The vineyard meets the ocean aboard Royal Princess Seacation with new Wine Selectors partnership

• Princess Cruises, announced a new partnership with renowned Australian wine company Wine Selectors hosting a four-day wine-themed Seacation aboard Royal Princess.  The 142,000-tonne, 3,560-guest Medallion-class ship will depart Sydney on 15 November 2023, making her maiden call into Hobart on 17 November before returning to Sydney.
• Guests onboard the Seacation will enjoy a variety of wine-themed activities hosted by Wine Selectors, such as complimentary tastings of exclusive wines. Guests can also enjoy a guided masterclass hosted by International wine show judge, winemaker and educator, Dave Mavor, matched with gourmet food for $30 per person.
• Also available will be an intimate, five-course dinner with Tasmanian Winemaker Jeremy Dineen at Princess Cruises award-winning Chef’s Table Lumiere. The menu, complete with expertly matched Tasmanian wine pairings, will be strictly limited to 12 guests at $140 per person.

Norwegian Joy Enhancements

• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), announced today that Norwegian Joy will undergo enhancements in January 2024 to elevate the onboard guest experience with popular offerings, including a new Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon, expanded Vibe Beach Club, 24 new staterooms, redesigned Three-Bedroom The Haven Premier Owner’s Suites, and more.
• When Norwegian Joy emerges from her three-week dry dock in February 2024, guests will have access to an indulgent onboard spa experience with a brand-new Thermal Suite, soon-to-be the largest of the brand’s Breakaway-Plus class ships. Designed with NCL guest feedback in mind, Norwegian Joy’s Spa Thermal Suite will boast a more centralised layout with an unparalleled arrival experience featuring elegant sculptures and waterfalls.  A separate lounge area will feature three times as many hot tile loungers, and guests will be able to enjoy easy access to relaxing and reinvigorating experiences including a sauna, ice room and aromatic steam room.  Innovative additions will include a new Biostation with IV Drip Therapy, an increasingly popular rejuvenating treatment delivering essential nutrients to the body; four-senses loungers for the ultimate sensory experience for deep relaxation; and Kneipp haptic foot therapy, which massages guests’ feet as they walk across a pebbled moving stream that alternates between hot and cold foot baths. The all-new Thermal Suite will replace the Galaxy Pavilion, the ship’s virtual-reality complex.
• To continue offering guests a wider choice of accommodations, the redesign will include repurposing a portion of the Observation Lounge to create 24 new balcony staterooms, as well as recategorising 40 new spa balcony staterooms, which will include direct access to the Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite.  Additionally, due to unprecedented demand, Norwegian Joy’s The Haven by Norwegian® Premier Owner’s Suites with a Large Balcony will be expanded to include three bedrooms; three and a half bathrooms; fully renovated living rooms, master bedrooms and outdoor balcony furniture; as well as a new separate dining room overlooking the forward-facing The Haven Horizon Lounge. The Haven by Norwegian® is the Company’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship, and key-card access only complex featuring the most spacious suites and dedicated experiences including concierge service, a private pool area, restaurant, and bar.
• During her dry dock, Norwegian Joy’s ever-popular exclusive adults-only Vibe Beach Club will be expanded, taking over the existing Laser Tag arena on Deck 20. The new space will boast a similar layout to the Vibe Beach Club found on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss, with new private luxe cabanas.
• Norwegian Joy will resume sailings post dry dock on 13 February, 2024, when she embarks on an 11-Day Transatlantic voyage from Southampton, United Kingdom to Miami. In March 2024, the ship will cruise seven-day round-trip Caribbean voyages from Miami before sailing to Bermuda from New York for summer 2024.

