SILVERSEA TAKES DELIVERY OF SILVER RAY, THE SECOND SHIP IN ITS  INNOVATIVE NOVA CLASS 

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Executives from Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Werft celebrated the milestone occasion aboard Silver Ray in Eemshaven on May 14   

(MIAMI – May 14, 2024) Doubling down on its commitment to unlocking the very best experiences in ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel, Silversea has taken delivery ofSilver Ray, the second ship in its innovative Nova Class. Boarding Silver Ray in Eemshaven on May 14, Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group's president and CEO, celebrated the ship’s official handover with Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea; Bernard Meyer, Chairman of the Meyer Group, and Bernd Eikens, the Meyer Group CEO; executives from the Meyer Werft shipyard and Royal Caribbean Group; and Captain Alessandro Zanello. Attendees participated in storied maritime traditions, including flag-changing and signing ceremonies, commemorative speeches, and a celebratory toast. 

Silversea’s Nova Class marks a new take on luxury at sea, introducing an unparalleled openness to the world with an asymmetrical design and 4,000m2 of exterior glass. Silver Ray joins her sister ship, Silver Nova, as one of the most energy efficient ultra-luxury and expedition cruise ships ever built, marking an important milestone on Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reduce emissions and carbon intensity. Due to embark on her maiden voyage from Lisbon on June 15, Silver Ray will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to the Americas in December 2024. 

Silver Ray

“We are thrilled to take delivery of Silver Ray, the newest ultra-luxury and expedition jewel in Royal Caribbean Group’s game-changing fleet,” said Liberty. “Delivering the best vacation experiences responsibly is at the heart of everything we do. We are fortunate to have the best people working together to dream and create unforgettable experiences for our guests, including the Meyer Werft shipyard team, whose partnership has enabled us to continue pushing boundaries.’’ 

“Silver Ray, the second ship in our cutting-edge Nova Class, alongside sister ship Silver Nova, beautifully encompasses Royal Caribbean Group’s vision for the future of innovative ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “In addition to being one of the most energy efficient ships ever built, Silver Ray's game-changing, outward-facing ship design enables greater access and connection for our guests to the incredible destinations we visit. As far as firsts go, I feel honored that my first delivery as president of Silversea is to welcome Silver Ray to our fleet alongside Jason, my Royal Caribbean Group colleagues, and the wonderful Meyer Werft team. I can’t wait for our guests to experience everything this remarkable ship has to offer.” 

“The delivery of Silver Ray, two days earlier than scheduled, marks an important milestone for us,” said Bernd Eikens, CEO of the Meyer Group. “The entire Meyer Werft team has worked hard with our partners to bring this ship to life and today, we have delivered another great ship to Silversea.” 

The Nova Class ships’ innovative design immerses guests into destinations from virtually all venues and suites, with far-reaching views at every turn. Their reimagined pool decks, which overlook the water on the starboard side, and all-new outdoor venues—the Dusk Bar and the Marquee—capture their unique openness to the destination. Among the most spacious cruise ships ever built, Silver Nova and Silver Ray have a space-to-guest ratio of 75 GRT-per-guest and offer one of the most personalized levels of service at sea, with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.3, including butler service for all suites. Further enriching the onboard experience is the largest selection of bars, restaurants, and lounges in ultra-luxury cruising; Otium, the cruise line’s Roman-inspired wellness program; and the innovative culinary program, Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.). 

Following a conveyance of approximately 40km down the River Ems from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg at the end of April, Silver Ray completed her technical and nautical sea trials in the North Sea on May 8 — under the watch of Captain Alessandro Zanello, the shipyard’s captain, and expert local pilots. 

Find out more information about Silver Ray and view her upcoming voyages:  

https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-ray.html  

EDITOR’S NOTE": CruiseReport will be aboard Silver Ray in August. Watch for our daily blogs, vlogs and full ship review!

Our review of Silversea Silver Endeavour in Antarctica

SILVERSEA REFINES AN ICON OF LUXURY, ANNOUNCING DUVAL-LEROY AS ITS CHAMPAGNE OF CHOICE 

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 A family-operated brand with six generations of expertise, Duval-Leroy shares Silversea’s commitment to exceptional quality, attention to detail, and passion for its craft  

Watch: Silversea’s Wine Ambassador introduces Duval-Leroy.  

