TRAVELWEEK PROFESSIONAL Spring Feb 19

Live the Life of Sandcastle Royalty

Introducing the newest village at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

Meet Treasure Beach Village, an immersive island playground where sand and sea meet in perfect harmony. From brand-first suites to world-class dining, every moment is designed for amazing vacationing and easy fun. The deeper your clients dive, the closer they’ll become — to the ocean, the island, and each other.

Here, play comes easy. Guests can splash through winding water pathways, float in a zero-entry lagoon pool, and relax in suites designed to make them stop and stare. With 11 all-new room categories — including the first-ever CrystalSky Reserve Villas and the mega-spacious Chairman’s Penthouse Suite — your clients will have space to roam, adventure, and always come back together.

Cravings? Consider them covered. From craft coffee at Bru to the first-ever Beaches Butch’s Island Chop House, plus a world of flavors at Pinta Food Hall, every meal tells a story they’ll never forget. Catch a movie at the Starfish Cinema or the stars from the balcony – whatever they’re in the mood for, we have it. And with all of Beaches Turks and Caicos next door, there’s a legendary sandbox to explore.

The real treasure here? Moments and laughter shared together, under the Caribbean sun.

ships and cruises to book

ESCAPES

Tel: 416.365.1500

Toll-free: 1.855.392.8820

www.travelweek.ca

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EUROPE

Book the latest tours, cruises, hotels and more in the region

8 BY THE NUMBERS Collette

10

FEATURE

Screen tourism in the English countryside

16

DESTINATION DOSSIER

Myrtle Beach

18

FAMILY

Resorts, tours and more the entire family will love

22

TOP 5

Reasons to book Europe with Globus family of brands

24

CRUISE

Top voyages to book on seas and rivers

28

10 REASONS WHY

Oceania Cruises is redefining adults-only cruising

EUROPE

Intrepid expands Europe in 2026 with new Active, Short Break trips

Intrepid Travel has released more than 100 new trips for 2026, its largestever launch, spanning six continents and more than 50 countries. Europe features prominently, with new active and short-format itineraries designed to meet rising demand for experience-rich travel. Highlights include a seven-day Croatia and Montenegro Hike, Bike and Raft trip featuring rafting through Europe’s deepest canyon, as well as a new Paris and Normandy Short Break combining iconic landmarks with lesser-known regional experiences. Northern Europe is also seeing strong momentum, with bookings up 13% year over year, supporting continued expansion across the region. Overall growth is driven by a 9% increase in active trip bookings and strong interest in walking, trekking and cycling styles. The 2026 launch also introduces new Short Breaks and Premium Walking and Trekking ranges, giving travel advisors more flexible European options to suit time-conscious and active travellers.

intrepidtravel.com

Holland America sees surge in 2026 Europe cruise demand

Holland America Line is reporting a strong surge in demand for its 2026 Europe cruise season, with overall bookings up more than a third year over year. Northern Europe itineraries are seeing the biggest gains, rising nearly 50%, driven by interest in scenic landscapes and easily navigable cities. The season features departures from Rotterdam and Dover, offering access to destinations across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the British

Isles and the Canary Islands. Itineraries are designed with longer port stays and select overnights, allowing for deeper destination exploration. Guests will visit more than 175 UNESCO World Heritage sites across 35 countries, combining marquee ports with lesser-visited destinations. Onboard dining reflects regional flavours inspired by the areas visited. During summer 2026 sailings, all FIFA World Cup 26 matches will be broadcast across the fleet, ensuring guests can follow the tournament while cruising.

hollandamerica.com

Princess Cruises expands Northern Europe program for summer 2027

Princess Cruises is expanding its Northern Europe offerings for summer 2027 with an extended program featuring 48 voyages to 54 destinations across 18 countries. Now on sale, the season runs from April to August and includes sailings across the British Isles, Scandinavia, the Baltics, Iceland, Norway and select Mediterranean regions. Four ships will be deployed, led by Regal Princess, offering itineraries ranging from seven-day voyages to longer combinable sailings, including a new 64-day Ultimate European Journey. Cruises will sail from five homeports, including Southampton, Copenhagen and Reykjavik, with overnight stays and port-intensive itineraries designed for deeper destination exploration. The expanded deployment positions Princess Cruises to carry more guests to Northern Europe than any other North American cruise line, reflecting growing demand for longer and more immersive European cruise experiences. princess.com