Virgin Voyages Amplifies Eat & Drink Festival with Two-Month Culinary & Cocktail Showcase

• Virgin Voyages is calling seasoned foodies and travelers craving a delicious getaway to celebrate the brand’s second annual Eat & Drink Festival. Spanning across two months, this culinary and cocktail showcase aboard Richard Branson’s travel fleet promises exciting international flavors, unique pairings, and incredible bites all brought to life through the brand’s award-winning food and beverage offerings.
• This August and September, Sailors aboard Virgin Voyages’ three ships – Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady – can sink their teeth into a series of gastronomic events created by the brand’s Culinary Collective and brought to life by the talented chefs aboard each vessel. From multi-course dinners and wine pairings to chef-led demos, ship-wide bar experiences, healthy walkabouts and special amuse bouches to start any meal in style, Sailors are sure to be surprised and delighted with the event line-up and special chef appearances.
• Fleet-Wide Events
  • Anchor Event: Taste of The Galley – Sailors can let their inner foodies run wild in The Galley, the chic food hall dreamt up to defy the traditional cruise buffet. Every sea day between 4 and 7 p.m., The Galley transforms into a gastronomic showcase offering a diverse array of flavors from all around the world. From Chef Matt Lambert comes a Meaty Boy Sandwich at Virgin Voyages’ 24-hour Diner & Dash while Chef Waki Ng delivers a flavor-packed punch with his Hiyashi Chuka, (Japanese cold soba noodles) at Noodle Around. Cost: Included
  • Anchor Event: Seven Sea Sippers – An elevated bar crawl disguised as a cocktail treasure hunt comes alive in Seven Seas Sippers. Following a map Captain Jack Sparrow would be impressed with, Sailors embark on an adventure across the ship. Along their route, they’ll explore popular watering holes, taste seven distinct cocktails or mocktails and earn stamps to earn a shot at claiming a secret treasure. Cost: $9-15 per cocktail
  • Razzle Dazzle by Night – Teased during last year’s Eat & Drink Month, this elevated dining concept at Razzle Dazzle is back and here to stay. Designed by Food Network’s Chef Eric Kim Haugen, the new menu at this eatery is anything but black & white like its signature WWI-inspired design. Featuring veggie-forward dishes and reimagined American classics like a short rib pastrami and Nashville hot cauliflower, Razzle Dazzle by Night has quickly become a Sailor favorite. Paired with a fresh drink menu from Miami’s Cocktail Cartel Co., the curated libations are not to be missed. Cost: Included
  • Amuse Bouche at Signature Eateries – Specially crafted by the talented chefs in Virgin Voyages’ Culinary Collective, these unique and inventive bouches are the perfect beginning to an unforgettable culinary journey. Cost: Included
  • Flavors Uncorked – Hosted at The Wake, Virgin Voyages’ glamourous steak & seafood eatery, Flavors Uncorked is a five-course dinner menu by Michelin-starred Chef Brad Farmerie. This decadent dining experience comes complete with Champagne, oysters two ways and a grilled Tomahawk steak, all paired with wines to amplify the flavor profiles. Cost: $125/Sailor or $250/two Sailors
  • Path of Negroni – An Italian classic made with a combination of Campari, sweet vermouth and gin, the Negroni a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication that’s enamored bartenders worldwide. Its endless adjustable template has inspired the Negroni Family Tree, giving mixologists – and now Sailors – the freedom to explore & create their own variations. Cost: $50/Sailor
  • Juice Walk – Virgin Voyages’ detox and retox concept comes alive with Juice Walk, a traveling juice bar walkabout weaving Sailors through the ship’s can’t-miss juice and smoothie spaces. Designed to get Sailors active & engaged, the multi-stop workout led by The Balancer travels across the ship and features built-in recovery stops. During these delicious breaks, Sailors can sip & savor healthy fruit & veggie-forward libations while mingling with fellow Sailors. And for those who complete the circuit, there may be a “naughty” bevvy waiting. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Events by Ship
• Scarlet Lady
  • Let’s Mushroom Around – This interactive, demo-style cooking class gives Sailors the opportunity to discover the techniques behind two of Virgin Voyages’ most iconic mushroom-inspired dishes: The Test Kitchen’s Mushroom Mousse and Razzle Dazzle’s Mushroom Tartare. Cost: $25/Sailor
  • Bubbles & Bites a Champagne and Fried Chicken Affair – Like the iconic duos of peanut butter & jelly or macaroni & cheese, savory fried chicken was meant to be enjoyed with Champagne… or so we’re saying. During this delightful and surprising pairing, Sailors will sample three luxurious Champagne varieties followed by a crispy and savory fried chicken. Cost: $45/Sailor
  • Rum Runners – Follow the tales of rum and its unlawful origins in a tasting experience temming with fascinating history, intriguing characters, and expert craftsmanship (plus daring pirate tales and prohibition anecdotes on the side). Cost: $35/Sailor
  • Shot for Shot – During this interactive beverage class hosted in The Test Kitchen, Sailors will drink and click their way to a whole new level of self-expression: making four signature cocktails and snapping the perfect Insta-worthy photo. Cost: $50/Sailor
