AmaWaterways appoints Steve Spivak as Chief Commercial Officer. * September 21, 2026 AmaWaterways has announced the appointment of Steve Spivak as Chief Commercial Officer, effective September 30. The appointment marks an evolution in AmaWaterways' leadership structure as the company continues to build on its growth and momentum in the luxury river cruise market, the company said in a press release. In his new role, Spivak will lead AmaWaterways' Sales, Global Service & Reservations, and Revenue Management teams together under one commercial strategy. He will focus on supporting the company's continued growth while strengthening relationships with travel advisors, strategic partners and guests. "Spivak brings an incredible depth of experience and a genuine passion for travel, people and the relationships that make this industry so special," said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. "His extensive experience across the luxury travel and hospitality industries, combined with his deep understanding of the importance of exceptional service and strong partnerships, makes him an ideal addition to the AmaWaterways leadership team." "What stood out to me about AmaWaterways was its genuine commitment to people, partnerships and the guest experience," said Spivak. "AmaWaterways has built an extraordinary reputation for delivering exceptional experiences and strong connections with its travel advisor partners, guests and industry partners. I look forward to working closely with the team and our travel advisor community to build on that foundation and continue to grow the company," he added. AmaWaterways said Spivak is a seasoned travel and hospitality executive with nearly three decades of leadership experience and a deep passion for building strong relationships, developing people and creating exceptional guest experiences. Before joining AmaWaterways, Spivak spent 14 years with Tauck, most recently serving as vice president of global sales and customer experience. During his tenure, he held a range of commercial and customer leadership responsibilities across sales, marketing, public relations, customer experience and strategic partnerships, developing relationships with travel advisors and partners around the world. Before joining Tauck, Spivak served as vice president of global sales for Loews Hotels. Earlier in his career, he held senior sales and marketing leadership positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, building experience across the hospitality industry. Spivak began his career as an entrepreneur, creating and operating a portfolio of restaurant and hospitality concepts. He later served as an adjunct professor at New York University's Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism. Cruise Industry News Email Alerts CRUISE SHIP ORDERBOOK 84 Ships | 229,384 Berths | $89 Billion | View Drydock Report Highlights: * Full Overview * Record Refit Year * 26-27-28 Schedule * PDF Download * Order Today 2026 Executive Guide Highlights: * All Brands * Decision Makers * Contact Info * Brand Background * Instant Download * Order Today

Tauck adds new riverboat to Rhone fleet for 2028. August 12, 2026 Tauck is expanding its river cruise presence in France with the 2028 launch of the ms Harmonie, a new Rhone riverboat and sister ship to the ms Lumiere. The 130-guest vessel will share the Lumiere's deck plan and several of its signature spaces. "River cruising continues to be one of the most popular ways guests first experience Tauck, and the feedback our river guests have shared over the years shapes every ship we build," said Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh, in a media statement. "The name Harmonie, which carries the same meaning in French and English, speaks to what Recommend hope guests feel on board and along the river: a sense of balance, ease and connection to the places Recommend explore.o Designed for the Rhone. Custom-built for the river, Harmonie will accommodate up to 30 percent fewer guests than comparably sized riverboats. Its amenities will include a Sun Deck with a swimming pool, full-service bar and shaded day beds, along with The Retreat, an expanded wellness area with a fitness center, massage treatment room and lounge. The ship will also feature Arthur's, a casual dining venue with panoramic views, along with sky-lit atriums, light-filled lounges and 300-square-foot Tauck Suites. The addition comes as Tauck continues a multi-year fleet expansion. Between 2026 and 2028, the company is introducing five new riverboats: Lumiere and Serene in 2026, Reverie and Saudade in 2027 and Harmonie in 2028. By 2028, Tauck expects its river cruise capacity to increase by more than 50 percent, supported by additional shoulder-season departures, a new 6-day cruise format and expanded destinations. Harmonie will sail alongside Lumiere on popular itineraries, including Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence, with additional itineraries planned for 2028. Travelers can reserve 2028 sailings now. Tauck will allow guests to cancel and receive a full refund of their deposit once final pricing and itinerary details are announced later this fall.

CW breaking news - Virgin Voyages appoints new head of sales. June 19, 2026 Former Tauck head David Clark will be the new sales chief for the resurgent brand. Virgin Voyages has appointed a new head of sales, David Clark, as the cruise line reinforces its long-term commitment to the Australian market. Clark will oversee Virgin's travel advisor community, as well as the cruise... You've reached a subscriber-only article.