Oceania Cruises adds 12 tasty culinary tours for 2025

February 19, 2025 No Comments

Oceania Cruises has expanded its signature range of immersive Culinary Discovery Tours with the addition of 12 new gourmet excursions for 2025.

The new chef-led tours are in diverse locations spanning the globe from Europe and the UK with new excursions in Amsterdam, Belfast, Invergordon, Valencia, and Valletta; to Asia with three new options for Japan sailings in Kobe, Kochi, and Shimizu, plus Busan in South Korea; and North America where new tours are available in Halifax, Quebec City, and Victoria.

The additions mean Oceania Cruises now offers a total of 46 Culinary Discovery Tours, available on its four larger ships, Marina,  ships, Marina, Riviera, Vista, and Allura, which debuts July 2025.

About the Culinary Discovery tours

The Culinary Discovery Tours are an integral part of the line’s renowned food-focused enrichment program, which includes The Culinary Center, the first-ever hands-on cooking school at sea, offering unparalleled experiences for gourmands wanting to learn and to explore cultures through food.

Limited to 18 guests and led by Oceania Cruises’ team of expert Chef Instructors, each of the Culinary Discovery Tours goes beyond traditional sightseeing, providing access to local markets, acclaimed restaurants, and hands-on cooking classes, both on board and ashore.

From foraging for wild sea herbs on Belfast’s rugged coast to indulging in a plant-to-plate luncheon inside an Amsterdam greenhouse where ingredients are harvested moments before they reach a guest’s fork, these tours give travellers an intimate look at local life through the lens of food and its impact on the culture and community.

In Japan, witness the precision of traditional knife-making in Kobe before a teppanyaki feast of wagyu beef, or master the art of searing bonito over an open flame in Kochi. Uncover the secrets of authentic paella on a boat ride through Valencia’s rice fields, or explore South Korea’s famed seafood markets.

For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly refined travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor.

Windstar’s newest ship shows off Southeast Asia experiences for 2026

February 17, 2025 No Comments

Windstar Cruises recently unveiled its 2026 Southeast Asia program for its newest yacht, Star Seeker, which debuts December 2025.  The line is offering two core itineraries combinable in 17 different variations including inland pre- and post-Cruise Tour programs.

Star Seeker’s Southeast Asia program offers an in-depth exploration of the cultures, cuisine and history of Thailand and Vietnam, improving on the typical cruise experience in the region. Unlike most cruises that start and end in Singapore or Hong Kong, make stops at industrial ports far from key attractions, and spend just two or three days in each country, Windstar will take advantage of Star Seeker’s small size to offer a more immersive experience.  

Itineraries begin in-country – in Hanoi, Bangkok, and Phuket – allowing guests to maximize their time on land before and after sailing, with options for pre- and post-cruise tours to inland destinations such as Angkor Wat. The small size of Star Seeker enables exclusive access to ports and docking locations that larger ships cannot reach, including sailing up rivers to dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, stopping at Ko Kood for the Windstar Signature Beach Party—a port visited by only select small ships—and traveling to Krabi and Ko Yao Noi.

About the Southeast Asia program

The Southeast Asia program features two core cruise-only voyages:

  • 10-day Vietnam, Cambodia, & Thailand – Vietnam country intensive cruise stopping at three to four Vietnam ports including overnights in Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi (Halong Bay), with an additional visit to Cambodia, where guests can book a three-day/two-night shore excursion to Angkor Wat.
  • 11-day Thailand, Singapore, & Malaysia – Thailand country intensive cruise stopping at six Thai ports including small destinations like Krabi and Ko Yao Noi, plus an overnight in Singapore, a highlight of the sailing.

