Cruise
MSC offers sneak peek at MSC World America
With less than five months until the launch of MSC Cruises’ new flagship, MSC World America, the cruise line has shared a unique look into the ship’s construction. MSC World America represents an important evolution for MSC Cruises’ successful World Class prototype - ushering in a new world of cruising with re-imagined venues and concepts to deliver the ultimate guest experience in the Caribbean, offering MSC Cruises’ signature elegant European design with North American comfort appealing to travellers who are seeking global adventures. Life on board The new flagship will...
Windstar Cruises’ new Star Seeker floats out in Portugal
The new Star Seeker yacht, the first Star Class new build for small ship line Windstar Cruises, has floated out of the building dock, touching water for the first time at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. A float out is a maritime tradition of marking when a ship leaves dry dock and becomes waterborne for the first time. While construction of Star Seeker’s exterior is complete, work will be ongoing to complete the interiors, including 112 spacious suites. The ship will also boast five dining options, a full-service spa with a grand entrance from the deck above,...
Ponant announces 36 co-branded Smithsonian sailings for 2026
Ponant has announced 36 co-branded sailings for 2026 in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution. Marking the most departures ever offered in a single year, this expanded lineup represents a fifth year of collaboration between Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys highlighting a continued shared commitment to fostering global citizenship through immersive travel experiences. These extraordinary voyages blend Ponant’s seafaring expertise and esteemed hospitality with Smithsonian’s unparalleled legacy as the world’s largest museum, education, and...
Ensemble to host LGBTQ+ sailing with Explora Journeys
Ensemble has announced its first-ever hosted LGBTQ+ sailing with luxury cruise line Explora Journeys. Taking place from July 26 to Aug. 2, 2025, aboard Explora I, the 8-day journey will set sail from Istanbul, Turkey, to Genoa, Italy, with stops in Lesbos and Paros, Greece; Palermo, Sicily; and along the Amalfi Coast. This voyage will be hosted by Jeffrey Bateman, VP of operations at Crown Cruise Vacations, a top member of Ensemble, and promises an exceptional experience of exploration, luxury, and community. This inaugural LGBTQ+ sailing reflects Ensemble's dedication to expanding its...
Oceania Cruises unveils 2026 sailings aboard three ships
Oceania Cruises has unveiled the second swathe of its 2026 Collection of Voyages which are available to book from Nov. 13, 2024. Travellers can choose from more than 60 new enticing itineraries, including 17 Grand Voyages, across the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe, aboard three of Oceania Cruises’ smallest ships, Nautica, Regatta, and Sirena, which carry just 670 guests each. “We are thrilled to offer this expansive collection of sailings for 2026, giving our curious guests the luxury of choice – from a seven-day roundtrip cruise from Miami sailing...
MSC Cruises showcases new ship at Toronto Event
MSC Cruises has given some Toronto-area travel trade types a glimpse of what sailings will be like when its upcoming ship begins weighing the anchor on a regular basis. The company held a Wednesday Toronto event showcasing some of what passengers can expect on its MSC World America, including providing event attendees pasta from an eatery named Eataly, also the name of a restaurant that will be on the vessel. Another station served gelato, the Italian ice cream that will be served on the MSC World America, part of Italian-owned MSC Cruises. The ship will begin sailing from Miami...
Oceania Cruises adds the Crêperie to Allura, launching July 2025
Oceania Cruises has unveiled details of its new culinary venue, the Crêperie, debuting on Allura, its newest ship launching in July 2025. The Crêperie, located next to Baristas, the line's signature coffee bar, will offer a selection of tempting French crêpes, Bruxelles waffles and bubble waffles, alongside Italian ice cream sundaes, from mid-morning throughout the afternoon. Oceania Cruises' executive culinary directors and resident master chefs of France, Alex Quaretti and Eric Barale, have developed more than 20 recipes for the new venue. The menu options, including the...
Good deeds, well done … Stewart Travel Group raises funds for Hospice PEI on river cruises
Stewart Travel Group returned from two back-to-back river cruise charters in France, bringing home a cheque for $38,700 for Hospice PEI, a community-focused non-profit organization in Prince Edward Island. The funds were raised through the generosity of nearly 250 cruise guests who joined the trips, hosted by Stewart Travel Group co-owners, Travis and Paula Stewart and their dedicated team. Onboard AmaWaterways’ AmaCello, the two week-long river journeys featured exclusive musical entertainment. During the first week, guests enjoyed intimate performances by award-winning...