News & Articles
Remain informed of the latest news, developments and innovations. Access to some articles is based on your regional membership.
Filters
Clear Filters
Requires Login
-
Royal Caribbean unveils the new Legend of the Seas with next-level family experiencesRoyal Caribbean unveils the new Legend of the Seas with next-level family experiences
Royal Caribbean is introducing the family time of a lifetime on Legend of the Seas* with more adventure than ever before. The boldest vacation to visit the world’s top destinations in Europe and the Southern Caribbean, Legend will deliver a lineup of unrivaled experiences, including thrills and chill, the most dining at sea with 28 options, all-new nightlife and entertainment, and more ways for families and vacationers to make lifelong memories.In July 2026, vacationers can go all in on the action across Legend’s eight neighborhoods, which are destinations in themselves. On deck are new dining experiences transporting guests to the ancient Silk Routes at the immersive Royal Railway – Legend Station or the golden age at the new Hollywoodland Supper Club, headlining entertainment with Broadway hit Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” reimagined family experiences from thrills to new ways to stay and more.Vacationers ready to explore what’s in store on Legend can book the highly anticipated vacation on Royal Caribbean’s website.“With Legend of the Seas, we are bringing to life our most legendary vacation yet as we continue to push the boundaries with more of what guests know and love,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. “Those looking to get the most out of their vacation can have it all with Legend’s combination of adventure-packed experiences and incredible destinations in Europe and the Caribbean.”From day to night, vacationers on Legend can dive into a variety of experiences, including:Legendary FlavorsWith 28 dining options rounding out the most dining at sea, every type of vacationer can satisfy any craving or discover all-new experiences for every meal.Royal Railway – Legend Station – The immersive dining spot first introduced on Utopia of the Seas will take diners on Legend to new destinations along the ancient Silk Routes by train, combining entertainment, food and technology. Guests will follow the travels of explorer Marco Polo on a five-course expedition of flavors and history through China, India, Italy and more.Hollywoodland Supper Club – Vacationers are in for an evening of glitz and glamour with a new supper club concept inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. Complete with sultry jazz, gourmet bites and cocktails, the multi-course dinner experience takes guests through a journey of cinema from 1910 to the 1950s.AquaDome Market – The Icon Class favorite food hall sets the table with a reimagined selection of global cuisines with five new all-day food stands, along with a brand-new juice and smoothie bar serving freshly squeezed refreshments.The all-encompassing dining lineup also includes everything from family experiences at Surfside Eatery and Basecamp in Thrill Island to favorites like premium cuts at Chops Grille, hibachi at Izumi and fresh catches at Hooked Seafood.Legendary NightsIt’s the ultimate night out every night with new entertainment across stage, air, water and ice; live music spots and more than 20 bars and lounges.Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” ** – Making its golden ticket debut at sea in the Royal Theater, the hit Broadway musical brings the magical world of Willy Wonka to life in a show packed with sweet surprises.Deck-defying entertainment – More jaw-dropping sensations take center stage at the AquaDome neighborhood’s marquee AquaTheater, featuring high divers, aerialists, robots, and dancers, and at Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena at sea.Plus, there are over 20 bars, lounges and live music spots to raise a glass at, including Lou’s for jazz tunes and more, singalong face-offs at Dueling Pianos, uniquely crafted cocktails at 1400 Lobby Bar, and more.Legendary AdventuresAdrenaline-amping thrills – Adventure just reached a new level with six waterslides at Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea; Crown’s Edge – part skywalk, part zip line experience 154 feet above the ocean; and more top-deck action with a new spin on mini golf at Lost Dunes, the Adrenaline Peak rock-climbing wall and more.Seven pools and vibes – Vacationers have in store a pool for every mood, including pools for adults at The Hideaway infinity pool and Swim & Tonic swim-up bar; ways to splash for kids and tots at Splashaway Bay and grownups nearby at the Water’s Edge pool; the largest pool at sea at Royal Bay, and more, along with 10 whirlpools