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Holland America Line Shares Three Solar Eclipse Sailings

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:42:35 +0000

Holland America Line is introducing a new collection of cruises to Europe, allowing guests to experience celestial events. Starting July 31, travelers can book these voyages to see the Northern Lights, a total solar eclipse, and the summer solstice above the Arctic Circle.

“After the excitement and success around our 2024 eclipse cruises, we knew our guests were looking for additional opportunities to get a front-row seat for some of the world’s most special natural spectacles,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “Our team has put together a lineup of cruises that not only deliver on that front, but also give guests in-depth exploration of exciting destinations and the premium onboard experience for which we’re known.”

Guests on solar eclipse cruises can attend lectures by scientific experts and participate in themed activities. Eclipse glasses will be provided for safety. Passengers on Northern Lights voyages can request a wake-up call whenever the aurora borealis is visible.

Three ships from the fleet will be positioned under the path of totality for the August 12, 2026m total solar eclipse. Oosterdam will take guests to the eastern coast of Spain, while Nieuw Statendam will sail off the western coast of Iceland. Guests can also join Zuiderdam for the Voyage of the Vikings during the eclipse.

July 18, 2026 – 35-Day Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse (Legendary Voyage), Zuiderdam

This roundtrip cruise from Boston, Massachusetts, will position guests in the path of totality for the solar eclipse off the western coast of Iceland just before arriving at Grundarfjørdur.
The itinerary includes stops in Portland, Maine; Sydney; Corner Brook; Red Bay; St. Anthony; St. John’s; Halifax, Canada; Paamiut (Frederikshåb); Nanortalik; Qaqortoq (Julianehåb) in Greenland; Reykjavik (overnight); Seydisfjördur; Húsavík; and Grundarfjørdur in Iceland; as well as Eidfjord, Norway; Rotterdam, Netherlands (overnight); Dún Laoghaire (Dublin), Ireland; and Belfast, Northern Ireland.

July 25, 2026 – 28-Day Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland (Legendary Voyage), Nieuw Statendam

This roundtrip cruise from either Dover, England, or Rotterdam will feature the solar eclipse at sea off the northwest coast of Iceland.
Ports of call include Kristiansand, Eidfjord, and Stavanger in Norway; Seydisfjördur; Djúpivogur; Akureyri; Isafjördur; Grundarfjørdur; Heimaey; and Reykjavik in Iceland; Paamiut (Frederikshåb); Nuuk (Godthåb); Nanortalik; and Qaqortoq (Julianehåb) in Greenland; Runavík in the Faroe Islands; and Stornoway, Isle of Lewis; Invergordon (Inverness); and South Queensferry (Edinburgh) in Scotland (overnight).

August 9, 2026 – 13-Day Mediterranean Solar Eclipse with Barcelona Overnight, Oosterdam

Sailing from Lisbon, Portugal, to Piraeus (Athens), Greece, this voyage will witness the solar eclipse at sea in the path of totality off the coast of Spain, between Alicante and Barcelona.
It includes stops at Alicante and Barcelona (overnight) in Spain; Ajaccio in Corsica, France; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Bari (Puglia), Italy; and Kotor, Montenegro.

Inaugural ‘Northern Lights’ Cruises aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam

In 2026, travelers can experience the Northern Lights and explore Norway on two cruises aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam. Both itineraries feature an overnight stay in Alta, known as “The City of the Northern Lights,” and include five days above the Arctic Circle.

October 4, 2026 – 14-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights aboard Rotterdam
This cruise departs from Rotterdam and concludes in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The itinerary includes stops at Nordfjordeid, Trondheim, Narvik, Tromsø, and an overnight in Alta, as well as Åndalsnes and Bergen in Norway, along with a visit to Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.

October 16, 2026 – 15-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights aboard Nieuw Statendam
This cruise begins in Dover and ends in Rotterdam. Alternatively, a 14-day Northern Lights roundtrip from Rotterdam is offered, departing on October 17, 2026. The ports of call for this journey are Ålesund, Trondheim, Narvik, Tromsø, and overnight in Alta, along with Åndalsnes and Bergen in Norway and a stop at Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.

