MSC Lists 5 Reasons to Choose its Winter 2026-27 Sailings

MSC Lists 5 Reasons to Choose its Winter 2026-27 Sailings

MSC Cruises has spotlighted its 2026-27 winter season, featuring 168 destinations across 72 countries.

In a press release, the company highlighted five reasons to pick its itineraries this winter:

1. MSC World Asia’s Inaugural Season

MSC Cruises’ newest ship, which recently embarked on sea trials, will set sail for her inaugural season from December 4, 2026, offering seven-night Mediterranean itineraries to Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina and Valletta.

Guests can look forward to more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants, a new Pan-Asian street food concept, the longest dry slide at sea at 81.3 meters and The Harbour outdoor destination, among other things.

2. Iconic Mediterranean Destinations at a Slower Pace

Six ships will sail in the Mediterranean during winter, allowing guests to explore the region without crowds. These are the MSC World Asia, MSC Euribia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Lirica and MSC Orchestra

Seven-night sailings will be offered to Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Tunisia, Greece and Turkey, with highlights including Barcelona, Civitavecchia for Rome, Istanbul, Valletta and Piraeus for Athens.

Longer options include 10- to 12-night sailings on the MSC Lirica to Cyprus, Egypt, Croatia and Greece and 10-night sailings on the MSC Magnifica to Morocco and Spain, visiting destinations such as Pyramids of Giza, Dasoudi Beach and Krka National Park.

3. Holidays in Northern Europe

The MSC Preziosa will offer seven-night sailings to Northern Europe, calling at Hamburg, Rotterdam for Amsterdam, Cherbourg, Zeebrugge for Bruges and Brussels, Le Havre for Paris and Southampton for London.

The ship recently kicked off a new year-round deployment in the region, allowing guests to discover landmarks in London and Paris, Amsterdam’s canals, Bruges’ medieval streets and the festive atmosphere of Brussels and Hamburg’s Christmas markets.

4. Sunny Caribbean Winter

Guests looking to escape the cold can choose mini-getaways, seven-night adventures and extended sailings to the Caribbean and Antilles and visit destinations including Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Saint Lucia, Grand Turk Island and The Bahamas.

This season will mark the line’s first departures from La Romana in the Dominican Republic, and many itineraries also feature Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas.

Operating the itineraries will be nine ships: the MSC World America, MSC World Europa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Opera, MSC Poesia, MSC Seascape, MSC Seaside and MSC Seashore.

5. Winter Sun in the Canary Islands

The MSC Fantasia will offer seven-night itineraries to the Canary Islands and Madeira, calling at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Puerto del Rosario, Funchal, Arrecife and Las Palmas.

Guests can discover Lanzarote and La Palma’s volcanic landscapes, relax on Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas Beach, or explore Funchal, Madeira.

Explora III Arrives in Northern Europe During Maiden Season

Explora III Arrives in Northern Europe During Maiden Season

Explora Journeys’ newest ship, the Explora III, recently arrived in Northern Europe during its maiden season.

The vessel is now offering a series of cruises to the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia and the British Isles, having welcomed its first guests in early August.

The Explora III kicked off its schedule in the region a few weeks later, following a repositioning voyage that started in Lisbon, Portugal.

The 15-night itinerary included visits to destinations in Spain, England, France and Norway before ending in Copenhagen, Denmark.

For its debut in the region, the ship is now offering a Baltic cruise that sails to Estonia, Sweden and Latvia.

The eight-night itinerary includes stops in Tallinn, Riga, Visby and Ronne, plus an overnight call in Stockholm.

The ship will offer additional itineraries to Scandinavia, the British Isles and Iceland before repositioning to North America.

In late September, the Explora III will cross the Atlantic for the first time ahead of a fall season in Canada and New England.

The vessel will then reposition to the Caribbean in late October, offering itineraries departing from Miami, Puerto Rico and Barbados.

Built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Italy, the Explora III was delivered to Explora Journeys in late July.

As the third ship in a series that began with the Explora I in 2023, the 922-passenger vessel is the first in the company’s fleet to be powered by LNG.

The 70,000-ton vessel is also slightly larger than its predecessors, offering additional public areas and more suites.

Before arriving in Northern Europe, the ship offered itineraries in the Mediterranean, Iberia and the Atlantic.