  • Miami’s Finest: Bar Takeover – We’re bringing the best of Miami’s bar scene to the sea for an exclusive (and unprecedented) collaboration that pushes the boundaries of mixology curated by Unfiltered Hospitality. Cost: Varies per Cocktail
  • Chef Cooking Demo: Eric Kim Haugen – During this chef demo, Eric will demonstrate his vegan version of Nashville hot chicken using cauliflower accompanied by butterhead lettuce, pickled vegetables and plant-based ranch. Eric will be on-board Aug. 9. Cost: $25/Sailor
  • Chef Cooking Demo: Waki Ng – With more than 20 years of experience, award-winning Waki specializes in contemporary sushi preparation and original ramen creations. Now at the helm of Shinka Ramen & Sake in New York City, Waki will show Sailors how to prepare Hiyashi Chuka, or Japanese cold soba noodles. Waki will be on-board Aug. 14. Cost: $25/Sailor
  • Chef Cooking Demo: George Motz – Recognized by The New York Times and Eater LA as the ultimate hamburger authority, George brings his skills to the high seas, teaching Sailors to create his famous Motz burgers, washed down with a refreshing Heineken lager. George will be on-board Aug. 23. Cost: $25/Sailor
  • Chef Cooking Demo: Matt Lambert – Known for his restaurant Rodd & Gunn, Michelin-star chef Matt Lambert created the original menu for The Test Kitchen and is back to wow Sailors yet again with an on-board cooking demo. They’ll create a tuna red pepper tart with bonito custard and chili lime dressing. Matt will be on-board Sept. 20. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Valiant Lady
  • Let’s Get Choco-Lit – A mix between chocolate worship and pastry workshop, this mouthwatering culinary demo is a treat for anyone who loves baked sweets. Sailors will awaken their inner chocolatier through the world of luscious flavors, rich textures and tantalizing aromas as they discover the art of making exquisite chocolate pralines and irresistible rocher treats. Cost: $25/Sailor
  • Master The Art of (White) Wine – Swirl. Smell. Savor. In this sensory journey, Sailors will learn how to appreciate the nuances of white wine like a pro in a 60-minute wine-tasting class at The Wake. Cost: $45/Sailor
  • Barcelona’s Finest: Bar Takeover – We’re bringing the best of Barcelona’s bar scene to the sea for an exclusive (and unprecedented) collaboration that pushes the boundaries of mixology curated by Burnt Sage. Cost: Varies per Cocktai
  • Chef Cooking Demo: Brad Farmerie – Known for the Big Apple’s Michelin-starred PUBLIC and Saxon+Parole, Farmerie created the limited-time Flavors Uncorked experience at The Wake. He also created a special heirloom tomato and cantaloupe gazpacho to demo for Sailors. Brad will be on-board Aug. 6. Cost: $25/Sailor
  • Chef Cooking Demo: Silvana Salcido Esparza – Featured in Esquire Magazine and on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Silvana created the menu at Pink Agave and is back to offer an interactive guacamole demo for Sailors. Silvana will be on-board Sept 3. Cost: $25/Sailor
  • Chef Cooking Demo: Matt Lambert – Known for his restaurant Rodd & Gunn, Michelin-star chef Matt Lambert created the original menu for The Test Kitchen and is back to wow Sailors yet again with an on-board cooking demo. They’ll create a tuna red pepper tart with bonito custard and chili lime dressing. Matt will be on-board Sept. 10. Cost: $25/Sailor
  • Chef Cooking Demo: Sohui Kim – Known for NYC’s The Good Fork, Insa and Gage & Tollner, Sohui Kim brings a taste of Korean tradition to the ships with her dynamic dumplings dish. Learn to make this delicious comfort meal at Gunbae, the only Korean BBQ at sea. Sohui will be on-board Sept. 17. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Resilient Lady
  • Acai What You Did There – During this demo at The Test Kitchen, Sailors will learn how to make a tempting açaí bowl with healthy toppings, the perfect blend of taste and nutrition for those with little time and a big sweet tooth. Cost: $25/Sailor
  • Master The Art of (Red) Wine – Swirl. Smell. Savor. In this sensory journey, Sailors will learn how to appreciate the nuances of red wine like a pro in a 60-minute wine-tasting class at The Wake. Cost: $45/Sailor
  • Shot For Shot – During this interactive beverage class hosted in The Test Kitchen, Sailors will drink and click their way to a whole new level of self-expression: making four signature cocktails and snapping the perfect Insta-worthy photo. Cost: $50/Sailor
  • Chef Cooking Demo: Silvana Salcido Esparza – Featured in Esquire Magazine and on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Silvana created the menu at Pink Agave and is back to offer an interactive guacamole demo for Sailors. Silvana will be on-board Aug. 27. Cost: $25/Sailor
  • Chef Cooking Demo: Matt Lambert – Known for his restaurant Rodd & Gunn, Michelin-star chef Matt Lambert created the original menu for The Test Kitchen and is back to wow Sailors yet again with an on-board cooking demo. They’ll create a tuna red pepper tart with bonito custard and chili lime dressing. Matt will be on-board Sept. 3. Cost: $25/Sailor
  • Chef Cooking Demo: Sohui Kim – Known for NYC’s The Good Fork, Insa and Gage & Tollner, Sohui Kim brings a taste of Korean tradition to the ships with her dynamic dumplings dish. Learn to make this delicious comfort meal at Gunbae, the only Korean BBQ at sea. Sohui will be on-board Aug. 13. Cost: $25/Sailor