SLH marks 35 years with European expansion and new openings

Small Luxury Hotels of the World is marking its 35 th anniversary with significant portfolio growth, adding 100 new member hotels in 2025 and surpassing 650 properties across more than 90 countries. Europe is a key focus, with notable additions including Villa Helios Capri in Italy debuting in 2026 as a nine-suite Mediterranean retreat and The Landmark Rhodes in Greece opening in May 2026 with coastal villas and a spa set within an olive grove. Recent European openings also include Aurelio Hotel & Chalet in Lech, Austria, offering ski-in ski-out luxury and extensive wellness facilities, Art Hotel Riposo on Lake Maggiore in Switzerland and the adult-only Cabu Hotel Rhodes, which opened in 2025. Growth is supported by SLH’s strategic partnership with Hilton, expanding distribution across direct booking channels and contributing to a strong year of performance for the brand. slh.com

Railbookers adds new Italy Collections with Trenitalia

Railbookers has strengthened its partnership with Italian national rail operator Trenitalia with the launch of two new Italy-focused itinerary collections. Now available for booking, ‘The Executive Collection’ combines Railbookers’ most popular Italian routes with Executive Class travel aboard highspeed Frecciarossa trains, connecting major cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice with an added level of luxury. The new ‘Italy Uncovered’ collection offers a deeper look beyond Italy’s headline destinations, featuring rail itineraries that spotlight lesser-known cities paired with curated sightseeing. railbookers.com

LXR Hotels & Resorts to debut in Greece with Santorini opening

Hilton has announced the signing of Sandblu Santorini, marking the debut of LXR Hotels & Resorts in Greece. Set to open for the summer 2026 season, the resort will join LXR’s collection of nearly 40 luxury properties operating or in development worldwide. Located on the eastern slopes of Santorini overlooking the Aegean Sea and Kamari’s black sand beach, the 66-room and suite resort is designed to reflect the look and feel of a traditional Cycladic village with contemporary touches. All accommodations feature private terraces, with nearly one-third offering private pools, alongside three standalone villas. lxrhotels.com

Explore Worldwide reveals new active Europe tours for 2026

Explore Worldwide has announced 24 new active small group tours for travel through 2026, with Europe playing a central role in the latest expansion. Driven by strong demand for walking, hiking and cycling experiences, the new itineraries focus on lesser-travelled routes that balance physical activity with cultural connection. European highlights include an eight-day ‘Walking in the Dolomites —Campitello’ tour, offering alpine hikes in Italy’s Dolomites, as well as an upgraded eight-day ‘Walking in Andalucia’ itinerary showcasing southern Spain’s karst landscapes, white villages and iconic Caminito del Rey walkway. exploreworldwide.ca

Roam by Tauck launches new small-group European Journeys

Roam by Tauck, Tauck’s newest brand, has opened bookings for its inaugural collection of curated small-group journeys debuting in 2026, with Europe playing a central role in the launch. Designed for travellers in their 40s and 50s, the new itineraries emphasize flexibility, cultural depth and active exploration, with average group sizes of just 16 guests. European highlights include ‘Bordeaux and the Dordogne’, blending French wine regions with medieval villages and independent exploration, and ‘San Sebastián and Rioja’, combining Basque coastal landscapes, vineyard cycling and culinary experiences. ‘Prague and the Danube’ spans five countries with a mix of land touring and river cruising, while ‘Porto and the Douro Valley’ offers a relaxed exploration of northern Portugal by river. The launch marks Tauck’s first step toward a broader Roam portfolio, with additional European journeys planned for 2027.

RoambyTauck.com

COLLETTE KNOWS TRAVEL

Returning guests will save UP TO US$1,500 ON THEIR NEXT TOUR booked with Collette.

The best-selling European destination for 2026 is Switzerland , where Collette offers 6 unique tours

Collette was founded in 1918, at first operating day trips up and down the East Coast of the United States

TODAY, COLLETTE OPERATES 170 TOURS ON ALL 7 CONTINENTS.

On the ‘FLAVOURS OF PORTUGAL’ tour, guests enjoy 3 FOOD EXPERIENCES, including a cooking class in the Douro Valley

On the ‘Best of Iceland’ tour, guests spend 7 NIGHTS searching for the Northern Lights.

COLLETTE’S NEWEST TOUR, ‘MEDITERRANEAN COASTAL JOURNEY,’ IS PRICED FROM US$7,649 AND VISITS SPAIN, FRANCE AND THE ITALIAN RIVIERAS.

