With state-of-the-art new ships, immersive shore excursions, unique venues and a strong value proposition, cruise lines provide a range of options for memorable incentive experiences.
“For planners seeking an extraordinary incentive experience, PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers a unique blend of luxury, exclusivity and immersive exploration that sets us apart from other cruise and travel providers,” says Bernardo Carrillo, VP, Groups & Charters, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP. “A few important areas where PONANT excels above and beyond are offering true small-ship luxury and exclusivity, sailing to unique and impactful destinations that larger ships cannot reach with a fleet of 13 vessels and leading the charge in sustainable cruising. Paul Gauguin Cruises continues to shine as French Polynesia’s destination expert, providing an authentic experience with its award-winning ship, the m/s Paul Gauguin, which was purpose-built for the shallow waters of Tahiti and her islands calling this special place home for more than 25 years.”
PONANT launched the first-ever voyages through Canada’s St. Lawrence River during the boreal winter aboard Le Commandant Charcot. The inaugural season took place from January to March, and will return in 2027 with two additional departures. 2025 also marks the cruise line’s fourth year of partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, offering 30 itineraries for 2025 in response to growing consumer demand for enriched cultural experiences at sea. The co-branded voyages will feature distinguished experts and immersive experiences that explore each destination’s cultural heritage, history, cuisine and natural environment, reflecting both organizations’ commitment to fostering global citizenship through meaningful travel. Also this year, Paul Gauguin Cruises will unveil a multi-million-dollar refurbishment of the m/s Paul Gauguin, introducing eight new connecting staterooms, a contemporary new look for the popular Le Grill restaurant, a reimagined pool deck with shaded cabana areas, and sustainable technology upgrades.
“The MICE sector has evolved significantly in recent years, with planners and attendees seeking more immersive, exclusive and purpose-driven experiences,” says Carrillo. “Meeting planners are looking for exclusive, immersive and sustainable experiences that go beyond a traditional meeting or incentive trip. We deliver highly curated, transformational, luxury explorations that combine adventure, culture, sustainability and exclusivity, making every voyage an unforgettable reward.”
The cruise line has curated a selection of 4- and 5-night departures in the Mediterranean, aimed at the incentive luxury segment with shorter time commitments in 2027. These itineraries provide a blend of cultural immersion, relaxation and service, making them perfect for incentive programs that need flexibility while still delivering a “wow” factor.
“Our guests and planners now are asking for immersive and genuine experiences when traveling,” says Matthew Boutwell, Sr. Director, Charter & Incentives, Crystal. “This can be custom tours in smaller numbers so guests can explore and understand the places they are visiting or local guides that take the guests into places and areas not found in guidebooks and social media. We still have guests asking us for the bigger ports, but many are now asking us for places not known to cruising rather than over-touristed places. Planners are also asking us for more time on board in social settings and smaller dinners where attendees and executives can really connect instead of the big ballroom-style group dinners for all attendees at once.”
Crystal completed refurbishments to both of its vessels—Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony—in late 2024, adding Beef Bar and the Casino de Monte-Carlo to their entertainment and dining options. The cruise line has also confirmed the order for three brand-new ocean vessels with the first to launch in the middle of 2028.
“Our ships and our staff are the first thing planners will see that differentiates Crystal,” says Boutwell. “Our ships were originally built to carry 30 percent more guests than they do today, but our public spaces and amenities remain the same size. This translates into large public spaces that can be made private for groups and choices when it comes to dining and entertainment that smaller ships cannot compete with.”
Crystal will be returning to Alaska in June 2026 with a selection of 7-day+ itineraries that start or finish in either Vancouver or Anchorage, Alaska or roundtrip Vancouver. During the cruise season attendees have the opportunity to experience Alaska up close with tours that can be created exclusively based on a group’s preferences and interests.
“Clients choose to cruise with Crystal for many reasons, but they keep coming back for our cuisine, service and the spaces on board our ships,” says Boutwell. “From group dinners in Umi Uma, the only Nobu at sea, to cocktail parties in Palm Court and business sessions in Hollywood Theatre, our guests have so many options to make their incentive a trip of a lifetime.”
“As cruising has evolved from a wildcard choice to a viable and strategic option for corporate events, Royal Caribbean delivers a strong value proposition,” says Freddy Muller, Global Associate VP, Corporate, Incentive & Charter Sales, Royal Caribbean International. “With high guest satisfaction, outstanding service and a comprehensive support system for planners, Royal Caribbean offers a compelling and efficient alternative to traditional land-based venues. With fully equipped theaters, private lounges and flexible event spaces, planners can host everything from corporate retreats to large-scale conventions. A dedicated team of event specialists from the vacation brand works closely with meeting planners to curate unique, seamless experiences, ensuring every detail is handled from customized itineraries to exclusive group activities.”