(MIAMI, FL – May 10, 2024) Silversea, the leading ultra-luxury cruise travel brand, has refined an icon of luxury across its fleet, introducing Duval-Leroy as its champagne of choice. A long-standing, independent, family-operated producer of fine champagnes with six generations of expertise, Duval-Leroy’s core values align with those of Silversea: an unwavering commitment to exceptional quality, uncompromising attention to detail, and a deep passion for its craft. Silversea has commenced the introduction of Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve as its pouring champagne of choice aboard its ultra-luxury ships. 

"When selecting a champagne, the consideration of quality is paramount,” said Lawrence d’Almeida, Silversea’s Wine Ambassador. “For Silversea, this begins with choosing the right partner. And Duval-Leroy was, for us, a natural choice. It is a long-standing family business, always focused on achieving the highest quality. With Silversea, they share an uncompromising commitment to excellence, achieved through attention to detail and passion for its craft." 

A name synonymous with elegance, Duval-Leroy is located in the heart of the Cote des Blancs, in Vertus, Champagne, comprising more than two hundred hectares of vines – planted mainly with Chardonnay on plots classified as ‘Grand Cru’ or ‘Premier Cru’. The house has crafted exceptional wines since 1859, earning it the unofficial designation of Champagnes de Créateurs. Producing a variety of champagnes that champion the French tradition of creativity while looking to the future, the Duval-Leroy family improves and innovates with each new generation. The wines of the house exalt the exceptional qualities of the region and set high standards for superior tasting quality. Among the most exciting stories in champagne today, Duval-Leroy takes a boutique approach to production, limiting the size of its production to ensure the highest quality of its labels. 

Guests will enjoy three Duval-Leroy champagnes aboard Silversea’s ships. Part of the house’s classic range, the Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve will be the brand’s complimentary champagne of choice and will greet guests upon arrival in their suites. The Duval-Leroy family has been perfecting the quality of its non-vintage Brut Réserve since 1859, reconciling passion and aesthetic sensibility. Matured on its lees for 30 to 36 months, it comprises 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, and 10% Chardonnay. Floral with complex aromas of almond and toast, the Brut Réserve is perfectly balanced between finesse and power on the palate, developing flavors of citrus and fruit, such as apple and pear. 

From the house’s prestige range, the Duval-Leroy Rosé Prestige Premier Cru will be offered to guests in upper suites upon embarkation, while the Duval-Leroy Femme de Champagne 2002 will also be available on the Connoisseur’s wine list for a fee. 

Champagne is offered on a complimentary basis aboard each of Silversea’s ships (with the exception of Silver Origin, on which fine sparkling wine is served), as part of one of the most comprehensive all-inclusive offerings at sea. Guests also enjoy premium spirits, butler service in every suite category, shore excursions, gourmet dining in a range of restaurants, and more. 

Read an article on Silversea’s new collaboration with Duval-Leroy: 

discover.silversea.com/travel-tips/food-drink/silversea-introduces-new-champagne-partnership/ 

Find out more information on Silversea’s ultra-luxury offering: 

www.silversea.com 

Our review of Silversea Silver Endeavour in Antarctica

Princess Cruises Sails to Prime Viewing Spot for 2026 Total Solar Eclipse in Europe

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Sky Princess Departs Southampton on August 8, 2026;  Bookings Open May 23, 2024

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., (May 3, 2024) – Astrotourism is top of mind for travelers making special trips for phenomenal experiences in the sky—and with the recent “take-your-breath-away” total solar eclipse, thousands of cruisers onboard Emerald Princess and Discovery Princess off the coast of Mexico caught a glimpse of the astounding total darkness event.

The next, not-to-be-missed total solar eclipse takes place on August 12, 2026, and once again a Princess cruise ship will be perfectly positioned, this time in northern Spain, to witness this bucket list event - two minutes and 18 seconds of totality. The 3,660-guest Sky Princess departs Southampton August 8, 2026, on a 14-day Mediterranean cruise, highlighted with total eclipse viewing while the ship is in its path at sea off the coast of Spain. 

