HX said the season ran from October 2025 to March 2026 and included 34 sailings. The company also said its guests left 272 TripAdvisor reviews, with 252 five-star ratings and a 93% five-star score, while global suite bookings rose 5% compared with 2025 and increased by up to 80% in selected regions.

Guest demand and onboard results

The cruise line said it expanded its pre- and post-expedition guest journey during the season, introducing new experiences designed to improve comfort, connectivity and destination immersion. It also said it increased activity capacity, allowing more guests to kayak and camp than any other operator, with kayaking capacity up 188% and camping places doubled, while operating within IAATO guidelines.

HX framed those results as evidence that expedition cruising can scale without, in its view, weakening the protection of the destination. The company said every voyage complied with IAATO requirements, including limited shore landings, wildlife-distancing protocols, strict biosecurity measures, small-group operations and capped daily visitor numbers.

Science and education

HX also highlighted what it described as a science-first season. The company said it donated 1,801 Guest Scientist cruise nights to global research, recorded 27,869 Green Stay nights in which guests opted out of cabin servicing, and generated 1,111 Happywhale submissions and 2,250 eBird checklists.

Guests aboard HX ships also helped raise €124,882 for the HX Foundation, which the company said will support conservation, plastic pollution initiatives and community projects in the destinations it visits, including Antarctica. HX added that 2,307 guests completed the University of Tasmania’s Antarctica Introduction to Antarctica learning module, contributing more than 4,614 hours of study, and said the award-winning programme is now available in English and German, with Mandarin due to launch soon.

Verena Meraldi, HX Chief Scientist, said: ““As we close the 2025–2026 Antarctic season, I’m proud of how our Science & Education programme this season again enabled scientists to access remote environments while engaging guests directly in the process. A highlight for me was our work with Dr Manuel Novillo, documenting rare spawning behaviour of Antarctic blackfin icefish near Danco Island using our underwater drones. Capturing these moments in situ provides valuable insight into critical habitats that are still largely unknown. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when expedition travel actively supports science in a rapidly changing Antarctic environment.”

Guest journey upgrades

HX said it introduced a series of changes aimed at making travel to and from Antarctica more seamless. Before the expedition, guests were offered later departures from Buenos Aires, to-go breakfasts for smoother transfers and upgraded charter flights with JetSMART’s new A321 aircraft.

The cruise line said the onboard and in-flight experience was also improved with locally made alfajores, commemorative canned water and upgraded service touches. After the voyage, later return flights gave guests more time in Ushuaia, along with a self-guided map pointing to local businesses offering complimentary items and a takeaway lunch featuring regional products.

For suite guests, HX said the experience was further enhanced with rooftop welcome drinks in Buenos Aires, private access to Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, including check-in, dining and wellness facilities, and VIP lounge access at Ushuaia Airport.

Industry significance

The season matters because Antarctica remains one of the most tightly managed cruise destinations, where demand, visitor limits and environmental controls must be balanced closely. HX’s report points to a business model in which higher guest volumes are presented alongside science participation, guest education and regulated access, all of which remain central themes in expedition cruising.

The company said its growth in Antarctica is driven by the view that access must be paired with responsibility.

CEO Gebhard Rainer said: “This has been an extraordinary season – not only in terms of guest numbers and satisfaction, but in the depth of scientific engagement and responsible travel practices. As the largest operator, we recognise the responsibility that comes with our scale. Our focus is, and always will be, ensuring that Antarctica remains protected for future generations. HX’s record-breaking season underscores a clear message: high‑quality expedition travel and rigorous environmental stewardship can, and must, go hand in hand.”

Source: Official HX Expeditions Press Release, 09 April 2026

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The live show will be staged in Legend’s Royal Theater, where performers from across the Got Talent universe — including magicians, musicians, acrobats, aerialists and other speciality acts — will deliver a dynamic, family‑friendly entertainment experience inspired by the hit series.

Christine Coachman, Vice President of Entertainment at Royal Caribbean, said the collaboration reflects the line’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of onboard entertainment.
“At Royal Caribbean, we are constantly redefining live entertainment at every turn—bringing jaw‑dropping performances to life across stage, air, water, and ice—and America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas is the perfect expression of that vision,” Coachman said. “As one of the most acclaimed entertainment franchises on television, America’s Got Talent perfectly reflects our commitment to bold, world‑class experiences that will truly wow our audiences on Legend.”

Erica Gadecki, Executive Vice President of Partnership Solutions at Fremantle, added:
“We’re thrilled to bring Got Talent to an all‑new at sea experience as we set sail for the first time with Royal Caribbean. We can’t wait to showcase incredible acts from around the world on a brand‑new stage onboard, creating an unforgettable experience for fans.”

