National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions introduce new co-brand

September 30, 2024 No Comments

For more than 20 years, the collaboration between Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic has been synonymous with small-ship modern expedition cruising.

Now, the two companies are taking their industry-defining relationship to the next level with the debut of a new name and refreshed co-branded identity, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

The launch of the new co-brand represents a significant milestone in the long-term extension and expansion of the strategic relationship between Lindblad Expeditions, National Geographic, and The Walt Disney Company.

The move was made possible under the new 17-year agreement between the three innovative brands announced in November 2023, which granted Lindblad Expeditions global rights to the National Geographic brand for expedition cruises until at least 2040.

Together, the brands and their guests have embarked on thousands of expeditions designed for discovery to highlight the wonder of the world and their collective role in protecting it. These voyages helped to progress important conservation priorities, educational opportunities and environmental scientific research at local, regional, and global levels with initiatives like the Visiting Scientist Program.

Working with the National Geographic Society, Lindblad Expeditions has hosted hundreds of educators on expeditions around the world through the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship, and these educators bring what they learn back to their classrooms, inspiring the next generation of planetary stewards.

Additionally, through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund, the two organizations and their guests have invested more than $22 million to support numerous conservation, education and science initiatives around the globe.

To learn more about the strategic relationship between National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions, visit http://www.expeditions.com/campaign/national-geographic-lindblad-expeditions.

 

Ritz-Carlton’s super yacht debuts in Rome

August 28, 2024 No Comments

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection proudly introduces Ilma, its second new-build luxury super yacht, to its distinguished fleet.

The yacht embarked on its maiden voyage, a seven-night journey from Monte Carlo to Rome, on Sept. 2.

As the first and only luxury hospitality company at sea, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection advances its position at the forefront of the industry with a second yacht now sailing, illustrating a future-focused vision that keeps pushing the boundaries of luxury travel at sea.

Ilma measures 790 feet, offering 224 airy and intuitive suites, all with private terraces providing direct access to the sea. Stopping at signature and intimate ports of call, Ilma takes guests on enchanting itineraries to coveted destinations.

Ilma’s inaugural season in the Mediterranean includes ports of call visiting Santorini, Porto Cervo, and Valletta, before departing for the Caribbean, with stops in Virgin Gorda, Gustavia, and St. John. Ilma will additionally sail the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe—a first for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection—during the 2025 summer season offering immersive itineraries in dynamic and culturally rich destinations like Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Reykjavík.

The purposefully designed yacht accommodates up to 448 guests and offers among the highest space-to-guest and guest-to-staff ratios at sea.

On board the yacht

Ilma invites guests to discover five dining venues, a refreshed in-suite dining program, sevens bars, and a signature wine vault.

Highlights include two dining venues conceptualized by MICHELIN-starred restaurant chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina.

The Beach House, designed by the Toronto-based luxury design firm Chapi Chapo Design, offers 180-degree views of the sea that seamlessly integrate with the coast, creating a daytime to nighttime experience where guests can relax and unwind.

The beach club-inspired venue draws from Peruvian and Pan-Latin cuisine, blending globally influenced flavors in a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere.

Designed to combine the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton with the casual freedom of a yachting vacation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers bespoke voyages in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, and Central America.

Calling on unique and distinguished destinations, voyages typically span five to ten nights with an all-inclusive onboard journey and curated excursions ashore.

Spanning 790 feet, Ilma will offer 224 spacious, light-filled suites of varying categories, accommodating up to 448 guests. Slated to make its 2025 debut, Luminara will join Ilma and Evrima on voyages to secluded harbors and iconic cities.

Reflective of The Ritz-Carlton on land, each yacht offers personalized service, elevated dining experiences, and exclusive amenities.

Private charter options are also available, allowing guests to craft a truly tailored journey. For more information, visit ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.

Windstar shows off newest ship with floor-to-ceiling windows

August 19, 2024 No Comments

Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises is unveiling a first look at its Star Seeker – a 224-guest, brand-new ship that will debut in January of 2026.  

Star Seeker will have 112 spacious suites, all but ten featuring a full private veranda or floor-to-ceiling infinity window.

The ship also boasts five dining options (all are included in Windstar’s cruise fare), a full-service spa with a grand entrance from the deck above, a fitness facility, and a fresh take on the line’s iconic Watersports Platform, which turns the ocean into an infinity pool by letting guests access the sea directly from the ship. 

