The rise of experience as the new luxury is redefining the future of cruise, Cruise Lines International (CLIA) CEO Bud Darr has said at this year’s Cruise360 event – his inaugural visit to Australia.

Major investments in its fleet, lounges and staff have been confirmed by Qantas, with the airline reporting strong financial results as it continues to reshape its operations post-pandemic.

The recent launch of integrated itineraries from sister companies Crystal and Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) is “just the start” of an era of collaboration between the two, according to AKTG SVP Marketing Strategy Kate Thompson.

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains will make its return to China in 2026 after seven years with the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express as part of its newly launched 2026 program of all-inclusive journeys.

Driving the Rocco Forte brand’s expansion across Europe and the Middle East will be the focus of a new strategic partnership between Rocco Forte Hotels and Emerald Pine Capital.

The appointment of Ben Brown as General Manager of Wild Bush Luxury comes as parent company Experience Co continues its expansion across Australia’s adventure tourism sector.

Aqua Expeditions’ Founder and CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro, has revealed the luxury small ship operator’s new superyacht destined to sail East African waters was signed only a few months ago from a private owner based in the US.

Fiona Batten has departed Envoyage AU, where she most recently held the role of Director Global Sales, to take up the position of Senior Vice President, North America at Scott Dunn, based in New York City.

Virtuoso released its annual vault of client booking data and trends last week in Las Vegas at the 37th annual Virtuoso Travel Week.Taking a deep dive into the data, Misty Belles, Vice President, Global Public Relations for Virtuoso said the traveller profile for Australians in 2025 was gearing towards more active trips and that their interest in cruising continues to expand.

Achievements within Virtuoso’s niche travel sectors were celebrated during its 37th annual Virtuoso Travel Week, with the 2025 Virtuoso Community Awards presented on 9 August during the event’s Community Globetrotting Lunch.

A rare opportunity to view a solar eclipse from the open sea is a highlight of Seabourn’s newly released 2027-2028 program which offers a mix of expedition adventures and cultural deep-dives across seven continents.

Virtuoso concluded the 37th annual Virtuoso Travel Week with a star-studded evening of recognition honouring member agencies, advisors and brand partners from around the globe.