and private casitas.There are plenty of ways to play with reimagined family favorites, including a new carousel concept in Surfside – the neighborhood designed for young families – and a redesigned Playscape for youngsters.The signature Icon Class favorites will be back on Legend, from the Royal Promenade’s floor-to-ceiling ocean views, the jaw-dropping Pearl – the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture – and the open-air Central Park lined with more than 30,500 real plants and restaurants, live music, convenient pick-up windows for sushi, champagne, sparkling wine and more. Plus, there are plenty of ways to stay in style from the ultra-luxe and exclusive Suite Neighborhood to a redesigned three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse with spaces for the whole family.Legend will level up European summers in 2026 with 7-night Western Mediterranean adventures from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. The bold adventures on board continue on shore, whether it’s stepping back in time at Rome’s Colosseum, feasting on flavors from the fishing villages of Provence (Marseille), France, or diving into the local cultures of Naples, Italy, and Palma De Mallorca, Spain. In November 2026, Legend will make its grand Caribbean debut in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with 6-night Western Caribbean getaways and 8-night Southern Caribbean vacations to the beaches of Oranjestad, Aruba, and Willemstad, Curacao. Plus, every Caribbean vacation visits Royal Caribbean’s top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay, featuring turquoise blue waters and beaches, a thrilling waterpark, pools, swim-up bars and more.Legend will also be the vacation company’s fourth ship fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and feature industry-leading environmental programs. With applications ranging from waste heat recovery systems to shore power connection, Legend will help advance Royal Caribbean Group’s journey toward introducing a net-zero cruise ship by 2035. 07 October, 2025 -
MSC Meraviglia To Sail From Southampton In Summer 2027MSC Meraviglia To Sail From Southampton In Summer 2027
MSC Cruises has announced that MSC Meraviglia will sail from Southampton from 18 May to 30 October 2027. She will offer 19 sailings ranging from 6 to 14 nights, visiting new destinations such as Ibiza, Gibraltar and Tangier in Morocco, as well as favourites such as the Canary Islands, Lisbon, Malaga and the Norwegian Fjords. There is also a new Baltic Sea sailing visiting Oslo, Fredericia and Copenhagen.MSC Virtuosa will complete her ex-UK Summer season in 2026, and then move to the Mediterranean for Summer 2027, providing fresh and exciting experiences for fans of the ship who want to explore new destinations in the Mediterranean. From April to October 2027 she will sail from Barcelona, visiting La Goulette, Palermo, Naples, Livorno, and Marseille.Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales at MSC Cruises, said:“We want to give our customers new experiences, so it’s wonderful that MSC Meraviglia is sailing from the UK in Summer 2027. She’s a beautiful ship, and part of the same family as MSC Virtuosa. Customers have told us that they want longer sailings, so we are offering 6-14 night holidays visiting new destinations including Ibiza, Gibraltar and Tangier in Morocco, as well as favourite destinations in the Mediterranean and Norwegian Fjords.MSC Virtuosa, one of our most popular ships, will sail in the Western Mediterranean in Summer 2027. We’re seeing strong demand from UK customers for Mediterranean cruises, so having MSC Virtuosa there for Summer 2027 is a natural fit for us. We also offer great value Fly & Cruise prices with flights from many regional airports, so customers can relax knowing that flights, transfers and the cruise fare is all included in the price.The exciting news is that both MSC Meraviglia and MSC Virtuosa are on sale on 14 October 2025, so get your booking in early to secure the best cabin!And for people looking to get away in Winter 2026/27, I’m delighted to have MSC Preziosa back in the UK doing the longest season ever from Southampton, replacing MSC Poesia. On sale now, and offering increased capacity and an extended season of sailings through to 16 April 2027, this is great news for the UK market.”Highlights of MSC MeravigliaNEW ship in the UK - First time MSC Meraviglia will sail a season from the UKNEW destinations - including Ibiza, Gibraltar & Tangier12 dining venues – including Ocean Cay seafood restaurant as well as Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi, Teppanyaki and many more20 bars – 15 indoor and 5 outdoor bars including Edge Cocktail Bar, Champagne Bar and Jean-Philippe Chocolat & CafeThrilling Entertainment – Pools, outdoor waterpark, MSC Formula Racer, flight simulator, bowling alley, and spectacular showsMSC Aurea Spa - A luxurious Balinese spa offering signature treatments and a thermal area to revitalise body and soulMSC Yacht Club – A secluded sanctuary, a luxury ‘ship within a ship’ that offers 24-hour butler and concierge service, premium drinks, elegant and spacious accommodation, 24h room service, and an exclusive restaurant, lounge and pool 06 October, 2025 -