Alongside the new production, Legend of the Seas will feature a broad entertainment line‑up designed for guests of all ages. Highlights include deck‑defying high divers, aerialists, robots and dancers performing in the AquaTheater, as well as show‑stopping ice performances at Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena at sea. The ship will also host the golden ticket debut of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Evenings on board will offer more than 20 bars, lounges and live music venues, including jazz at Lou’s, lively sing‑offs at Dueling Pianos, and themed dining experiences such as Hollywoodland Supper Club and Royal Railway – Legend Station, which transports guests through imaginative, story‑driven settings. Royal Caribbean notes that additional entertainment details will be announced in the coming months.

Legend of the Seas will begin its inaugural season in Europe, offering 7‑night Western Mediterranean holidays from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. Ports of call include Provence (Marseille) in France, Naples in Italy, and Palma de Mallorca in Spain.

In November 2026, the ship will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to operate 6‑night Western Caribbean and 8‑night Southern Caribbean itineraries. All Caribbean sailings will include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s award‑winning private island in The Bahamas, along with stops in Oranjestad, Aruba, and Willemstad, Curaçao.

As the newest addition to the Icon Class, Legend of the Seas continues Royal Caribbean’s tradition of introducing innovative entertainment and immersive experiences across its fleet. The debut of America’s Got Talent LIVE marks a significant expansion of the line’s entertainment partnerships, bringing a globally recognised franchise to sea for the first time.

Source: Official Royal Caribbean International Press Release, 11 March 2026, Miami.

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According to the company, The Joy of Traveling Well encapsulates the essence of Oceania Cruises’ philosophy: offering thoughtfully curated journeys that balance cultural immersion, personalised service and refined comfort. The campaign highlights the line’s commitment to creating meaningful travel moments, emphasising depth, intention and ease as core elements of the Oceania experience.

The new brand expression is supported by refreshed visual identity elements, updated storytelling and a marketing approach that underscores the emotional and experiential aspects of travel. Oceania Cruises notes that the campaign is designed to inspire guests to embrace travel as a source of enrichment, connection and personal fulfilment.

Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, said the campaign reflects the evolving expectations of luxury travellers.
“The Joy of Traveling Well is designed to enhance the Oceania Cruises experience by offering guests opportunities to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect with themselves while exploring the world,” Montague said in the official announcement.

The campaign reinforces Oceania Cruises’ long‑standing focus on destination‑rich itineraries, small‑ship luxury and personalised service. It also aligns with the brand’s reputation for culinary excellence and immersive travel experiences, which remain central to its identity.

Oceania Cruises’ fleet — including Vista, Marina, Riviera, Sirena, Regatta, Nautica and Insignia — will feature the new brand expression across guest‑facing touchpoints, marketing channels and onboard communications. The company says the initiative is designed to unify the guest experience while strengthening Oceania’s position within the luxury cruise sector.

The announcement highlights that The Joy of Traveling Well is part of a broader strategy to evolve the brand’s presence globally, ensuring it continues to appeal to travellers seeking journeys that combine cultural discovery with comfort and authenticity. Oceania Cruises notes that the campaign reflects a shift in luxury travel toward experiences that prioritise meaning, connection and personal enrichment.

As the line continues to expand its global itineraries across Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, the Americas and beyond, the new campaign aims to deepen guest engagement and reinforce Oceania Cruises’ commitment to delivering thoughtfully crafted voyages supported by attentive service and a refined onboard atmosphere.

With The Joy of Traveling Well, Oceania Cruises positions itself at the forefront of modern luxury travel, offering guests a brand experience that celebrates the art of travelling with intention, curiosity and a sense of wellbeing.

Source: Official Oceania Cruises Press Release, 11 March 2026, Miami.

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Celebrity Flora, introduced in 2020 as the first ship fully built for Galapagos expeditions, offers an intimate small‑ship experience with spacious suites, expert Naturalist guides and environmentally conscious design features including advanced waste‑management systems and solar panels. Each voyage includes all meals, beverages, shore excursions, snorkelling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks and paddleboards, ensuring a seamless and immersive expedition.

The 2028 programme explores the archipelago’s diverse landscapes and wildlife through guided Zodiac excursions, snorkelling adventures and landings led by bilingual Naturalists certified by the Galapagos National Park Directorate. Guests can expect close‑up encounters with the region’s iconic species and access to some of the world’s most pristine ecosystems.

In its announcement, Celebrity Cruises stated:
“These expeditions offer unparalleled access to one of Earth’s most extraordinary places, with Celebrity Flora’s intimate size and all‑inclusive nature creating the perfect platform for meaningful wildlife encounters.”

On board, guests enjoy all‑suite accommodations with floor‑to‑ceiling windows, private verandas in select categories and thoughtfully designed public spaces that support enrichment and relaxation. Dining showcases locally inspired cuisine, with menus incorporating fresh seafood and regional ingredients where possible.

Celebrity Cruises, part of Royal Caribbean Group, continues to lead in sustainable small‑ship exploration in the Galapagos, with Celebrity Flora representing a benchmark in environmentally responsible expedition cruising.

Source: Official Royal Caribbean Group Press Center release, 10 March 2026, Miami.

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