Explora is now preparing to welcome the Explora IV and the Explora V to its fleet in 2027, with the Explora VI following suit in 2028.

MSC Showcases 2025 Status of Coral Reefs of the World Report

MSC Showcases 2025 Status of Coral Reefs of the World Report

MSC Cruises has announced that an MSC Foundation-supported report, drawing on more than 21 million observations, warns that marine heatwaves are reducing the time reefs have to recover.

The report is the largest global assessment of coral reef condition ever produced by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN).

It reveals the scale of the declining coral reef cover worldwide and highlights the importance of science-based conservation and long-term monitoring to help reefs recover and build resilience.

“We are proud to have contributed to this extraordinary global scientific effort,” said Daniela Picco, executive director of the MSC Foundation.

“Coral reefs are sending us a clear message: these vital ecosystems are under increasing pressure worldwide. Yet the report also shows that where local stressors are managed effectively, reefs can recover,” added Picco.

“This is why we strongly believe in the importance of investing in research and monitoring, which helps inform restoration locally.”

“This report provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of the status of the world’s coral reefs,” said Dr Manuel Gonzalez Rivero, lead author of the report.

“The strongest pathway to safeguard coral reefs is rapid emissions reductions, effective action on local pressures and sustained long-term monitoring so action is targeted where it matters most,” added Rivero.

According to MSC, coral reefs cover only 0.2 percent of the ocean floor, but they are home to more than 25 percent of all marine species. The report shows a relative decline of 9.5 percent compared to the baseline average for 1980-2009, with the steepest losses following mass bleaching events driven by marine heatwaves.

Despite the global decline, several regions show that reefs can recover when local threats are managed effectively. This provides an important message for policymakers and reef managers: well-designed local action can make a measurable difference.

MSC said in a press release that the report shows the Caribbean has shown a strong decline in coral cover, especially following strong marine heatwaves and disease outbreaks.

The 2025 GCRMN assessment draws on 40 years of global data, bringing together 21,1 million observations from 36,886 reef sites, more than 10 times the number included in the 2020 report. More than 600 partners worldwide collated the data across many reef monitoring networks.

The full report is available here.

Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady gets a refresh: 7 upgrades travel agents need to know

Stepping onboard Valiant Lady following its May dry dock, returning passengers would be forgiven for overlooking the ship’s spring revamp.

Virgin Voyages’ second vessel is back after undergoing a number of tweaks, all of which aim to maximise previously underused areas and improve dining and entertainment offerings.

From renovated communal spaces to brand new restaurants, here’s everything agents need to know about Valiant Lady’s refreshed look.

The Roundabout

The Roundabout on Valiant Lady has been given a soft makeover in the hope that it will attract more guests during the day and early evening. 

Loud colours have been swapped for plummy tones, and furniture has been reorganised to encourage groups to gather and solos to unwind. Expect clusters of cushy seating, discreet nooks and laptop-friendly tables.

In the space, Roots Reggaeton can be heard and lots of plants add to the relaxed aesthetic. 

On The Rocks 

On The Rocks, Virgin Voyage’s glitzy cocktail lounge, has also had a few tweaks.

The layout has been updated to improve the quality of its live entertainment, with the removal of a partition wall making it easier to view the bandstand while also creating space for extra seating. 

The Grounds Club 

Espresso martini lovers rejoice – The Grounds Club is officially open for nightcaps.

Virgin Voyages’ Chicago-inspired cafe is now a day-to-night venue, transforming every afternoon into a full-service cocktail bar.

Warm lounge seating, woven pillars and wooden stools complete the nocturnal makeover. 

Ariya by Razzle Dazzle 

Taking over Razzle Dazzle every evening, Ariya marks Virgin Voyages’ first ever restaurant dedicated to Indian cuisine. 

The menu features dishes like Eggplant Saag Napoleon and Lamb Shank Biryani, as well as spice-infused cocktails and cheesecake filled with gulab jamun. 

Razzle Dazzle, which is best known for its plant-based fare, will continue to operate a breakfast and brunch service. 

The Red Room

Though the Red Room’s architecture remains the same, its programming has undergone a major shake-up.

The ship’s scarlet-hued theatre will host a number of new experiences, including Sink ‘Oar’ Swim, an energetic game show and an interactive unboxing contest called Nice Box!

