Tauck Launches More Women’s Only Departures in 2027

Tauck Launches More Women’s Only Departures in 2027

Tauck has announced the opening of additional bookings for 2027 Women’s Only Departures, expanding from three itineraries to seven and extending the collection beyond Europe to include North America for the first time.

All 2027 Women’s Only Departures are now open for booking.

The expanded collection spans Italy, France, Portugal, Scandinavia, England and Canada, with departures running from June to October.

Every Women’s Only Departure operates as a small-group itinerary averaging 24 guests and is led by a female Tauck Director, with one upfront price covering airport transfers, accommodations, most meals, exclusive access experiences and expert local guides, the company said in a press release.

European Itineraries

“A Week In… Champagne & Alsace” is a new eight-day itinerary exploring two of France’s most renowned wine regions, from the Alsatian villages of Kaysersberg and Colmar to the Champagne capital of Reims.

“A Week In… Italy’s Hidden Wine Country” is an eight-day immersion in Italy’s slow-food heartland, combining truffle hunting in the Langhe hills, a guided tasting of the region’s celebrated Barolo and Barbaresco wines and an exclusive early-opening visit to La Venaria Reale.

“A Week In… Copenhagen & Oslo” is an eight-day journey through two of northern European capitals. Highlights include a private palace dinner at Copenhagen’s historic Odd Fellows Mansion.

“Tuscany, Cinque Terre & the Portofino Coast” traces the arc of northwestern Italy from Chianti to the Ligurian coastline, combining the art and gastronomy of Tuscany with Cinque Terre and Portofino.

“England and the West Country” explores the landscapes, country houses and cathedral cities of southwestern England, the storied countryside that inspired Jane Austen and generations of English writers.

“A Week In… Portugal” is an eight-day journey from Porto’s historic riverfront to Lisbon’s grand avenues, tracing Portugal’s wine traditions, UNESCO World Heritage sites and coastal character.

North American Itinerary

“Canada’s Capital Cities plus Niagara Falls” explores the cultural and natural breadth of eastern Canada, and the spectacle of Niagara Falls.

The itinerary offers a rich cross-section of Canadian heritage, architecture and landscape, with Tauck’s signature access and guided depth throughout.

Marella Launches Second Country Rhythms Themed Cruise

Marella Launches Second Country Rhythms Themed Cruise

Marella Cruises has announced the return of its adult-only country music-themed cruise, “Country Rhythms,” aboard the Marella Explorer in November 2027.

Chris Hackney, CEO at Marella Cruises, said:  “Following strong demand for our first Country Rhythms themed cruise in February 2026 and successful booking results in its first year, we’re excited to bring it back for a second season in winter 2027.”

“These impressive stats from our first country-themed cruise, alongside our market research, have shown that our new and existing customers are keen to explore new themed cruises involving beloved country music combined with our all-inclusive and end-to-end cruise offering,” added Hackney.

“We’re excited to announce more news in the future for Country Rhythms 2027, so stay tuned.”

The themed cruise will include a country music lineup of live singers and acts, which will be announced at a later date. The themed cruise will go on sale from July 2, 2026.

TUI’s UK cruise line said in a press release that the sailing will feature country-themed activities including a Barn Dance bash, production shows and line dancing classes.

There will be two sailings for customers to experience the cruises:

The first is a four-night sailing from Thursday, November 11, 2027, to Monday, November 15, 2027.

The cruise embarks from Malaga, Spain and sails through Gibraltar; day at sea; Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura and finishing in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.

The second will be a five-night cruise from Thursday, November 11, 2027, to Tuesday, November 16, 2027.

The cruise sails from Malaga through Gibraltar; day at sea; Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura; Las Palmas, Gran Canaria and ending in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

All sailings will have TUI Airways flights across six regional airports including London Gatwick, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow and Belfast.

Noordam on Holland America’s 28-Night Cruise to Alaska

Noordam on Holland America’s 28-Night Cruise to Alaska

The Noordam sailed from Seattle earlier this month to kick off Holland America Line’s 28-night Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice Voyage.