TUI River Cruises to sail first new-build ship, TUI Luzia on the Portuguese River Douro for Summer 2027TUI River Cruises to sail first new-build ship, TUI Luzia on the Portuguese River Douro for Summer 2027
TUI River Cruises will launch its largest summer programme yet with the sailing of its first new-build ship, TUI Luzia, down the River Douro in Portugal in summer 2027. Plus, two new ports of call in Croatia and The Netherlands. The summer itineraries will go on sale from 16 October 2025, offering 35 sailings across the entire European fleet from March 2027 – October 2027.Marking a new era for the river cruise brand, the first purpose-built ship TUI Luzia, meaning ‘light’ in Portuguese will sail on the River Douro for its first summer programme. The first new-build ship will be Full Board Plus* as standard, with an option to upgrade to All Inclusive.The ship will accommodate 111 passengers with access to four decks including a top deck complete with a shallow pool and sun loungers and Cinder, a bar and dining area open every day for drinks and self-serve lunches. There will be 56 cabins including Super French Balcony cabins, Balcony cabins, French Balcony Suites and a single cabin. Other venues on the ship include Novo, the main lounge bar, Retreat, a hybrid area offering a juice bar and space for wellness classes such as yoga in the day and an intimate lounge bar for a quiet drink at night. Sorriso, the main restaurant serving breakfast through to dinner and Vinha, a Portuguese inspired alfresco dining space where guests can enjoy a la carte dinner, and by day, will be a place for relaxation and unwinding.There will be seven-night sailings on the famous Portuguese river with relaxed daytime sailing and shore experiences available. The ship will sail five destinations, ‘Douro Discovery’, round trip starting in Porto, then arriving in locations based in the UNESCO-listed region: Entre-os-Rios; Peso de Regua; Vega de Terron (for Salamanca, Spain) and Barca d’Alva. There will be flight options with TUI partner airlines to Porto to join Douro cruises.In addition, TUI River Cruises will be offering two new ports of call in the summer 2027 season on TUI Aria with ‘Dutch Delta Discovery’ sailing the Dutch & Belgian Waterways to the city of Zaandam, Netherlands, known for its traditional green wooden houses and on TUI Maya with ‘East Danube Delights’ visiting Aljmas, Croatia, a picturesque village known for its unique modern swan-shaped church nestled aside the Danube River.The river cruise line will continue to provide choice and flexibility throughout the season with a range of durations, including short cruises tailored for first time cruisers including three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, 11, 14 and 15 night sailings for its customers across the River Danube, Belgian & Dutch Waterways, Rhine and Moselle throughout summer 2027.Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises at TUI River Cruises said: “We’re thrilled to introduce TUI Luzia, our first new-build ship, which will sail the stunning River Douro in Portugal – a brand-new destination for TUI River Cruises.“This marks a major milestone as we launch our biggest summer programme to date, with more itineraries, more durations, and exciting new ports of call across Europe. From the charming villages of Croatia and The Netherlands, we’re giving guests the opportunity to explore Europe’s rivers in a way that’s more flexible, immersive and exciting than ever before.” 02 October, 2025 -
September 2025 ReviewSeptember 2025 Review
Summer temperatures may have cooled, but river lines turned up the heat with new ship orders, innovative designs and a host of exciting products. The ocean sector wasn’t far behind with more fly-cruises, themed sailings and a sprinkling of debut destinations for 2026 and beyond.Rivers rule the wavesAmaWaterways took the river cruise world by storm by promising eight new ships by 2030, taking its fleet to more than 40 vessels. It followed hot on the heels of Tauck’s announcement of two new river ships on the Seine and the Rhone next year. Rivers newcomer Celebrity Cruises unveiled novel designs for its first two ships Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, promising more deck-space and “Magic Edge” cantilevered