The Southeast Asia itineraries can be enhanced by adding culturally rich Cruise Tours which extend the journey before or after the cruise:

  • Hanoi – three-night trip for cruises embarking and disembarking in Ha Long Bay, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local life of Hanoi with street food tours in the old quarter featuring traditional Vietnamese phin drip and Vietnamese coffee; morning tai chi lessons like the locals do; history tours of the Hanoi Hilton Prison and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; culture attractions like a traditional puppet show, cyclo tour, and a visit to a local pottery village.
  • Angkor Wat – three nights extension on cruises that start and end in Bangkok with a bucket-list visit to Angkor Wat; explore Siem Reap to learn about the Khmer people who were responsible for constructing the temples and see their modern-day craftsmanship; visits to the Tonel Lake Stilt village and floating markets.
  • Chiang Mai – three nights exploration of Northern Thailand’s cultural capital, available on cruises that start and end in Phuket. Visit the cultural capital of Thailand and explore the famous mountain temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and new and old temples with monk ceremonies; enjoy the opportunity to visit an Elephant Sanctuary where guests can interact with and help feed and care for the elephants, an animal that carries great significance to the people and country of Thailand; and explore lively night markets tasting local specialties like Khao soi.

Guests also have the option of combining cruises into back-to-back Star Collector sailings. Itineraries ranging from 20 to 41 days are available with the longest cruising between Tokyo, Japan and Phuket, Thailand. As a bonus, free daily laundry is provided so guests can still pack light.

To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar or learn about booking offers, contact a travel advisor, reach out to Windstar Cruises by phone at 866-258-7245, book online here, or request a call by a Windstar vacation planner.  Find more information on Windstar Cruises here.   

There’s a new luxury yacht sailing the French Riviera in May 2026

January 29, 2025 No Comments

In May 2026, Ponant Explorations will debut a brand-new eight-day itinerary along the Côte d’Azur aboard its iconic three-masted sailing yacht, Le Ponant.

Beginning and ending in Nice, the elegant vessel — the world’s first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht — will chart an unforgettable course east to the colourful Italian fishing village of Portofino before gliding back along the French Riviera. Along the way, guests will discover coastal gems such as the citrus-hued port of Menton, the glamour-soaked shores of Antibes, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez, and the charming, lesser-known port of Cassis. 

Stretching nearly 300 feet and recently refitted by Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio, Le Ponant accommodates just 32 guests in 16 stylish staterooms, each boasting panoramic windows with sea views.

Guests can lounge on the sun deck beneath the billowing white sails, sip a cocktail from the outdoor bar, indulge in Biologique Recherche spa treatments, or savour organic, Mediterranean-inspired dishes at the yacht’s restaurant, Le Diamant. All this unfolds against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mediterranean’s colourful seaside villages, parasol-dotted beaches, and dramatic coastal cliffs. 

Onshore, the adventure continues with curated excursions to the Riviera’s most iconic and cultural landmarks, following in the footsteps of Picasso and Bardot. Whether exploring charming villages or world-renowned historical sites, such as Portofino’s cliff top lighthouse and the old town of Antibes with its 16th-century ramparts, every stop offers another perspective on the Riviera’s wonders.

Back on board, guests can dive straight into the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters or make use of Le Ponant’s array of aquatic toys. From glass-bottomed kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to snorkelling gear and a saltwater pool, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the sea. 

 Itinerary details

The French Riviera under Le Ponant’s Sails 

Nice-Nice | 8 days, 7 nights 

May 7-14, 2026 

Fares starting from $12,220 per guest 

More information linked here. 

Celebrity River Cruises is launching in Europe for a truly boutique experience

January 27, 2025 No Comments

Celebrity Cruises will usher in a new era in river cruising with Celebrity River Cruises, a premium river cruise vacation that will begin taking bookings this year.

The brand has signed an initial order for 10 transformative ships that will take guests to historic cities on the world’s most iconic rivers, launching in Europe. Celebrity Cruises will bring the elevated design and sophistication of the Edge Series ocean ships to the river.

Celebrity River Cruises is a natural extension of Celebrity’s premium offering that will bring its unique service-first approach to the river. Guests will get the keys to sail through the heart of culturally and historically significant cities, experience locally inspired cuisine and unique shore experiences.