“The best way to see a total solar eclipse is via cruise ship, and our guests who recently experienced this rare occurrence on Discovery Princess and Emerald Princess were simply blown away,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “We make it easy for guests to come aboard, relax and meet other eclipse enthusiasts. It’s truly a special opportunity.”

The Total Eclipse Sky Princess Voyage goes on sale May 23, 2024, with rates starting at $2,199* per person. During the eclipse, Sky Princess guests will gather on the top decks with Princess safety glasses for viewing, as well as enjoy lectures from astronomy experts, themed treats and drinks, stargazing at night, solar system trivia and more. 

This incredible, 14-day Mediterranean cruise sailing takes place August 8-22, 2026, roundtrip from Southampton (London), and visits seven historical and vibrant ports, including:

    • Cherbourg, France - one of France’s greatest ports with art and history museums, its basilica, the Ravalet castle and the Cité de la Mer maritime museum.

    • Bilbao, Spain – located in northern Spain, Bilbao is surrounded by green mountains and is the de facto capital of Basque Country, with a skyscraper-filled downtown. It’s famed for the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

    • Malaga, Spain - famous as Picasso's birthplace and the gateway to Spain's Costa del Sol, Malaga mixes warm vacation vibes with Andalusia's indomitable spirit.

    • Cartagena, Spain - founded by the Carthaginians around 220 B.C., the city boomed during the Roman period. Among its many Roman ruins are a 1st-century B.C. theater and Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics.

    • Gibraltar – this British Overseas Territory and headland is located on Spain's south coast. It’s dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 1,398-foot limestone ridge.

    • Lisbon, Portugal – the capital and largest city of Portugal, Lisbon is mainland Europe's westernmost capital city and the only one along the Atlantic coast.

    • La Coruña, Spain – in the Galicia region of northwest Spain, it’s known for its Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, which has sweeping coastal views.

“Our recent solar eclipse cruises were completely sold out so interested guests should book this Sky Princess cruise as soon as it opens on May 23. It truly will be an experience to remember,” Padgett added. 

More information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com. 

Our review of Discovery Princess

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES ANNOUNCES NEW 2025/2026 POLAR EXPEDITIONS TO ANTARCTICA 

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Photo: Juan Berenstein

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 17, 2024 –Atlas Ocean Voyages announces Polar Expeditions by Atlas™ to Antarctica beginning October 2025 to March 2026 are now available for bookings. Offering 37 departures aboard the expedition yacht fleet of World Voyager™, World Navigator®, and World Traveller™, this will mark the third season featuring the entire Atlas Ocean Voyages fleet in the region.

“Antarctica continues to be the most popular and in-demand region for Atlas Ocean Voyages," shares Atlas Ocean Voyages President and CEO James Rodriguez. “We look forward to once again positioning all three expedition yachts in the region for the season, providing travelers with many options to explore with under 200 fellow travelers on board.”     

On board Atlas Ocean Voyages’ expedition yachts in Antarctica, guests will explore a range of polar expeditions with options ranging from 7 to 18 nights. Most expeditions sail roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, while others offer the option of 7-night Drake Express expeditions departing from Punta Arenas, Chile. Every voyage includes a pre-cruise hotel night stay in Buenos Aires or Punta Arenas and private roundtrip charter air flights for your convenience. Plus, explorers will enjoy a complimentary Pre-Expedition Cultural Immersion to Tierra del Fuego or A True Taste of Chile. During the journey, guests will experience captivating landings and Zodiac safaris that unveil the pristine wonders of the Antarctic wilderness, expertly guided by Atlas Ocean Voyages' seasoned expedition team of field experts, passionate guides, and knowledgeable naturalists. 

Highlights of the 2025/2026 Antarctica Season:

  • The “Antarctic Discovery” expeditions sail a 9-night roundtrip from Ushuaia, including up to four immersive days at the Antarctic Peninsula. Guests will enjoy multiple Captain’s Choice landings and Zodiac safari experiences when weather and safety conditions allow. Departures are available on November 9, 29, December 8, 28, 2025, and January 15, 16, 24, February 5, 25, 27, and March 19, 2026.