dining pods. The company’s inaugural 2027 programme went on sale and sold out within hours.There’s more rivers news tooVIVA Cruises unveiled new ship VIVA Unique to start sailing in 2027 in new destination, Italy’s River Po and the Venetian Lagoon. Riviera Travel’s 2027 programme stands out for its first dedicated solo cruisers’ ship, MS George Eliot, and its Asia debut with the new Riviera Alba on the Mekong. CroisiEurope is to launch its first paddlewheel cruises along the Seine next year and is following this in 2027 with three new eco-itineraries along the Amazon. Anyone looking for the best of both worlds can choose from combined ocean and river sailings from Scenic and Emerald Cruises which have added four new combinations.Who’s coming and goingThe new ship wheels keep turning with the float-out of Royal Caribbean’s third Icon Class ship Legend of the Seas, which debuts next August, and keel-laying of fourth Icon ship that follows in 2027. French line Ponant Explorations Group has launched new brand Ponant Yachting encompassing its three catamarans, including newest addition Spirit of Ponant II, while Princess Cruises has taken delivery of second Sphere Class ship Star Princess. Alas, Marella Cruises’ two new ships planned for 2031 and 2033 have been cancelled as the shipyard slots have been reallocated to sister brand TUI Cruises.Highlights for 2026Come fly with MSC Cruises thanks to its link-up with Jet2.com for an expanded programme of Fly & Cruise packages from selected UK airports to points across the Mediterranean, or dive into Windstar Cruises’ new range of themed voyages for 2025/26 encompassing art, wellness and enrichment. German line Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is marking 2026 by making every cruise across its fleet bilingual with English and German spoken, while Seabourn is preparing for Seabourn Encore’s Alaskan debut from May to September next year. Celestyal Cruises is upping the ante for the 2025/26 season by confirming that both of its ships, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery, will sail the Arabian Gulf, along with new Athens-Jeddah voyages.Plus even more for 2027 and beyondVoyages featuring Greenland and Malta’s vibrant carnival, plus a selection of mini-cruises, take pride of place in Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ 2027 line-up, while AE Expeditions’ programme of 21 departures includes nine new itineraries across the Mediterranean, Europe and Central America. Explora Journeys’ 2027/28 collection marks its inaugural Asia season along with the debut of fifth ship Explora V, while Marella Cruises has added Sarande in Albania plus the Italian city of Syracuse for summer 2027. 01 October, 2025 -
Camila and Matthew McConaughey Named Godparents of New Star PrincessCamila and Matthew McConaughey Named Godparents of New Star Princess
Princess Cruises revealed that Camila and Matthew McConaughey will serve as godparents of the new Star Princess, carrying forward a tradition that has included cultural icons such as Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren. The McConaugheys will christen the cruise line's most innovative ship, marking the next generation of cruising for Princess."We're honored to be godparents of the Star Princess," said Camila and Matthew McConaughey. "With Princess, it's not just a vacation — it's time well spent, families and friends coming together, meeting new folks, and making memories. This ship's got that spirit built right in, and we're proud to be part of her story from the beginning."Camila and Matthew McConaughey, co-founders of Pantalones Organic Tequila, bring their dynamic spirit and creativity to this time-honored maritime tradition. Together they exemplify the values of passion, generosity and innovation that resonate deeply with Princess Cruises."We are delighted to have Camila and Matthew McConaughey serve as the godparents of Star Princess," said Gus Antorcha, Princess Cruises President. "Their passion for life, dedication to giving back, and unmistakable charisma make them the perfect pair to christen our newest ship. With their signature warmth and spirit, Camila and Matthew embody the values that define Princess, and we are delighted to welcome them into our family in such a meaningful way."Across the fleet, Princess serves signature cocktails featuring Pantalones Organic Tequila, founded by the pair, including the guest favorite 24K Gold Margarita. Their tequila is also part of Princess' Love Line Premium Liquors collection, which includes a selection of thoughtfully curated wines and spirits, offering both spirited selections and non-alcoholic* creations.The 177,800-ton, 4,300-guest Star Princess, sister to the award-winning Sun Princess, features 30 distinct