“Guests aboard Star Seeker will experience a sense of tranquility in their suites; they are designed to be an oasis for relaxation,” says Stijn Creupelandt, vice president of hotel operations at Windstar Cruises. “We used light wood and a soothing color palette of light blues, greens, and natural browns – elements that reflect our Star Class style. Inspired by the sea, sky, and landscapes, these colours and textures create a serene atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway. In the ship’s public spaces and restaurants, you’ll find more vibrant hues inspired by sunrises and sunsets, including warm yellows, golds, and oranges, ensuring a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort throughout the ship.”

Three suite categories

Star Seeker features two Horizon Owner’s Suites, a new suite category for the line, at the aft of the ship on deck 7, which can be combined with adjacent suites for more space and multi-generational families.

Each comes with a wrap-around balcony offering spectacular vistas — perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner. The two suites are Star Seeker’s most luxurious and spacious offerings; however, the ship has a full menu of suite offerings with 12 different accommodation types to choose from, many allowing triple occupancy. Star Seeker has 72 suites with large verandas where guests may sit outside and enjoy the view and fresh air.  New for Windstar, 30 infinity suites feature a large floor-to-ceiling infinity window that slides down half-way from the top to open the suite to refreshing sea breezes.

As on all Windstar ships, there are no interior cabins. Star Seeker’s 10 Oceanview suites have plenty of natural light and a view of the sea, a walk-in mosaic glass shower, and an inviting queen bed which can be converted into two twins if desired. All suites include a fully stocked mini-bar and refrigerator, interactive TV, safe, fresh fruit, and waffle weave robe and slippers. The four highest suite categories – Horizon, Star, Classic, Deluxe – add other amenities such as an Illy espresso machine, Canapes service, and fresh flowers.

Star Seeker is under construction in Portugal. The maiden voyage will be a Transatlantic sailing in early January from Malaga to Miami. After a christening event in Miami where the cruise line is headquartered, Star Seeker will sail its first voyage in the Caribbean and offer more cruises in the Caribbean before heading up the West Coast of the United States to Alaska for a full season of summer cruises.

From there, the ship will sail to Japan and bring back the line’s popular Japan itineraries before heading to Southeast Asia.

Details on Star Seeker’s Caribbean, Alaska, and Japan cruises will be announced first to Yacht Club members (loyalty members) and travel advisors – giving them priority access to book. In early September, Star Seeker’s itineraries will be announced publicly and available for all to book.  

Windstar will debut an additional new sister ship, Star Explorer, in December of 2026. 

More at www.windstarcruises.com/. 

Some of Seabourn’s new ultra-luxe immersive itineraries are up to 48 days long

August 9, 2024 No Comments

Seabourn has announced a new program of immersive itineraries available on Seabourn Quest as the ship explores Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii and the Panama Canal from December 2025 to April 2026.

Seabourn Quest will sail a total of 22 itineraries with 46 destinations in 13 countries, including a new series of 10-day voyages sailing roundtrip from Papeete (Tahiti) that provide a full immersion in French Polynesia.

With itineraries ranging from 10 to 48 days, Seabourn Quest will offer abundant opportunities for guests to take in new sights and scenes and experience authentic cultures through a combination of iconic destinations and smaller, less-explored ports.

In addition to the new 10-day roundtrip voyages from Papeete, the season includes a 19-day Panama Canal Passage from Long Beach, Calif., to Miami; 15-day voyages in Australia and New Zealand; overnight calls on select voyages at coastal Cairns and Melbourne in Australia, and Bora Bora and Tahiti in French Polynesia; and extended stays in Napier in New Zealand, Honolulu and Kona in Hawaii, Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, and Cartagena on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

The Seabourn difference

Guests will experience the unparalleled Seabourn all-inclusive difference on board the intimate, yacht-like Seabourn Quest.

The ship’s dedicated onboard team provides intuitive and authentic service, ensuring that every guest enjoys a personalized and extraordinary experience. From the moment of embarkation, guests will have endless opportunities to create lasting Seabourn Moments.

In addition, the ship is equipped with SpaceX’s Starlink, the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, to provide guests with greater connectivity to share their experiences with friends and family. These new voyages will also include bespoke, curated onboard entertainment and Seabourn Conversations programs, featuring renowned performers and guest speakers.

For more details about Seabourn, including itineraries, pricing and departure dates, visit www.seabourn.com.

Explora Journeys offers a series of tropical Caribbean escapes

August 7, 2024 No Comments

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group unveils a series of exclusive Caribbean destination experiences.

Guests can discover these meticulously crafted experiences during their Caribbean journeys, blending celebrated destinations with off-the-beaten-path ports.

With EXPLORA II arriving in the Caribbean in November 2024 and EXPLORA I in December 2024, guests will have unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the Caribbean’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures, all while indulging in exceptional luxury.

EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II will visit a varied array of destinations in the Caribbean until March 2025.

These include Gustavia in St. Barts, Oranjestad in Aruba, and St. John’s in Antigua. Itineraries also feature ports such as Belize City, Bequia in the Grenadines, and Cozumel and Progreso in Mexico. Each destination is selected to provide a unique and enriching exploration experience.

Willemstad, Curaçao 

Guests can snorkel on the vivid reefs of Director’s Bay, encountering abundant marine life. They will learn from a marine biologist about his foundation’s work to restore endangered coral reefs. The journey continues aboard the Pura Vida yacht to discover Curaçao’s rich natural environment and includes a visit to a tranquil mangrove reservoir, accessible only by boat, for hiking, swimming, and immersion in nature.

 

Saint-Pierre, Martinique, Lesser Antilles, French West Indies

In a small group, guests will discover Martinican rum culture at Rhum Clément, the birthplace of ‘rhum agricole.’ This includes a guided exploration of the large estate and its lush gardens, a tour of three rum cellars, and tastings of barrel-aged rum paired with delicious chef-crafted foods.

 

Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy

Guests can spend the day at the five-star Rosewood Le Guanahani resort, savouring a three-course meal on a golden sandy beach. This experience includes lounging in luxury and snorkelling in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, providing the ultimate in beachside relaxation and culinary delight.

Progreso (Merida), Mexico

Guests will explore the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal, known for its stunning Puuc-style architecture and celestial alignments. They will see the Pyramid of the Soothsayer and the Palace of the Governor, enjoy an exclusive lunch of regional specialties in the open air of the former hacienda church, and partake in an authentic Mayan purification ceremony within the natural beauty of Xocnaceh.

Cozumel, Mexico

Highlights of this experience include a scenic 45-minute flight over the Caribbean Sea and Yucatán Jungle, landing minutes from the ruins. Arriving before the daily influx of visitors allows for a more intimate and immersive experience. A knowledgeable guide will lead guests through the history and architecture of this ancient city.

 

Guests can book these exclusive destination experiences via the Explora Experience Centre, their preferred travel advisor, or directly on the Explora Journeys website.

This small ship cruise company takes just 200 guests to the remote Arctic

July 29, 2024 No Comments

Atlas Ocean Voyages‘ 2026 Arctic season will feature six and seven-night expeditions and include pre-cruise hotel stays for the first time.

Onboard World Voyager and World Navigator, the season will also discover new ports exploring the remote Skjoldungen Island in Greenland, the heart of Icelandic culture in Stykkishólmur, and “miniature Norway” from Senja, the island of adventure.

Reaching restricted areas for larger ships from Svalbard, Atlas’ small intimate yachts provide fewer than 200 guests with the opportunity to explore the remote region. All expeditions departing from Longyearbyen and Kangerluusuaq include the pre-cruise hotel.

 

Arctic season highlights

Shorter Svalbard expeditions

Guests embark on a seven-night expedition from Tromsø to Longyearbyen featuring ports along the stunning Norwegian coast, including Hammerfest and Skarsvåg (North Cape), Norway, before culminating in the breathtaking landscapes of Svalbard departing May 22, 2026, A six or seven -night expedition Longyearbyen roundtrip is available for departures May 29, June 5 and June 11, 2026.

Iceland and Greenland

Expeditions will continue visiting Greenland in 2026, a favourite offering allowing travellers to explore Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland in one extraordinary journey. Whether it’s the towering icebergs, vibrant coastal villages, or the mesmerizing Northern Lights, each day promises a new and awe-inspiring experience. Choose from expeditions of 10 to 15 nights for an unforgettable experience: July 29,  July 31,  Aug 11 (solar eclipse) Aug 15, Aug 20 Aug 30, August 31 and Sept 10, 2026.

Norway

Two departures featuring the Norwegian fjords and Svalbard depart June 18, and July 19, 2026.

Included private jet service from Oslo or New York JFK

On expeditions embarking or concluding in Longyearbyen or Kangerlussuaq, guests will enjoy an inclusive charter flight inclusion. Expeditions departing or ending in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, include charter air flights from Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen, making it easier for guests to begin or end their expedition. Expeditions departing or ending in Kangerlusssuaq will include charter air flights from New York JFK.

New included pre-cruise hotel in Oslo or New York

For 2026 Arctic polar expeditions, a complimentary pre-cruise hotel night is included for all departures from Longyearbyen, with accommodations provided in Oslo, Norway, the night before the charter flight. Additionally, for the Aug. 31, 2026 departure from Kangerlussuaq, a pre-cruise hotel night will be offered in New York the night before the charter flight.