The Manor

Virgin Voyages was widely praised when it launched in 2021 for its electric nightlife – and it looks like that energy isn’t going anywhere. 

The line has made significant structural changes to its nightclub, The Manor, removing the raised seating area and rear wall to create an expanded dance floor.

The result is a single level venue with improved sight lines along with additional capacity, giving guests even more room to show off their best moves. 

Virgin Voyages

The Manor

Fitness and wellness

The Athletic Club has been refreshed with shaded daybed clusters, upgraded lounge seating and enhanced pool access. Walkways have also been widened via the removal of certain gym equipment, allowing for easier transitions between circuits. 

Other improvements include The Runway Racetrack, which has been given new customer signage and high visibility vinyls to prevent joggers and walkers from colliding along the 255-metre-long route. 

As for new classes, VHS Volume 2: The Great British Burn Off serves as the successor to the fleet’s 1980s aerobic sessions. Expect 90s Britpop, upbeat choreography and accessible routines.

GPH Launches Network-Wide Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

GPH Launches Network-Wide Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

Global Ports Holding (GPH) has announced the launch of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program across its network of 35 global cruise ports.

According to a press release, the symbol helps people with non-visible disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses indicate that they may need additional time, understanding or support.

This follows the introduction of the Sunflower at Nassau Cruise Port last year, the first port within the GPH network to adopt the program.

Mehmet Kutman, chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, said: “At Global Ports Holding, we believe every guest should feel welcome at our ports. Accessibility and inclusion are an important part of the passenger experience we provide. Introducing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower across our entire global network is another meaningful step in making our ports more welcoming and accessible for everyone.”

As part of the program, teams across the network have received dedicated training to recognize the Sunflower symbol and better understand how to support guests with a wide range of non-visible disabilities and conditions.

The Sunflower is recognized in more than 95 countries and is used by organizations across the travel, tourism, transport, retail and public sectors worldwide.

Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, added: “Following a successful pilot of the Sunflower at Nassau Cruise Port, we are thrilled at the announcement of global launch across 35 ports.

“This is an outstanding achievement by GPH, who recognizes the benefits of inclusive travel and how the Sunflower supports that. They have committed to training teams, which is an essential part of the Sunflower’s success and ensures that every passenger feels seen, valued and heard.”

NCL reveals spa and dining offerings on newest ship

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed details of the dining and spa facilities on its latest ship Norwegian Aura, which launches next May.

 

The Prima Plus Class vessel is the line’s largest ship and will be able to host 3,880 passengers in 1,970 cabins.

 

It boasts the industry’s “most expansive” thermal suite, featuring 15 wellness experiences, and NCL’s first specialty restaurant dedicated to Indian cuisine, called Tamara.

 

The Panorama Room on deck six features LED displays, synchronised lighting and visuals that evolve throughout the day and evening, “transporting guests through ever-changing landscapes, artwork and scenic environments as they dine”.  

 

Other restaurants, bars and lounges have been redesigned and repositioned to create more space.

 

Gary Anslow, vice-president for the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa, said: “Norwegian Aura is all about giving guests more of what they love, with spaces and experiences that make vacations feel even easier.

“From Tamara, our new Indian specialty restaurant, which expands the already guest-favourite eatery in Indulge to an elevated culinary offering; to The Panorama Room’s immersive dining experience and our most expansive Thermal Suite to date, every addition has been purposefully designed to give guests more freedom, choice and opportunities to relax, recharge and enjoy their vacation their way, without compromise.”

The Mandara Spa, which includes the thermal suite, also offers a sensory rain pool, said to be the first of its kind at sea.

 

The 360-degree experience transforms from calm waters to a tropical rainfall and eventually a dramatic thunderstorm, with simulated lightning effects and the sounds of rolling thunder.

 

The culinary programme includes 22 food and beverage options spanning more than 10 distinct cuisines.

 

Norwegian Aura will also feature Ocean Heights, an activity zone for parents and kids.

 

It will offer six slides, the 82-foot Aura Ropes Course, a multi-level obstacle course, Moon Climber, and Aura Midway featuring carnival-style games and a nine-hole mini golf course.  