Small-group tours backed by more than a century of experience +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

On the ‘Italy’s Treasure’ tour, guests spend 4 nights in a Tuscan villa

The maximum number of guests on any Collette tour is 40 on the Classic Line and 24 on the Explorations Line

The MOST POPULAR tour in best-selling SWITZERLAND is ‘PEAKS OF EUROPE,’ which runs for 13 DAYS and is priced from US$7,349

For more details, visit Collette’s Travel Advisor Portal at gocollette.com

Marketing Materials & Support

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Collette Connection

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Here’s How It Works

1. Enter your IATA/CLIA/ARC number

This print-on-demand service allows you to send a copy of one of Collette’s brochures to any client with a letter personalized with their information and your call to action. The client’s information is confidential: It stays between you, your client, and the brochure fulfillment center.

2. Select your brochure. Enter your client's first name and your contact information to customize the letter, then click "Add to Cart"

3. Proceed to Checkout and enter your client’s shipping address

4. Place Your Order

You will receive a confirmation email once your order has been submitted. The brochure will arrive to your client(s) within 7 business days.

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Platform with access to Collette-produced social media content (with optional “set it and forget it” auto-posting).

Reel

A trip through film and history in the English countryside

By Vivian Vassos

fter a brief lesson in Latin, I find I’ve been stabbed in the back.

“Et tu, Brutè?” I utter, as I clutch my chest. I’ve been enlisted by a demanding Tudor Schoolmaster to re-enact, in Latin, perhaps one of the most famous lines ever written, while feigning death. The scene of the crime? Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, where I’m touring, along with a small group of Canadian travel advisors, on this VisitBritain fam trip, co-hosted by British Airways and Tour Partner Group UK (TPG).

It’s one of a few fascinating activities we’re having on this “Charming English Sojourn” trip. We start on a high: visiting Oxfordshire’s Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and the seat of the Duke of Marlborough (yes, there’s still a Duke — and a Duchess). If you’ve seen the film The Favourite, starring Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone, you may recall the massively influen-

tial effect that Sarah, the first Duchess of Marlborough (played by Weisz), had on Queen Anne (Colman).

These halls have seen it all, from Sarah’s remodelling of British politics in the 18th century to the making of the most important prime minister of the 20th century. Churchill or not, its rooms and gardens are among the most spectacular in Great Britain, having served as a backdrop for TV’s The Diplomat and Bridgerton, as well as the James Bond flick Spectre and Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation. The palace is also considered one of the greatest in the kingdom — it sees about a million people visit every year. Each room is more regal than the last; it’s a magnificent museum with Baroque more-is-more gilded framework, grand portraits, important works

Reel BRITAIN

of art, and intricate tapestries that scale the walls depicting scenes from the hunt and the life of conquerors like Alexander the Great. The extensive garden, worth the trip in its own right, was designed by Capability Brown, the landscape architect be hind iconic green spaces such as Hampton Court Palace and High clere Castle (that’s Downton Abbey to you and me).

Later, an after-dark “Oxford on screen” walking tour in the his toric university town reveals more locations, from classic crime dramas Inspector Morse and Endeavour to movies like Harry Pot ter and Saltburn. The Oxford University campus is home to the Pantheon-esque circular Radcliffe Camera, one of 23 libraries that form the Bodleian Library, and among the oldest in Europe. Lights glow from within, making this nearly 300-year-old reading room full of modern-day students seem almost otherworldly in the dark.

We work with travel agents – with net rates – and tour operators who receive preferential rates to enable them to sell to agents competitively.”

“Tour Partner Group is a leading DMC specialising in Northern Europe,” says Emmanuelle Spriet, executive consultant with TPG UK, who helped create this fam trip itinerary. “Our key destinations are the UK, Ireland and the Nordic countries.” TPG also has extensive experience working with the Canadian market. “We are proud members of CATO and ACTA, as part of our ongoing commitment to delivering service excellence to Canadian travellers,” she adds. “We have also recently joined TravelSavers and Ensemble.

Like the Duchess, Shakespeare was his day’s ultimate influencer, servicing his fellow Englanders by feeding public thought through his plays. And England is still very amused. The set-jetting trend is far from waning, and with the current release of Hamnet, the screen adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s book of

the same name about the bard’s early family life with his wife Anne Hathaway, Stratford should be girding its loins for a new wave of visitors who want to connect with these storied locations.

“Working with the Canadian travel trade is a priority and film and screen tourism is a significant draw for visitors to Britain,” says Ritushri Dhankher, national travel trade & aviation manager, Canada. According to the Anholt-Ipsos Nation Brands Index: TV/ film locations, 2023, a very strong 87% share of Canadian travellers indicated interest in visiting UK film/TV locations.