Le Commandant Charcot to embark on world-first expedition to St Lawrence River during heart of Boreal Winter

• Ponant’s 2024-2025 winter programme is now offering a breathtaking voyage through the ice of the St Lawrence River during the heart of Boreal Winter – a world first for a cruise ship.
• Guests can embark on an exceptional 13-day journey on board Le Commandant Charcot, the cutting-edge polar exploration vessel fuelled by LNG and equipped with state-of-the-art technology through the St Lawrence River to pristine Québec and the Inn and Micmac communities of Canada.
• With 4 voyages available, travellers can savour the expansive frozen landscapes adorned with glistening ice, immaculate white forests and illuminated by the captivating aurora borealis. Promising an opportunity to relish some of the world’s most magnificent open spaces, the potential to encounter the emblematic caribou, elk and black bears in their natural habitat is a truly fascinating opportunity.
• Hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, dog sledding and ice fishing is available for adventure seekers, allowing them to explore this enchanting and truly fascinating environment while potentially encountering the emblematic caribou, elk and black bears in their natural habitat.
• Famous for the local peoples’ hospitality and friendly nature, this “region of a thousand customs” promises a voyage of a lifetime enriched by the warm welcome and ancestral traditions of the Innu people in Sept-Îles and the Micmacs in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Carnival extends Military appreciation.

