Cruise News – Spring 2025

Main photo: Explora I at Sea

 

CroisiEurope is celebrating 30 years on the Rhone and 25 years in Venice

The Rhone

CroisiEurope started operating on the Rhône in February 1995 with a cruise from Chalon to Martigues on the MS Camargue. 30 years on, they now have four ships on the Rhône offering itineraries in Burgundy and Provence that sail from the wild expanses of the Camargue to the majestic gorges of the Ardèche, passing through the Vercors massif and visiting the beautiful cities of Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Lyon and Vienne.

Venice

CroisiEurope started operating in Venice in 2000 with a cruise on the MS Michelangelo which docked in the heart of the city, very close to Saint Mark’s Square. Today, CroisiEurope is one of the only operators still allowed to sail into the heart of Venice with cruises that reveal the splendors of the city and take guests to other historic towns and cities such as Mantua, Padua, Murano, Burano and Verona.
Visit: www.croisieuroperivercruises.com

 

Virgin Voyages Announces Industry First Annual Pass

Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s kid-free, boutique hotel at sea, announced today an all-new, industry first travel offer fit for the wanderlust explorer. In celebration of Travel Tuesday, and on the heels of the brand’s Summer Season Pass, travelers can now experience what it’s like to Set Sail the Virgin Way all year long. Starting from sailings in 2025, they can hop onto any ship, anytime, from anywhere – for an entire calendar year. Whether Sailors are chasing the sun to soak in the crystal blue waters of St. Kitts, dreaming of tangerine sunsets in Ibiza, or stargazing alongside the Icelandic shores, there is no shortage of itineraries, destinations and voyage lengths to choose from.
Visit: www.virginvoyages.com

 

Seabourn Announces New 2026 Northwest Passage Expeditions on Seabourn Venture

Seabourn, a leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, has unveiled its 2026 itineraries to the Northwest Passage and Canadian Arctic, giving guests the chance to explore some of the world’s most historic destinations and storied waterways. Between August and October 2026, Seabourn Venture will offer six voyages ranging from eight to 24 days, traversing the historic routes of The Northwest Passage and Canadian Arctic before sailing south to explore the Caribbean, South America and Antarctica.
Visit: www.seabourn.com

 

Viking Announces New 2026-2027 World Cruise Itineraries

Viking® has recently announced its new 2026-2027 World Cruise itineraries, including the Viking World Voyage III, which will journey around the world in 170 days, visiting 41 countries with 82 guided tours and overnight stays in 18 cities. Setting sail on Viking’s award-winning 930-guest ship, the Viking Sky®, from Fort Lauderdale on December 22, 2026, the itinerary will include ports of call across six continents before its final destination of Stockholm on June 10, 2027.

World Cruise guests can explore ports of call in Hawaii and journey through the isles of the South Pacific, including French Polynesia; traverse New Zealand and Australia; sail to iconic destinations throughout Asia; and travel up the western coast of Africa to Europe before concluding in either London or Stockholm. A shorter, 153-day portion of the sailing, Viking World Voyage IV, departs from Los Angeles on January 8, 2027 and visits 37 countries with 18 overnight ports of call before ending in Stockholm. Guests may also choose the 142-day Viking World Cruise 2026-2027 itinerary from Fort Lauderdale to London visiting 31 countries, or the 125-day voyage, Viking World Discoveries, which departs from Los Angeles and visits 27 countries before ending in London.

Viking’s newest World Cruise itineraries visit dozens of the world’s most iconic cities, alongside lesser-known destinations, in one continuous journey. Overnight stays in iconic ports such as Sydney, Zanzibar, Cape Town, Casablanca and many others allow guests to delve deeper. Viking will also visit Africa’s western coast, including Lagos in Nigeria, as well as Accra and Takoradi in Ghana.. While on board, Viking offers cultural enrichment through onboard lectures and entertainment – such as the Viking Resident Historian® program, which provides guests with a high-level historical and cultural education specific to their journey. Guests can immerse themselves in the world’s rich cultures during included excursions that provide unmatched insight into daily life, as well as Privileged Access® visits to cultural institutions.

Visit: www.viking.com

 

MSC Cruises’ 2027 World Cruise

MSC Cruises has recently opened sales for the MSC World Cruise 2027 with an exciting new itinerary aboard MSC Musica.