With 2026 seeing the film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, television’s Pride & Prejudice, the next season of Bridgerton and a Sherlock Holmes reboot from director Guy Ritchie, the game is definitely afoot. Film- and TV-related itineraries integrated with promoting regional Britain have been a priority since VisitBritain launched its “Starring GREAT Britain” campaign, Dhankar adds. “We are always keen to emphasize and promote regions of Britain beyond London, showcase different regions that have been made popular due to film and TV and their popularity owing to their historical and cultural connections with the Canadian traveller.”

Beyond London, on the edge of The Cotswolds in south-central England, Stratford is part of a dreamy region designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Hathaway’s cottage, more than 500 years old, is still open to visitors, as is the restored half-timbered house where William Shakespeare was born and grew up.

The cottage, on the outskirts of town, is like something out of a fairytale — a thick thatched roof, creamy stucco and brown wood reflective of its Tudor era, surrounded by flower and vegetable gardens and a still-working orchard. Shakespeare’s house, by contrast, is an imposing structure just off Stratford’s high street. As I walk through the preserved house admiring the decorative wall papers and ingeniously built wooden trundle beds, floorboards creaking

underneath my feet, I try to imagine what life here would have been like. Word has it, Shakespeare despised it, fleeing from his over-bearing father and marrying Hathaway at the tender age of 18.

It wouldn’t be England without a tipple of gin, and I need to recover from Brutus and my untimely “death.” A short walk down the Stratford high

street is Judith’s House of Spirits and Shakespeare’s Distillery. Judith was one of William and Anne’s children, and it was the house she lived in when she had her own family. We have a chance to taste locally-crafted gins and rums, masterfully mixed into refreshing cocktails, under the rafters of the restored home. The spirits are not available in Canada, but the distillery bottle shop features all of its sips for one to take home.

Of course, there are plenty of modern pastimes to be had. En route from Blenheim to some of the most charming countryside towns, there’s a stop at Bicester Village, a high-end shopping and dining complex that features fashion’s bold-faced names: Brit brands Burberry and Mulberry mingle with Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent; the busiest Pret A Manger in England (if you know, you know) and popular Italian eatery Cecconi’s (delicious) and beloved chef Yotam Ottolenghi (for Mediterranean fare) both have restaurants in the “village.” The bookable VIP Apartment allows guests to enhance their shopping experience with buying assistance, and quiet spaces to sip Champagne, relax and refuel for their next spree.

The Cotswolds are popular for a reason. This area is like a microcosm of what travellers think of as the quintessential English countryside (blame The Holiday, the 2006 Christmas clas-

sic rom-com where Cameron Diaz swaps her L.A. pad for a quaint Cotswolds cottage). Oatmeal-coloured limestone houses line these pretty villages’ main street, sitting cheek-to-cheek, showing off local sweets, baked goods, charity-shop vintage clothing and cozy pubs with monikers like The Mermaid or The Beagle. Multi-hyphenate town names like Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh and Bourton-on-the-Water add to the charm. I can’t resist, the smell of fudge floats on the air and draws me into The Sweet Shop in Burford, its shelves stacked with old-school apothecary jars filled with all sorts of candy. I leave with a box of the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth stuff, no regrets.

Speaking of Champagne, we began the trip flying from Toronto to London in British Airways’ business class, complete with welcome champers. Travel agents can utilize the British Airways Travel Partner Connect portal, says Jaime Fair, British Airways’ key account manager for leisure, Canada. “This platform provides comprehensive information on a wide range of British Airways products,” she adds. Now, nearing the end of our journey, we’re capping it off with a booking for the VIP London Eye Champagne Experience, on the city’s Southbank and the river Thames. The sun is about to set and, as we board our private (and still moving!) Ferris-wheel car curving skyward, we see London in all her glory. Glowing gold and pink, Westminster and Parliament, with its majestic Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben in the near distance, the Tower and London Bridges reflecting in the Thames and the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, it’s only fitting we toast the closing of the day and our trip with some bubbles, poured by our personal host. Cheers!

Time for JOIA! Aruba's Newest Gem

is Now OPEN!

Designed to exceed all expectations, JOIA Aruba by Iberostar is ideally situated on Aruba’s stunning and expansive Eagle Beach, a destination that caters to even the most discerning clients.

At JOIA Aruba, guests can make their getaway as adventurous or romantic as they desire, or they can simply relax like never before, sipping on a masterfully crafted cocktail while taking in breathtaking views of a sparkling Caribbean coastline.