Summer Solstice Above the Arctic Circle

For those wanting to experience the beauty of endless daylight on the longest day of the year, the Nieuw Statendam offers a 14-day cruise that takes guests above the Arctic Circle to celebrate the summer solstice in Honningsvåg, Norway, one of the northernmost cities in the world.

June 13, 2026 – 14-Day Arctic Circle Crossing: North Cape Solstice
This roundtrip cruise departs from either Dover or Rotterdam and features an array of stunning destinations. Guests will explore the following ports:

Eidfjord, Norway
Maloy, Norway
Trondheim, Norway
Leknes, Norway
Tromsø, Norway
Honningsvåg, Norway (celebration of the summer solstice)
Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Have It All Early Booking Bonus

For a limited time, guests booking 2026 Celestial Cruises with the Have It All premium package will enjoy enhanced amenities. This includes the standard package perks of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi, plus additional benefits: free prepaid crew appreciation, upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package, and Premium Wi-Fi at no extra cost.

Will you be exploring these three Solar Eclipse Sailings? Let us know in the comments!

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Princess Cruises Shares Special Packages for Conjurer’s Cruise

Julie Bouchner — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:30:23 +0000

In partnership with Hollywood’s Magic Castle, Princess Cruises has announced three exclusive packages for its second Conjurer’s Cruise aboard the new Sun Princess!

Set for November 9-16, 2024, roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, the cruise will feature performances by actor and magician Michael Carbonaro.

MORE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

Guests can experience “Spellbound,” the newly launched “Extraordinary Experience.”
The Conjurer’s Cruise will offer a range of ship-wide magical events and activities, creating a unique journey of wonder and illusion.
In addition to the complimentary magic experiences for all registrants, three optional magical enhancements are available for purchase to elevate the onboard experience further.

“After the huge success of our first Conjurer’s Cruise in 2023, our second themed cruise is sure to be another celebration of the magical arts, connecting the astounding amazement of the mysterious world of magic to guests,” said Erika Larsen, president of Magic Castle Enterprises. “This voyage sets sail on the beautiful Sun Princess where Spellbound made its official debut at sea, presenting the world’s only alternative authentic experience of our beloved and exclusive Magic Castle.”

AVAILABLE PACKAGES

The “Apprentice” Package, priced at $275 per person, includes a “Meet the Magicians” welcome reception, a farewell social, a guided tour of Spellbound with Erika Larsen, early seating access for performances in the Princess Arena, and special commemorative merchandise.

The “Enchanter” Package, priced at $545 per person, includes all the Apprentice Package benefits plus an exclusive breakfast with the Conjurer’s Cruise magicians and the Larsen family. Guests will enjoy a fully immersive Spellbound experience with dinner, reserved seating for all magic lectures and performances in the Princess Arena, access to a particular late-night cocktail party, and a surprise-filled magic show.

The premium “Conjurer” Package, priced at $795 per person, includes all benefits from the Apprentice and Enchanter Packages. Guests will attend a magic class for beginners, intermediates, or advanced students taught by a world-renowned magician and receive an exclusive invite to a cocktail soirée with Michael Carbonaro and the Conjurer’s Cruise cast. Additionally, they’ll enjoy a Bridge tour with the Captain of the Sun Princess, exclusive merchandise, a signed photo of the magicians, and a welcome gift in their stateroom.

The seven-day cruise offers participants an exclusive opportunity to experience The Magic Castle. Top magicians will perform throughout the ship, showcasing magic in unique ways. Highlights include:

Dynamic magic showcased in the Piazza
Magical revues in the Princess Arena
Recurring magic shows in the Princess Theater
Tailored talks and lectures on various magic-related topics
Lively pop-up magic gatherings
A countdown to midnight themed event inspired by The Magic Castle
Kid-friendly magic shows and activities
Magic-themed Movies Under the Stars
Displays of curios and artifacts from magic’s rich history
Engaging in magic jam sessions

MORE ABOUT “Spellbound by Magic Castle

“Spellbound by Magic Castle” is part of Princess Cruises’ “Extraordinary Experiences” category, combining magic with exceptional culinary and mixology arts for an immersive adventure.
Diners can enjoy a special menu before entering Spellbound, an immersive venue where magicians from the Magic Castle perform illusions complemented by expertly crafted cocktails.
Hollywood’s Magic Castle, home of the Academy of Magical Arts, is known for its intimate performances and grand stage shows. Experience the magic aboard Sun Princess!

