As September dawns, The Meandering Traveler looks at five enticing developments. Here’s the latest luxury cruise news, plus one tour company’s major announcement. We chat about Viking, Windstar, Tauck, Silversea and Crystal. Here’s the scoop!
(Windstar Cruises is among the cruise lines with luxury cruise news over the past few weeks. Photo by Windstar Cruises.)
1. Luxury Cruise News: New Viking Douro Vessel
We’re exciting about Viking‘s growth in Portugal, as the line just took delivery of its newest river ship, Viking Gyda.
“Featuring Viking’s signature elegant Scandinavian design, the new 106-passenger ship will sail exclusively on Portugal’s Douro River,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel.
Built by the West Sea shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, the river ship is Viking’s fifth on the Douro. Viking Gyda, which offers 53 staterooms, is now operating Viking’s popular 10-day “Portugal’s River of Gold“ itinerary.
“If you’re a fan of port wine or Portuguese culture, this is a terrific region to explore,” says the Pavlus executive. “And with more capacity on the Douro with Viking’s growth, cruisers have more accommodations from which to choose.”
For instance, guests can now sail on this new ship or sisters Viking Helgrim, Viking Hemming, Viking Osfrid and Viking Torgil. But Viking is far from finished on the growth path.
Long-term, the company plans to take delivery of 26 additional river ships by 2028. Plus, the upscale line will add 10 more ocean ships by 2031.
2. Windstar Unveils 2026-2027 Caribbean/Latin America
Given upcoming fleet expansion with the new Star Seeker, Windstar will offer more winter 2026-2027 Caribbean and Latin American sailings than ever before. That makes it one of our top luxury cruise news developments.
In fact, Windstar will operate 35 sailings on 10 different itineraries. Four yacht-style ships will set sail on these voyages.
“Depending which cruise guests select, they’ll discover daylight Panama Canal transits, new shore excursions and new Cruise Tours to Machu Picchu, Peru,” says Pavlus’ Steudle.
“Windstar offers a quieter, more intimate take on the Caribbean, visiting smaller islands that larger ships can’t access,” stresses Michele Hanson, Windstar’s product development manager.
She adds: “Guests also love our Watersports Marina, which opens frequently in the Caribbean and lets you dive right in.” That might mean kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or just relaxing on a float. Definitely, contact a skilled personal travel planner to ask questions and find out more.
Within Windstar’s new 2026/2027 season, there are also 22 Star Collector voyages on eight itineraries. These voyages combine multiple itineraries into one seamless journey.
Luxury Cruise News: Caribbean Your Way
Any week from November 2026 through March 2027, Windstar will offer a week-long, small-ship Caribbean itinerary available from San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Maarten; or both.
Guests can indulge in extensive use of Windstar’s iconic Marina platform in the British Virgin Islands (B.V.I). Also, they’ll discover tiny ports that big ships skip — perhaps Anguilla or Jost Van Dyke (B.V.I.)
And they can experience Windstar’s Signature Beach Barbecue (yum, yum!) in Virgin Gorda, B.V.I., and Mayreau in the Grenadines.
Another fun perk? Windstar’s new AquaBanas are also rolling out fleetwide. These high-quality floating decks (called Banas) off the ship’s marina connect to other platforms with loungers, a bar or even an ocean pool.
Examples of Voyages
Here’s a snapshot of some of the new voyages. From December through March, Wind Surf, the brand’s flagship sailing ship, will alternate between the seven-night “Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean Getaway” and seven-night “Classic Caribbean” itineraries.
Imagine snorkeling off the yacht’s marina in Prickly Pear, B.V.I. Or how about ziplining through St. Kitts’ rainforest or enjoying rum-soaked sunset toasts in Guadeloupe.
From October to January, Star Pride will set sail on weekly itineraries departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Those will alternate between the seven-night “San Juan & the Virgin Islands” and seven-night “Windward Islands Surf & Sunsets.”
Before transitioning to Latin America, Star Legend will offer two sailings from Barbados in November and December 2026.
One nice facet of the Windstar voyages is that there will be many new Caribbean shore excursions. In the Dominican Republic, for instance, Windstar will take guests to rum tasting in Puerto Plata, or by boat to the caves and mangroves of Los Haitises National Park in Samana.
Luxury Cruise News: Windstar Latin America
Perhaps the biggest news in Windstar’s Latin America itineraries lies beyond the sea. We’re excited about a new pre- or post-cruise tour package that combines a land journey to ancient Machu Picchu, Peru, with a seven-night “Costa Rica & Panama Canal” itinerary.
During the land package, guests will enjoy a half-day guided tour of Machu Picchu, a roundtrip Vistadome train ride and visit to Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the water, Windstar’s Latin America itineraries will be operated by Star Legend, Wind Star and Star Pride. The Panama Canal is brought to life with daylight transits narrated by onboard experts, according to Pavlus‘ Steudle.