As one of the company’s longest cruises in the region, the month long itinerary includes visits to a wide range of destinations across Alaska and British Columbia.

After departing from its homeport in Washington, the Noordam sailed to Ketchikan, Sitka and Icy Strait Point.

The 2006-built vessel then visited Valdez before calling at two of Alaska’s less-visited destinations: Dutch Harbor and Nome.

Holland America is the only large cruise line visiting the latter through 2027, with a second visit scheduled for the Noordam next summer.

Continuing its cruise, the Noordam is now scheduled to visit Kodiak ahead of an overnight stay in Anchorage. Other ports of call include Haines, Juneau and Wrangell, as well as Prince Rupert.

The itinerary also features scenic cruising near Hubbard Glacier, the Inside Passage and Endicott Arm Fjord. Concluding the legendary voyage, the Noordam is scheduled to return to Seattle on July 5, 2026.

The 1,900-passenger ship will then offer Holland America’s Alaska Explorer itinerary, which sails to Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria over seven nights.

In early September, the vessel will offer another month long legendary voyage: the 27-night Glaciers & Volcanoes cruise.

It also sails roundtrip from Seattle, combining destinations in Alaska and Hawaii, including Anchorage, Sitka, Dutch Harbor, Honolulu, Kahului and Hilo.

Later this year, the Noordam reposition to Australia via a 34-night legendary voyage that will sail from Seattle to Sydney.

The vessel is scheduled to spend the 2026-27 winter season sailing to destinations in the South Pacific from Sydney and Auckland.

Royal Caribbean’s Legend to Drydock in Spain Ahead of Maiden Voyage

Royal Caribbean’s Legend to Drydock in Spain Ahead of Maiden Voyage

Royal Caribbean’s new Legend of the Seas is scheduled to drydock in Cadiz ahead of its maiden voyage, according to reports by Spanish media.

Recently delivered by the Meyer Turku shipyard, the LNG-powered vessel is scheduled to welcome its first guests at the Italian port of Civitavecchia on July 4, 2026.

According to a report by Diario de Cadiz, the Legend is scheduled to arrive at the Navantia shipyard on June 22, 2026.

The 250,800-ton vessel will reportedly enter the facility’s Dique 4 to undergo final adjustments over the course of five days.

The local news source said that Navantia workers will prepare the gardens and green areas of Legend’s Central Park.

In late 2023, the Spanish shipyard installed over 10,000 natural plants aboard the Icon of the Seas.

The drydock will also include other technical work, Diario de Cadiz said, as well as be the location for various inspections and provisioning.

As part of its inaugural season, the Legend of the Seas is scheduled to offer a series of seven-night cruises to the Western Mediterranean.

The itineraries feature visits to destinations in Spain, France and Italy, including Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille and La Spezia.

Following a repositioning voyage to Florida, the Icon-class ship will kick off a series of cruises from Port Everglades.

As part of its 2027-28 winter season, the Legend will operate six- to eight-night itineraries to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

After the delivery of the 5,610-passenger ship, Royal Caribbean’s orderbook now has seven vessels, including the Hero of the Seas.

Set to enter service in 2027, the fourth Icon-class ship will offer seven-night cruises to the Caribbean sailing from PortMiami.

According to data from Cruise Industry News’ global cruise ship orderbook, six other vessels are scheduled to enter service through 2031.

Petition Against Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico Hits 5 Million Signatures

Petition Against Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico Hits 5 Million Signatures

A petition asking the Mexican government to bar Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico project recently hit five million signatures.

Published on the Change.org platform, the petition was created in late May and asks Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo to stop the development.

First announced in late 2024, the project aimed to build a new private destination at the Costa Maya Cruise Port in Mahahual.

In addition to enhancing the existing structure at the facility, the development included the construction of a large water park, an extensive retail area and various beach clubs.

Despite Royal Caribbean’s plans Perfect Day Mexico in late 2027, the project was recently stopped by the Mexican government.

As reported by Cruise Industry News, the country’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources stopped the project in May.