Will you explore Princess Cruises’ special packages for its Conjurer’s Cruise? Let us know in the comments!

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MSC Cruises Reveals New Attractions Aboard MSC World America

Julie Bouchner — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 19:02:43 +0000

MSC Cruises is revealing new details on the exciting attractions and experiences that await guests in The Harbour, a new outdoor space on MSC World America specifically designed for kids and families.

MORE ABOUT THE HARBOUR

MSC Cruises will launch MSC World America in Miami in April 2025, marking a major milestone in its expansion into the US market.
The ship will feature The Harbour, a brand-new outdoor park where families can relax in the sun, enjoy grab-and-go food options, and more.
The Harbour is part of the Family Aventura district, which includes the Doremiland kids area and Sportsplex.

THE HARBOUR’S ATTRACTIONS

The Harbour Aquapark: A water park with thrilling slides, including a 90-degree vertical drop slide and virtual reality raft slide.
Jaw Drop @ The Spiral: A dry slide that takes riders through a shark’s mouth and spirals down 11 decks.
Rock-Climbing Wall: A climbing wall for kids to test their skills.
High Trail Ropes Course: A two-level ropes course with Sky Rails for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
The Harbour Light House: A themed playground inspired by the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, with a slide and play stations.
The Harbour Bar & Bites: A grab-and-go food and drink area.
Family Dwelling Area: A comfortable seating area with shade to relax and enjoy the views.

Cliffhanger: An over-water swing ride that lifts riders up and over the ship’s edge for a thrilling experience.

Learn more about MSC World America and book your cruise here!

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Princess Cruises Unveils 2026 Alaska Season

Julie Bouchner — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:58:44 +0000

Princess Cruises is introducing its largest-ever Alaska season for 2026, featuring the new Star Princess ship.

MORE ABOUT THE 2026 SEASON

The 2026 Alaska season will feature 8 Princess ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations.

Star Princess, the second Sphere Class ship, will debut in the fall of 2025 and sail its first summer season in Alaska. The ship offers stunning views of glaciers and wildlife. The Dome and The Sphere are among its distinctive architectural elements, and the ship is a top destination for foodies at sea with its world-class culinary offerings.

“2026 will reinforce Princess’ leadership in Alaska vacations. The deployment of the magnificent Star Princess to Alaska for the first time will offer guests unprecedented views, luxurious accommodations, and the finest food, beverages, and entertainment ever seen in the Great Land. Our guests will experience Alaska like never before aboard our innovative Sphere Class ship,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president.

ALASKA SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

7-day Glacier Voyage: Discovery Princess, Grand Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess visit two Alaska glaciers and Glacier Bay National Park.
Inside Passage: 7-20 day cruises with up to four glacier views depart from Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, B.C., and Los Angeles.
Longer Sailings: 16-day Inside Passage on Emerald Princess and 20-day Ultimate Alaska Solstice on Ruby Princess offer extended stays.

Princess offers shore excursions at each port of call, including “Cook My Catch” fishing excursions, helicopter tours, and whale watching.

“North to Alaska with Princess” program

The “North to Alaska with Princess” program offers naturalist talks, a planetarium show, and fresh Alaskan seafood. The Junior Ranger program is also available for kids.

Bookings open August 1. The “Better Than Best Price Guarantee” offers the lowest rates and a refund of 120% of the price difference if a lower rate is found before the final payment. The offer ends on September 2, 2024.

“Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Princess is the ultimate choice for luxury and adventure, with awe-inspiring glaciers, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and the freshest seafood imaginable,” said Padgett.

Will you be exploring Alaska with Princess Cruises? Let us know in the comments!

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Chef Morimoto to Join Guests on ‘Majestic Japan’ Cruise

Julie Bouchner — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:56:19 +0000

Join Holland America Line’s 53-day “Majestic Japan” voyage from September 24-30, 2024, where chef Masaharu Morimoto will join the Westerdam cruise. A renowned chef from Hiroshima, Morimoto, will offer exclusive culinary experiences while on board.