Returning for the 2026-2027 season is “Panama Canal, Cartagena, San Blas Islands & More,” a guest favorite onboard Star Pride. During “Naturally Costa Rica“ voyages aboard Star Legend or Star Pride, guests might explore the Jurassic landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park.
3. New Roam by Tauck – for 40s & 50s Travelers
Tauck is creating its first new brand in more than a decade — Roam by Tauck. What’s special? Spanning land touring, river cruising and small-ship ocean voyages, these small-group journeys are being designed specifically for travelers in their 40s and 50s.
Each departure of five to 11 nights will average just 16 guests. Plus, travelers will discover a strong focus on flexibility, active adventures, and signature experiences.
Look for the first departures in August 2026. At least five journeys are expected to launch in 2026. In total, Roam by Tauck will debut 12 different itineraries across six continents by 2027.
So, how does a company develop a new brand? The creation of Roam by Tauck follows two years of extensive research involving more than 4,000 travelers.
“As we embark on our second century, we’re thrilled to launch this new brand. Roam by Tauck represents a natural evolution of what we’ve always believed: travel has the power to enrich, restore, and transform,” says Jennifer Tombaugh, Tauck’s CEO.
She adds: “The new brand name, Roam by Tauck, intentionally evokes exploration, freedom, and the pleasure of discovery designed for a new generation of Tauck guests.”
Reservations Open This Winter
The new Roam by Tauck tours will be open for sale this coming winter. Right now, the itineraries are not yet revealed. So, let your personal travel advisor know you’re interested. That way you’ll receive follow-up once the itineraries are made public.
Initially, Roam by Tauck will only be sold in the U.S. What will be the price point? “Premium pricing for Roam by Tauck will be comparable to the company’s higher-end offerings, designed for a younger luxury traveler seeking more flexibility and adventure,” Tombaugh tells The Meandering Traveler.
Designed around the pace and preferences of a younger luxury guest, Roam by Tauck will still draw on Tauck’s century of travel expertise.
“And as with every Tauck journey, Roam by Tauck vacations will feature exceptional accommodations, expert guidance, and exclusive access to places and experiences that are difficult to arrange on your own,” says Pavlus’ Steudle.
And in case you’re a fan of Tauck’s existing tour product, have no worries! That will continue as normal. Roam by Tauck is just a separate, new brand designed for travelers in their 40s and 50s who may like a more relaxed, flexible and adventurous approach to touring.
Luxury Cruise News: VIP Access, Special Moments
Similar to Tauck’s flagship brand, Roam by Tauck guests will often enjoy experiences that are difficult to arrange independently. For instance, that might include a balloon ride above the pyramids of Teotihuacan in Mexico.
Or guests might savor a private dining experience in Iceland’s ancient underground caves. Other experiences might include canoeing beneath Dordogne’s castles, and hiking through vineyards to a private wine tasting in Portugal’s Douro Valley.
Less Structure, More Choice, More Active
Roam by Tauck will offer a “half-on, half-off” philosophy. So, thoughtfully planned signature experiences will be balanced with abundant time to explore or unwind independently.
So, look for many curated optional excursions that offer guests plenty of choices and the flexibility to personalize the experience. These are all factors desired by Generation X or older Millennial travelers, for example.
In addition, every Roam journey will include one hallmark physical experience. For instance, guests might go whitewater kayaking in Bratislava, Slovakia, or hike the Paiva Walkways and Arouca Bridge in Portugal.
Other, more active options will include guided mountain biking; water or coastal excursions; and nature treks.
Luxury Cruise News: Roam for Relaxation
Roam travelers will enjoy more leisurely mornings, extended evenings, and access to luxury spa and wellness amenities. Whether it’s a relaxed gourmet breakfast or a retreat-like overnight stay in a countryside inn, the pacing of Roam by Tauck will be different from a regular Tauck tour.
The goal, says Tauck, is to invite “moments of stillness and reset.” So, stays of three to four nights at each property are built into every trip. That ensures that guests can fully unpack, unwind, and savor their surroundings.
Since research also shows that Roam by Tauck’s guests will likely be avid food and wine enthusiasts, activities that offer guided insider access and the independence to wander off the beaten path will be a part of the itineraries.
“Because these guests lead busy, high-pace lives, they’re looking to indulge in a way that feels seamless and not over-scheduled,” explained Tombaugh.
Again, be sure to advise your personal travel planner if you’re interested in learning more about Roam by Tauck as new product details are released.
4. Luxury Cruise News: Silversea’s 2026 Reunion Voyage
Silversea has unveiled its new 2026 Venetian Society Reunion Voyage aboard Silver Shadow. Departing roundtrip from Nice, France, this 12-day journey will take in some of Italy’s most iconic destinations, as well as smaller gems too.
Open to both returning guests and those new to the brand, Silversea’s reunion voyages offer travelers the opportunity to discover the world’s most enriching destinations while making lifelong friends.
