Cruise news: Virgin Voyages announces huge shakeup for frequent travellers
Updated . First published
Virgin Voyages launches status match program
Dec 11: Virgin Voyages has launched the broadest Status Match program ever offered, extending instant status recognition to about 50 million travellers who hold high-tier status with more than 35 airline, hotel and cruise loyalty programs.
"From the moment Sailors step aboard, we want them to feel recognised, relaxed and reminded of why they fell in love with travel in the first place," said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages.
This means Aussies who hold status with Virgin Australia airline – and dozens of other programs – will get instant 'Blue Extra' benefits on board Virgin Voyages ships.
Benefits include premium coffee, complimentary laundry service, exclusive cocktail events and access to special deals.
"You earned your status," said Saverimuttu. "You put in the flights, the nights, the spend. Other programs responded by taking more and giving less. We're responding by opening our doors and saying: we see you, we appreciate you, come sail with us."
Oceania Riviera has made her debut in Sydney
10 Dec: Oceana Riviera has made her debut in Sydney, arriving in the harbour and docking at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
Having recently journeyed from Singapore through to Bali and on to Australia, she will now have a multi-month season across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Riviera will be the only Oceania Cruises vessel in the region to offer exclusive itineraries with a gourmet foodie focus.
The 2026 Australia and New Zealand season will run from November 2025 to March 2026, featuring a diverse selection of itineraries ranging from 14 to 35 days,
New Royal Caribbean cruises
Dec 10: Royal Caribbean has expanded its lineup of offerings for cruisers looking to explore the Caribbean in the 2027-28 season.
Cruisers can pick from a range of 3- to 9-night adventures across 13 ships, including the bold new Legend of the Seas and the recently amplified Allure of the Seas.
Itineraries depart from Florida, New Orleans, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Panama.
Bucket-list worthy destinations include Samaná, Dominican Republic with its lush jungles and the famous Salto del Limón waterfall.
Many cruises also stop in at the brand's top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
2027-28 Caribbean vacations are now open to book on Royal Caribbean's website.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises' new ship
Dec 10: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the world's leading ultra-luxury cruise line, has floated out its first new ship class in 10 years.
The float-out ceremony took place in Italy, ahead of the final fit-out stages before its debut in December 2026.
Designers will now fit the lavish suites – including the Skyview Regent Suite, the largest all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise ship suite in history.
On board will also be elegant lounges and restaurants.
More Aussies than ever are choosing to cruise and explore new places via the oceans instead of the skies.
Whether you take a short trip to an Australian destination, visit our neighbours in New Zealannd or the South Pacific, or fly and cruise in Alaska, the Caribbean or Mediterranean, you're promised a great value holiday.
Plus, these days there are cruise ships and itineraries that cater to pretty much every kind of traveller.
Here are some more cruise updates to get excited about ...