“Having Chef Morimoto cruise with us is an experience that our guests will never forget. Learning from such a renowned expert and hearing about his background while visiting his homeland is a perfect way to bring more of Japan on board,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of the food and beverage division for Holland America Line. “Throughout the Majestic Japan cruise, our guests also will get to sample some incredible local fish that we feature on our menus as part of our Global Fresh Fish program. The dishes are a wonderful way to showcase the destinations for our guests.”

MORE ABOUT THE SAILING

One of the highlights of his visit will be three pop-up dinners at Pinnacle Grill, where guests will have the opportunity to dine up close with the chef.
He will host a “Coffee Chat” where guests can interact with him in a more intimate setting.
Chef Morimoto will also participate in a culinary demonstration showcasing his signature dishes created through Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish Program.

“I am excited to sail on board a Holland America Line cruise that puts such a deep focus on my home country of Japan, its unique local ingredients, and visits my hometown,” said Chef Morimoto. “To be able to share my passion for fresh fish while visiting a place that means so much to me will be memorable for not only the ship’s guests but for me personally.”

‘Majestic Japan’ Legendary Voyage

The 53-day “Majestic Japan” Legendary Voyage departs Seattle, Washington, on September 1, 2024, aboard the Westerdam. The journey visits 21 ports, including 13 stops in Japan during the fall season. Highlights include overnight stays in Yokohama (Tokyo) and Honolulu, Hawaii.

Chef Masaharu Morimoto joins the voyage on September 24 at Osaka and stays on board until September 30, visiting his hometown of Hiroshima and other ports along the way.

The three options for guests to book while Chef Morimoto is sailing are:

53-days (full cruise), roundtrip Seattle, September 1 — October 24, 2024.
51-days (full cruise), Vancouver, Canada, to Seattle, September 3 — October 24, 2024.
34 days (segment), Yokohama (Tokyo) to Seattle, September 21 — October 24, 2024.
A fourth bookable segment, before the chef’s visit, is a 19-day segment from Seattle to Yokohama from September 1 to 21.

Restaurant and Pop-Up Experience

Introducing Morimoto By Sea, a unique dining experience on Holland America Line. This stand-alone restaurant and pop-up concept offers a globally-inspired menu with artfully presented dishes and drinks for all palates. The menu features fresh seafood sourced from a global network of ports, ensuring the best flavors on board.

For a cover charge, guests can enjoy a multi-course menu with exclusive beverages created by Chef Morimoto.

Global Fresh Fish Program

Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program sources 80 types of fresh fish from 60 ports, getting seafood from port to plate in under 48 hours.
The program offers destination-inspired menus and local specialties.
Holland America Line is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council, ensuring wild-caught or sustainably sourced seafood.
Alaska cruises feature 100% certified, sustainable wild Alaska seafood.
Cruise-only fares for the 53-day Majestic Japan cruise start at $7,894 per person, double occupancy, with taxes, fees, and port expenses included.

Will you be exploring the sailing experience with Chef Morimoto? Let us know in the comments!

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Oceania Cruises Offers Luxurious Voyages Across East Asia

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:16:19 +0000

Oceania Cruises offers a collection of East Asian voyages in the first half 2025! The cruise line’s Asia voyages include visiting Hong Kong, Bali, Kyoto, and Phuket, which offer a range of landscapes and cultural experiences.

With a maximum capacity of 1,250 guests and a high staff-to-guest ratio, Oceania’s luxury ships provide an intimate experience, allowing guests to access remote ports and discover local cultures.

“Asia is one of the most striking regions in the world to explore by sea; the powerful contrasts between its ultra-modern and historic influences are breathtaking,” remarks Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “Through our thoughtful itineraries and our incredible array of immersive small group tours, guests can enjoy the region’s timeless heritage and impressive futuristic strides in one trip – making guests feel like they’re traveling through time. These destinations are truly not to be missed.”

Oceania Cruises’ small-group shore excursions offer:

Food-focused tours in Thailand and Vietnam.
Wellness Discovery Tours.
Go Local Tours that showcase authentic local life.
Go Green excursions that promote sustainability.
Overland experiences that allow guests to fulfill bucket list items.