The authority cited environmental concerns about damage to the Mesoamerican Reef and coastal ecosystems as the main reason for the decision.

Calling Perfect Day Mexico a “destructive project,” the petition claims that Mahahual is a fishing town inhabited by local communities and “not an amusement park.”

The document adds that the region is “one of the last places where the jungle meets the sea, where coral reefs still pulse with life, and where sea turtles return each year to nest,” noting that nearby Tulum and Playa del Carmen have “already succumbed to the logic of profit.”

The petition also compared the project with Royal Caribbean’s private island of CocoCay, saying that the development in the Bahamas caused the “exclusion of local populations, massive destruction of biodiversity and near-exclusive enrichment of a multinational corporation.”

The petition adds that the project “threatens the very existence of Mahahual,” bringing risks to the region’s protected mangroves and coral reefs.

“Royal Caribbean plans to receive up to 20,000 tourists per day, bringing with them tons of chemical sunscreen, plastic waste, mega-cruise ships polluting the water, and absurd levels of freshwater consumption in a region already suffering from water scarcity,” the petition said.

With a size comparable to Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Perfect Day Mexico was expected to welcome more guests than Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The company’s private island destination in the Bahamas hosted approximately 3.5 million passengers in 2025.

Royal Caribbean and the Mexican government are now in discussions to move the development to a new location in the country.

The Perfect Day Mexico project included the construction of a water park with over 30 waterslides and what was said to be the world’s longest lazy river.

Plans also called for large retail and dining areas, with nearly 40 bars and regionally inspired dining options.

 

Keel Laid for Royal Caribbean’s Seventh Oasis Class Ship

Keel Laid for Royal Caribbean’s Seventh Oasis Class Ship

Royal Caribbean announced that it has celebrated a construction milestone for the seventh Oasis-class vessel with a keel-laying ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The event marks the start of assembly of the company’s new ship and kicks off the next two years of construction ahead of its anticipated 2028 debut.

Oasis 7 Keel Laid Video

Royal Caribbean said in a press release that during the ceremony, teams from Royal Caribbean and Chantiers de l’Atlantique placed a layer of freshly minted coins beneath the first steel block in the drydock, known as the keel.

The long-standing maritime tradition celebrates the beginning of the ship’s journey by wishing good fortune to the ship, its crew and future vacationers.

More details about the seventh Oasis Class vacation will be announced in due course.

Fincantieri Delivers Mein Schiff Flow in Monfalcone

Fincantieri and TUI Cruises celebrated the delivery of Mein Schiff Flow at the Monfalcone shipyard. The vessel is the second of two next-generation InTUItion-class cruise ships, designed for dual-fuel operation (liquefied natural gas and marine gas oil).

“With the delivery of Mein Schiff Flow, we celebrate a new milestone in our collaboration with TUI Cruises and reaffirm the strategic role of the Monfalcone shipyard as a center of excellence in global shipbuilding,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri.

“Here, innovation, sustainability and industrial expertise are transformed every day into productive capacity and international competitiveness. This achievement demonstrates the strength of an ecosystem that continues to evolve, investing in the technologies of the future and enhancing Italy’s industrial know-how,” added Folgiero.

“I would like to thank all those who, through their professionalism, passion and dedication, have helped make this important milestone possible.”

The delivery ceremony was attended by the Prefect of Gorizia, Ester Fedullo, the Mayor of Monfalcone, Luca Fasan, and the civil and military authorities of the region.

It was also attended by Folgiero, Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises, Biagio Mazzotta, chairman of Fincantieri, Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division and Cristiano Bazzara, director of the Monfalcone shipyard.

Fincantieri said in a press release that the delivery of Mein Schiff Flow strengthens its partnership with TUI Cruises.

The relationship was reinforced by the contract signed last September for the construction of two additional InTUItion-class vessels, sister ships to Mein Schiff Relax and Mein Schiff Flow, scheduled for delivery in 2031 and 2032, respectively.