With ships that will give guests 360 degrees of breathtaking views, every moment will be designed to immerse guests in the beauty of the journey.

More information about Celebrity River Cruises, including booking opportunities, destinations, fleet size and ship details, excursions and more, will be announced in the coming months.

A new premier luxury private jet service just took off

January 17, 2025 No Comments

FlyJetr has launched its premier luxury jet charter service, redefining the essence of private aviation designed to make luxury air travel more accessible than ever.

Committed to providing unmatched flexibility and convenience for its clients, the company introduces an innovative one-touch Set and Jet access feature, allowing customers to seamlessly arrange flights on over 15,000 jets to 12,000 airports worldwide, catering to both business trips and leisure family getaways.

The private jet charter market is experiencing remarkable growth, projected to reach $17.40 billion into 2025, with an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.92%, potentially scaling to $33.38 billion by 2030. This significant growth reflects a robust demand for private aviation services and indicates a transformative shift in the industry, allowing more individuals to enjoy luxurious travel experiences without needing aircraft ownership.

In addition to its extensive network and advanced technology, FlyJetr is committed to ensuring that every aspect of the flying experience exceeds client expectations. The company’s approach combines its sophisticated Set and Jet booking systems with a highly trained team dedicated to delivering exceptional service.

About FlyJetr

FlyJetr is at the forefront of luxury private aviation, dedicated to providing exceptional service and unparalleled access for discerning travellers around the globe. FlyJetr redefines luxury travel, offering unparalleled comfort and sophistication in the air for those who demand the best. 

From business trips to family leisure getaways, each flight is a bespoke experience, transforming every journey into an extraordinary experience. Why fly private when you can FlyJetr, with one click Set and Jet access to 15,000 Jets and 12,000 Airports, FlyJetr is a class above.

For more information about FlyJetr and its services, please visit flyjetr.com

Virgin’s $199,000 Annual Pass lets you sail unlimited for a year

January 3, 2025 No Comments

Virgin Voyages has debuted its 2026 iteration early, giving travellers ample time to plan.

Back by popular demand and more legendary than its predecessor, Virgin Voyages’ Annual Pass 2026 gives Sailors a taste of the high life with:

  • A complimentary, one-week stay on Necker Island, Richard’s stunning 74-acre retreat in the British Virgin Islands surrounded by coral reefs and fringed with beautiful white sandy beaches (Valid during an Individual Stay week)
  • Round-trip, business-class flights and ferry transfers from anywhere in the continental US to Necker Island
  • Daily opportunities to Shake for Champagne with Moët delivered anywhere on-demand
  • Virgin Voyages’ signature red, Yellow Leaf Hammock to take home a little R&R and remind Sailors of the incredible #balconylife
  • Special birthday upgrade to a RockStar Quarters suite (i.e. Seriously Suite, Brilliant Suite, Sweet Aft Suite or Cheeky Corner Suite)
  • A $10,000 shopping spree in the High Street shops featuring renowned brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, MAC and more
  • One curated and privately hosted Shore Thing every quarter (or four per year)
  • A beach, grove or poolside cabana at Virgin Voyages’ exclusive Beach Club in Bimini (limited to 10x per year)
  • Personalized RockStar robes

About the 2026 Annual Pass

With the price tag of $199,000 USD, the ultra-luxurious Annual Pass 2026 redefines the meaning of bucket list travel.

Annual Pass 2026 includes options to sail aboard the brand’s newest ship, Brilliant Lady, which is set to make her Alaskan debut in May 2026 from Seattle. It’s available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pass holders can select a start date of Jan. 1, Feb. 1, March 1 or April 1, and the pass will be valid for one year from the desired start date. Sailors must book between now and March 31, 2026. Annual Pass is not combinable with other offers or Bar Tab. Sailors will also earn Deep Blue Extras upon booking.

To book the Annual Pass, inquire via the “Contact Us” page. To learn more about Annual Pass, or to view the terms and conditions, visit our webpage here.