dining and bar venues, curated entertainment and activity offerings, and luxurious accommodations across a wide range of categories. Unique to Star Princess and Sun Princess is The Sanctuary Collection, an elevated private escape at sea with access to an exclusive restaurant; the Sanctuary Club, a tranquil, adults-only pool deck; and thoughtfully curated amenities that set a new standard for luxury at sea.With over 1,500 balcony staterooms, guests can enjoy panoramic views from the privacy of their own rooms. Standout venues include The Dome, a next-generation relaxation and entertainment space; The Princess Arena, Princess' most technologically advanced theater yet; and The Piazza, the architectural centerpiece of the ship with its dramatic curves, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sweeping ocean vistas.On October 4, 2025, Star Princess will debut in the scenic Mediterranean, sailing roundtrip from Barcelona before crossing the Atlantic to begin a season of Caribbean voyages from Ft. Lauderdale on November 7, 2025. Following her Caribbean season, she will sail through the Panama Canal heading west to begin her inaugural Alaska Season. 2025-, 2026- and 2027-Star Princess voyages are now available for booking.Camila Alves McConaughey is an entrepreneur, NYT best-selling author, and founder of Women of Today. Actor and author Matthew McConaughey is known for his award-winning performances, best-selling books, and his off-screen philanthropic work. 30 September, 2025 -
CroisiEurope launches first paddlewheel cruises on the SeineCroisiEurope launches first paddlewheel cruises on the Seine
CroisiEurope will launch the first paddlewheel cruises on the Seine with two new itineraries in 2026.The modern paddlewheel ship, the MS R.E. Waydelich L.J., will operate the voyages between April and November 2026.The vessel has capacity for 81 passengers across 42 cabins and also has a restaurant, lounge bar with dancefloor and sun deck.The first new itinerary will be the five-night Little Gems of the Seine which will have departures between March and November 2026, and fares starting from £1,158.It will be a round trip from Paris and call at Melun, Saint Mammes, Corbeil-Essonnes and La Roche Guyon, and visits to the majestic Château de Fontainebleau, the Claude Monet gardens in Giverny and La Roche- Guyon.The second new itinerary will be the seven-night The History of France from Paris to Normandy, which will also operate as a round trip from Paris between April and September 2026, starting from £1,639.Voyages will call at Melun, Mantes-La-Jolie, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen and La Roche Guyon, with visits to Île de la Cité, Rouen, Versailles and Fontainebleau, Monet’s gardens in Giverny and the MuséoSeine.Prices include all meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, port fees and repatriation insurance. 30 September, 2025 -
AE Expeditions Marks Historic Milestone with 100th Passenger Transit of the Northwest PassageAE Expeditions Marks Historic Milestone with 100th Passenger Transit of the Northwest Passage
AE Expeditions today announced a historic achievement as its purpose-built expedition ship, Sylvia Earle MV, successfully transited the Bering Strait, completing what is officially recorded by the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge as the 100th passenger transit of the Northwest Passage.The milestone comes as Sylvia Earle MV concludes the 2025 Arctic season, securing its place in history as the vessel to achieve this landmark count. The Northwest Passage, stretching through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, has long been one of the most legendary and challenging sea routes on Earth, symbolising exploration, endurance, and the human spirit of discovery.“Reaching the 100th passenger transit of the Northwest Passage is not only a moment of pride for AE Expeditions but a recognition of the growing interest in small-ship exploration of this remote and remarkable region,” said Michael Heath, CEO of AE Expeditions. “We are honoured that Sylvia Earle MV and her expeditioners have become part of this extraordinary chapter in polar history.”The Northwest Passage has captivated explorers for centuries, with early expeditions often ending in tragedy. Today, modern expedition ships such as Sylvia Earle MV combine innovative design and environmental responsibility to provide safe, sustainable access to these wild frontiers, while fostering deep appreciation and understanding of the fragile Arctic environment.AE Expeditions remains committed to responsible travel as a Certified B Corporation™, with its voyages contributing to scientific research, conservation partnerships, and education initiatives that protect and preserve the regions it explores. 26 September, 2025 -