Oceania Cruises offers a range of itineraries in East Asia, from 6 to 24 days, aboard its ultra-premium ships, providing world-class comfort for exploring the region. With its simply MORE value promise, guests can enjoy added value and convenience, including 2-for-1 cruise fares, free shore excursions, Champagne, wine and beer, and free WiFi.

HIGHLIGHTED VOYAGES

6-Day Voyage: Singapore to Singapore

Explore the Malay Peninsula and surrounding islands.

14-Day Voyage: Taipei to Kyoto

Visit ancient Japan and China, with stops in Shanghai, Beijing, and Kyoto.

15-Day Voyage: Singapore to Taipei

Discover temples, markets, and tropical retreats in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hong Kong.

20-Day Voyage: Hong Kong to Bali

See idyllic islands and beaches in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore, and Bali.

24-Day Voyage: Tokyo to Singapore

Visit Boracay Island, Brunei, and unspoiled Borneo, with stops in Tokyo, Jakarta, and Bali.

Explore the complete 2025 East Asia itineraries here.

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MSC Cruises Top Summer Cocktails

Julie Bouchner — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 20:19:32 +0000

MSC Cruises shares its most popular summer cocktails, revealing the refreshing drinks that will be sipping on throughout the summer. As a cherry on top, the cruise line is also introducing two brand-new cocktails fleetwide, just in time for the peak vacation season.

MORE ABOUT THE SUMMER COCKTAILS

MSC Cruises ships feature a wide range of themed and specialty bars waiting to be discovered. The cruise line’s bartenders offer a fantastic selection of hand-crafted cocktails and alcohol-free mocktails for all guests. There’s something for every taste, from summer cocktails, including non-alcoholic options, to whisky, gin, and more.

Gin & Tonics – The Cocktail of The Moment

NEW! Jasmine & Rose G&T: Bloom pink gin infused with rose petals and jasmine flowers, garnished with dehydrated grapefruit and fresh rosemary.

NEW! Skinny Lemongrass & Ginger G&T: Whitley Neill lemongrass and ginger gin, Fever-Tree aromatic tonic, fresh lime juice, and honey syrup, garnished with dehydrated lemon and fresh ginger.

Elderflower GT: BUSS N°509 Elderflower Gin, Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic, dehydrated orange peel, a cinnamon stick, and cloves.

Passion Fruit 0.0 GT: BUSS N°509 passion fruit 0.0 gin, passion fruit puree, lemon juice, Fever-Tree light tonic, dehydrated lemon, passion fruit, and coriander seeds.

Timeless Classics Remain a Summer Staple

Aperol Spritz: A classic Italian cocktail made with Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda water, garnished with an orange slice.

Margarita: A refreshing favorite, crafted with tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.

Piña Colada: A tropical treat combining light rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, garnished with a slice of pineapple.

Strawberry Daiquiri: A classic summer treat featuring rum and strawberry puree.

Mojito: A staple of summer, made with rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and soda water.

Which summer cocktail will you drink during your cruise? Let us know in the comments!

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises Reveals 2026-2027 Voyage Collection

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:48:45 +0000

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced its 2026-2027 Voyage Collection, featuring itineraries that take travelers to destinations worldwide.

The 2026-2027 Voyage Collection from Regent Seven Seas Cruises features 173 new itineraries covering popular global destinations like Africa & Arabia, Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Canada & New England, the Caribbean & Panama Canal, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, and the South Pacific. Pre-registration for voyages is now open, and reservations will be available for sale starting July 24, 2024.

“Our 2026-2027 Voyage Collection Debut is an incredible array of sailings that offers luxury travelers the opportunity to experience new cultures, gain new perspectives, and create unforgettable memories across thousands of nautical miles,” said Andrea DeMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Whether spending 7 days or 7 weeks or more on board, our guests will see the world while enjoying the highest standards of personalized service, and the most comprehensive inclusion list of any ultra luxury cruise line from spacious suites to unlimited shore excursions, from exquisite specialty dining to premium beverages.”