The delivery also reinforces Monfalcone’s central role in the construction of next-generation cruise ships and its position as the group’s main shipyard.

Designed to operate on LNG propulsion, Mein Schiff Flow is equipped with catalytic converters compliant with Euro 6 standards, a steam turbine that uses the residual heat from the diesel generators, and an electrical shore power connection.

According to Fincantieri, the features will enable virtually emission-free operations while the vessel is berthed in port, accounting for approximately 40 percent of its operational time.

The ship also features a waste treatment system that transforms organic materials into recyclable components via a thermal process.

First Two-Ship Alaska Program for Disney Sails from Vancouver

First Two-Ship Alaska Program for Disney Sails from Vancouver

Disney Cruise Line’s first two-ship season in Alaska is underway. Marking the company’s largest deployment in the region, the cruise program includes the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.

The vessels arrived in the region in May, kicking off a series of cruises departing from Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada.

The Disney Magic started its first season in the region in late May following a drydock in Victoria.

The 1998-built ship is now offering week long cruises that sail roundtrip from the Canada Place Cruise Terminal and include visits to Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Following a winter deployment on the West Coast, the Disney Wonder also began its season in Alaska in May.

Offering similar itineraries, the 1,750-passenger vessel is sailing roundtrip from Vancouver for seven-night cruises to Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

Disney’s itineraries in the region are also highlighted by scenic cruising at Dawes Glacier and the Inside Passage.

The two ships are set to remain in Alaska through late September, each offering over 15 departures in the region.

Both ships are scheduled to offer fall cruises on the West Coast after the record-breaking season in the Pacific Northwest.

The Disney Magic will operate a series of itineraries to the Mexican Riviera and Baja California before embarking on a repositioning cruise to Texas.

The vessel’s season in the region runs through early November, when it is scheduled to offer a 14-night Panama Canal voyage that ends in Galveston.

Operating on the West Coast year-round, the Disney Wonder is set to offer cruises from San Diego through early 2027.

The vessel’s schedule includes both short cruises to Baja California and six- and seven-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera.

In addition to Isla Catalina and Ensenada, the 1999-built ship is scheduled to make visits to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán.

Carnival to Introduce New Cruise Card Design; Updated Milestone Program

Carnival to Introduce New Cruise Card Design; Updated Milestone Program

Carnival Cruise Line is introducing a new design for its Sail & Sign cards, as well as a new milestone recognition system as part of the new Carnival Rewards loyalty program.

In a recent interview with the company’s Brand Ambassador John Heald, President Christine Duffy detailed the changes.

“We know how important it is to recognize our guests’ loyalty, and I’m excited to share that in the new program we are actually changing the way we count milestones,” she explained.

Instead of taking into consideration the number of cruises each guest has taken, the new system will be based on the number of days spent onboard.

“For people who tend to take longer cruises, it used to take them just as long as someone who has taken shorter cruises to get to the milestones,” Duffy added.

“With the new program, passengers will be able to achieve milestones faster using days sailed rather than just counting individual cruises,” she continued.

Once a guest opts in for the new program, past cruises will be converted into days, she added, noting that rewards for milestones also changed.

Passengers will receive 5,000 Carnival Rewards points once they achieve 50 days sailed with the company.

The program also offers 10,000 points for guests who reach 100 days onboard, as well as an additional 10,000 points when reaching 500 days sailed.

Carnival is also offering onboard recognitions, commemorative coins, onboard credit, and other rewards.

After the initial milestones, passengers will receive an additional 10,000 points every time they add another 100 days to their count.

As part of the changes, the company is also introducing redesigned Sail & Sign cards, which will now include the number of days passengers have sailed with Carnival.

With a vertical design, the new cards will also feature the Carnival Rewards logo, in addition to different colors for each of the program’s tiers.

Duffy also explained that passengers who are part of the company’s current loyalty program have until the end of 2030 to take advantage of unused benefits.

“They’ll still have to opt in to the new program; their number of total days will show on the card, and then they can work towards the new milestone on the new program,” she said.