Star Princess Officially Delivered to Princess CruisesStar Princess Officially Delivered to Princess Cruises
Star Princess - the second Sphere-Class ship in the Princess Cruises fleet - was officially delivered today during a celebratory handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The stunning Star Princess is the 17th ship in the cruise line's dynamic line up of vessels sailing worldwide.The Star Princess handover ceremony was attended by Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises; Star Princess Captain Gennaro Arma; Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri; Biagio Mazzotta, President and Chairman of Fincantieri; Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division; Cristiano Bazzara, Director of the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, and local government officials. The ceremony signifies the official transfer of the ship from Fincantieri to Princess, marking the completion of construction and the beginning of final preparations ahead of its inaugural sailings."Today is a proud moment for Princess as we welcome the new Star Princess to our incredible fleet," said Gus Antorcha, Princess Cruises President. "This remarkable vessel is a testament to the innovation and craftsmanship of our long-standing partners at Fincantieri, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the shipbuilding team for bringing our newest ship to life."With her 1,600 crew now onboard preparing to welcome the first guests, Star Princess will depart the shipyard and sail to Barcelona ahead of her inaugural voyage, an 11-day Western Mediterranean cruise departing October 4.The 177,800-ton, 4,300-guest Star Princess - sister to the award-winning Sun Princess - will feature 30 distinct dining and bar venues, curated entertainment and activity offerings. Unique to Star Princess and Sun Princess is The Sanctuary Collection, an elevated private escape at sea with access to an exclusive restaurant; the Sanctuary Club, a tranquil, adults-only pool deck; and thoughtfully curated amenities that set a new standard for luxury at sea.With over 1,500 balcony staterooms, guests will enjoy panoramic views from the privacy of their own rooms. Standout venues include The Dome, a next-generation relaxation and entertainment space; The Arena, Princess' most technologically advanced theater yet; The Piazza, the architectural centerpiece of the ship with its dramatic curves, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sweeping ocean vistas; and Spellbound by Magic Castle, the captivating speakeasy experience born from a collaboration with the famed Hollywood icon, The Magic Castle™.On October 4, 2025, Star Princess will debut in the scenic Mediterranean, sailing roundtrip from Barcelona before crossing the Atlantic to begin a season of Caribbean voyages from Ft. Lauderdale on November 7, 2025. Following her Caribbean season, she will sail through the Panama Canal heading west to begin her inaugural Alaska season. 26 September, 2025 -
American Launches First All U.S. Cruises on The Great Lakes – Three New Itineraries Sailing May-August 2026American Launches First All U.S. Cruises on The Great Lakes – Three New Itineraries Sailing May-August 2026
Domestic U.S. Great Lakes cruises are now available. In response to guest demand, American Cruise Lines is proud to announce the debut of three Great Lakes itineraries for the 2026 cruise season. These brand-new cruises, sailing May through August 2026, will be operated aboard American Patriot, the newest small cruise ship in the country."Guests have long asked for our style of cruising on the Great Lakes,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We are now proud to offer these cruises as only American can, aboard a new small ship sailing 100% domestically.”This announcement marks the first time in decades that an American ship will offer domestic cruises in the growing Great Lakes cruise market. Without the need to cross borders, the new cruises are a completely unique experience apart from all other cruise lines currently on the Lakes. Where other ships dock at ports intended for foreign ships and international entry, American Cruise Lines can dock in the heart of small towns, city parks, and private marinas for an authentic and exclusive experience not available with any other cruise line.American’s 2026 Great Lakes itineraries include a 9-Day cruise visiting the Thousand Islands and Niagara Falls, while an additional 9-Day itinerary highlights Lake Michigan, Green Bay inlet, and the wilderness of The Upper Peninsula. The Line’s signature 14-Day cruise, dubbed the American Great Lakes, travels 800 miles through three of the Great Lakes (Erie, Huron, and Michigan).All cruises offer