It’s February, the heart of the cruise industry’s annual Wave Season. Simply put, it’s the best time of the year for cruise deals. So, The Meandering Traveler checks out one enticing new Wave Season promotion by Viking. Separately, other luxury cruise news also reveals new itineraries and onboard activities.
For instance, Oceania Cruises will set sail on luxurious sailings to both Alaska and New England this summer and fall during America’s 250th anniversary. Seabourn has unveiled a celebrated lineup of authors and other enrichment speakers. Also, several luxury lines also have introduced savory new culinary offerings. So, let’s dig in!
(Shown above is a polar expedition ashore by guests sailing on Seabourn Venture. Photo by Erin of Pavlus Travel.)
Luxury Cruise News: Viking Savings Event!
Viking just launched its new Viking Savings Event, running now through February 28, 2026. Travelers will find significant savings on a wide range of river, ocean and expedition itineraries.
For the month of February, Viking is offering:
- River Cruises: Up to 35% off, up to FREE international airfare and only a $25 deposit
- Ocean Cruises: Up to 35% off, up to FREE international airfare and a $25 deposit
- Expedition Cruises: Up to 20% off, up to FREE international airfare and a $25 deposit
“Viking continues to be recognized for experiential travel, with award-winning river, ocean and expedition products that appeal to culturally curious travelers,” explains Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “This month, the line is offering amazing savings.”
She continues: “Our skilled personal travel planners will help ensure you get the best pricing coupled with fabulous customer service. Give us a call at 800-528-9300 or visit our website for many more cruise line and tour company deals.
Luxury Cruise News: Oceania’s Alaska
If you’d like to explore Alaska or New England this year, Oceania Cruises offers 19 voyages between May and October 2026. “As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, we’re honored to offer journeys that showcase the country’s enduring spirit, mesmerizing landscapes, fascinating history and rich tapestry of culture,” says Jason Montague, Oceania’s chief luxury officer.
In Alaska, guests will marvel at the Hubbard Glacier and might head out for helicopter flightseeing and glacier trekking. History seemingly lingers around every corner in the Gold Rush town of Skagway. Guests will also explore Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, and head out for wildlife spotting in multiple destinations.
In New England, guests touring Boston, MA, will learn about the significant role the city played in the American Revolution. It’s the perfect way to dive into the country’s 250th anniversary. Newport, RI, showcases the lifestyles of the rich and famous during America’s Gilded Age (1870-1910).
And in Bar Harbor, ME, guests can stroll coastal paths and view historic landmarks. Of course, when in Maine, a lobster bake is “a must” for many travelers. And in fall, cruise guests will view colorful foliage.
Designer-Inspired Ships
Guests sailing on an Alaska or New England itinerary will set sail on the 1,250-passenger Oceania Riviera or the 1,200-passenger Oceania Vista.
Onboard, guests can expect refined comfort. Staterooms and suites are spacious, some spanning nearly 2,500 square feet. Oceania is famed for its culinary focus, so guests will enjoy dining in such specialty restaurants as Jacques and Polo Grill.
Each voyage will offer authentic ways to connect with nature, culture and cuisine. Guests can head out on small-group shore excursions and wilderness adventures. Onboard, experiences will unfold in the ship’s Culinary Center, LYNC Digital Center and Artist Loft.
Visit the Pavlus website for more about Oceania including deals or a list of global voyages with pricing. Call Pavlus Travel for a quote on any of the 2026 Alaska or New England sailings. A personal travel planner is ready to assist in getting you the best price.
Luxury Cruise News: Seabourn’s Authors at Sea
Seabourn just announced a roster of celebrated writers, broadcasters, historians, and cultural experts joining its 2026 “Authors at Sea” and “Seabourn Conversations” programs.
What’s special? The lineup will include award-winning novelists Ann Cleeves, Joanne Harris and Louise Penny, and noted journalist Clare Balding, among others.
Guests will have opportunities to interact with these acclaimed writers and other guest speakers through engaging talks, hands-on workshops, and intimate gatherings such as shared meals and shore excursions.
Luxury Cruise News: Acclaimed Authors
Mystery crime writer Ann Cleeves will sail on Seabourn Ovation from Dover, England, to Reykjavik, Iceland, on May 30, 2026. She’s the author of 37 novels including “Vera” and “Shetland.”
In 2017, Cleeves was awarded the CWA Diamond Dagger, considered the highest accolade in crime writing. Onboard, Cleeves will host hands-on Crime Writing workshops and a live “Murder Mystery” event.
Author Joanne Harris will set sail on Seabourn Venture’s voyage from Barcelona, Spain on June 11, 2026. She’s written more than 20 novels including “Chocolat,” which was adapted as a 2000 movie starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp.
Top 1960s international model Lady Sandra Howard will sail on Seabourn Quest from Lisbon, Portugal, to Miami, FL, on November 10, 2026. She’s now a novelist and freelance journalist. Her novels often draw from her experiences such as encounters with Frank Sinatra and the Kennedys.
Seabourn Conversations
If you’re seeking the ultimate in enrichment talks, check out Seabourn Conversations programming. Guests will listen to presentations by explorers, heralded chefs, scholars, celebrated performers and experts from the arts, sciences, politics and the humanities.
“For instance, upcoming speakers will include portrait painter Richard Stone and wine writer, author and broadcaster Will Lyons,” says Pavlus Travel‘s Steudle. Look for Stone to sail on Seabourn Ovation’s cruise from Dover, England, to Greenock, Scotland, on June 27, 2026.
Soon after, Lyons will sail aboard that ship’s July 4, 2026, voyage from Greenock to Dover. Here is the line’s website page about Seabourn Conversations. For the best deal on a Seabourn cruise with great service, contact Pavlus Travel.
Culinary Delights: Luxury Cruise News
Luxury cruise news in early 2026 also focuses on new food-and-beverage options. In a separate blog, The Meandering Traveler spotlighted three new culinary options for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Silversea.
Recently, Atlas Ocean Cruises also outlined details for its newest Epicurean Expeditions. So, as the first week of February gets under way, travelers have many new, appealing vacation choices.
Does anything spark your interest? If so, please use the helpful contact information below. Pavlus Travel provides great service, plus customers receive the best prices to the best places!
Important Information from Pavlus Travel
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