First introduced by the company in mid-2025, the Carnival Rewards is set to take effect in September 2026.

The new system replaces the VIFP Club, which has been in use since 2012, and is a point-based reward loyalty program.

Duffy highlighted the new system, noting that the new points can be redeemed for “almost anything onboard,” from shore excursions to spa treatments, specialty dining and beverage packages.

Passengers can also earn points at the company’s private destinations of Celebration Key and RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay.

Users of the company’s Mastercard credit card earn points with everyday spending as well, Duffy added.

Legend of the Seas Delivered to Royal Caribbean Ahead of July Debut

Legend of the Seas Delivered to Royal Caribbean Ahead of July Debut

Royal Caribbean has welcomed the Legend of the Seas, its third Icon-class ship, to its fleet.

Following nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, and sea trials that started in April, the ship is ready to make its European debut in July 2026, the cruise line said in a statement.

More than 1,200 crew members and partners gathered for a ceremony led by Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, and Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm.

The event marked the transfer of ownership between Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku.

“Today’s delivery of Legend of the Seas marks another important milestone in our ambition to continuously redefine the vacation experience. This new ship reflects the strength of the vacation ecosystem we are building – combining industry-leading ships, innovative technology, and exceptional experiences for our guests,” noted Liberty.

“It is an achievement only possible through the extraordinary partnership and expertise of Meyer Turku and the thousands of talented people whose creativity and commitment continue to help us design the future of vacations.”

The ship is scheduled to travel from Turku to Cadiz, Spain, soon, for finishing touches by Royal Caribbean.

After that, it will operate seven-night Western Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, this summer, as part of its inaugural season.

In November, the ship will arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to deliver six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean cruises.

The delivery is part of the company’s long-term framework agreement with Meyer Turku, securing shipbuilding capacity through 2036.

Under it, the shipyard will build the Icon 5, to be delivered in 2028, as well as the sixth and seventh Icon Class ships, coming in 2029 and 2030, respectively.

“Legend of the Seas is the third Icon Class ship built at our shipyard, and constructing the series has enabled us to develop our production processes in a systematic way. We have built on the experience gained from the previous vessels and further improved efficiency with the customer and our extensive partner network,” added Lindholm.

“The ship is an exceptional project in terms of both scale and technical complexity, requiring strong expertise and seamless collaboration across the entire maritime cluster. At the same time, Legend of the Seas moves shipbuilding towards more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions.”

The Legend will be the company’s fourth ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) as it continues on its journey toward introducing a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

Royal Caribbean Adds Extra Port to Upcoming Cruise

Royal Caribbean Adds Extra Port to Upcoming Cruise

Royal Caribbean International is adding an extra port to the July 4, 2026, sailing onboard the Rhapsody of the Seas.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the itinerary will now feature an additional visit to La Romana in the Dominican Republic.

Part of a seven-night cruise to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean from Puerto Rico, the new call replaces a day at sea.

“While planning our upcoming adventure, we want to make sure you are aware of a slight change to your itinerary,” Royal Caribbean told passengers.

The company said that the visit to La Romana was added as part of its routine review of upcoming cruise itineraries.

“From time to time, updates are necessary as we finalize scheduling port arrangements and operational details,” the company added.

Royal Caribbean added that the new call will enhance guests’ experience, giving them a full day to explore an additional port.

A selection of shore excursions for the new destination will be available for guests soon, the company noted.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to setting sail with you,” Royal Caribbean added.

In addition to the newly added visit to La Romana, Rhapsody’s July 4, 2026, itinerary sails to other destinations in the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sailing roundtrip from San Juan, the Vision-class ship is scheduled to visit Tortola, Philipsburg, St. John’s, Basseterre and St. Croix.

The Rhapsody of the Seas is currently offering a series of seven-night cruises from Puerto Rico that sail to destinations in the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.

