PAXnews - TravelBrands to allow cruise booking changes through Access+; EXPLORA III offers “more of what you already love »; Hilton courts Canadian luxury advisors

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Thursday, November 12, 2026

On Location: EXPLORA III offers “more of what you already love,” and travel advisors are part of it

More room to relax, new culinary experiences, and a streamlined wellness deck: PAX sails aboard EXPLORA III as Explora Journeys debuts its LNG-powered third vessel. Discover how passenger feedback and advisor insights shaped the brand’s latest evolution in luxury at sea.

SeaU: TravelBrands to allow cruise booking changes through Access+

TravelBrands will soon allow travel advisors to modify their cruise bookings directly through its Access+ platform. Read on to learn more.

Hilton courts Canadian luxury advisors with new Waldorf Astoria and Conrad all-inclusive offerings

Hilton is transitioning Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya in Mexico from European Plan to an exclusively all-inclusive model, marking a first for both luxury brands. Read on to learn more.

Carnival opens 346 Miami sailings for 2028–29

Carnival Cruise Line has opened bookings for its 2028–29 schedule from Miami, featuring 346 departures aboard five ships and 217 visits to Celebration Key. Read on to find out the details.

Ensemble names Katie Kania VP of Business Development

Ensemble has appointed Katie Kania as Vice President, Business Development, effective November 16, as the travel agency consortium continues to expand its membership across North America.

Former ACTA president David McCaig dies at 77; service set for Nov. 22

David McCaig, a former president and chief operating officer of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) whose career in travel spanned more than three decades, died Nov. 6 at age 77.

Club Med rolls out Black Friday offers with up to 50% off

Club Med is launching three rounds of Black Friday promotions, offering up to 50 per cent off select resort stays for travel between Dec. 5, 2026, and Dec. 17, 2027. Read on to find out the details.

Sunwing & WestJet Vacations take advisor training on the road with game show tour

Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations put travel advisors in the spotlight with The Great Getaway Game Show. Read on to find out how it went down.

Andaz Turks & Caicos accepting reservations for April 2027 stays

Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay is accepting reservations for stays beginning April 1, 2027, bringing the long-awaited beachfront resort closer to welcoming its first guests.

Cuba launches new e-visa portal, outlines entry requirements

The Cuba Tourist Board has announced a new electronic visa application portal and reminded Canadian travellers and advisors to review the entry requirements before departure.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Railbookers capitalizes on the luxury rail boom with an expanded global portfolio at their Global Summit

Rail travel is enjoying renewed momentum, and Railbookers is positioning itself to help travel advisors capitalize on growing demand by taking the complexity out of planning and selling rail-based vacations.

Costa signs 10-year deal securing La Romana cruise hub

Costa Cruises has signed a 10-year partnership with Central Romana Corporation for fly-and-cruise operations in La Romana, Dominican Republic, securing a long-term framework for ship calls, flights, berths and supporting port and airport infrastructure.

On Location: TravelBrands’ 10th SeaU brings training and connections aboard Scarlet Lady

TravelBrands’ 10th SeaU brings roughly 265 Canadian travel advisors aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady for five nights of cruise training, supplier meetings and onboard experiences. PAX is on location as the Encore Cruises event combines professional development with sail-away celebrations, industry networking and visits to Grand Cayman and the Bahamas.