Here are the most important cruise developments published during the past 24 hours. Today's news includes ship renovations, pricing changes, a river cruise disruption, fleet updates and new expedition itineraries that could affect future travelers.
Regent Plans Larger Suites Across Three Ships
Regent Seven Seas Cruises will significantly redesign three of its Explorer-class ships during scheduled dry docks beginning in late 2027. Seven Seas Splendor, Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Grandeur will all receive larger entry-level suites while several entirely new suite categories will be introduced.
The renovations will increase the size of standard veranda suites from about 307 square feet to between 415 and 464 square feet. Guests can also expect larger balconies, walk-in closets and expanded bathrooms. Because of the larger accommodations, each ship's capacity will decrease from 373 suites to 344. Travelers planning luxury cruises after the renovations will have fewer cabins available but noticeably larger accommodations.
Sources: Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Seatrade Cruise News.
Norwegian Cruise Line Changes Its Long-Term Pricing Strategy
Norwegian Cruise Line is changing how it prices future cruises, with the goal of attracting more bookings earlier in the sales cycle instead of relying as heavily on discounts closer to sailing.
Company executives said some itineraries had previously been introduced at prices that were too high, slowing early demand. Under the new approach, Norwegian plans to launch cruises with more competitive pricing from the beginning and adjust fares gradually as ships fill. The strategy has already been introduced on selected 2027 sailings and newly released 2028 itineraries. For travelers who typically book well in advance, earlier pricing may become more attractive than under Norwegian's previous approach.
Passengers Evacuated After Viking River Ship Runs Aground
More than 180 passengers were evacuated from Viking Ullur after the river cruise ship ran aground on the Danube River near Vidin, Bulgaria. Bulgarian authorities said unusually low water levels left the vessel stranded on a sandbank while approaching port.
There were no reported injuries among the 186 passengers or 52 crew members. Passengers were transferred ashore by patrol boats before being transported to Bucharest to continue their travel plans. While this incident affected only one sailing, it highlights how low river levels across parts of Europe can disrupt river cruise operations. Travelers with upcoming Danube cruises may experience itinerary adjustments if water levels remain unusually low.
Oceania Sirena Will Leave the Fleet in 2028
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has agreed to sell Oceania Sirena, although the ship will remain in service with Oceania Cruises through its scheduled spring 2028 voyages.
After the sale closes, Oceania will charter the vessel back from its new owner until its final scheduled sailing. The buyer has not been announced. For guests already booked over the next two years, the sale is not expected to affect existing itineraries. However, travelers considering future Oceania cruises beyond spring 2028 should expect Sirena to disappear from the fleet.
Heritage Expeditions Expands Maiden Season for Heritage Discoverer
Heritage Expeditions has added seven more voyages to the inaugural full season of Heritage Discoverer, the expedition ship formerly known as Silver Explorer.
The expanded schedule includes cruises to Antarctica, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland and Western Europe. Several of the new itineraries will operate during the 2027 and 2028 seasons, giving expedition travelers additional options in some of the world's most remote destinations. The announcement expands the ship's first full deployment following its transfer to Heritage Expeditions.