French Country Waterways changes routes on three luxury barges

December 20, 2024 No Comments

In 2025, new and loyal guests of French Luxury Waterways will be met with a fresh take on France as three of the line’s four barges are being repositioned.

Princess will call on wineries and towns in Champagne, Nenuphar will visit the Upper Loire, and Horizon II visits Alsace-Lorraine, while Adrienne remains in Burgundy. A 2025 digital brochure is available at 2025 French Country Waterways Brochure.

French Country Waterways’ luxury barges accommodate eight to 12 guests, making for a highly personalized experience and lasting friendships with fellow guests and crew.

The six-night sailings in each region are offered from late-March through October.

Sailing with French Country Waterways is fully inclusive, with private tours and wine tastings; exceptional cuisine from the on-board chef and dinner ashore at a Michelin-starred restaurant; a fully stocked open bar and all wines, many of which are from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards; dozens of tantalizing French cheeses; a private motorcoach, and more.

Fares begin at $8,195 per person, double occupancy.

For more information, visit www.fcwl.com.

British Airways shows off new First Class seats with a luxury hotel feel

December 2, 2024 No Comments

British Airways has unveiled its brand-new First seat, combining elegant design with expert British craftsmanship, reflective of modern British luxury travel. The new cabin forms part of the airline’s A380 retrofit plans, expected to take to the skies in mid-2026.

The airline’s new First has been carefully designed to provide the feel of a modern luxury hotel, alongside home comforts and thoughtful British touches at 35,000ft. The seat has been beautifully curated by expert designers and world-class manufacturers from all corners of Great Britain and Ireland, including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel and Dublin.

About the new First seats

The new seat is ultra-wide (36.5inches), with a bed length of 79inches, and features a multi-purpose ottoman and elegant stowable table, a 32-inch 4K TV screen, adjustable mood lighting including scenes such as ‘relax’, ‘dine’ and ‘cinema’. The seat can be adjusted with the touch of a button to find the perfect level of comfort and is located within a cocooned 60-inch curved wall for ultimate privacy, whilst still providing a spacious environment.

For customers travelling together in the centre of the cabin, the divider slides open to create a shared lounge space, and the stowable tables mean customers can enjoy ‘buddy dining’ in the seat with their travel companion.

The elegant curves throughout the cabin take inspiration from British Airways’ Concorde wings, giving a natural flow to the space and creating a welcoming environment. Customers can now simply wheel their luggage into their personal luggage space, making it even easier to settle in before their flight.

Other suite perks

Elsewhere, the suite features an ambient light with an eye-catching design that subtly references the airline’s speedmarque and further nods to Concorde. The suite features window blinds, activated by buttons on the internal control panel for all three windows per seat.

The soft panelling inside the seat also helps with acoustics and absorbing sound, which adds to the sense of being in a cocooned, private space. Customers can also use the seat’s brand-new ‘do not disturb’ functionality on its wireless control tablet, which notifies crew if they wish to maximize their rest on board.

The airline is continuing to invest in its overall customer experience and has already rolled out over 120 initiatives as part of its $9billion transformation focus, from brand-new short-haul seats, free Wi-Fi messaging on board to refreshing its lounges across its global network.

 

Ponant just announced 36 new co-branded Smithsonian sailings for 2026

November 20, 2024 No Comments

Ponant has announced 36 co-branded sailings for 2026 in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution.

Marking the most departures ever offered in a single year, this expanded lineup represents a fifth year of collaboration between Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys highlighting a continued shared commitment to fostering global citizenship through immersive travel experiences.

These extraordinary voyages blend Ponant’s seafaring expertise and esteemed hospitality with Smithsonian’s unparalleled legacy as the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, offering guests unparalleled opportunities to explore the world with depth and purpose.