Extending through 2026 and early 2027, the deployment will be followed by the ship’s return to Europe, with a summer season in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Viking Yi Dun Departs Shanghai, Concludes Its Chinese-Flag Era

Viking Yi Dun Departs Shanghai, Concludes Its Chinese-Flag Era

The Viking Yi Dun slipped her moorings at Shanghai’s North Bund International Cruise Terminal on June 5, beginning a roughly 60-day positioning voyage across the South China Sea.

The ship will sail past Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, around the Cape of Good Hope and into the Mediterranean, with a scheduled arrival in Barcelona, Spain, in early August.

Viking said in a press release that the departure also marked the formal launch of what it has promoted as its first Chinese-language transcontinental itinerary, the “60-Day Afro-Euro-Asian Discovery Journey.”

At an onboard ceremony earlier in the day, Brendan Tansey, managing director of Viking China, said the voyage will cross the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans, calling at 27 destinations across 16 countries including Singapore, Phuket, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, South Africa, Namibia and Morocco before reaching Tarragona.

Tansey added that the company is marking its 10th anniversary in the Chinese market and framed the sailing as a milestone: Viking’s first all-Chinese-service (long) ocean voyage, designed around a familiar, senior-focused onboard environment (Mandarin-speaking hotel team, Chinese menus and signage, as well as no casino), and the bridge to a regular Chinese-language Mediterranean season starting August 3 in Barcelona.

The departure also closes the book on the vessel’s time as China’s first “five-star-flag” oceangoing cruise ship.

Built as the Viking Sun and later acquired by the China Merchants and Viking joint venture, she was reflagged to the Chinese register and renamed the Zhao Shang Yi Dun.

In recent months, however, that joint venture structure unwound; the hull was repainted and the name formalized as the Viking Yi Dun, and the flag changed to Norwegian.

 

 

Four Seasons II Revealed with New Yacht Residential Suites

Four Seasons II Revealed with New Yacht Residential Suites

Four Seasons Yachts has introduced the Four Seasons II, which showcases a new caliber of accommodation through its Yacht Residential Suites. The ship will start sailing in 2028, debuting in April in the Eastern Mediterranean following its delivery from Fincantieri.

“Following an exceptional launch for this new venture, we are thoughtfully expanding our fleet in a way that continues to elevate the experience,” said Ben Trodd, CEO, Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd., joint owner/operator of Four Seasons Yachts.

“The Four Seasons II builds on this foundation, introducing new offerings on the water while deepening personalization and expanding access through the introduction of residential-scale suites,” added Trodd.

“Every detail has been considered to ensure guests feel an effortless sense of home, wherever they are sailing.”

The new yacht will feature 79 expansive suites, including a new collection of Yacht Residential Suites alongside a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio.

“Four Seasons has always been defined by the quality of experience we create and the genuine care with which we deliver it,” said Alejandro Reynal, president and CEO of Four Seasons.

“Our first vessel has shown how naturally this extends to sea. With the Four Seasons II, we will continue to build on that foundation, creating experiences that feel deeply personal, thoughtfully designed, and unmistakably Four Seasons,” added Reynal.

Debuting in 2028, the Four Seasons II will mirror the intimate scale and design-forward philosophy of the first vessel, while introducing the new and expansive Yacht Residential Suites.

Designed for those seeking the ultimate in space, privacy and flexibility, the suites offer a residential-scale experience at sea, complete with open-concept living, private terraces and bespoke service tailored to each guest.

Ranging from two- to four-bedroom suites and positioned across the upper decks, the Yacht Residential Suites are ideal for extended stays, group travel and multi-generational journeys.

Features include integrated lifestyle kitchens and dining spaces, dedicated entertainment areas, and, in select suites, private splash pools, outdoor showers and wellness-focused amenities.

A dedicated concierge ensures every detail, from personalized dining to curated Shore and Sea Experiences, is arranged.

Voyages for the inaugural season are now open for booking.

P&O Cruises Unveils Onboard Spending Money and Low Deposit Promos

P&O Cruises Unveils Onboard Spending Money and Low Deposit Promos

P&O Cruises has unveiled two promos: extra onboard spending money and low deposits on select cruises.  