 

The ship will first set sail in Europe with a seven-day Mediterranean voyage from Trieste to Barcelona on May 21, 2027, followed by a 13-day transatlantic voyage to Miami.

 

In the summer of 2027 as well as the summer of 2028, Norwegian Aura will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyages. During winter 2027-28, Norwegian Aura will offer week-long Western Caribbean voyages.

Disney Cruise Line to return to New York in 2027-28 programme

Disney Treasure in New York

Disney Cruise Line will return to New York for the first time in four years as part of its autumn 2027 and spring 2028 programme.

 

Disney Wish will sail seven four to seven-night cruises from the city from September 2027, featuring New England and Canada’s Atlantic Coast, with ports of call including Boston, Saint John and Halifax.

 

Five of the sailings will also call at Bermuda, with three offering an extra day in port.

 

The season features expanded sailings to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic including the port on selected itineraries.

 

Three Wish Class ships will homeport from Port Canaveral from November 2027, including newest vessel Disney Destiny, alongside Disney Wish and Disney Treasure.

 

Disney Destiny will initially sail three to five-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale in autumn 2027, before homeporting from Port Canaveral for the first time to offer three to seven-night sailings to the Bahamas and western Caribbean.

 

Disney Wish will offer three and four-night voyages to the Bahamas following its New York season, while Disney Treasure will operate seven-night sailings to the eastern and western Caribbean.

 

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also join the Port Canaveral line-up from November 2027.

 

On the US West Coast, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will sail from San Diego through to early November 2027, offering three to seven-night Baja and Mexican Riviera itineraries.

 

Disney Magic will complete two Panama Canal repositioning cruises: a 14-night eastbound sailing to Galveston in November 2027 – featuring a maiden call at Fuerte Amador for Panama City – and a westbound voyage from San Diego in March 2028 with a maiden call at Colon, Panama.

 

The ship will also operate a series of seven-night cruises from Galveston.

 

In Asia, Disney Adventure will continue operating three and four-night itineraries from Singapore, including a maiden port call at Langkawi, Malaysia.

 

Early bookings for Castaway Club members open on August 31, ahead of general sale on September 8.

 

Tracy Wilson, senior vice-president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line operations, said: “Disney Cruise Line is proud to be a leader in family cruising, helping our guests create lasting memories in even more destinations.

 

“We are delighted to return to a guest-favourite port in New York, introduce maiden calls in Panama and continue visiting destinations throughout the Caribbean and beyond with our growing fleet.”

New Oceania class of ship floated out

A new ship for Oceania Cruises has been floated out at a shipyard in Italy ahead of planned entry into service in a year’s time.

 

The 695-cabin Oceania Sonata is the first of five ships planned for the line’s new Sonata Class.

 

It will be followed by sister ship Oceania Arietta in 2029, with three additional vessels due for delivery in 2032, 2035 and 2037.

 

At approximately 86,000 gross tons, Oceania Sonata will be nearly 30% larger than Oceania Allura - launched last year - yet will feature only 90 additional cabins.

 

Suites will make up a third of the accommodation including four Owner’s Suites featuring two bedrooms – a first for Oceania Cruises. 

 

Two new suite categories are also being introduced. 

 

Horizon Suites will offer more than 600 square feet of space, with separate living and bedroom areas, a walk-through closet and an oversized balcony.

 

The 488-square-foot Penthouse Deluxe Suite will feature an expanded layout and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors to frame the ocean views.

 

Oceania Sonata will include 13 dining venues, including two new culinary concepts - La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and Nikkei Kitchen - as well as The Grand Dining Room and specialty restaurants Jacques, Red Ginger, Polo Grill and Toscana.

 

Oceania Sonata will embark on its inaugural season from August 2027 through to April 2028, visiting more than 90 destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, and Central and South America. 

 

The vessel was floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, moving from dry dock to a fitting-out berth, where work will continue on the interiors.

 

Chief luxury officer Jason Montague said: “The float out of Oceania Sonata is an incredibly exciting moment as we move one step closer to welcoming our first guests aboard next August.

 

“We are tremendously grateful to our partners at Fincantieri whose expertise and craftsmanship are bringing Oceania Sonata to life.

 

“As the first ship in our new Sonata Class, she represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the brand and a defining milestone in the continued evolution of Oceania Cruises.”

