52 | CRUISE NEWS


www.nitravelnews.com


Emerald Cruises Prepares for Launch of Newest Yacht Emerald Kaia


April/May 2026


Viking Announces New Mississippi and Ohio River Voyages for 2027


EMERALD Cruises are completing the final stages of their newest superyacht Emerald Kaia ahead of its first maiden voyage in April 2026. Emerald Kaia will accomodate just 128 guests


and features expansive outdoor spaces, Missoni designed interiors, the reinvented signature restaurant La Cucina featuring an open kitchen, and the intimate eightseat Night Market Grill dining experience. Emerald Kaia’s upcoming 11day inaugural


sailing from Limassol to Athens signals the start of a landmark year for the brand, as she embarks on a dedicated Mediterranean season exploring the region’s most alluring coastlines. Featuring a new Observation Sun Deck with an


Strictly Star Set to Hop Aboard MSC Cruises For Dance-Themed Sailing


MSC Cruises has announced an exclusive dance-themed cruise through the Norwegian Fjords aboard MSC Virtuosa. Joined by Shirley Ballas, The “Queen of Latin” will host an exclusive dance-themed cruise which is set to depart from Southampton. Shirley will host a dance masterclass packed with


tips and tricks, take part in a Q&A where she shares behind-the-scenes stories from her Strictly career. And for anyone feeling brave, there’s even a chance to perform in the talent show with Shirley as Head Judge. All these activities are complimentary and are available to book on board on a first-come, first- served basis. The itinerary onboard MSC Virtuosa will call at


some of Norway’s most charming ports including Sandnes (Stavanger), Haugesund and Kristiansand. Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales


said “It’s fantastic to have Shirley Ballas on MSC Virtuosa, she brings such great energy, style and sparkle, which is exactly what we love to see at sea. We’re all about unforgettable holidays, amazing entertainment, and those wow moments you talk


about long after you’re home.”


Swan Hellenic Launches Brazil Expedition Voyages for 2027


THE programme highlights Amazon exploration, UNESCO-listed heritage sites and key coastal destinations across Brazil. The cruise line has announced four


Brazil focused expedition cruises for 2027 which will combine three sailings into a 29-night voyage from Bridgetown to Rio de Janeiro via the Amazon and northern coast of South America. Travellers can discover a range of destinations from Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, to Salvador de Bahia, cradle of Afro-Brazilian heritage and Brazil’s first capital. Then there’s the historic city of Paramaribo, capital of Suriname, and Île du Salut in the Salvation Islands. The programme highlights Amazon


exploration, UNESCO-listed heritage sites and key coastal destinations across Brazil.


PRINCESS Cruises is expanding its 2027 and 2028 Southern Caribbean programmes with the addition of Barbados as a homeport. Guests will now have the choice between sailing roundtrip San Juan (Puerto Rico) or roundtrip Barbados. More than 30 voyages


across 15 destinations are included across the programmes, with Crown Princess sailing January through March 2027 and Emerald Princess sailing November 2027 through March 2028. Itineraries range from six to nine nights, with the majority being seven-night sailings. The addition of Barbados as a homeport


allows for travellers from the UK and Europe to fly direct to start their holiday. All itineraries include calls to San Juan, and the voyages feature different island


Crystal Announces Culinary Themed Voyage with Alajmo Brothers


CRYSTAL has announced that they will be hosting a culinary themed voyage on board Serenity, featuring well-known Michelin- Starred culinary visionaries – The Alajmo Brothers Three-Michelin-starred culinary visionaries will


be on board Crystal’s Serenity showcasing the artistry, heritage and innovation that defines the Alajmo dining experience. Gunter Lorenz, Crystal’s VP of food and


beverage, comments: “The evolution of Crystal’s culinary programme has always been rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship and meaningful partnerships with the world’s most respected chefs. Following the successful refresh of the Osteria d’Ovidio menus, this sailing was a natural


next fit — bringing Massimiliano, Raffaele and Giovanni onboard to engage directly with our guests and elevate the experience even further through personal storytelling, wine and cuisine.” Massimiliano Alajmo said, “For us, cooking


combinations across the season including Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and Tortola. Eithne Williamson, Princess Cruises UK, Ireland & EMEA vice president, said:


“Adding Barbados as a homeport to our Southern Caribbean programme provides greater choice and convenience to our guests travelling from the UK, as they can fly direct to join their


Princess voyage. “This expansion reflects


the valued feedback we continue to receive from our


travel agent partners. It reinforces our commitment to supporting them with growing their business with Princess by offering even more variety, greater convenience, and new ways for their customers to discover the Caribbean.”


MSC Cruises confirms their refurbishment of their Poesia ship that has entered dry dock at Palumbo Malta Shipyard. The upgrade comes after their refurbishment


of MSC Magnifica and highlights the cruiseline’s strategy to enhance guest experience across their fleet. The refurbishment of Poesia will introduce


MSC Yacht Club which will feature new suites, private facilities and butler service. The ship will also offer new dining experiences – Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and Kaito Sushi Bar and expanded wellness facilities before its debut in Alaska in May 2026. Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “This major refurbishment of MSC Poesia


has always been about sharing emotion, culture and a sense of place, We are very much looking forward to meeting Crystal’s guests in person, exchanging ideas and bringing the spirit of our kitchens to life onboard.”


reflects our continued efforts and commitment to investing in our fleet and delivering exceptional guest experiences. This refurbishment showcases MSC Cruises’ commitment to offering guests the best possible experience and modern amenities. We are proud to bring the addition of the MSC Yacht Club, new dining concepts and more to MSC Poesia and to offer guests more choice and more comfort than ever


before, ahead of the ship’s Alaska season.


additional Spa Pool, updated wellness facilities including an indoor/outdoor gym, and newly expanded suite and stateroom layouts, the yacht is now in the final stages of outfitting before joining sister yachts Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara in the growing Emerald Cruises fleet. Emerald Kaia’s maiden voyage marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Emerald Cruises, blending relaxed luxury with warmwater exploration.


Princess Cruises Expands 2027/28 Southern Caribbean Programmes


VIKING has unveiled details of new itineraries on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers for 2027. The new itineraries expand the company’s destination-focused offerings on the Mississippi River and include: •Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass (15 days; New Orleans – Louisville)– Explore the rich heritage of the American South, birthplace of some of the country’s most beloved culinary and musical traditions. Along the Mississippi River, grand homes preserve the South’s past. Step into Civil War history at Vicksburg and feel the rhythm of the blues in Greenville. Further north, sample smoky barbecue in Tennessee and discover Kentucky’s legacy of craftsmanship, from the powerful Louisville Slugger to smooth bourbon. • Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer (8 days; Memphis – Louisville) – Sail on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as they wind past scenic wetlands, quaint towns and storied cities. Classic American musical genres—the blues, rock ‘n’ roll and bluegrass—arose along these waterways. •Mississippi River Odyssey (22 days; New Orleans – St. Paul) – Revel in the charm of “America’s Great River” as you set sail along the Mississippi. Admire the historic mansions and grand homes atop its bluffs, and delve into America’s Civil War history. •Mississippi Delta Explorer (8 days; New Orleans – Memphis) – Discover Darrow, the gateway to the grand homes of the Lower Mississippi and explore the fascinating towns along the banks of the Mississippi that preserve the memory of the American South’s early history. Learn about Natchez’s French and Acadian heritage and pay your respects at the Vicksburg battlefield.


MSC Cruises Confirms Refurbishment for MSC Poesia Ahead of Alaska Sailing


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72