  • The “Crossing the Antarctic Circle” expeditions sail 11 nights roundtrip from Ushuaia and feature up to six days at the Antarctic Peninsula, including multiple Captain’s Choice landings and Zodiac safari experiences. Departures are available onNovember 14, 18, 20, December 1, 17, 28, 2025 and January 25, February 2, 14, 20, March 8, 2026.

  • For a more immersive experience of the Seventh Continent without crossing the Drake Passage, guests can choose from two 7-night “Drake Express Expedition” sailings roundtrip from King George Island (departing on December 2 or December 9, 2025). Plus, an additional 7-night Drake Express Expedition departs from Ushuaia on November 25, 2025. It ends in King George Island, so that explorers can still experience sailing the Drake Passage one way and then enjoy a private charter air flight back to Punta Arenas. All Drake Express expeditions concluding in Punta Arenas include a post-cruise hotel night stay.

  • In response to overwhelming interest, we're thrilled to announce two 18-night "Grand Antarctica & Beyond" Expedition showcases. These voyages highlight calls to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falklands, and the South Orkney Islands, offering unparalleled exploration of the region's diverse and breathtaking landscapes. Departing on December 18, 2025, and January 8, 2026, from Ushuaia, they offer our most extensive exploration of the region.

  • Additional Polar Expeditions by Atlas™ include a 13-night “Chilean Fjords & Falklands Adventure” journey departing Buenos Aires on October 27, 2025, for Ushuaia and a 13-night “Falklands & Fjords Explorer” northbound departure from Ushuaia onMarch 3, 2026.

Prepare for an unforgettable expedition. This upcoming season offers unparalleled polar adventures, allowing guests to explore the awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife of the Antarctic region while experiencing the luxury and expertise that define our voyages.

For information and reservations, call a travel advisor or 1.844.44.ATLAS or visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. You can also follow Atlas on Facebook and Instagram: www.facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages or www.instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages.

We found a better way to renew our passports!

Silversea Brings Back Suite Upgrades

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The brand’s Suite Upgrades promotion enables guests to enhance their experience with exclusive benefits on a worldwide collection of over 550 voyages, departing May 2024 through 2026. Moreover, for the first time, the Suite Upgrades promotion is combinable with both Door-to-Door and Port-to-Port All-Inclusive fares, as well as Silversea’s fare guarantee, Venetian Society savings, and combo savings programs, among others. 

Available for new bookings made between April 15 and May 31, 2024, this limited-time promotion provides:      

  • Up to a two-category suite upgrade on a broad selection of ocean and expedition voyages, for select suite categories       

  • USD 1,000 shipboard credit per suite on select voyages, for select suite categories (USD 500 per person, limited to two guests per suite)     

  • A reduced deposit of just 15%

“Silversea’s value-rich Suite Upgrades promotion provides the perfect opportunity for Travel Advisors to inspire their clients to discover the world with Silversea,” said Massimo Brancaleoni, Silversea’s SVP of Global Sales and Revenue. “Traveling in our trademark level of comfort, while benefiting from our destination expertise to connect meaningfully with each destination, our guests can enjoy a range of exclusive benefits while exploring regions like the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Australia & New Zealand, Antarctica, the Galapagos, the remote islands of French Polynesia, and beyond. Guests should book fast to secure their preferred suite category.”   

Guests may use their USD 1,000 per suite shipboard credit for spa treatments, specialty restaurants, premium wines and spirits, optional shore excursions (including curated S.A.L.T. experiences), onboard boutique purchases, laundry services, and more. 

Highlight voyages, among a broad selection featured in Silversea’s Suite Upgrades promotion, include:

  • Mahe to Mahe, December 18 - 28, 2024: Departing December 18, 2024, this Silver Spirit voyage offers a truly unique way to spend the Holiday season — immersed in glorious Indian Ocean vistas. From the hints of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves on Zanzibar’s fragrant air to Nosy Be’s powder-white sands and turquoise waters, this enriching itinerary includes a range of natural wonders that capture the best of the Indian Ocean.  

  • Papeete to Papeete, March 2 - 13, 2025: The tropical paradise of French Polynesia ticks all the right boxes: white sand, coconut palms, seas teeming with fish and coral reefs reaching to the shore. Silver Shadow’s oceangoing journey, sailing roundtrip from Papeete (Tahiti), includes an overnight in Bora Bora and the chance to bathe in its fabled natural lagoon. Other calls include Fakarava, Atuona, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Raiatea, and Moorea Island. 