Besides the cruise line’s 140-night 2027 World Cruise, the Collection features four new Grand Voyages ranging from 60 to 82 nights in length and eight Immersive Overnight sailings.

The 2027 World Cruise features new itineraries sailing from Seattle to Alaska, Galveston, Texas, and Tampa, Florida, to the Caribbean.
The Collection includes seven port-intensive voyages in Japan, tours of the Fjords of Milford and Doubtful & Dusky Sound in New Zealand, South American adventures to the Drake Passage and the Arctic Peninsula, and four Icelandic sailings.
The cruise line offers numerous overnight stays in destinations such as Hong Kong, China; Bora Bora, French Polynesia; and Mumbai, India.
The Collection also includes maiden ports of call in exotic locales, including Mombasa, Kenya; Zanzibar, Tanzania; and Melaka, Malaysia.

To celebrate the launch of the Voyage Collection, Regent is offering a limited-time promotion:

Book two or more voyages between July 24 and August 7, 2024, and receive 5% off all subsequent 2026-2027 Voyage Collection sailings.
The offer applies to any open sailing in 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027.

Voyage Collection Highlights

AFRICA & ARABIA

Seven Seas Navigator and Seven Seas Voyager offers 9 Africa & Arabia sailings, ranging from 15 to 21 nights. Destinations include Maputo, Mozambique; Nosy Be, Madagascar; Port Praslin, Seychelles; Cape Town, South Africa; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Dubai, UAE; Mombasa, Kenya; and Zanzibar, Tanzania.

ALASKA

Seven Seas Explorer will sail to Alaska on 16 voyages, ranging from 7 to 14 nights. Departure ports include Vancouver, British Columbia; Seward, Alaska; and Seattle, Washington. Destinations include Klawock, Sitka, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, and Hubbard Glacier.

ASIA

Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Navigator will sail to Asia on 15 voyages, 12-20 nights. Highlights include seven port-intensive Japan voyages, including visits to Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, and Shanghai. Other ports of call include India, Indonesia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and new destinations: Hirara (Miyakojima), Sakaiminato, Kanazawa, Akita, Oarai, Kupang (West Timor), Lombok (Lembar), and Melaka.

Australia & New Zealand

Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Navigator offer eight sailings from 10-19 nights, including two holiday cruises. Highlights include the Fjords of Milford and Dusky & Doubtful Sounds in New Zealand, visits to Sydney, Tasmania, Whitsunday Islands, Napier, Rotorua, and an overnight stop in Melbourne.

Canada & New England

Seven Seas Splendor offers five voyages from 10-11 nights. Visit ports of call, including Bar Harbor, Boston, Halifax, Montreal, and Québec City, which are perfect for exploring America’s colonial heritage or enjoying the region’s seafood.

Caribbean & Panama Canal

Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Mariner, and Seven Seas Splendor offer 22 voyages to the Caribbean and Panama Canal. Sailings range from 7-17 nights and include four holiday cruises. Destinations include Castries, St Lucia; Cartagena, Colombia; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Corinto, Nicaragua; and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Mediterranean

Regent offers 47 sailings in the Mediterranean, including four immersive overnight stays in ports like Rome, Italy; Valencia, Spain; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Athens, Greece; Istanbul, Turkey; and Lisbon, Portugal. New destinations include Gallipoli, Italy. Sailings range from 7-15 nights.

Northern Europe

Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Navigator, and Seven Seas Voyager offer 28 voyages to Northern Europe. Destinations include London, England; Reykjavik, Iceland; Bordeaux, France; Stockholm, Sweden; Dublin, Ireland; Dunkerque, France; Paamiut, Greenland; and Mandal, Norway (new for Regent).

South America

Seven Seas Grandeur and Seven Seas Mariner offer seven sailings to South America, ranging from 11 to 22 nights. Destinations include Ushuaia, Argentina; Port Stanley, Falkland Islands; Manaus, Brazil; Manta, Ecuador; and Punta Arenas, Chile—experience once-in-a-lifetime adventures such as sailing the Amazon River, Drake Passage, and Arctic Peninsula.

