegian Aura will journey across the Atlantic and begin homeporting in Miami in June 2027. From there, the ship will offer seven-day cruises to the Caribbean, visiting either Harvest Caye in Belize or the newly enhanced Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

Trafalgar to Launch New River Cruise Ship

This month, Trafalgar announced the expansion of its river cruise portfolio. In April 2027, the brand will introduce its newest ship, Trafalgar Harmonie. The vessel will also sail a new itinerary, called “Best of the Seine with Paris & Normandy.”

“As Trafalgar expands its river cruise fleet, debuting on one of Europe’s most iconic waterways is a natural next step,” says Damien O’Connor, vice president of river cruise for Trafalgar.

Windstar Cruises Christens Star Seeker in Miami

Windstar Cruises has officially welcomed Star Seeker to its fleet, with an intimate christening ceremony held in Miami in mid-January. Star Seeker is now exploring the Caribbean before heading to Alaska and, later, Japan and Southeast Asia. The ship was christened by Libby Anschutz, the daughter of Windstar’s owner Phil Anschutz.

Norwegian Cruise Line Takes Travel Advisors Inside Decision to Eliminate Non-Commissionable Fares

In late December, Norwegian Cruise Line made headlines when it announced the elimination of non-commissionable fares. This month, the brand offered an inside look at that decision and answered travel advisors’ questions during a virtual town hall hosted by the American Society of Travel Advisors.

Also this month, the cruise line also offered a first look at its Great Stirrup Cay enhancements, launched a new global campaign and global brand identity and promoted John Chernesky to senior vice president and chief sales officer.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Building New Ship: Atlas Adventurer

This month, Atlas Ocean Voyages announced that it plans to build a brand new ship called Atlas Adventurer. The 400-guest, eco-friendly luxury vessel is scheduled to debut in late 2028, sailing to destinations across Asia—including Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines—as well as Africa, including Seychelles, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa.

“This new Atlas-class sailing yacht represents the next step in our growth,” says James A. Rodriguez, president and chief executive officer of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “It allows us to expand our destination footprint into regions our guests have been asking us for, while further solidifying Atlas' position within the luxury expedition cruise category. As our brand continues to evolve, this vessel is a powerful expression of where we are headed: thoughtful growth, intentional design, and deeper global exploration.”

Aman at Sea Reveals Inaugural Itineraries for First Yacht Amangati

In January, Aman at Sea opened bookings for the inaugural itineraries for Amangati, the brand’s first ocean-going motor yacht. The 600-foot vessel, which is scheduled to debut in the spring of 2027, will offer a variety of five- to eight-night Mediterranean journeys, exploring destinations along the Dalmatian Coast, Mediterranean Spain and the French Riviera.

Winter Storm Fern Disrupts Some Cruise Ship Sailings

Winter storm Fern pummeled the United States in January, affecting planned itineraries for several major cruise ships, including Carnival Pride in Baltimore, MSC Meraviglia in Brooklyn, and Odyssey of the Seas in New Jersey. Among the disruptions, Royal Caribbean was forced to shorten a sailing for Odyssey of the Seas, while Harmony of the Seas returned to Galveston a day early to avoid the storm. Carnival Cruise line officials also called for an extra day at sea for Carnival Pride.

Josh Weinstein Named Chair of CLIA's Global Executive Committee, Replacing Jason Liberty

This month, Josh Weinstein replaced Jason Liberty as chair of Cruise Lines International Association’s Global Executive Committee. Weinstein, the chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc, is taking over for Liberty, the chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Group, serving a two-year term from 2026 through 2027.

Carnival Corp. COO Josh Weinstein will become president and CEO on Aug. 1, 2022.

Royal Caribbean Cancels All Labadee, Haiti Visits Through End of 2026

Royal Caribbean canceled all visits to Labadee, its private island destination in Haiti, through the end of 2026. A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed the decision in a statement emailed to TravelPulse. “Out of an abundance of caution,we have extended our pause to Labadee through December 2026. We have already communicated with guests directly.”

The decision comes at a time when Haiti is rated a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" by the U.S. Department of State "due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited health care."

Bahamas to Build New Cruise Port on Mayaguana

Cruisers will soon be able to enjoy a new side to The Bahamas via a new cruise port that’s being built on the island of Mayaguana, roughly 350 miles from popular Nassau.

The port project will have three phases, officials revealed this month: the building of a temporary marine offloading facility and deep water port; cruise ship terminal construction; and deep water transshipment port and terminal for larger vessels, plus adjacent land development. There is currently no timeline for when any phase of the project is to be completed.

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