  • Longyearbyen to Longyearbyen, June 19 - 26, 2025: From June 19, 2025, Silver Endeavour embarks on an expedition to unlock the majesty of Svalbard's glaciers, snow-draped mountains, and cavernous ice caves. This Arctic Archipelago beckons explorers from afar, promising thrilling vistas and potential polar bear sightings. Silversea’s Expedition Experts will enrich the experience for travelers, sharing insightful information on all things Mother Nature, history, and culture.  

For more information about the Suite Upgrades promotion, visit: https://www.silversea.com/best-luxury-cruise-deals/suite-upgrades.html

Our review of Silversea Silver Endeavour in Antarctica

RIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES ANNOUNCES NEW 2025 VOYAGES ABOARD RIVERSIDE DEBUSSY, RIVERSIDE RAVEL AND RIVERSIDE MOZART

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New Combination Cruises Deliver Luxurious, All-inclusive Vacations on Rhine and Rhône Rivers

Riverside Luxury Cruises' 2025 voyages include visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rhine Gorge with its highest concentration of picturesque castles.

DENVER, April 18, 2024 – Riverside Luxury Cruises, Europe’s newest and most luxurious river cruise line, announced new 2025 voyages today. The cruise line’s new year of voyages totals more than 170 departures on 52 distinct itineraries, ranging from 3 to 23 nights, aboard Riverside Debussy, Riverside Ravel and Riverside Mozart. New for Riverside in 2025 are itineraries that combine cruises aboard both Riverside Debussy and Riverside Ravel for extended vacations, ranging up to 19 nights, exploring the Rhine and Rhône rivers, respectively. Riverside Debussy will also cruise the Main and Moselle rivers and join Riverside Mozart on the picturesque Danube River. On all voyages, Riverside Debussy, Riverside Ravel and Riverside Mozart stay late or overnight in some of Europe’s most captivating towns and cities, so guests can immerse in authentic cultures and the destination’s social life. Throughout, guests enjoy Riverside’s intuitive and personalised service from every staff and crew member for an all-inclusive and luxurious experience. Riverside Luxury Cruises new 2025 voyages are now open for bookings. For more information and to make a reservation, U.S. and Canadian travellers should contact their travel advisor; visit Riverside-Cruises.com/en; or call 1-833-305-3313. Travel Advisors can register and book their luxury clients through the brand’s dedicated partner portal at www.Riverside-Cruises.com/TA.  

“No other line delivers Europe like Riverside Luxury Cruises,” said Jen Halboth, CEO of the luxury river line. “Our 2025 portfolio delivers more opportunities for luxury travellers to delight in the adventure of exploring new destinations, while being pampered with exceptional cuisine, high-touch service, and spa. These are all aboard Riverside’s most spacious and beautiful fleet cruising the rivers of Europe.”

The newly inaugurated Riverside Debussy will begin her second year of service on April 2 with a 7-night voyage during the prime of tulip-blooming season in the Dutch countryside. Guests cruise roundtrip from Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and visits Arnhem, Nijmegen, Antwerp, Gent, Middleburg, Veere, Dordrecht, and Rotterdam. Anthophiles have another chance to catch Tulip Time on the April 23 departure.

For their parts, Riverside Ravel and Riverside Mozart will commence cruising on April 10 and 17, respectively. Riverside Ravel will cruise a 3-night, Rhône sampler from Lyon to Avignon, with visits to Viviers, Tarascon and Arles, while Riverside Mozart brings guests on an Easter voyage on the Danube River from Passau, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary. Guests on this itinerary visit Ybbs, Melk, and Bratislava, Slovakia, and observe Easter Sunday in Vienna, Austria.

German Heritage on the Rhine, Main and Moselle Rivers
Riverside Debussy unveils Medieval castles; quaint and charming towns; and dramatic wine valleys along the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers throughout the spring and summer seasons. Seven-night itineraries alternate departures from Amsterdam and Basel, Switzerland and feature some of the most historic cities, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rhine Gorge with its highest concentration of picturesque castles, and the wine valleys of the Middle Rhine.