 

MSC Cancels Repositioning Voyage to South Africa

MSC Cancels Repositioning Voyage to South Africa

MSC Cruises cancelled a repositioning voyage to South Africa that was scheduled to take place onboard the MSC Armonia in late 2026.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the sailing cannot take place due to the geopolitical situation in the Red Sea region.

“Due to the persistent geopolitical situation in the Suez region and the impact this is having on maritime transport, it is now clear that we will not be able to guarantee safe transit through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea,” the company said.

The cruise onboard the MSC Armonia was scheduled to depart from Marghera, Italy, on November 1, 2026.

Sailing to Durban, the 26-night voyage was set to visit destinations in Croatia and Greece before transiting the Suez Canal.

The 2001-built vessel was then scheduled to sail to ports in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, such as Aqaba, Mahé, Diego Suarez and Port Louis.

“Your safety and well-being are our highest priority, and we want to offer you the certainty and peace of mind you need before leaving for your cruise,” MSC continued, noting that the decision to cancel the cruise was taken “after careful consideration.”

“We know that you have dedicated time to planning your cruise, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

The company said affected passengers will have three options, including canceling the booking with no penalty for a full refund.

Guests will also be able to transfer their reservations to any other MSC Grand Voyage of similar duration, the company said, adding that sailings with up to three additional nights are eligible.

In this case, MSC will guarantee the more favorable cruise fare between the original departure and the new one.

The company said passengers can also move their reservations to any other cruise currently scheduled without penalty.

The price of the newly selected cruise will be applied, and any payment already made for the previous cruise will be transferred to the new one, the company explained.

Debuting in the region, the MSC Armonia is scheduled to offer cruises in South Africa during the 2026-27 winter season.

Disney Cruise Line Teases Big Announcement

Disney Cruise Line Teases Big Announcement

Disney Cruise Line is preparing to make a “big announcement” this week, according to an update shared on social media.

Further details were not revealed, but the announcement appears to be related to the company’s deployment plans.

The teaser post includes latitude coordinates corresponding to six locations across the Northern Hemisphere.

“Looks like the set is a little incomplete. What could this list be?” Disney Cruise Line asked its followers in the post.

Commenters speculated that the numbers represent homeports in North America and the Caribbean, with some pointing to a number that could refer to New York City.

Disney’s deployment plans currently cover sailings through late 2027, with its fleet offering itineraries in the Caribbean, the West Coast, Europe and Alaska.

The company also plans to continue operating the Disney Adventure in Southeast Asia, with a series of cruises from Singapore.

Disney said that it will reveal more details about its upcoming ship, the Disney Believe, in October.

Currently being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, the LNG-powered vessel is set to enter service in late 2027.

In a social media post earlier this month, the company said that it will preview the new ship’s features during a show onboard the Disney Wish.

Featuring Susan Egan, the one-night-only performance will take place onboard the vessel on October 7, 2026.

Disney also recently revealed the first details of its new series of three ships, which are scheduled for delivery in 2029 and 2030.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the vessels will be built at Meyer Werft and will be slightly smaller than those in the Wish-class series.

MSC Installs Dragon Sculpture Aboard World Asia

MSC Installs Dragon Sculpture Aboard World Asia

MSC Cruises has announced that the installation of the dragon sculpture aboard the World Asia is now complete, marking a milestone as the ship readies to welcome its first guests.

Marco Balich, chairman of Balich Wonder Studio, said: “For the first time, an icon becomes the defining symbol of a ship: a powerful expression of identity, created to inspire dreams and enrich every journey.”

“The dragon brings together vision, craftsmanship and emotion, creating an experience that will remain with guests long after their journey,” added Balich.

The company said in a press release that the dragon sculpture measures   12 meters in length and 3.5 meters in width. The stainless-steel sculpture is suspended 10 meters above the Outdoor World Promenade, the ship’s outdoor destination.

Finished in pearlescent white, the dragon sculpture features nearly 700 mirrors, 400 meters of integrated strip lighting and more than 3,000 LED light points.

According to the press release, Balich Wonder Studio designed the installation, which is set to become one of the ship’s most recognizable visual landmarks.

The centerpiece complements the World Asia’s design elements that reflect Asia’s rich culture, art and landscapes. The detailing aims to capture movement and reflection, creating the impression of a powerful figure flying above the ship.