Guests can enjoy breathtaking Caribbean views, personalized spa treatments, and an exceptional culinary experience featuring an international buffet, two specialty restaurants, four bespoke bars, and the cozy Star Café.

And… that’s not all. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy a round Tierra del Sol, considered to be one of the finest courses in the whole of the Caribbean. With luxe amenities and a beachfront location.

Here, time belongs to your clients and their days flow without hurry. They can relax under the sun on endless white sands or discover the vibrant colors of the underwater world, and savor gourmet cuisine by the sea. Let time stand still… now with an All-Inclusive Meal Plan*, the perfect option with an additional cost for those who want to experience the full luxury with complete comfort.

*All-Inclusive Meal Plan: Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, Star Café, and bar service with a selected drinks menu.

BEACH BLISS

Myrtle Beach delivers classic beach fun with an easygoing vibe

Visitors can relax and soak up the sun along 100 kilometres of oceanfront in MYRTLE BEACH

ROAD TRIP! Myrtle Beach is only a 14- to 16-hour drive for most Canadians living in Ontario and Quebec

New to the hotel scene are THE ELLIE BEACH RESORT, a dual-branded Hilton property, and voco The Shelby, an upscale boutique hotel, with Compass by Margaritaville Resort slated for a late 2026 opening.

HEAD’S UP!

DID YOU KNOW?

North Myrtle Beach is the birthplace of shag dancing and remains a hub for live entertainment today.

TRICK

FORE! Myrtle Beach is home to OVER 90 GOLF COURSES, 30 MINI PUTT COURSES, TOP GOLF and POPSTROKE

OR TREAT!

Every October, the historical town of Conway renames itself to ‘Halloween,’ with pumpkins decorating every branch along Main Street

For more information, go to visitmyrtlebeach.com/mission

DON’T MISS: Broadway at The Beach with over 350 acres of SHOPPING, DINING and ENTERTAINMENT, and MURRELLS INLET for SUNSET CRUISES, ECO and HISTORY TOURS, BIRD WATCHING and WATERFRONT DINING

For Canadians, One Beach Is Best

There’s no better time to get back to beaching and no better place than Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. With 100 km of beaches, 2,000+ restaurants, 80+ golf courses and hundreds of attractions, The Beach shines in all four seasons. Plus, you can’t miss the 65th annual Can-Am Days – a mid-March celebration with exclusive deals for Canadian visitors.

FAMILY

Save the dates! Universal Orlando Resort outlines 2026 events

Universal Orlando Resort has released dates for a destination-wide lineup of events and limited-time experiences running throughout 2026. Highlights include Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval from Feb. 7 to April 4 and Halloween Horror Nights on select nights from Aug. 28 to Nov. 1. Holidays at Universal Orlando returns Nov. 14 through Jan. 3 with

festive programming across the theme parks, hotels and Universal CityWalk. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature multiple limited-time activations tied to the franchise’s 25th anniversary, including Butterbeer Season, Back to Hogwarts and the return of Dark Arts experiences. Guests can also expect special events at Universal CityWalk, after-dark access at Volcano Bay on select dates and a range of hotel-based dining, entertainment and seasonal programming.

universalorlando.com

RIU reopens fully refurbished Riu Jalisco

RIU Hotels & Resorts has unveiled the fully renovated Riu Jalisco in Riviera Nayarit, marking the completion of an extensive refurbishment. The hotel now boasts 820 modern rooms, including new family suites that accommodate up to six guests. The renovation introduced additional dining options, such as the American Country restaurant and Candy ice cream parlour, alongside existing favourites like the Don Gabriel buffet and speciality restaurants. Outdoor spaces were redesigned, adding six swimming pools — two child-friendly and four for all ages — plus a new splash pad for children. This reopening follows RIU’s previous investments in the region, reinforcing its commitment to offering high-quality, contemporary experiences in Riviera Nayarit. riu.com

Iberostar expands

Riviera Maya footprint with five-star resort

Opened in late 2025, the Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancun is a fivestar all-inclusive resort in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Located 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport near Puerto Morelos, the 444-suite property strengthens Iberostar’s presence in Mexico, bringing its portfolio in the country to 12 hotels. All suites feature a jacuzzi, with accommodation options ranging from family rooms and swim-up suites to oceanfront categories. The resort offers a diverse dining lineup including an international buffet, wood-fired pizzeria and four specialty restaurants highlighting Italian, Mexican, Caribbean and Spanish cuisine, along with six bars and a Star Café. Designed for couples and families, the beachfront resort also provides easy access to regional attractions such as the Great Mayan Reef and the Route of the Cenotes. As part of Iberostar’s responsible tourism model, the resort will also operate without single-use plastics and feature purified drinking water stations and responsibly sourced seafood. iberostar.com