In mid-September, Riverside Debussy combines the Rhine and Main rivers on a 7-night voyage from Amsterdam to Nuremburg. On this voyage, guests will include a stretch of the 106-mile Main-Danube Canal in Bavaria. A return voyages in late-October brings Riverside Debussy back to Amsterdam.

Travellers can also choose shorter, 3- to 6-night voyages throughout the year that spotlight on the Netherlands, the Moselle River’s wine valley or the Upper Rhine Valley. These cruises depart from Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Trier, and Basel, Switzerland.

Danube Discoveries
Riverside Mozart will cruise a variety of 3- to 7-night itineraries mostly between Passau and Budapest, and bring guests to captivating Bavarian, Austrian, Slovakian, and Hungarian cities and towns. Many of these voyages includes cruising or stopping in the Austria’s historic and picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In late-May, Riverside Mozart embarks on two, 3-night segments on the Lower Danube from Budapest to the Iron Gates in Serbia. Travellers can combine the subsequent, 4-night return itinerary back to Budapest to combine all three itineraries into a 7-night roundtrip voyage and does not repeat stops.

Riverside Debussy will also cruise the Danube River in the autumn. A 7-night voyage brings guests on a special itinerary from Nuremburg to Budapest, where she then ventures to the lesser-travelled Lower Danube on four voyages of 3- and 4-night itineraries. Guests will marvel at the natural majesty of Europe’s deepest and longest gorge flanked by the Carpathian Mountains and the Balkan Hills; medieval fortresses and castles from the Roman, Ottoman, and Habsburg empires; and cultures and cities once veiled behind the Iron Curtain. Departure cities also include Belgrade, Serbia, and Giurgiu, Romania. Travellers can combine these itineraries for a 15-night, Lower-Danube adventure, cruising roundtrip from Budapest, or cross Europe from the Black Sea to the North Sea on a 23-night grand voyage, departing October 7 from Giurgiu to Amsterdam.

South of France and Burgundy Sojourns
Riverside Ravel offers 4-, 5- and 7-night itineraries on France’s Rhône River between Lyon and Avignon, with visits at Arles, Viviers, Tain L’Hermitage, and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Tarascon, Port St. Louis and Vienne. Riverside Ravel also ventures up the Saone River on eight summer and autumn cruises that visit the Côte Chalonnaise and Maconnais wine regions of Burgundy. These cruises stop at Macon, with tour options to Chalon and Tournus, as well as destinations on the Rhône River. Riverside Ravel concludes her 2025 year with a 4-night itinerary, departing on November 21 from Lyon to Avignon.

Christmas Markets and Festive Getaways 
In late-November, Riverside Mozart cruises 3- and 4-night Christmas Markets itineraries along the Danube, with departures from Vienna, Passau and Budapest. Travellers can choose a six-night Christmas cruise departing Vienna on December 20 and celebrate Christmas Eve in Passau, or ring in the New Year in Bratislava and enjoy New Year’s Day with an overnight in Vienna on a 7-night voyage departing December 26.

Riverside Debussy also delivers bustling German Christmas Markets on a variety of 3-night itineraries that bring guests throughout Germany along the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers. The ship concludes 2025 with a 10-night Christmas and New Year cruise from Basel to Amsterdam. Guests will observe Christmas Eve in Strasbourg and ring in the New Year with two nights in Amsterdam.

Riverside Luxury Cruises is Europe’s newest and most luxurious river cruise line offering all-inclusive vacations on the Rhine, Rhône, Danube, Moselle, and Main rivers. All guests enjoy Riverside’s signature intuitive and personalised service from every staff and crew member; butler service in every suite; gourmet cuisine made with high-quality, fresh ingredients a la minute; included premium wines and spirits; complimentary StarLink broadband Wi-Fi; and unlimited shore excursions to immerse in Europe’s history, cultures and landmarks. The all-suites Riverside Mozart, Riverside Ravel, and newly inaugurated Riverside Debussy offer the most spacious accommodations, highest staff-to-guest ratio, and more onboard amenities than other river lines. Riverside Luxury Cruises is named Forbes’ Best European River Cruise For Foodies and Cruise Critic’s 2023 Editors’ Pick Award Winner for Best Dining in the River Category.