As part of the first deal, guests get up to £500 extra onboard spending money on selected Caribbean fly-cruise holidays departing between October 23, 2026, and March 18, 2028. 

The offer applies to more than 100 Select Price fly-cruise voyages, available to book June 4–17, 2026, the cruise line said in a press release. 

“Our Caribbean fly-cruises are a real favorite with our travel agent partners and this latest offer gives them even more to shout about,” said P&O Cruises associate vice president of sales and distribution, Ruth Venn. 

The low deposit of £49 per person is valid for applicable Select Price and Early Saver holidays of up to 13 nights and £99 per person for selected sailings between 14 and 23 nights. 

The offer applies to bookings made before June 30, 2026, and is valid for cruises departing between September 1, 2026, and March 30, 2028. 

“With up to £500 to spend onboard and low deposits there’s a strong value story for customers. Add in just how easy these holidays are, with everything taken care of from flights to luggage and it makes them a really strong sell for travel agents this season,” added Venn. 

Example itinerary: 

Eastern Caribbean Islands fly-cruise (November 12, 2027) 

This 14-night holiday onboard the Iona starts in in Bridgetown (Barbados), before calling into Basseterre (Saint Kitts & Nevis), Tortola (B.V.I.), St. Maarten, Fort de France (Martinique), with an overnight in Antigua, Castries (St. Lucia), Grenada, and ends in Barbados. 

Prices start from £2,649 per person based on two people sharing a balcony cabin with a deposit of £99pp and include a £500 onboard spending money for the cabin. 

Economy flights from London Gatwick, transfers in Barbados, children’s clubs, full board meals and entertainment are included in the price. 

The company also launched its “Summer Sizzle” campaign for travel agents who are members of the Shine Reward Club. 

Upon making a 2026 or 2027 Select Price booking June 1–30, 2026, agents can enter for a chance to win one of four £150 gift vouchers, with prize draws taking place throughout June.

Norwegian Shifts Viva to PortMiami, Cancels Puerto Rico Season

Norwegian Shifts Viva to PortMiami, Cancels Puerto Rico Season

Norwegian Cruise Line will redeploy the Norwegian Viva to PortMiami for the 2027-28 winter season, cancelling the Prima-class ship’s previously planned Southern Caribbean cruises from Puerto Rico.

In a notice sent to guests, Norwegian advised that all itineraries the Norwegian Viva was set to operate from San Juan between late 2027 and early 2028 have been cancelled. The 2023-built vessel will instead offer getaway cruises to the Bahamas, joining the remainder of the company’s PortMiami-based fleet.

“We are committed to providing exceptional vacation experiences, both aboard our ships and by taking our guests to some of the most coveted destinations in the world,” Norwegian stated.

“Although we try to maintain original itineraries as much as possible, modifications are occasionally made to optimize voyages due to changes in port availability,” the company continued.

Guests affected by the cancellation will receive a full refund within 30 business days, in addition to a ten percent Future Cruise Credit (FCC). Norwegian said the FCC is being offered as a token of appreciation for guests’ patience and can be used for sailings departing through 2027.

For those wishing to explore other options from San Juan, the company said it will offer similar alternatives onboard the Norwegian Prima, which will continue to operate round-trip itineraries through the Southern Caribbean.

“These itineraries include many of the same highly requested destinations, as well as the same convenient and accessible departure point you originally chose,” Norwegian said.

The company also noted that the Prima and the Viva are sister ships and offer the “same high-quality amenities and experiences.”

From PortMiami, the Norwegian Viva will sail getaway cruises to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, which is currently undergoing a major enhancement project that includes the construction of a ship pier.

“At NCL’s premier destination, our guests will get to enjoy ‘The Great Life’ in a completely new way,” the company explained.

“These recent improvements include the Great Life Lagoon, a large pool area with two aquatic bars, as well as the Vibe Shore Club, an adults-only area,” Norwegian stated.

The company also highlighted its new Great Tides waterpark, which is scheduled to open on the private island this September. Norwegian said the attraction will feature 19 water slides, in addition to a dynamic river, water features and more.

