PONANT – 35 Years of Exploration Guided by Nature

• Ponant is celebrating its 35th anniversary by paying tribute to those who have been at the heart of its development and growth since 1988 with a new media campaign highlighting their expertise and commitment. The people of PONANT all share the same ambition to make travel a unique experience of discovery, understanding and meaning, with nature as a guide.
• Exactly two years ago, Captain Etienne Garcia reached the North Pole aboard the first LNG-powered hybrid electric polar exploration vessel. Maria, a naturalist, shared her passion for tropical marine life in Las Islas de la Bahía archipelago in Honduras. Sandrine, a naturalist, and expedition leader accompanied passengers across to Macquarie Island to educate them on penguin species, and Mick returned to Indonesia, to connect with local communities in his mission to craft sustainable and inclusive expedition itineraries. All embody the philosophy that has guided PONANT on its own journey for the last 35 years.
• 35 years of environmental awareness
• Reducing emissions remains a major challenge for the coming years, which is why PONANT targets to equip its entire fleet with shore power by 2026.
• This corporate journey could not be achieved without the commitment of guests, partners, and the daily work of its employees, all committed towards more sustainable tourism.
• https://youtu.be/kH6sTNEoFhs

Silversea Unveils 140-Day World Cruise for 2026, Its Most Diverse Voyage Ever

• Silversea Cruises has unveiled details on its 140-day World Cruise 2026, ‘The Curious and the Sea’—the most diverse and immersive voyage in the cruise line’s history, which broadens the largest collection of extended sailings in ultra-luxury cruising. Guests will embark Silver Dawn® in Fort Lauderdale on January 6, 2026, before travelling deep into 70 destinations in 37 countries—the most ever on a Silversea World Cruise—including 26 calls that are new for a Silversea World Cruise or unvisited since 2020, and 9 overnights. An exclusive pre-sale opens to Venetian Society members on June 14, while general sales open on June 22.
• ‘The Curious and the Sea’ will connect travellers with the rich history of navigation, inspired by the same curiosity that led ancient seafarers to sail to unknown lands. Channeling the same spirit of discovery that has driven exploration throughout the ages, bespoke events ashore, onboard activities, regionally inspired culinary experiences, three optional overland tours (Uzbekistan, Luxor, and the Balkans), and more will enrich the voyage. Guests will follow ancient trade routes, sailing the waters that connected the Silk Road, and transiting both the Panama and Suez canals; they will step foot on some of the world’s most remote islands, including those in the South Pacific, a region explored by Captain James Cook in the 18th century; and they will witness lands that inspired scientific progression, such as Western Australia, which attracted Charles Darwin in 1836.
• 70 DESTINATIONS, 37 COUNTRIES, 26 NEW DESTINATIONS, 140 DAYS

1. • Following a curated travel experience—including private executive transfers, Business class air, and a dedicated meet and greet service—world cruising guests will board Silver Dawn in Fort Lauderdale on January 6, 2026, journeying through Central America, before transiting the Panama Canal to South America. Easter Island, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific will follow, leading guests to New Zealand and a semi-circumnavigation of Australia. Travellers will then explore Southeast Asia, crossing the Bay of Bengal to Sri Lanka, India, and the Red Sea, before passing through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean. They will delve into European history and culture, before the voyage concludes in Lisbon, Portugal, on May 27, 2026. Highlights will include:

• NEWLY SCOUTED: 28-DAY DEEP DIVE OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC
  • Following months of extensive scouting by Silversea’s destination experts to unlock new destinations, a 28-day immersion into French Polynesia and the South Pacific will highlight the global voyage. New calls for a Silversea World Cruise include Nuku Hiva and Atuona in the Marquesas Islands; Fakarava, with its UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve; Tonga’s Nuku’alofa; New Caledonia’s Lifou and Noumea; and Norfolk Island. Explorations of Bora Bora and Papeete in French Polynesia, Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, and Savusavu in Fiji will also highlight the region. Bespoke World Cruise events will spotlight the South Pacific’s history, traditions, and folklore.
• FIRST TIME ON A SILVERSEA WORLD CRUISE: SEMI-CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF AUSTRALIA
  • Silver Dawn will sail between Hobart (Tasmania) and Darwin on a 21-day semi-circumnavigation of Australia, journeying off the beaten path along the country’s southern and western coastlines for the first time on a Silversea World Cruise. Guests will admire some of the world’s clearest night skies, retracing the steps of early explorers who looked to the stars for navigation, as well as the country’s most spectacular landscapes and wildlife species—some of which inspired Charles Darwin’s ‘Theory of Evolution.’ Highlights will include the rarely visited Phillip Island for the chance to see the penguin parade, during which thousands of Little Penguins dash from the sea to the dunes; Port Lincoln, for the Coffin Bay National Park and the Eyre Peninsula; and Esperance, visited for the first time on a Silversea World Cruise, with its pink salt lakes. Other calls will include Melbourne and Adelaide, as well as Exmouth for the Ningaloo Reef and the chance to swim with whale sharks, and the Kimberley Coast.
• ALL-NEW CULTURAL EXPERIENCES IN NORTHERN AFRICA
  • An emphatic finale to ‘The Curious and the Sea,’ Silver Dawn will unlock the cultures of Northern Africa for the first time on a Silversea World Cruise. One of the most eagerly anticipated calls on the voyage, La Goulette in Tunisia will provide insight into the bygone eras of the Ancient Carthaginians and the Roman Empire, with its UNESCO-listed medina, the Bardo Museum, and its fascinating cultural offering. A gateway to Tunisia, La Goulette is an historic port that has long been key for international trade, connecting Africa with Europe.
• BESPOKE & EXCLUSIVE: WORLD CRUISE EVENTS
  • World cruising guests will unite at an exclusive Bon Voyage reception in Fort Lauderdale on the evening of January 5, before spending a pre-cruise night in a luxury hotel and embarking Silver Dawn at leisure on January 6. Towards the voyage’s conclusion, a grand finale farewell event will immerse guests into the culture, heritage, and traditions of the Southern Mediterranean. Priceless experiences designed by Silversea’s destination experts, the following events will also enrich the World Cruise 2026 offering:
    • ‘POLYNESIAN DREAMS’ – FRENCH POLYNESIA: A bespoke event in French Polynesia, reserved exclusively for world cruising guests, will display the rich, historical seagoing cultures of local communities, with a seafood feast and cultural performances that connect guests with the soul of these spectacular islands. During the event, guests will sample the local flavours, learn the local dances, and bask in the Polynesian sunset.
    • ‘THE MAGIC OF MYSTERY ISLAND’ – MYSTERY ISLAND, VANUATU: Collaborating closely with the island’s Chief and the department of tourism, Silversea has curated a special event on Mystery Island in Vanuatu. Dancers from various islands throughout the region will perform a fusion of cultural rituals, while guests dine on catch of the day in a scenic beach setting and snorkel in some of the world’s clearest waters, which teem with marine life.
    • ‘FROM PADDY TO PLATE’ – BENOA, BALI: The cruise line’s guests will feast on regional cuisine alongside the stunning rice paddies of the five-star Tanah Gajah resort in Benoa, Bali. Authentic Balinese performances will enrich the occasion, as travellers develop an appreciation for Southeast Asia’s sacred grain, which migrated around the world with the early seafarers.
    • ‘THE EXOTIC MARIGOLD AND MORE’ – COCHIN, INDIA: Guests will journey into Alleppey in the backwaters of Cochin for a bespoke afternoon of entertainment. Following a tuk-tuk ride through the urban streets, guests will be greeted with flower garlands and exclusive cultural experiences, including performances from Kerala drummers and martial artists, an authentic Sadhya lunch served on banana leaves, and a traditional houseboat cruise down the Kerala River.
• SILVER DAWN: AMONG THE MOST LUXURIOUS SHIPS AT SEA
  • Travelling aboard the ultra-luxury Silver Dawn, guests will benefit from the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodations that are hallmarks of the Silversea experience. All guests will enjoy the personalised service of a butler and one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea, at 68 GRT-per-guest. The latest Muse-class ship offers travellers immersive culinary experiences both on board and ashore through Silversea’s S.A.L.T.℠ culinary programme. In the S.A.L.T. Lab, an onboard test kitchen, more than 60 culinary programmes curated by regional food experts will enable travellers to get hands-on with local ingredients during the World Cruise 2026. In the S.A.L.T. Kitchen, the menu will change daily, inspired by local flavours. The S.A.L.T. Bar will offer approximately 70 custom-designed cocktails related to visited destinations. Exclusively reserved for full world cruising guests, two complimentary S.A.L.T. experiences ashore, designed in collaboration with some of the world’s foremost restaurants, will also enrich guests’ travels. Moreover, a complimentary treatment and a host of wellness experiences offered through the Roman-inspired Otium℠ wellness programme will indulge guests as they discover the world.