“It’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with Bert Hernandez, Silversea’s president, who will mix and mingle with guests,” notes Pavlus’ Steudle. “In addition, look for onboard receptions, enriched entertainment and special experiences ashore.”
2026 Reunion Voyage Itinerary
From Nice, Silver Shadow will journey to Livorno (Tuscany), Italy, on an overnight call. Then, the ship will set course for Porto Santo Stefano and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, as well as Valletta, Malta.
Additional calls will be Giardini Naxos (Sicily); Salerno; Ponza; Portoferraio (Elba); and Portofino, all in Italy. Guests will arrive back in Nice on July 1, 2026.
Venetian Society members can enjoy perks such as a five percent cruise fare discount and commemorative gifts. Also, guests can enjoy unique experiences ashore and an option to choose from 100 different shore excursions.
Mid-Voyage Tuscany Land Adventure
We’d definitely consider booking the line’s new three-day, mid-voyage land adventure. If so, guests will disembark Silver Shadow in Livorno and then rejoin the ship in Porto Santo Stefano.
Traveling through the heart of Tuscany, they’ll gaze at lovely rolling hills, explore hilltop villages and taste unforgettable flavors. Among the experiences, they’ll explore Siena and its deep-rooted Palio traditions.
In addition, they’ll view charming Cortona, and in Val D’Orcia, they’ll enjoy authentic farm experiences, cheese-making, and wine tastings. From the Renaissance beauty of Pienza to the prestigious wine estates of Montepulciano and Montalcino, this tour offers the essence of Tuscany.
Talk with a skilled personal travel planner who can discuss the many savory S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Tastes) shore excursions also offered as day outings on this 2026 itinerary.
5. Crystal Symphony Upgrades Coming Soon
Ultra-luxury Crystal will send the 606-guest Crystal Symphony for a three-week drydock in November 2025. The ship will receive refurbishments and updates to refine the onboard experience, making it another of our top luxury cruise news developments.
Bottom line? Look for aesthetic and functional updates to two suite categories as well as several key public spaces.
Redesign Specifics
The Aquamarine and Sapphire Classic suites on Deck 10 will be completely redesigned. Yes, the basic footprint will remain the same. The existing layout and spacious bathroom configuration (with separate bathtub and shower) will be retained as guests enjoy these elements.
But the suites will now be outfitted with new furnishings. The goal is to align the look and feel of these suites with the design style introduced during the ship’s 2023 transformation. New carpets and wall coverings will also refresh the look and feel of each suite.
Several public spaces will also be updated during this time. Here’s a summary:
Atrium and Crystal Cove
Under the direction of Gerolamo Scorza, a leading outfitter in marine interiors, the Atrium will be transformed. Guests who enter the atrium post-drydock will discover a more modern, fluid layout with more guest seating.
In addition, Crystal will remove the water feature and relocate the piano. The line will also add a two-story mosaic produced by DeCastelli and a new chandelier.
The ship’s Reception area will gain an elevated space with a new desk, marble top and backlit panel. The surrounding walls and columns will be refinished with new wallpaper.
Deck 5’s ceiling slats and lighting will be replaced. Plus, the Crystal Cove bar will receive a new front counter, backbar niche, and bottle shelving. New high-end furniture will elegantly redefine the area.
Other Ship Design Changes
Designed to bring a more cohesive, elegant feel to public corridors, Crystal Symphony‘s Lobbies on Decks 5 and 6 will be reimagined. They’ll receive updated ceiling structures, enhanced lighting, architectural wall details and new brass finishes around the elevator entrances.
The goal is to bring a more cohesive and elegant feel to the ship’s public corridors. Other tweaks?
- At Starlite Club, the dance floor will be redesigned and a new ceiling centerpiece added.
- The Bistro‘s wooden floors will be updated.
- Deck 5’s Guest Restrooms will be aesthetically refreshed with new flooring, wall finishes and countertops.
Technical Upgrades
In addition to the guest-facing areas, Crystal Symphony will also undergo an extensive technical upgrade. These actions will both enhance performance and contribute to long-term sustainability.
Key enhancements will include a complete overhaul of the fin stabilizers’ hydraulic system and renewal of both evaporators. Plus, new fuel and oil purifiers will be installed to accommodate biodiesel.
The ship’s freshwater piping system will be significantly modernized. Hundreds of meters of piping will be replaced. The ship’s galleys, cold rooms, provision areas and associated compressors will also be fully renovated.
Additional work includes a comprehensive service of the generator auxiliaries and targeted steel replacements throughout the vessel, including fuel tanks.
Crystal Symphony is expected to resume service hosting Crystal’s second annual Wellness Retreat voyages. These sailings will also debut the new production show, Club Nights.
For more information or to reserve a space aboard one of Crystal’s voyages, talk to a skilled personal travel planner.
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