Royal Caribbean opens new beach club with family amenities

Royal Caribbean has officially opened Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, a new all-inclusive beach club experience in Nassau, The Bahamas. The destination combines two beaches and three pools with dedicated spaces for family, including The Shallow End zero-entry pool and the Ultimate Family Cabana, a two-level private retreat featuring a whirlpool, slide and premium service. Across the island, guests enjoy unlimited dining at three beach grills and 10 bars, along with live music, local artisan huts and Bahamianinspired design. Day passes include roundtrip water ferry transportation. royalcaribbean.com

NCL enhances private island Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line is rolling out major new guest experiences at Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas. Highlights include the new Great Life Lagoon, a 1.4-acre heated pool area larger than two Olympic-sized pools, featuring a beach-style entry, two swim-up bars, private cabanas and Splash Harbor, a complimentary splash pad for kids. An adults-only Vibe Shore Club adds an upgraded beachfront retreat with private cabanas and bar access.

Additional enhancements include a new pier for easier island access, a Welcome Center and a tram system to simplify getting around. Looking ahead, the island’s transformation will continue with the debut of Great Tides Waterpark in summer 2026, featuring 19 waterslides, a nearly 800-foot dynamic river, cliffside jumps and family-friendly splash zones. In 2026, more than one million guests across 17 ships are expected to visit Great Stirrup Cay. ncl.com

Sunwing Vacations highlights expanded family resorts for 2026

Included in Sunwing Vacations’ 2026 portfolio is a mix of newly renovated and newly added all-inclusive resorts across Mexico and the Dominican Republic, designed to appeal to families and multigenerational travellers. Riu Jalisco reopened in late 2025 following a multi-million-dollar renovation, introducing 820 upgraded rooms, including family suites for up to six guests, six pools, children’s splash areas and expanded dining options. New to Sunwing, Bakour Punta Cana Suites offers a boutique-style, family-friendly experience with beachfront access, a large pool, spa facilities and daily activities for all ages. Also included is Iberostar’s newest Mexican property, Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancun, featuring five pools, a children’s water park, four specialty restaurants, a spa and kids club activity programs. Lastly, Royalton Riviera Cancun presents a refreshed dual-resort concept, combining family-focused amenities with adults-only Hideaway spaces following a major renovation. sunwing.ca

Tauck Bridges spotlights demand for family travel

Tauck is highlighting continued demand for its Bridges collection, designed to bring families together through guided travel experiences for ages eight and up. One featured option is ‘Douro Discovery: A Family River Cruise in Portugal plus Madrid’, part of Tauck’s expanded Douro River program. The addition of the new vessel ms Saudade has nearly doubled capacity on the river, alongside three new itineraries. Looking ahead to 2027, Tauck is opening reservations earlier than before, offering risk-free deposits to help travel advisors secure preferred sailings for their clients. tauck.ca

Hyatt Ziva remains a strong all-inclusive pick for families

Hyatt Ziva continues to resonate with families seeking an all-inclusive resort experience that appeals to multiple generations. Known for its welcoming, family-focused atmosphere, the brand combines spacious accommodations with supervised programming for kids and teens, while also delivering elevated dining and amenities designed with adults in mind. With resorts located across Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, including Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Cap Cana and Montego Bay, Hyatt Ziva offers families a broad choice of sun destinations paired with consistent service and quality. Across the portfolio, guests can expect features such as expansive water parks, kids’ clubs, teen zones, family-friendly pools, nightly entertainment and a wide range of dining options. Added value promotions, including Kids Stay Free offers, further strengthen Hyatt Ziva’s appeal for family and multigenerational travel. confidant.hyattinclusivecollection.com

TOP 5 REASONS TO BOOK EUROPE WITH GLOBUS FAMILY OF BRANDS IN 2026

1.

2. A TEAM THAT ELEVATES THE EXPERIENCE.

From Globus Tour Directors to Avalon Cruise Directors, professional on-the-ground leadership is central to every journey. These experts manage logistics, provide local insight and bring destinations to life, resulting in happier clients and repeat business for advisors.