Viking announces new expedition voyages in the Arctic

• Viking today announced three new summer season expedition voyages in the Arctic. Debuting in July 2025, the new itineraries, which range from 13 to 27 days, explore the polar north in Canada and Greenland, with two of the three voyages visiting the Canadian High Arctic.
• 2025 Arctic Voyages:                                                                                                                                        
• Viking’s new itineraries in the Arctic include:
  • NEW Into the Northwest Passage (13 days; Nuuk to Nuuk) – Discover the diverse landscapes and rugged shores of the world’s largest island. Immerse yourself in Inuit traditions as you explore towns dotted with colourful wooden houses. Head out kayaking on the fjord or partake in a Zodiac landing and witness stunning displays of nature, from towering peaks to blue-tinged glaciers. Join Viking on a fascinating voyage exploring the Canadian High Arctic to undiscovered territories beneath the skies of the midnight sun. Sailing dates are available from July through September 2025.
  • NEW Canada & Greenland Explorer (15 days; between Toronto, Ontario and Nuuk) – Explore Canada and Greenland’s rugged shores on an awe-inspiring journey through one of the most fascinating corners of the world. Sail amid floating icebergs as they drift in blue-tinged waters and witness the wonders of Mother Nature as you immerse yourself in dramatic landscapes. Learn about the Inuit traditions that still thrive in remote communities and experience the stark beauty of the Arctic beneath the skies of the midnight sun. Sailing dates are available in July and September 2025.
  • NEW Canada & the Northwest Passage (27 days; between Nuuk and Toronto, Ontario) – Witness the majesty of floating icebergs and rugged lands as you embark on a journey to the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland. View towering icebergs, expansive icefields and deep-blue fjords that are rich in marine life. Get a glimpse of life in Inuit communities and learn about traditions that have sustained for generations. Bask beneath the skies of the endless midnight sun as you join us on a voyage of discovery to far-flung lands. Sailing dates are available in July and September 2025.

Coral Expeditions Installs Next-Generation Broadband Technology Across Fleet

Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering cruise line, has announced that it has completed the installation of advanced satellite and 4G broadband connectivity across its fleet of three expedition ships. The new satellite technology will provide Coral Expeditions guests and crew with a reliable and high-speed service when exploring remote areas. 

The multi-month installation process was completed in April with successful testing across the fleet on the Kimberley coast, Scott and Ashmore Reefs, Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands, Komodo and Cape York.

As part of the new service, all guests and crew will be provided complimentary access to standard wi-fi as part of their fare inclusion. Guests will also be able to purchase package upgrades enabling access to higher bandwidth if they so wish.

Viking announces new Treasures of the Rhine itinerary

• Viking today announced Treasures of the Rhine, a new river voyage allowing guests the opportunity to experience Europe’s rich culture during winter. The new Middle Rhine itinerary debuts in December 2023 and establishes Viking as the first line to operate year-round on Europe’s storied rivers, offering guests easier access to landmarks when there are typically fewer crowds.
• The 10-day Treasures of the Rhine itinerary allows guests to discover the enchanting landscape and rich cultures of the Middle Rhine, a UNESCO Site boasting turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, medieval towns and stunning scenery. Guests can admire the terraced vineyards dating back to the Romans and taste the region’s renowned red and white wines. An ideal time to visit, winter offers Viking guests smaller crowds, easier access to landmarks and opportunities to savour the culinary traditions of Alsace while exploring Amsterdam, Basel and Cologne.
• Hosting 190 guests in 95 staterooms, the award-winning fleet of identical Viking Longships offers a variety of stateroom categories and true, two-room suites with full-size verandas. Onboard amenities include a restaurant, bar and lounge, library and expansive sun deck. The ships feature al fresco dining on the revolutionary Aquavit Terrace, elegant Scandinavian design and environmentally considerate features, such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energy-efficient hybrid engines for a remarkably smooth ride.

Carnival to Serve Estimated 10.5 Million Burgers This Year

• Carnival Cruise Line ships will serve up nearly 30,000 tasty burgers – which is about the daily average fleetwide at Guy’s Burger Joint – this International Burger Day on May 28. In celebration of burgers beloved worldwide, the cruise line is revealing which of its menu items guests order most.
• Guy’s Burger Joint, a Carnival mainstay created by longtime partner, celebrity chef and restaurateur Guy Fieri, will serve an estimated 10.5 million burgers this year. Here’s how the popular options stack up:
  • 5.) Pig Patty: 577,000 orders – This burger has many traditional toppings, including lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle, but it also features Super Melty Cheese and a patty made out of crispy bacon.
  • 4.) Chilius Maximus: 640,000 orders – A tasty beef burger patty is made even tastier by topping it with a heaping helping of delicious chili.
  • 3.) The Ringer: 2.3 million orders – The Ringer is topped with Super Melty Cheese plus Guy’s Bourbon and Brown Sugar BBQ sauce, and a crispy and spicy onion ring.
  • 2.) Straight Up: 3.2 million orders – This burger is a classic and the choice of about 30 percent of the orders at Guy’s Burger Joint. It’s topped off with Super Melty Cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and a liberal slathering of Donkey Sauce.
  • 1.)  Plain Jane: 3.7 million orders – It’s clear, most guests want to choose how to top off their burgers themselves. This 80/20 ground chuck is seasoned, smashed on the grill, and served up to be finished however guests like it at the toppings station, which is featured at every Guy’s Burger Joint fleetwide. The Plain Jane makes up more than a third of all burger orders.
• Guy’s Burger Joint launched in 2011 and is featured on all of Carnival’s 25 ships serving up the best burgers at sea. Select Carnival ships also feature Guy’s Pig & Anchor offering smoked-on-board barbecue favourites and sides, as well as Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse serving craft beer brewed on board. Earlier this year, Fieri – along with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar – expanded his offerings aboard Carnival ships by introducing Guy and Sammy’s premium Santo Tequilas.