an included pre-cruise hotel stay and complimentary domestic airfare. Each itinerary is comprised of days filled with excursions in small towns, and time spent cruising the magnificent Lakes. All itineraries begin, end, and remain in the U.S., making a passport or international flight unnecessary for American travelers.American Patriot is fully stabilized for smooth sailing and accommodates just 130 guests. The new ship features private balcony staterooms including Suites, and Singles available without Supplement, plus many amenities like spacious lounges including a top deck lounge and walking track, a main restaurant with views from every seat, a casual café, chart room, fitness center, laundry room, and elevators to all decks.Cruises are offered aboard American Patriot on: June 12th, July 8th, July 20th, and August 15th, 2026 (with more dates in 2027).American Cruise Lines foray into the Great Lakes will highlight 50 years of experience in developing and curating exceptional U.S. River cruises exploring domestic destinations and waterways. Each new itinerary offers included hotel stay, domestic air, onboard enrichment, and daily guided excursions. Fares also include everything on board the ship from fine cuisine and cocktails to Wi-Fi and gratuities. American’s Great Lakes cruise guests will relish the unparalleled comfort and elegance of the newest small ship in the region and the convenience of cruising to and from only U.S. ports of call. 25 September, 2025 -
Celestyal confirms two-ship deployment to Arabian Gulf for 2025/26 season, with new Athens–Jeddah itineraryCelestyal confirms two-ship deployment to Arabian Gulf for 2025/26 season, with new Athens–Jeddah itinerary
Celestyal has confirmed its commitment to the Arabian Gulf with both the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey and 1360-guest Celestyal Discovery deployed to the region from December this year. This follows their maiden 2024/25 programme and represents a 211% year-on-year capacity increase.Celestyal Journey will open the season on December 6, 2025, with a special Abu Dhabi Grand Prix celebratory cruise, before operating the seven-night ‘Desert Days’ itinerary for the rest of the season, sailing roundtrip from Doha and calling at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, as well as two full days and an overnight stay in Dubai.Celestyal Discovery will then join her fleet mate for her inaugural season in the region, departing December 12, 2025 and launching the line’s new three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises, sailing roundtrip from her winter homeport in Abu Dhabi, calling at Doha, Qatar; Khasab, Oman; Dubai, UAE; Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE and maiden visits to Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.As part of its updated deployment plans, Celestyal has amended its two 14-night repositioning sailings, departing November 22, 2025, onboard Celestyal Journey, and November 28, 2025, onboard Celestyal Discovery.Two new seven-night Athens to Jeddah itineraries will now operate, sailing from Athens, Greece, on the same departure dates. Celestyal Journey will now call at Marmaris, Turkey, three ports in Egypt - Port Said, Sharm El Sheikh, and Safaga, concluding in Jeddah. Celestyal Discovery will now call at Kusadasi, Turkey, two ports in Egypt - Sharm El Sheikh, and Safaga, concluding in Jeddah. Six-night segments will also be available from the Turkish ports.A majority of the guests who are booked on the original segments departing Athens, sailing to Sharm El Sheik and Jeddah will be unimpacted, for some there will be port changes or shorter sailings offered.Following these departures, both ships will continue their passage from Jeddah to Abu Dhabi, to arrive in the Arabian Gulf in time to commence the season as planned.Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal said: “Our maiden Arabian Gulf season firmly established Celestyal as a standout in the region, with exceptional feedback from both guests and our trade partners. These refinements give us great confidence as we return stronger to the Arabian Gulf for 2025/26 with two ships and significantly increased capacity to meet soaring demand for winter sun.“Our multi-year partnerships with Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah remain central to this growth, and together we’re committed to showcasing the very best of the region to both new and returning cruisers. With demand already running high, we’re incredibly optimistic about the opportunities ahead and are confident this will be one of our strongest seasons yet.”All travel partners have been notified, assured protected commission and provided with updated information and guest rebooking options. 22 September, 2025