The company added that when night falls, the sculpture illuminates, enhancing the atmosphere of the Outdoor World Promenade.

Currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, the World Asia will begin Mediterranean cruises from December 4, 2026, offering seven-night itineraries to Mediterranean destinations including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Messina and Valletta.

The World Asia is the third ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class series.

MSC Bellissima Back in Shanghai as Foreign Guest Share Grows

MSC Bellissima Back in Shanghai as Foreign Guest Share Grows

The MSC Bellissima arrived at Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal on August 1, entering its third consecutive year of homeport operations at the port and officially launching the company’s 2026 Shanghai summer season.

Marking MSC Cruises’ 20th anniversary in the Chinese market, the Bellissima returns with a series of upgraded offerings, including the MSC Smart Concierge, interactive experiences with Unitree robotics, K-POP-themed parties and Italian cultural heritage cuisine.

President of MSC Cruises China, Helen Huang, said that the 2026 summer season has seen “explosive sales, with some popular routes and cabin categories close to sold out.”

The Bellissima’s return comes as Shanghai’s cruise market continues its recovery. According to the Shanghai Municipal Cultural Tourism Bureau, the city’s ports handled 126 cruise calls and 744,000 passengers in the first half of 2026, representing 59.7 percent and 74.2 percent of the national totals, respectively.

Foreign cruise arrivals via Shanghai grew 37.8 percent year-on-year, with 81.2 percent of those visitors entering under various visa-waiver policies.

The return also reinforces the port’s position as China’s dominant cruise gateway with a second international ship alongside Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas.

The Bellissima’s 2026 summer deployment features sailings, with four- to nine-night itineraries calling at Jeju, Busan, Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Nagasaki, Kagoshima and other Japanese and South Korean destinations. The opening voyage was a five-night roundtrip visiting Kitakyushu and Busan before returning to Shanghai.

The ship will return to Shanghai on January 20, 2027, with 28 voyages covering winter, spring, summer and fall travel seasons.

The vessel will continue operating from Shanghai through the summer and early fall, with potential repositioning in late October or early November.

According to MSC Cruises, its international passenger mix is expected to grow. On the August 1 sailing, international guests from Russia, Romania, the United States, Australia and other countries and regions accounted for over 10 percent of passengers.

MSC stated that for some September sailings, the international passenger share is projected to exceed 50 percent.

 

 

Celebrity Beyond to Return to the UK with New Features in 2028

The Celebrity Beyond will return to the United Kingdom in 2028, offering a series of cruises departing from Southampton.

According to a recent press release, the ship will be part of Celebrity Cruises’ largest-ever season in Europe.

The 2022-built ship will return to the British homeport with new features, including a refreshed pool deck experience and new dining venues.

Celebrity said that the deployment will mark the first time the Beyond will sail in European waters since 2023.

The 3,260-passenger ship is scheduled to offer a series of seven- to 14-night cruises to Norway, Iceland and Scandinavia.

Highlights of the itineraries include two-week sailings to Norway and Iceland, visiting Reykjavik, Isafjordur, Akureyri and Seydisfjordur, as well as Geiranger, Alesund, Flam, Nordfjordeid and Bergen.

Before arriving in Southampton, the Beyond is scheduled to undergo a renovation, which will update parts of its guest areas.

New venues coming to the 3,260-passenger ship include the Mediterranean restaurant Bora and the Celebrity Pool Club, which was described as an “elevated poolside experience.”

The company said that the area will offer two new food and drink offerings: Orange Peel Bar & Grille and Tacos del Sol.

Celebrity will operate eight ships in the region in 2028, with the Apex and the Summit joining the Beyond in Northern Europe and Iceland.

While the first will offer itineraries to Scandinavia, the Baltic and the British Isles, the latter is scheduled to operate roundtrip cruises to Iceland.

The Celebrity Xcel, the Celebrity Ascent, the Celebrity Eclipse and the Celebrity Constellation are scheduled to sail in the Mediterranean and Western Europe.

According to the company, the deployment will mark the first time that four of its Edge-class ships will sail in Europe simultaneously.

The Celebrity Infinity is also sailing in the region as part of its year-round European schedule, which includes Eastern Mediterranean itineraries during summers and cruises to the Canaries during winters.