A selection of returning favourites complements seven exciting new itineraries for 2026. Among the highlights of these popular voyages are:

  • Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America (7 nights): Featuring a specially arranged visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s open-air Punta Culebra Nature Center. Departure dates: February 19–26, 2026 and February 26–March 5, 2026. Fares begin at $6,420 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here.
  • A Voyage Along the Great Lakes (8 nights): Explores the beauty of the Great Lakes region. Departure dates: August 11–19, 2026 and August 19–27, 2026. Fares begin at $9,000 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here.
  • Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean (7 nights): A picturesque journey through the Southern Aegean. Departure dates: June 16–23, 2026 and October 8–15, 2026. Fares begin at $6,150 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here.
  • Antarctica: The White Continent (11 nights): Featuring three renowned Smithsonian Journeys Experts – polar explorer Ann Bancroft, astrophysicist Michelle Thaller, and photographer Jim Preston. Departure date: January 8–19, 2026. Fares begin at $13,780 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here.

Aside from the Antarctica departure with three experts, each voyage will feature two Smithsonian Journeys Experts to provide onboard lectures and discussions that dive deeper into a destination’s history, language, environment, and wildlife.

New voyages

New: Madagascar and Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean, January 7-17, 2026,  Le Bougainville

This 10-night voyage from northern Madagascar through more than 1,000 miles of the Seychelles Archipelago offers an exploration of the rich endemic flora and fauna including lemurs, chameleons, red-tailed tropicbirds, radiated tortoises, multi-colored fish, green turtles, and more. A full day in Diego Suarez in the Emerald Sea Lagoon brings extensive snorkeling and birding opportunities before heading onto the Seychelles. Ports of call include the iconic beach at Anse Source d’Argent, surrounded by large blocks of granite and edged with coconut palms, and the Aride nature reserve, with some 73 hectares of colourful vegetation and more than one million birds. Fares begin at $11,110 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here.

New: Coastal Vietnam by Sea: Singapore to Hong Kong, February 8-22, 2026, Le Jacques-Cartier

This two-week long itinerary explores the many sides of Vietnam, from the ancient civilizations of Cham and Khmer, through Chinese influence and French colonialism, to the present day. Highlights include visits to four UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam: The Ancient City of Hội An, the My Son temples, the Imperial City of Hue, and Hạ Long Bay, with opportunities to experience local cuisine in each port of call. Also featured are a performance of Vietnamese dance and song in Ho Chi Minh City, visits to handicraft markets in Nha Trang and Da Nang, and a day in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. Fares begin at $12,500 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here. 

New: South Africa and Namibia by Sea: Around the Cape of Good Hope, March 19-29, 2026, Le Bougainville

This 10-night voyage along the southern coast of South Africa highlights the best of South Africa with three days devoted to a ‘safari by sea’ exploring the great game parks of the Eastern Cape followed by two days focused on Cape Town and its surroundings, as well as an exploration of the wild coastlines of Namibia from Lüderitz. The itinerary will showcase the world-famous conservation efforts of Addo Elephant Park; multiple opportunities for safaris through game parks in search of the “big five;” panoramic tours of the stunning beauty of the Cape Peninsula; the wine country surrounding Stellenbosch; the UNESCO World Heritage site of Robben Island; and Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain. Fares begin at $7,660 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here.

New: Voyage to Indonesia: Dragons, Reefs, and the Spice Islands, May 1-13, 2026, Le Jacques-Cartier

Highlights of this 12-night voyage include discovering the lush and idyllic islands of Indonesia and sailing through the heart of the Coral Triangle before arriving to the northern shores of Australia. It will combine both a deep dive into the region’s extraordinary biodiversity in the air, on land, and under the sea with visits to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and extensive possibilities for swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters with pristine coral reefs, as well as a rich immersion with the local people of Sumbawa and their age-old customs and traditions. Fares begin at $10,330 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here.