• Building on its standing as the cruise line that carries the most military service members, Carnival Cruise Line has expanded its Military Appreciation Gathering into a full Military Appreciation Day, on all sailings in North America.
• Beginning the week of July 24, Carnival’s Military Appreciation Day will be held on each ship. Guests will see special messaging presented on the Carnival Seaside Theater screen and will also hear announcements from the Cruise Director and Captain. On sailings of four days and more, a large United States Flag will be displayed in the ship’s atrium throughout Military Appreciation Day.
• Every Carnival cruise currently features a Military Appreciation Gathering and those tribute events will remain an integral part of Military Appreciation Day with several enhancements. Now, guests can learn more about Carnival partner Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building strong, stable and secure military families. Carnival will soon make it easier for guests to donate to Operation Homefront, with a quick swipe of their Sail & Sign card. Guests may also purchase group photos from the gathering at a discounted rate, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Operation Homefront. All members of the military attending the gathering will receive a special pin, and the longest-serving veteran will receive a special hero coin.     
• Each month, Carnival will give away a free cruise to one member of the military and a guest of their choice. Guests can enter the raffle by simply swiping their Sail & Sign card at the Military Appreciation Gathering.
• On all Carnival sailings, guests in the military also have the opportunity to attend a Veterans Meet and Greet. On Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance and Carnival Pride, the event will be held in the Heroes Tribute Lounge – a venue on several Carnival ships that salutes members of the military. These sailings will also include the Veteran’s Table – a reserved table in the dining room for veterans during Tea Time.

Carnival expedites debarkation in key US homeports  

• In the midst of a busy summer travel season, Carnival Cruise Line continues to expand the use of facial biometric technology to expedite the debarkation process and its partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has already improved the experience for more than three million Carnival guests.
• Nine of Carnival’s 14 U.S. homeports are using this secure, streamlined technology, including Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Jacksonville, New York, Baltimore, Mobile, Galveston and Long Beach. Across the homeports where facial biometrics is being used, the debarkation process has been expedited by an average of 30 percent in the largest deployment of the technology in the cruise industry.
• U.S. travelers and select foreign nationals who prefer to opt out of the facial biometric process can simply request a manual document check from a CBP Officer, consistent with existing requirements for admission into the United States.