South Pacific

Seven Seas Navigator makes three voyages to the South Pacific, including a round-trip sailing from Papeete (Tahiti) that explores French Polynesia. The sailings last 10-18 nights, and visit Bora Bora, Mystery Island, Vanuatu, Suva, Fiji, Nouméa, New Caledonia, and Apia, Samoa.

Transoceanic Voyages

Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Mariner, and Seven Seas Splendor offer seven transatlantic sailings between 14-16 nights. Sail from favorite cities in Europe and America, including Lisbon to New York, Barcelona to Miami, Rome to Miami, and Miami to Rome. Visit the Azores, Madeira, and Bermuda along the way.

Grand Voyages

The Collection offers four new Grand Voyages that span multiple continents and months. These epic journeys include amenities like pre-night hotel and dinner packages, exclusive shoreside experiences, door-to-door luggage service, unlimited valet laundry, phone time per suite, onboard medical consultations, and a commemorative gift.

Grand Arctic Adventure
New York to Barcelona, Spain
Seven Seas Mariner
June 29, 2026 | 81 Nights

Grand Asia Exploration
Tokyo, Japan to Sydney, Australia
Seven Seas Explorer
October 20, 2026 | 60 Nights

Grand Continental Sojourn
Barcelona, Spain to Sydney, Australia
Seven Seas Navigator
November 9, 2026 | 82 Nights

Indian Ocean Odyssey
Cape Town, South Africa to Barcelona, Spain
Seven Seas Voyager
February 1, 2027 | 61 Nights

Immersive Overnight Voyages

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers eight new Immersive Overnight itineraries in 2026-2027, featuring overnight stays in multiple destinations.

Capital City Kaleidoscope

Rome, Italy to London, England.
Seven Seas Grandeur, May 24, 2026, 13 nights.
Overnight stays in Monte Carlo, Monaco; Barcelona, Spain; La Coruña, Spain; Paris (Honfleur), France; London (Southampton), England.

Treasures of the Adriatic

Venice, Italy, to Istanbul, Turkey.
Seven Seas Voyager, June 16, 2026, 12 nights.
Overnight stays in Venice (Trieste), Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Heraklion (Crete), Greece; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Istanbul, Turkey.

Scandinavian Cityscapes

Antwerp, Belgium, to Stockholm, Sweden.
Seven Seas Navigator, July 19, 2026, 9 nights.
Overnight stays in Antwerp, Belgium; Oslo, Norway; Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden.

Stylish, Culture & Cuisine

Lisbon, Portugal to London, England.
Seven Seas Voyager, July 20, 2026, 14 nights.
Overnight stays in Bordeaux, France; Paris (Le Havre), France; Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium; Amsterdam (Ijmuiden), Netherlands.

Storied Scandinavia

Stockholm, Sweden, to Oslo, Norway.
Seven Seas Grandeur, August 29, 2026, 10 nights.
Overnight stays in Stockholm, Sweden; Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany; Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo, Norway.

Enchanted Evenings

Barcelona, Spain, to Rome, Italy.
Seven Seas Mariner, September 18, 2026, 11 nights.
Overnight stays in Barcelona, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Tuscany (Livorno), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

Mediterranean Nights

Barcelona, Spain, to Rome, Italy.
Seven Seas Voyager, September 28, 2026, 12 nights.
Overnight stays in Barcelona, Spain; Toulon, France; Cinque Terre (La Spezia), Italy; Valletta, Malta; Sorrento/Capri, Italy.

Glamorous Grecian Nights

Athens to Istanbul.
Seven Seas Voyager, October 24, 2026, 10 nights.
Overnight stays in Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Heraklion (Crete), Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Istanbul, Turkey.

Will you be exploring Regent’s 2026-2027 Voyage Collection? Let us know in the comments!

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Norwegian Jewel to Homeport in Philadelphia

Julie Bouchner — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:35:02 +0000

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its 2026 spring/summer itineraries, featuring destinations in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada, and New England. For the first time in several years, the cruise line will also offer new voyages from Philadelphia’s Port of PhilaPort.