The new 121-night route will visit 45 stunning destinations in 25 countries, with seven overnight stays in must-see places and full-day stays in all other calls along this journey of a lifetime, which spans over 37,000 nautical miles across five continents.

This extraordinary sailing will cross the Equator two times, offering travelers the unique experience of ‘losing’ and ‘reliving’ a day, while having the chance to discover unique sights, sounds, flavours, and traditions from all around the globe.

With embarkation possible from one of four European ports – guests will voyage westward on a remarkable journey through some of the most diverse and spectacular destinations.

Guests will explore South America, including its southernmost point in Ushuaia (Argentina), nicknamed the “end of the world”, relish in the South Pacific’s stunning landscapes, and experience Australasia’s vibrant charm. The voyage continues to Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast before returning to Europe via a scenic transit of the Panama Canal, stopping to enjoy the flavours and colours of the Caribbean.

Some of the highlights of 2027 MSC World Cruise highlights include: Casablanca for Marrakech, Morocco, Mindelo, Cape Verde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Ushuaia, Argentina, Aitutaki, Cook Islands, Milford Sound, New Zealand, Sydney, Australia, Honolulu, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Panama and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Visit: www.msccruises.com

 

Princess Cruises’ 2026-2027 Sailings from the West Coast

Leading Cruise Line on the West Coast Offers Voyages from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver, B.C.

From sun-drenched Mexican beaches to the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii and the rugged beauty of California’s coast, Princess Cruises’ newly announced 2026-2027 West Coast season delivers unforgettable journeys across 26 breathtaking destinations. Sailing from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver, B.C., the program spans 69 voyages, including the debut of the highly anticipated Star Princess. With itineraries designed to immerse travelers in the culture, natural beauty, and cuisine of each region, the season promises a world-class cruising experience unlike any other.

Key Highlights of the 2026-2027 West Coast Season

Total Departures: 69, Unique Itineraries: 12, Destinations: 26, Ships: 8, including the new Star Princess

Sailings from Los Angeles
Roundtrip, seven-day Mexican Riviera voyage, 16-day Hawaiian Islands cruises, 7-day Classic California Coast sailings, and 10-day Baja Peninsula & Sea of Cortez voyage.

Sailings from San Francisco
16-day voyages to Hawaii, 11-day sailing to Mexico over the Christmas holiday, 7-day Pacific Northwest Coast in November 2026 and April 2027.

Vancouver, B.C. to Los Angeles
Wine lovers can enjoy cruises aboard five ships departing from Vancouver, B.C., including stops in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Catalina Island, and San Diego. Departures are scheduled for September 2026, with cruise lengths ranging from six to seven days aboard five ships.

Visit: www.princess.com

 

Explora Journeys Unveils Details of the Upcoming Explora III

Explora Journeys has recently announced details of EXPLORA III, setting sail for her inaugural journeys in Summer 2026. Designed to offer a refined home-away-from-home, EXPLORA III will feature 463 spacious Ocean Suites, Penthouses, and Residences, complemented by award-winning culinary offerings and ocean-inspired wellness experiences.

During her inaugural season, EXPLORA III will take guests on scenic journeys through Northern Europe’s dramatic coastlines, the magical landscapes of Iceland and Greenland, and the vibrant scenery of North America’s East Coast, before positioning to the Caribbean for the winter of 2026/2027. Throughout, guests will be invited to embrace the Ocean State of Mind while experiencing a redefined meaning of luxury ocean travel.

A Spacious Haven at Sea
EXPLORA III has been designed with the guest experience in mind, offering more space than ever before. The ship features one of the highest ratios of total public space per guest, as well as expanded outdoor public spaces. The ship offers 201 square feet (18.7 sqm) of public space per guest, one of the highest ratios in the industry. With 463 spacious suites, slightly more than EXPLORA I and II despite the ship’s increased size, EXPLORA III ensures a relaxed and airy atmosphere for all who step aboard.

The ship’s layout includes a focus on higher suite categories, offering more luxurious, inclusive, and spacious accommodations. EXPLORA III will feature 313 Ocean Suites, 109 Ocean Penthouses, 39 Ocean Residences, and two Owner’s Residences.

Visit: https://explorajourneys.com