3. EASE OF SELLING.

GFOB simplifies the booking process with thoughtfully designed itineraries that bundle hotels, transportation, sightseeing and experiences. Compared to FIT, this reduces planning time, limits risk, protects margins and gives advisors added confidence.

4. MODERN FLEXIBILITY CLIENTS WANT.

Touring and river cruising today are built around choice. Globus offers free time, Small Group Discovery and independent extensions, while Avalon delivers Classic, Active and Discovery excursions, making it easy for advisors to personalize trips.

For more details, go to agents.globusfamily.ca

5. WE’VE GOT U.

With strong commissions, fast payment, robust marketing tools, training and FAM opportunities, GFOB is designed to support advisors. Backed by nearly a century of experience, Globus and Avalon deliver a long-term partnership advisors can rely on.

CRUISE

PONANT opens bookings for 2027–28 Antarctic expeditions

PONANT Explorations has opened bookings for its 2027–2028 Antarctic season, featuring 28 expedition voyages to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The program will deploy four ships, including Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker, alongside Le Boréal, Le Lyrial and L’Austral. Voyages focus on immersive exploration with expert-led landings, wildlife encounters and access to remote polar regions.

Highlights include two deep Antarctic expeditions aboard Le Commandant Charcot, reaching rarely visited latitudes and emperor penguin habitats. Additional itineraries span the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Patagonia and Chilean fjords, with sailings ranging from 12 to 20 days between October 2027 and March 2028. Inclusions range from gourmet cuisine, butler service for select suites and free, unlimited Internet access to Zodiac trips and landings and a free fleece parka.

us.ponant.com

Star Clippers unveils new Med sailings for summer 2027

Star Clippers has unveiled its Summer 2027 Mediterranean program, introducing new itineraries and ports designed for small-ship exploration. Highlights include a new 11-night ‘Turkish Treasures’ sailing between Istanbul and Antalya, featuring daily port calls in Turkey and Greece and access to ancient ruins, coastal towns and lesser-visited destinations. The itinerary sails in late May

and June 2027. The line is also expanding its off-the-beaten-path Greek offerings with new itineraries aboard Star Flyer and Star Clipper, visiting smaller islands such as Astypalea and Sifnos that are inaccessible to larger ships. In Italy, a new 10-night ‘Sicily Unveiled’ itinerary explores Sicily and Italy’s west coast, including historic Trapani and access to hilltop Erice. Star Clippers’ three sailing ships carry between 166 and 227 guests and are designed to access smaller Mediterranean ports throughout the season. starclippers.com

Crystal releases initial 2028 itineraries including Amazon voyage

Crystal has announced the first wave of its 2028 winter and spring itineraries aboard Crystal Serenity, featuring warm-water sailings in the Caribbean and Central America, a landmark Amazon River voyage and a spring transatlantic crossing to the Azores. Sailing from January to April 2028, the season includes roundtrip Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, a 25-day Amazon journey with calls in Manaus and remote river communities, and the option to combine select sailings into a Caribbean Circle Grand Voyage spanning 14 islands and five Central American countries. Late-season voyages include Caribbean destinations such as Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic, followed by a transatlantic sailing timed with spring whale migration in the Azores. The season concludes in Lisbon, where Crystal Serenity will enter scheduled dry dock for enhancements. crystalcruises.com

Regent unveils 2026–27 Navigate the Seasons voyages

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled Navigate the Seasons, its 2026–2027 voyage collection for Seven Seas Navigator, featuring 32 itineraries sailing between Nov. 1, 2026 and Nov. 20, 2027. Ranging from 9–27 nights, the collection marks the first full winter Mediterranean season in the line’s history, followed by global sailings across Africa, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific. Highlights include winter Mediterranean itineraries, transcontinental voyages along Africa’s Atlantic coast, port-intensive Japan sailings, South Pacific cruises and journeys linking Australia with Southeast Asia. Following a scheduled late-2026 dry dock in Genoa, Seven Seas Navigator will return with refreshed interiors while continuing to offer all-suite accommodations for 496 guests, personalized service and Regent’s signature all-inclusive luxury experience.