MORE ABOUT NORWEGIAN JEWEL

Norwegian Jewel will sail on seven-to-nine-day cruises to Bermuda, departing from the Southport Marine Terminal Complex.
She will feature overnight stays in Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, giving guests ample time to explore the island’s stunning turquoise waters and pink-sand beaches.
This new homeport for NCL will also increase access to cruising for residents in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region, as Norwegian Jewel will be the only cruise line sailing from Philadelphia until October 17, 2026.

“We remain committed to delivering more experiences for our guests to create unforgettable memories, so they can vacation better with us,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are particularly proud to partner with PhilaPort to launch cruising in the area, making it even more accessible to the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region.”

Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2026 season features 250 itineraries to 30 destinations in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, Canada, New England, and Alaska. Each voyage departs from US and Canadian ports from April to November and offers at least 10 hours in port.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

NEW BERMUDA, CANADA, AND NEW ENGLAND

Norwegian Jewel will sail from Philadelphia and Québec City on 10- and 11-day Canada and New England itineraries from April 16 to August 27, 2026. The ship will visit ports such as Saguenay, Charlottetown, and Halifax.

Norwegian Breakaway will offer seven-day Bermuda voyages from Boston starting April 19, 2026, with overnight stays in the Royal Naval Dockyard and a day in Halifax. From late August to mid-October, the ship will sail seven-day Canada and New England itineraries to ports like Bar Harbor, Saint John, and Halifax.

Norwegian Aqua will return to New York City for its second Bermuda season, sailing five- and seven-day itineraries with overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda.

SHORT-CRUISE OFFERS TO THE BAHAMAS

NCL is expanding its short-cruise offering with nearly 40 voyages to the Bahamas from Miami aboard Norwegian Getaway in the spring/summer of 2026. The three- to four-night cruises will visit Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

“Our new 2026 spring/summer deployment further meets the vacation demands of our guests with more shorter cruise offerings to fun-in-the-sun destinations, such as the Bahamas and the Caribbean, as well as a variety of longer itineraries to bucket-list destinations, such as Alaska,” said Herrera.

CRUISE TO THE CARIBBEAN

Norwegian Prima will offer seven-day sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, visiting Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Cayman Islands; and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. For a more extended vacation, guests can book back-to-back sailings for a 14-day trip.

EXPLORE ALASKA

From late April to October, Alaska’s stunning landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife await. Depart from Seattle, Whittier, or Vancouver on 7-10-day voyages with Norwegian Encore, Bliss, and Joy. These ships feature racetracks at sea and spacious indoor/outdoor areas to take in the breathtaking views.

Norwegian Jade will offer 7-day open-jaw sailings between Vancouver, BC, and Whittier, AK, with no sea days. For a deeper Alaska experience, book a Cruise Tour and explore the interior, ride the Alaska Railroad, or go fishing in Kachemak Bay.

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PONANT and PASPALEY Introduce PASPALEY PEARL

Julie Bouchner — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0000

PONANT and PASPALEY have launched a 30-guest boutique expedition motor yacht, PASPALEY PEARL!

The ship will operate year-round in the Kimberley, Australia’s Far North, East Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. With a crew of 21, including four expert naturalist guides, PASPALEY PEARL offers personalized, guided expeditions that deliver transformative experiences.

MORE ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

PONANT and PASPALEY, with 85 years of combined experience in the Kimberley and other remote areas, will offer unique expeditions in the Asia Pacific. Building on pioneer routes, PASPALEY PEARL will set sail from East Timor to Bali in January 2025 after a major refit.

Explore the Asia Pacific’s hidden gems with PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT. Discover Raja Ampat, Spice Islands, Sepik River, and New Britain Island through fishing, pearl cultivation, and cultural immersion.

UPCOMING VOYAGE

Sail aboard PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT on a 10-night expedition departing January 10, 2025, from Dili to Bali. Highlights include swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling in the Seventeen Islands Marine Park, exploring remote Lembata Island, and experiencing Alorese culture.

On board, relax on private balconies, socialize on the Sunset Lounge or Sun Deck Lounge with an eight-person Jacuzzi, and savor regional cuisine, including local specialties like pearl meat and barramundi.

Click here to learn more!

Are you excited about this new ship? Let us know in the comments!

The post PONANT and PASPALEY Introduce PASPALEY PEARL appeared first on Porthole Cruise and Travel.