We found a better way to renew our passports!

Oceania Cruises Announces New 2025-2026 Tropics and Exotics Collection  

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Explore new horizons and set sail beyond the ordinary on more than 130 immersive itineraries spanning Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, South America and the South Pacific 

Miami, FL -  April 11, 2024 - Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has revealed its 2025-2026 Tropics and Exotics Collection, which is available for preview online at OceaniaCruises.com and opens for sale on April 17, 2024. 

The new collection includes a total of 135 captivating itineraries, visiting five continents on voyages ranging from seven to 180 days, including Vista’s debut Around The World Voyage. Spanning 329 ports, the new itineraries offer a unique opportunity for curious guests to delve deeper into some of the most enticing and exotic corners of the globe.

“Our new Tropics and Exotics Collection is one of our most exciting yet, featuring a heady mix of iconic cities, remote islands and hidden gems to discover for the very first time,” commented Frank A Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “With various voyages allowing guests to explore a region for weeks or months at a time, and several new overnight port stays, the collection offers a wealth of opportunities for our guests to explore further than ever before, savoring the many flavors of the world and enjoying uniquely curated experiences ashore in these exotic and tropical regions.”

More than 90 sailings feature overnight stays allowing guests the chance to immerse themselves in ports of call as diverse as Panama City, Bali and Melbourne, plus new overnight destinations including Willemstad, Curacao; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Port Louis, Mauritius.

Travelers seeking to explore more of the world will revel in the selection of 40 Grand Voyages that afford opportunities for epic journeys across distinct regions and multiple continents. These Grand Voyages explore the wonders of Asia, the stunning topography of the Oceania region, vibrant African cities, tropical Caribbean island retreats and South America’s dramatic terrain, all whilst enjoying the home-away-from-home luxury aboard Oceania Cruises’ elegant small ships. 

Visitors wanting to focus on a specific region of the world have a myriad of carefully curated voyages to choose from, including immersive itineraries discovering the South American continent’s dramatic landscapes and diverse heritage, an array of exotic visits to Japan and Southeast Asia, and adventures through Australia and New Zealand. 

2025-26 Tropics and Exotics Collection Highlights

●      Asia Odysseys | Experience Asia’s unique icons, cultural traditions and incredible landscapes with a wider array of sailings in the region than ever before. Regatta focuses on Japan and Southeast Asia, many with multiple overnight stays and ranging from 12 to 16 days, while Riviera offers five additional voyages in these regions. Sirena’s exotic lineup of 10- to 24-day sailings explores the diverse locales of Southeast Asia and Japan with select voyages featuring India and China, plus an exciting 25-day Africa voyage opening the season, and two enchanting South Pacific sailings closing the season. 

●      Oceania Discoveries | The spectacular topography, remote islands and isolated beauty of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific come to life with Riviera’s range of 14- to 22-day sailings in the Oceania region. The finale is an adventurous Bering Sea crossing to Alaska.

●      Africa Adventures | Nautica focuses on Africa’s amazing wonders, offering opportunities to experience the continent’s unmistakable unity of culture and nature with a series of five voyages ranging from 11 to 30 days.

●      Panama Canal & Caribbean Retreats | Experience the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, island culture and iconic Panama Canal aboard Insignia, with Tampa as a new convenient embarkation and debarkation port. Allura,the line’s newest ship – launching in summer 2025 – offers even more opportunities to experience island bliss as she spends a sun-drenched season in the balmy Caribbean across both the Eastern and Western regions with a series of nine sailings, ranging from seven to 14 days.  

●      South America Explorations | Take in the continent’s dramatic landscapes, diverse heritage and natural beauty with a series of six sailings aboard Marina – ranging from 10 to 24 days –exploring Patagonia, the best of Brazil, the Amazon and beyond, before crossing to the Mediterranean in April.

●      Vista’s First Around the World Journey | Experience an Oceania Cruises first as Vista becomes the ultimate home at sea for an epic 2026 sojourn that explores South America for nearly six weeks before discovering jewels across Australia, the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, continuing onwards to spend a memorable month in Europe.

