Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Launches 2nd Ultra-Luxury Superyacht
The first and only luxury hotel company to take to the sea has welcomed Ilma, its second newbuild, ultra-luxury ‘superyacht’. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s latest small ship is host to fewer than 500 guests in its 224 ‘airy and intuitive’ suites, all with private terraces providing direct access to the sea. The Ilma also offers guests world-class dining curated by MICHELIN-starred restaurant chefs, a sweeping pool deck offering spectacular views at sea, new itineraries, bespoke amenities, among the highest guest-to-staff ratio,...
New Small-Ship Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line Launches 2nd Ship; Explora III and IV On the Way
During a spectacular naming ceremony in Civitavecchia – the port for Rome, Italy – Explora Journeys launched Explora II. The September, 2024 event marked the debut of the second of six ships by the lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group. Explora Journeys promises guests the opportunity to experience an “Ocean State of Mind,” connecting you with both the sea and the growing cruise line’s curated destinations. The traditional maritime ceremony featured the symbolic cutting of a ribbon to break...
VIDEO TOUR: Panorama Suite on Scenic Eclipse During an Antarctic Expedition Cruise
One of the most remarkable things about sailing aboard the Scenic Eclipse in the Antarctic is the contrast between the wild remoteness just outside… and feeling like you’re a guest at a chic boutique hotel in any stylish urban hot spot in the world. One minute, you’re in a zodiac heading towards a colony of penguins on an ice and snow-covered hill at the edge of an iceberg-filled sea… and the next minute, you’re sipping a bespoke cocktail made with ice fished...
Reservations Open as Windstar’s New Ship Set to Mark Cruise Line’s Return to Alaska
Windstar Cruises’ brand-new ship debuts in early 2026, and reservations have opened for Star Seeker’s inaugural season in Alaska, Japan and the Caribbean. The small ship cruise line last sailed in Japan and Alaska in 2023. Star Seeker is currently under construction in Europe and is scheduled to debut at the end of 2025 and join Windstar’s 6-ship fleet in January 2026. Star Seeker will sail in Alaska from May through August on 7-, 10-, and 11-day cruises between Juneau, or Seward,...
This Overwater Pickleball Court is Causing a ‘Racket’
The pickleball craze continues! Not content to dominate community parks around North America, the sociable, ‘tennis light’ paddle sport is taking root in holiday destinations – not just on land resorts and hotels, but also at sea, and, in the latest twist, overwater! Pickleball on the Rivers of EuropeAmaWaterways made waves when it became the first river cruise line to introduce a full-sized pickleball court (pictured, below). That’s courtesy of the extraordinary (for river cruise ships) size of the AmaMagna, the...
Get In On This Summer's Hottest Cocktail Trend With These Next-Gen Sips from MSC
Gin is in! Cocktail culture is back, and one of the original ingredients of cocktails is having a renaissance, too. MSC Cruises has ‘tapped’ into the of-the-moment trend that’s seen a boom in types of gin and new gin cocktails. The cruise line is introducing new drinks fleet-wide to join in its lineup of cool summer sips. For many, fun and sophisticated cocktails and new dining experiences are the cornerstone of a cruise vacation, and MSC partners with world-class, award-winning wine, spirits...
Fun Facts About Norway’s Fjords
Norway is so famous for its fjords, the Norwegian word has become part of the international travel dialect. In languages around the world, ‘fjord’ means a deep, natural sea channel reaching far inland, surrounded by dramatic cliffs carved millennia ago by glaciers on their way to the sea. According to Visit Norway, the word ‘fjord’ has Viking roots, relating to the phrase for a ‘crossing point.’ The vast system of fjords along Norway’s coast certainly helps explain ancient Norse seafaring culture; skillful...
New Record Set at Sea: World's Largest Pizza Party
Plenty of cruise lines swear they serve the best pizza. But only one cruise line can now claim to hold the Guinness World Record for World’s Largest Pizza Party. Over 60,000 slices of pie were served fresh from the oven over multiple ships across the Princess Cruises fleet simultaneously in July, 2024 to set the record. World’s Largest Pizza Party By the Numbers:· Total Weight of Dough Used: 6,512 pounds· Total Weight of Flour Used: 3,417 pounds· Total Weight of Pepperoni Slices Used:1,393 pounds· Total...
VIDEO: Stunning Scenic Sailing on Europe’s Danube River Aboard the Riverside Mozart
It’s some of the most incredible scenery along the middle Danube River! One of the absolute highlights of our river cruise on the Danube through Austria aboard the Riverside Mozart was the daytime scenic sailing through the wondrous ‘Danube Snare.’ The Danube is Europe’s longest river and the middle Danube is one of the most popular river cruise destinations in Europe - not just for magnificent cities like Budapest, Vienna, Linz and Passau. That middle section of the Danube between...
First LEGO Parade at Sea, Only Over-Water Swing and More on MSC World America
Building family fun on a cruise vacation couldn’t be easier. When the new MSC World America launches in April, 2025, it will have an over 10,0000 square foot kids’ area, complete with an enhanced partnership with LEGO that will offer first-at-sea experiences. Plus the only over-water swing ride – the ‘Cliffhanger’ - towering over 160 feet above the ocean - and other ‘can’t miss’ experiences for families. One of seven districts on the upcoming ship, Family Aventura is the destination for...