2025 Bookings Open, Holland America Line Leads Alaska

• The riches of the wilderness take centre stage on Holland America Line’s Alaska cruises as the region’s natural wonders and rugged beauty unfold. With the most visits to Alaska’s glaciers and more ways to see wildlife and wilderness on a shore excursion than any other cruise line, Holland America Line is weaving more than 75 years of Alaska expertise into every facet of the experience.
• As the 2025 season opens for booking, Holland America Line is building on the top reasons travellers choose an Alaska cruise — to see glaciers and wildlife — by offering the most Glacier Bay permits in the cruise industry, the most glacier viewing experiences and the most opportunities to see the animals of Alaska with nearly 180 shore excursions that take guests on a wildlife and wilderness encounter.
• “Guests choose an Alaska cruise because they want to see a glacier up close and whales in the wild, and we’re proud to be number-one in these areas by offering our guests more ways to experience glaciers, wildlife and wilderness than any other cruise line,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer, Holland America Line. “As we open bookings for our 2025 season, we’re offering an unmatched Alaska: Up Close experience and incentives to start planning now.”
• From April through October 2025, guests can embark on Holland America Line’s cruises to Alaska aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam. Departures are roundtrip from Seattle, Washington; roundtrip from Vancouver, Canada; or in either direction between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska.
• More Glaciers for Viewing and Visiting
  • Every Alaska cruise includes a scenic visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glaciers where the ships sail up to the face of the ice formations and rotate for a 360-degree view. Holland America Line has more permits to visit Glacier Bay National Park than any cruise line, and the ships also visits several others along the journey: College Fjord, Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier and Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm.
  • During Glacier Bay scenic cruising, Glacier Bay National Park Rangers visit Holland America Line ships for the day to engage with guests and talk about Alaska’s most famous national park.
  • In addition to scenic glacier viewing from the ship, guests can get up close to glaciers on a shore excursion, including the Excursions by Catamaran: Hubbard Glacier & Enchanting Disenchantment Bay in Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Inlet and Glacier Explorer to Sawyer Glacier, both boarded directly from the ship; Helicopter Glacier Trek in Juneau where guest land on a glacier or the Five Glaciers Seaplane tour over section of the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Ice Field; and the Wilderness, Wildlife and Glacier Experience in Anchorage.
• Whales, Bears, Eagles and More.
  • With the most shore excursions featuring a wildlife and wilderness encounter, Holland America Line offers nearly 180 tours to see species of all kinds, including: whale watching in Juneau; Sea Otter Quest and Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bear in Sitka; Wilderness Zodiac Quest in Ketchikan to go in search of bears, eagles and seals; Spasski River Wildlife and Bear Search in Icy Strait Point; Glacier Point Wilderness Safari showcasing whales, sealions and seals, and Haines Eagle Preserve Float and Wildlife Quest to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, both from Skagway.
• Wildlife Experts Lead Spotting
  • A wildlife expert on board helps guests witness the majestic animals found in Alaska. Guests can be on the lookout for humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, moose, sea otters, caribou, black and grizzly bears, Dall’s porpoise and more. The daily program highlights designated times to meet the wildlife expert on deck to go in search of the animals in their natural environment.
  • Holland America Line’s Wildlife Spotting Guide points out the native animals found along the cruise route and includes a map with the best places to see each species. Between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., wildlife sightings are announced for guest viewing.
  • All cruises on Westerdam roundtrip from Seattle feature a presentation by The Alaska Raptor Center at Sitka. Hosted by the wildlife expert, one of the centre’s Avian Care Specialists comes aboard with a raptor (eagle, hawk, owl, etc.) to share insights about Alaska’s majestic birds in World Stage.
• ‘Alaska Up Close’ Immerses Guests in the Local Culture
  • Holland America Line’s “Alaska Up Close” deeply immerses guests in the local culture with authentic onboard programming, cruise activities and award-winning shore excursions. The exclusive experiences are delivered through experts leading workshops and lectures from those who know Alaska best, EXC Talks exploring the stories of real Alaskans, tours highlighting the best of each destination and fine dining events showcasing the culinary traditions of the region.
  • On all Alaska cruises, a Huna Native Interpreter in historical dress comes on board during the evening stay at Juneau to introduce guests to the history of the Tlingit people with “Native Voices: Stories of the Tlingit People.” On the culinary side, guests will find cocktails featuring real glacier ice, an Alaska-themed brunch, Gold Rush dinner, seafood boils, salmon bakes and themed stations in Lido Market.
• Serving Only the Freshest Sustainable Seafood
  • In 2022, Holland America Line was awarded Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification — making it the first cruise line to achieve this distinguished credential by serving only fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood. On any Alaska cruise, the line serves more than 2,000 pounds of Alaska salmon, 1,000 pounds of Alaska cod, 800 pounds of Alaska halibut, 500 pounds of Alaska rockfish and more. All menus highlight “Taste Alaska” by calling out region-specific dishes and fresh fish.
• Highlights for 2025 Alaska Cruises:
  • Following an exceptionally popular debut itinerary created for 2024, the 28-day “Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice” cruise aboard Westerdam returns in 2025. Departing June 8 in time for the Summer Solstice, the voyage sails roundtrip from Seattle to the Bering Sea and into the Arctic Circle. Alaskan ports include Anchorage (overnight), Dutch Harbor, Haines (Skagway), Homer, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Nome, Seward, Sitka, Valdez and Wrangell, along with Prince Rupert, in Canada. Scenic cruising includes Glacier Bay, Inside Passage, Tracy Arm, College Fjord, Little Diomede Island, Prince William Sound and Hubbard Glacier.
  • The 14-day “Great Alaskan Explorer” itinerary offers an in-depth adventure with eight Alaska ports. Departures are roundtrip from Vancouver.
  • Nieuw Amsterdam (May 4): Anchorage, Homer, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Skagway, Valdez and Wrangell, with Endicott Arm/Dawes Glacier.
  • Noordam (Sept. 14), Anchorage, Homer, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Prince Rupert, Skagway, Sitka and Valdez, with Glacier Bay.
  • Seven-day “Northbound Glacier Discovery” and “Southbound Glacier Discovery” itineraries cruise between Whittier (Anchorage) and Vancouver aboard Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.
  • Seven-day “Alaska Inside Passage” cruises sail roundtrip from Vancouver on Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.
  • Seven-day “Alaskan Explorer” cruises sail roundtrip from Seattle aboard Eurodam and Westerdam, and include calls at Victoria, British Columbia (evening visit), and Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka. Eurodam also includes Alaska’s Icy Strait Point and Glacier Bay; Westerdam explores Dawes Glacier.