Royal Caribbean will debut Ovation of the Seas in 2025, featuring the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship, as well as new itinerary options visiting destinations such as Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. This year will also see the introduction of Stars of the Seas, the second in the Icon class. The new ship will be ideal for incentives with its more than 25 bars and lounges, award-winning entertainment, conference rooms and flexible venues.
Royal Caribbean has also just revealed the name of its third vessel in the Icon class, Legend of the Seas. Following an inaugural summer season of European itineraries beginning July 2026, departing from Barcelona on 7-night voyages through the Western Mediterranean, Legend of the Seas will then make its Caribbean debut in November 2026 with 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries sailing from Fort Lauderdale.
“We’ve seen a shift from traditional venues to dynamic spaces that encourage collaboration, wellness and interactive activities,” says Muller. “Attendees expect seamless logistics, built-in entertainment and unique destinations that enhance networking and teambuilding opportunities. Royal Caribbean meets these evolving needs by offering state-of-the-art venues, all-inclusive pricing and exclusive destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay. With a dedicated planning team, customizable event options and a controlled, hassle-free environment, Royal Caribbean provides a fresh and efficient alternative to traditional MICE venues, delivering high-impact experiences in a streamlined setting.”
“We always say that our exceptional service is something that makes Uniworld stand out,” says Wesley Bosnic, VP of Charter & Incentive Sales, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. “Uniworld has the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the industry, making it truly personalized. Also, Uniworld truly enjoys working with planners on charters and incentive groups. We have a dedicated charters and incentives team that will work with planners to find the best possible option for their groups. Our team wants to make sure that we serve and support both the planner and their client as they make travel plans, and ensure that guests have the best possible cruise experience with Uniworld.”
Uniworld has responded to growing demand for cruises along the Rhine River by increasing the number of departures on its 7-night Castles Along the Rhine itineraries. This sailing through Holland, Germany, France and Switzerland is offered on three ships—the S.S. Antoinette, with 76 staterooms and suites; the S.S. Victoria; and the S.S Elisabeth, each with 55 staterooms and suites. A new product for charters and incentive groups is holiday season cruise, Magical Parisian Holidays. This new itinerary on the Seine River takes guests to Paris to explore its new Christmas market, a private reception at Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte and more. The cruise also calls at Versailles and Rouen, and the S.S. Joie de Vivre will be festively decorated in the spirit of the season.
“I think that more than ever, planners are looking for a reliable, experienced and trustworthy partner—and that’s what Uniworld is,” says Bosnic. “They want to work with a responsive team and people that truly understand the importance of the business. At the core, they are trusting us with the relationship they have with their clients. And with Uniworld, our charters and groups enjoy the convenience of a luxurious all-inclusive cruise experience—farm-to-table fresh cuisine, unlimited premium wines and spirits, included gratuities and excursions and more.”
“Our team is really able to curate the experience to each group,” says John Diorio, VP of North American Sales, Virgin Voyages. “For example, we can offer exclusive cocktail parties in modern venues equipped with full A/V capabilities at no additional cost. All of our Miami itineraries include a stop at our gorgeous Beach Club in Bimini. Groups can book out the grove, pool or beachside cabanas for semi-private and elevated experience in The Bahamas. For award shows or larger meetings, we have expansive high-tech and adaptable venues such as The Manor or The Red Room.”
Brilliant Lady, the fourth and final ship in Virgin Voyages’ current fleet, will debut in September 2025 from New York City, offering voyages to Bermuda, New England and Canada before heading to Miami to spend the winter. Scarlet Lady recently underwent a refresh adding more Seriously Suites, six VIP poolside cabanas, a makeover for the Grounds Club Too into a new bar, plus an interior design refresh and all new Chinese menu at Razzle Dazzle.
“Our inclusive product has undeniable value with experiences that would cost hundreds of dollars if replicated on land,” says Diorio. “We include all dining at more than 20 eateries, along with basic WiFi, gratuities, soda and water, entertainment and group fitness classes like morning yoga or HIIT.”
Brilliant Lady will embark on a series of 7- to 12-night itineraries to Alaska and Canada’s northwest in summer 2026. Departing from Seattle and Vancouver, the itineraries will call at Ketchikan, Sitka and the Tracy Arm Fjord. Incentive groups can spot bald eagles, seals and humpback whales, while salmon fishing, glacier trekking and dog sledding.
For all cabins booked during Virgin Voyages’ inaugural Alaska season, the cruise line is offering up to a $300 bar tab. This can be used for everything from cocktails to healthy smoothies to specialty coffees. Depending on the size of the group, Virgin Voyages can also consider including a complimentary cocktail party at one of many venues. A popular space is The Athletic Club, which has an outdoor terrace inspired by the 1920s sports clubs and features one of the largest daybeds at sea.
crystalcruises.com/events; us.ponant.com/groups-charters; royalcaribbeanincentives.com; uniworld.com/us/charters-incentives; virginvoyages.com/charters-incentives