●      Unique and new overnight stays | With more than 90 voyages featuring overnight stays, enjoy more opportunities for unique destination experiences and more immersion in ports as diverse as those found in Panama, Bali, Indonesia and Australia as well as new overnight port stays for Oceania Cruises such as Willemstad, Curacao; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Port Louis, Mauritius.

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

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VIKING ANNOUNCES 10 ADDITIONAL RIVER SHIPS IN EUROPE

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Construction Has Started on New Viking Longships to be Delivered in 2025 and 2026 

Los Angeles (December 5, 2023) – Viking® (www.viking.com) today announced it will welcome an additional 10 Viking Longships® to its river fleet in the coming years. To meet strong demand for European river voyages, eight of the new vessels will sail Viking’s popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, while two additional Viking Longships will join the fleet on the Seine River. The total order is also inclusive of one Viking Longship for the Seine River that was announced in February 2023. Five of the new vessels will be delivered in 2025, with the remaining five to be delivered in 2026. To officially mark the start of construction on all 10 ships, a keel laying ceremony was held today at Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock, Germany, where all Viking Longships have been built since their debut in 2012.

“Ever since we started Viking 26 years ago, our mission has been to help our guests explore the world in comfort. We focus on the destination, and we build elegant, innovative ships,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We look forward to welcoming these new Longships to our European fleet and introducing The Viking Way of exploration to even more guests in the coming years.”

With a current fleet of 80 river ships and more than 50 percent of the market share for North American travelers, Viking is by far the industry’s leading river line. The award-winning Viking Longships, which comprise the vast majority of the company’s river fleet, host 190 or fewer guests. Featuring an innovative patented design, the vessels offer a wide variety of stateroom choices, the revolutionary indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace and Viking’s signature Scandinavian design aesthetic. The new vessels feature a hybrid propulsion system with batteries and are also equipped for shore power to reduce reliance on fuel while in port. Onboard solar panels further contribute to the ships’ energy efficiency.

Today’s announcement is the latest significant milestone for the company. Last month, Viking celebrated the float out of its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vela®, which will debut in December 2024, and announced a new ship for the Mekong River in 2025, the Viking Tonle. In October, the company made history when it was voted #1 for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. The company was also voted to the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure in the 2023 World’s Best Awards. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications.

Our review of Viking Polaris.

Cunard to Celebrate Queen Anne with British Isles Festival Voyage 

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Queen Anne will set sail on her British Isles Festival voyage on May 24, 2024

VALENCIA, Calif., December 6, 2023 - Cunard has announced the first event voyage on Queen Anne with a special British Isles Festival to coincide with her maiden voyage around the British Isles.

This unique sailing offers travelers the opportunity to take their place in history as the beginning of a new chapter for Cunard sets sail. Queen Anne will depart Southampton on May 24, 2024, for her maiden sailing around Great Britain and Ireland in a truly historic and one-of-a-kind British Isles circumnavigation.

The 14-night roundtrip voyage will showcase the very best of Britain’s shores, taking in Cunard’s spiritual home of Liverpool and bustling Belfast, majestic Highland cliffs, and the spectacular Scottish coast.

On board, guests can meet preeminent performers during an exclusive program of dazzling British and Irish entertainment or enjoy ‘In conversation with’ Insights talks with expert guest speakers, celebrating the rich heritage and natural wonders of the British Isles.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Christmas has come early for travelers looking to celebrate the arrival of Queen Anne as we announce her British Isles Festival voyage, which will be a real celebration of our newest ship and showcase the very best of Great Britain and Ireland. Queen Anne’s maiden voyage around these shores will be a truly historic sailing and I know many of our loyal Cunarders will be eagerly awaiting what will be an iconic journey.”

Queen Anne

Whatever your dream destination, discover it with Queen Anne. As the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, her design concepts have been founded on heritage, craftsmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest ship, which spans 14 decks, will offer travelers several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before.

She will also boast the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal, and spa facilities so far seen on a Cunard ship, with her reimagined Mareel Wellness & Beauty proposition heralding a new era of wellbeing at sea.

Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting more than 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.

She will sail on May 3, 2024, for her seven-night maiden voyage to La Coruna and Lisbon.

To find out more about the British Isles Festival Voyage, visit: https://www.cunard.com/en-us/find-a-cruise/H413/H413

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.

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