RSSC.com/navigate-the-seasons

A&K unveils first 2027 A&K x Crystal Cruises itineraries

Abercrombie & Kent has announced the first five itineraries in a new collection of 10 A&K x Crystal Cruises voyages debuting in 2027. Each journey begins with a two-night pre-cruise hotel stay and includes priority embarkation, curated shore excursions and expertled onboard programming. Guests sail in veranda suites with access to Crystal’s dining and amenities. The newly revealed itineraries span Italy, the Mediterranean, Atlantic Europe, Canada and New England and the French Riviera to Portugal, with voyages ranging from 10 to 14 days and departures scheduled from May to October 2027. abercrombiekent.com

Oceania Cruises transitions to adults-only

Oceania Cruises has introduced an adults-only policy across its fleet, welcoming only guests aged 18 and older for all new reservations made as of Jan. 7, 2026. The change applies to future sailings and is intended to enhance the onboard atmosphere by focusing on tranquillity, sophistication and an unhurried cruise experience. Existing bookings made prior to that date that include travellers under 18 will be fully honoured.

The policy shift follows extensive research and feedback from repeat guests, travel partners and new-to-brand travellers, which consistently highlighted Oceania’s calm ambiance, refined service and destination-focused approach as key reasons for choosing the line. The move reinforces Oceania’s positioning within the luxury cruise segment and aligns with demand from mature, affluent travellers seeking relaxed, immersive journeys. The cruise line will continue to offer destination-rich itineraries that emphasize culinary experiences, personalized service and the freedom to explore at one’s own pace.

Royal Caribbean rolls out 2027-28 Caribbean sailings

Royal Caribbean has expanded its 2027-28 Caribbean program with a wide range of seasonal and year-round itineraries sailing from Florida, New Orleans and select Caribbean and Latin American homeports. Beginning in April 2027, 13 ships will offer 3- to 9-night cruises across the Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean, including sailings on the new Legend of the Seas and the amplified Allure of the Seas. Itineraries feature departures from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, New Orleans, San Juan, Cartagena and Colon. royalcaribbean.com

OceaniaCruises.com

Emerald and Scenic launch 2026-27

Southeast Asia river brochures

Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours have launched their 2026–2027 Southeast Asia river cruising brochures, highlighting itineraries sailing between August 2026 and May 2027.

The new programs focus on Mekong River journeys through Vietnam and Cambodia, with extended land touring in destinations including Laos and Japan.

The company’s season includes new and expanded itineraries such as ‘Enchanting Mekong and Siem Reap’ and a 24-day ‘Grand Tour of Indochina’, alongside early booking airfare and fare savings. Scenic’s collection features all-inclusive sailings aboard Scenic Spirit, enhanced Scenic Freechoice activities, special cultural events and new Japan land journeys. Both brands are offering early booking promotions across select departures. scenic.ca/brochures

THE OCEANIA EFFECT

How Oceania Cruises redefines adults-only cruising with space, service and style

1. THE SUITE LIFE

Suites account for 33% of all accommodations on the Oceania Sonata, launching in August 2027, with two new categories, the Horizon Suite and Penthouse Deluxe Suite, making their debut.

5. SPACIOUS

STATEROOMS

2. THE LUXURY OF CHOICE

The line’s ‘Your World Included’ inclusions let guests personalize their voyage, from shore excursion credits to complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner, along with specialty dining, unlimited WiFi and gratuities.

3. 600 DESTINATIONS

Oceania’s intimate, luxury ships explore more than 600 global destinations, from iconic cities to lesser-known gems.

Oceania boasts the largest staterooms at sea, with no inside staterooms aboard Oceania Vista and Oceania Allura, offering serene, thoughtfully appointed spaces well suited to longer voyages.

6. FOOD & WINE PAIRINGS

From the Gérard Bertrand Food and Wine Pairing lunch to the Dom Pérignon Experience, Oceania delivers intimate wine pairing experiences led by expert chefs and sommeliers.

7. SPECIALTY CRUISES

Each year, Oceania’s specialty cruises combine expert-hosted onboard programming with exclusive events, curated shore excursions and culturally rich global itineraries.

4. EXCEPTIONAL ONBOARD SERVICE

With two staff members for every three guests, Oceania offers personal, intuitive and warm hospitality at every turn on board.

8. ON-SHORE EXPERIENCES

Oceania features more than 8,000 tours and shore excursions worldwide, giving guests the chance to explore destinations through small-group experiences centred on cuisine, culture and wellness.

9. THE FINEST CUISINE AT SEA Oceania features two Master Chefs of France at the helm of its culinary program, a one-to-eight chef-to-guest ratio on Oceania Allura and complimentary specialty dining for all guests.

10. THE ULTIMATE ‘SKILLCATION’

Guests can enjoy onboard programs designed to inspire curiosity and personal growth, from hands-on cooking at The Culinary Center to creative classes at Artist Loft and digital workshops at the LYNC Digital Center.

For more details, go to oceaniacruises.com/agent/plan-a-cruise