Exclusive cultural immersions

Every 2026 Polar Expedition by Atlas includes a free cultural immersion experience, offering guests unique insights into local communities. Examples include visits to Indigenous villages like Ittoqqortoormiit, Paimutt, or Ilulisat in Greenland, where guests can engage with local traditions, taste regional treats, and explore cultural nuances. In Longyearbyen, guests will enjoy a panoramic drive and a welcome aboard event featuring an insightful talk on local life, complemented by delicacies such as reindeer canapés, coal mine beer, and regional chocolate.

Adventure activities include free Zodiac sightseeing safaris, allowing for up-close-and-personal experiences with stunning landscapes and wildlife. Plus, landings ashore, where our world-class expedition team guides you, and for the daring, take the plunge with our exhilarating polar plunge opportunity, creating memories that last a lifetime. Each guest also receives a complimentary parka to take home with them.

For more information, visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.

Swan Hellenic reveals 10 Maris gourmet cruises with Michelin chefs

July 26, 2024 No Comments

Cultural expedition cruise pioneer Swan Hellenic has just unveiled its 2025 Maris gourmet cruises aboard the elegant designer ships SH Diana and SH Vega.

Each of these exclusive Maris voyages showcases the outstanding creativity of one of the world-famous chefs in the gourmet organization JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs – all rising stars under 40 who have already won international accolades, including from Michelin.

 

10 curated culinary cruises

For 2025, Maris offers a choice of ten expertly curated cruises from the Arctic to Europe and the Mediterranean, nine on SH Diana and one on SH Vega, each a unique experience of exceptional fine dining and discovery.

Serving a different signature dish every night, the Maris chef surprises and delights throughout the voyage, leading up to an extraordinary Gala Dinner that displays their full creativity and skills, inspired by a passion for tradition, sustainability and quality local ingredients. Sharing their expertise, the Maris chef also puts on a cooking show that reveals secrets of their art, and leads gastronomic excursions ashore to explore the local hunting, fishing, farming, foraging and culinary traditions and specialties.

And of course, every Maris chef also mixes and socializes with guests throughout their voyage in the Swan Hellenic tradition.

It is this extraordinary combination that makes Maris an irresistible experience in high-end cruise gastronomy.

Star chefs for 2025

The JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs star chefs lined up for the 2025 Maris sailings include (in order of sailing):

  • Heribert Dietrich from Switzerland (Michelin Star – 9 nights on SH Diana exploring Europe’s Atlantic coast, departing Lisbon for Portsmouth on 12 May 2025)
  • Kevin Lejeune from Belgium (Michelin Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, leaving Portsmouth for Dublin on 21 May 2025),
  • Philippe Deslarzes from Switzerland (Michelin star – 8 nights on SH Diana, departing Reykjavik for an Iceland Circumnavigation on 02 June 2025
  • Herman Cooijmans from the Netherlands (10 nights on SH Diana, departing Tromsø for the fjords and on to Amsterdam on 21 July 2025)
  • Franco Körperich from Switzerland (8 nights on SH Vega, sailing from Reykjavik for an Iceland circumnavigation on 31 July)
  • David Goerne from France (Michelin Green Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, departing Amsterdam for Lisbon on 31 July 2025 to experience the historic ports of Europe’s Atlantic seaboard)
  • Federico Pettenuzzo from Italy (Michelin Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, sailing from Lisbon on 11 August to follow Africa’s north coast to Palermo)
  • Alberto Basso from Italy (10 nights on SH Diana, departing Palermo for Venice on 22 August)
  • Lukas Nagl from Austria (8 nights on SH Diana to explore the Classical World, leaving Venice for Piraeus on 1 September)
  • Steffen Disch from Germany (Michelin Star – 9 nights on SH Diana, departing Istanbul for Limassol on 17 September)

Two series of cruises in the 2025 Maris selection – all aboard SH Diana – can be daisy-chained to create unforgettable voyages of gastronomic exploration: a double voyage from Lisbon in May and a choice of double or triple culinary discovery from Amsterdam in August.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, visit www.swanhellenic.com.

New river ship cruising the Nile has just 41 rooms

June 7, 2024 No Comments

As North American travellers continue looking to Egypt as a bucket-list destination, the award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways has launched its latest addition to the fleet, AmaLilia, on the enchanting waters of the Nile River.

