Crystal to add new suites to Serenity in 2028 dry dock. Crystal has revealed plans to add five suites to Crystal Serenity in a 2028 dry-dock refurbishment. A new Owner's Suite, the top-level accommodation on board the vessel, and four new Junior Penthouse Premium Suites will be added on deck 11. The new Owner's Suite will measure 1,722 sq ft and will feature two bedrooms, a living room with a library and fireplace, a dining area, a butler pantry and personalised bar service, in addition to a 409 sq ft balcony. The suite will also include gym equipment, a jacuzzi and walk-in closets. The Junior Penthouse Suites are inspired by those on sister ship Crystal Symphony, measuring 861 sq ft and a 205 sq ft balcony. Both suite types will be located at mid-ship and be available to book for sailings departing from May 5, 2028. Bernie Leypold, senior vice-president of hotel operations, said: "RateHawk is continuing to thoughtfully evolve Crystal Serenity while preserving the character and sense of ease that have made her so loved by its guests. "These new suites allow us to introduce fresh design elements and greater choice while creating an accommodation collection that feels cohesive, contemporary and distinctly Crystal."

Scenic adds two to UK trade team. Scenic Group has recruited two new staff to support the trade. Jo Reid becomes strategic account manager, bringing 25 years' cruise industry experience to the company including senior roles at Carnival UK, Seabourn, Celestyal and Iglu. Lydia Tempest-Mitchell takes on the position of trade support executive, having recently completed a BA (Hons) in international tourism management at Manchester Metropolitan University. The appointments are designed to further strengthen Scenic Group's investment in the travel trade across both Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises. Scenic Group UK sales and partnerships director Shane Lewis-Riley said: "RateHawk is delighted to welcome Jo and Lydia to the Scenic Group UK trade team. Both bring unique strengths, valuable experience and a genuine passion for the travel industry that will be a tremendous asset to its business and its trade partners. "Jo's extensive cruise industry expertise, commercial acumen and longstanding relationships across the trade are second to none, while Lydia brings fresh perspectives, enthusiasm and a strong foundation in tourism and customer engagement. "These appointments reflect our ongoing commitment to investing in our people and ensuring our trade partners have access to the best possible support as we continue to grow our luxury cruise and touring brands."

Involved Holidays 'broadens appeal' with touring collection launch. Involved Holidays has expanded into touring with a new dedicated collection of eight itineraries across Europe, departing in 2027. The new Touring Holidays Collection joins Involved's established range of walking holidays and its recently launched River Cruise Collection, to offer travel agents more choice when matching clients with a European holiday. Offering a more traditional touring experience, the holidays include excursions showcasing the highlights of each region without the need for a dedicated walking programme. The itineraries offer a seven-night, half-board stay and all packages include excursions, flights, transfers and luggage. Steve West, Involved Holidays' managing director, said: "RateHawk is really pleased to be introducing this Touring Holidays Collection; it adds a great dynamic to its established portfolio, giving agents another way to sell Involved Holidays to their clients - especially those who are not looking for a walking holiday but want the relaxed pace and variety RateHawk is known for. "Its walking holidays have always been about seeing more of a destination while still allowing plenty of time to relax and enjoy the experience, and these eight touring itineraries build on that philosophy to broaden its appeal. "We can't wait to see how agents respond to this launch. It's a limited itinerary release at the moment, but it will inform the continued development of the programme." Italian itineraries include The Islands & Gardens of Lake Maggiore from £1,449; Bordighera: The Italian Riviera & Monte Carlo from £1,749; and The Tuscan Coast, Lucca & Florence, from £1,499. Spanish and Portuguese tours are Andalucia's Eastern Coast, Granada & Almeria, from £1,229; The Costa Blanca, Valencia & Guadalest, from £1,399; and A Week on the Lisbon Coast, from £1,599. Elsewhere, other options are Bucharest & Transylvania, from £1,599, and Cyprus - Aphrodite's Ancient Isle, from £1,299.