Costa Connects

• Costa Cruises has announced the successful introduction on its flagship Costa Toscana of the next generation Wi-Fi connectivity with SpaceX’s Starlink, the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology.
• The new service is already operating, offering the best available Wi-Fi experience to Costa Toscana guests, as they explore some of the most interesting destinations in Western Mediterranean on one-week cruises.
• After Costa Toscana, SpaceX’s innovative Starlink broadband service will be gradually extended to the rest of the Costa fleet, starting with Costa Smeralda, sister ship of the Costa Toscana. Installation on all ships of the Costa fleet is scheduled to be completed by December 2023.

AIDA is sponsoring partner of the Hanse Sail 2023

• The Hanse Sail is the largest annual meeting for traditional ships in the world. This year, the cruise company AIDA Cruises is present as a sponsor of the highest category “Admiral” at the Hanse Sail from August 10 to 13, 2023.
• The cooperation between AIDA Cruises and the Hanse Sail is a perfect combination of maritime tradition and modern vacation experience:
• AIDA will be represented on site with an extensive program. Thus, the kissing mouth is visible in many places on the entire area from the Warnemünde lighthouse to the silo peninsula in the city harbor. With AIDAdiva, a ship of the fleet is also part of the event.
• On land, AIDA takes all those interested in cruises on a journey into the AIDA world. Between the AIDA buildings on the silo peninsula in Rostock’s city harbor, visitors can relax in a deck chair and enjoy an ice cream and a view of the hustle and bustle on the Warnow River. The little ones play in the Kids Corner and are delighted when Dodo, the mascot from the AIDA Kids Club, drops by. The AIDA travel consultants will provide information about the most beautiful vacation trips with the AIDA ships. The AIDA competition offers a travel voucher for the perfect dream cruise.
• The AIDAradio jukebox can be found on the Haedge peninsula. Here visitors can get in the mood for the party with hot beats and disco feeling.
• In Warnemünde at the lighthouse, the AIDA kissing stop offers a wonderful selfie spot. The AIDAradio team will be guests on Saturday, August 12, 2023, on the stage of the Mittelmole and will present a colorful program with small competitions and lots of information about the AIDA world.
• The crowning highlight of this year’s Hanse Sail is the departure parade on Saturday, August 12, 2023. At 8 p.m. AIDAdiva will depart from the Warnemünde Cruise Center and will be accompanied by a fireboat and traditional sailing vessels. This moment is not only moving for the sight-seers ashore, but especially for the guests on board, who will enjoy the flair of the maritime festival from the deck at the start of their ten-day cruise to Norway, Sweden and Denmark and have one of the most spectacular views of the scenery off Warnemünde during the departure.