Specially curated with upscale regionally inspired décor and 41 staterooms, including 13 suites, the luxurious new ship embarked on its inaugural journey in April 2024. The 11-night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile cruise and land experience includes a seven-night round trip river cruise from Luxor and is paired with three nights pre- and one-night post-cruise stays in historic Cairo at the prestigious St. Regis Cairo, overlooking the Nile River.

 

About the AmaLilia

Newly designed to accommodate only 82 guests, AmaLilia features 41 luxurious staterooms offering panoramic views, including 13 suites measuring up to 522 sq. ft.

Onboard amenities include a sun deck bar and swimming pool, fitness room, hair and nail salon, a massage room and two restaurants serving locally inspired cuisine – The Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table. Guests will be treated to authentic nightly entertainment and be accompanied by knowledgeable Egyptologists who will stay on the ship and join them on enriching excursions.

 

The immersive Secrets of Egypt & the Nile provides travellers with a unique opportunity to experience the ancient wonders of Egypt, guided by experts through UNESCO World Heritage Sites and legendary locations such as the Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak, the mesmerizing Temple of Luxor, and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens.

While in Cairo, guests will visit the Egyptian Museum and come face-to-face with Egyptian treasures at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis.

They will have the opportunity to marvel at the colossal statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx, and the necropolis of Sakkara, home to the famous step pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid on earth; and enjoy a private tour and gourmet lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace, the principal workplace of the President of Egypt and one of the most luxurious palaces in the world.

AmaLilia will cruise this itinerary, sailing round trip from Luxor and offering a Cairo program with intra-Egypt flights between Cairo and Luxor, seasonally from September through June each year.

For more information, visit AmaWaterways.com. 

A new massive cruise terminal is opening in Florida

May 6, 2024 No Comments

Port Canaveral is building a new cruise terminal to meet the growing demands of the cruise industry.

The strategic decision to build a new multi-user cruise terminal at the Port’s existing North 8 berth provides significant cost savings, operational flexibility, and an expedited construction timeline of approximately two years to accommodate the largest ships in the world across a spectrum of brands.

Port Canaveral’s existing North 8 berth shares its basin with the Port’s Cruise Terminal 5 on the northside of Port Canaveral. Designed and built in 2018 for multi-purpose flexibility, North 8 berth will require minimal modifications to extend the current 1,020 linear feet bulkhead to 1,344 feet to accommodate large cruise vessels. Additionally, waterside improvements to the northside of the shared basin will also extend and improve the berthing capacity of Cruise Terminal 5.

Timeline for design, engineering, and construction are in development with target completion for the new facility by summer 2026. The new terminal campus will include a multi-story parking facility to accommodate up to 3,000 vehicles and roadway improvements in and out of the new facility, including turning lanes and a “flyover” ramp directly connecting the site with State Road 401.

Oceania is visiting these exciting Mediterranean islands in 2025

April 22, 2024 No Comments

Oceania Cruises has debuted an array of new 2025 Mediterranean sailings, ranging from nine to 56 days through Europe.

The line’s Marina and Nautica will set sail on enticing voyages taking in iconic islands in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic; well-loved European resort towns and bustling cities, and lesser-known ports of call.

Cities including Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, Rome and Lisbon frame the 16 voyages, allowing the ships to meander from lively jet-set resort towns such as Monte Carlo, Cannes, Positano and Sorrento, to hidden gems including Tirana and Sarande in Albania; Trapani in Sicily; Calvi and Propriano in Corsica, and Sibenik in Croatia.

New 2025 Mediterranean itineraries

Marina

The 1,250-guest ship, Marina, will undergo an expansive refurbishment in May 2024. The refurbishment will include the addition of two new dining options: Aquamar Kitchen, the new wellness-inspired dining venue which debuted on Vista this year; and the al fresco evening Pizzeria, serving spectacular Italian dishes including pizzas and burrata with stunning seascape views; plus an expanded poolside ice cream parlor serving milkshakes and smoothies. All Penthouse Suites and bathrooms will be completely reinspired, and the ship’s public areas will be refreshed.

Nautica

Elegantly charming, Nautica carries just 670 guests, served by 400 crew members. Boasting luxurious, residential furnishings and decks of the finest teak, custom stone and tile work, Nautica features four restaurants, the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, plus eight lounges and bars, and a casino.

Grand Voyages

Oceania Cruises’ simply MORE value promise means virtually everything is included in the voyage fare: free roundtrip airfare and airport transfers; complimentary vintage Champagnes, premium wines and international beers during lunch and dinner; and a shore excursion credit of up to $1,400 per stateroom (credit varies by voyage length).

Created to elevate the guest experience, simply MORE means travelers receive the greatest value in luxury cruising.

For more information, visit OceaniaCruises.com.