New: A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western Mediterranean, August 11-19, 2026, Le Dumont-d’Urville

This voyage offers the chance to witness the extraordinarily rare setting of the sun just moments after totality, followed by an exploration of the natural beauty and cultural history of the islands of the western Mediterranean. On August 12, 2026, after an afternoon exploring the landmarks of Palma de Mallorca, guests will reboard Le Dumont-d’Urville and head out to sea to view the total solar eclipse. The eight-night itinerary will continue to four additional Mediterranean islands including Menorca; Sardinia, with the opportunity to see prehistoric edifices called nuraghi; Corsica; and Napolean’s summer residence on Elba. Fares begin at $10,270 per guest based on double occupancy. Full details linked here. 

PONANT ships embody French sophistication in refined exploration, infused with the vibrant joie de vivre of the company’s French heritage. Guests enjoy elegantly appointed staterooms and suites with private balconies, wellness centers, complimentary Wi-Fi, and gourmet dining curated by PONANT’s chefs in collaboration with Ducasse Conseil, blending flavors from local destinations with timeless favorites. All-inclusive fares cover a shore excursion or activity in each port of call and seamless roundtrip airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days. For more information, visit https://us.ponant.com/cruises/themes/smithsonian-journeys; call 1-833-889-0800, or contact a travel advisor.

Fares are per guest in U.S. dollars, based on double occupancy.

Atlas Ocean Voyages shows off 2026 itineraries with 28 new ports of call

November 11, 2024 No Comments

Atlas Ocean Voyages has unveiled its 2026 summer itinerary collection, featuring new expeditions across the Canadian Arctic, Bermuda, Caribbean, and Europe—including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland.

With 28 new ports of call, this season’s expanded portfolio offers unparalleled experiences for returning and new guests. From Polar and Cultural Expeditions to Epicurean journeys, Atlas Ocean Voyages now provides a more diverse selection of immersive adventures than ever before.

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ new summer expeditions feature an exciting range of ports, offering guests unique encounters and immersive experiences. In Brønnøysund, Norway, marvel at sea eagles and seals in their natural habitat, while Warnemünde, Germany, combines scenic beaches with traditional maritime culture and easy access to Berlin. Sip robust wines in Çeşme, Turkey, famed for centuries-old vineyards. St. Anthony and Red Bay in Canada showcase Viking history, while Îles de la Madeleine and Corner Brook highlight nature’s beauty. Bermuda’s St. George’s and Hamilton add vibrant culture, rounding out a season of captivating destinations.

“We are excited to introduce 28 new ports to our destination portfolio,” said James Rodriguez, president and CEO. “Our expanded team of experts and guides ensures a deeply immersive experience aboard every voyage. These additions will be popular with our past guests and likely to sell out quickly.”

Enhanced Destination Experience with Late Departures and Overnights

Featuring over 70 extended evenings, leaving ports after 8 PM, allowing ample time to immerse in each destination’s local culture, cuisine, and energy. Additionally, with more than 25 overnight stays, travelers have extended hours to explore, creating a relaxed and enriched journey.

New expeditions highlights

Picturesque Peaks & Fjords | 14-NIGHT LONDON ROUNDTRIP | JUNE 1, 2026 | Cultural Expedition

Denmark & Sweden Beauties | 10-NIGHT OSLO TO STOCKHOLM | JUNE 30, 2026 | Cultural Expedition

Sea of Antiquity | 10-NIGHT ISTANBUL TO ROME | JULY 20, 2026 | Epicurean Expedition

Riviera Marvels | 10-NIGHT ROME TO BARCELONA | JULY 30, 2026 | Epicurean Expedition

Pearls of Italy | 7-NIGHT ROME TO DUBROVNIK | SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 | Epicurean Expedition

Greenland & Canada Explorer | 11-NIGHT KANGERLUSSUAQ TO HALIFAX | SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 | Polar Expedition

Bermuda & Island Wonders | 12-NIGHT HALIFAX TO PHILIPSBURG | OCTOBER 2, 2026 | Cultural Expedition

Colours of the Caribbean | 7-NIGHT PHILIPSBURG TO BRIDGETOWN | OCTOBER 14, 2026 | Cultural Expedition