“Everything was designed to make your shore stay just as memorable as your experience onboard,” the company added.

The Norwegian Viva had originally been scheduled to sail from San Juan every Sunday between November and April, joining the Norwegian Prima for seven-night cruises to destinations such as Aruba and Curaçao.

In addition to the Norwegian Viva, the Norwegian Aura, the Norwegian Luna, the Norwegian Jewel, the Norwegian Gem and the Norwegian Joy are scheduled to sail from PortMiami in 2027-28.

As the newest and largest ships in Norwegian’s fleet, the Aura and the Luna will offer weeklong voyages to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. The Jewel and the Gem will operate a series of theme charter cruises, in addition to longer ten- and 11-night itineraries to the Southern Caribbean and Central America.

Completing the company’s lineup in South Florida, the Joy will offer three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas.

AIDA Ship to Enter Drydock with Passengers

AIDA Ship to Enter Drydock with Passengers

The AIDAmar is scheduled to enter drydock with passengers onboard as part of a special itinerary in Northern Europe.

According to the company’s website, the new 10-night itinerary allows guests to live a “shipyard experience,” with a visit to a facility in the Netherlands.

The unique cruise departs from the German port of Warnemünde on June 28, 2026, and visits destinations in the Baltic and the North Sea.

But the highlight is a 24-hour call to a shipyard in Rotterdam.

“This very special journey takes you not to the typical tourist terminals but directly into the vibrant, industrial heart of Europe’s largest seaport,” AIDA stated.

The company added that the visit to the historical shipyard in Rotterdam offers AIDA fans and seafaring enthusiasts a rare opportunity to accompany the AIDAmar during its drydock.

AIDA noted that passengers will enjoy a unique atmosphere onboard as the ship undergoes scheduled maintenance at the facility.

The Carnival brand also described the cruise as an “authentic maritime experience, far from the usual holiday routes.”

AIDA said it is currently studying the possibility of allowing guests to disembark the vessel during its drydock.

“As this is an active industrial site subject to strict security regulations, disembarking on foot across the shipyard grounds is strictly prohibited for safety reasons,” the company explained.

“Any possibilities for leaving the ship depend on the operational procedures on site and, if feasible, will only be carried out in an organized manner.”

In addition to the visit to the shipyard in Rotterdam, the cruise will also sail to Visby, Stockholm and Karlskrona.

The theme cruise will cater to soccer fans as well, with a series of activities designed to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Part of AIDA’s Sphinx class, the AIDAmar was built at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany and entered service in 2012.

The 71,000-ton vessel is scheduled to undergo a major refurbishment in November 2026 as part of the AIDA Evolution refit program.

Costa Cruises Marking Solar Eclipse with Special Med Voyage

Costa Cruises Marking Solar Eclipse with Special Med Voyage

Costa Cruises has unveiled a special itinerary centered around the solar eclipse that is returning to the Mediterranean in August after 20 years.

The cruise line said in a press release that there will be two departures for its eight-day Eclipse Cruise aboard the Costa Pacifica, one from Civitavecchia (Rome) on August 8 and the other from Savona on August 9.

“Experiencing a total solar eclipse from the path of totality at sea is truly an extraordinary event we’re thrilled to offer our guests,” said Priscilla Reyes, head of sales for Costa Cruises North America.

“Witnessing this awe-inspiring celestial event from the open water, surrounded by clear horizon views and the shared excitement of fellow travelers, transforms this natural phenomenon into a truly unforgettable moment.”

After visiting destinations such as St. Tropez, Palma and Valencia, the ship will reach the Balearic Sea on August 12, 2026.

At Costa’s eclipse-focused sea destination: “Balearic Sea – Solar Eclipse,” guests equipped with safety glasses will observe the phenomenon from the outer decks.

A subject-matter expert from the Astronomical Observatory of Genoa, Italy, will provide narration to make the experience complete.

The ship will then continue to Olbia and Aranci Gulf, before returning to Civitavecchia and Savona on August 15 and 16, respectively.