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Oceania Cruises’ Unveils First Look Itineraries for Newest Ship


February 2026


Food Heroes Take to the Seas with P&O Cruises


P&O Cruises has confirmed its 2026 Food Heroes programme, revealing a selection of sailings hosted by some of Britain’s most celebrated culinary names. The schedule will feature nine Food


Heroes cruises in total, including two sailings with chef Marco Pierre-White; four sailings hosted by wine expert Olly Smith; and two cruises with Spanish restaurateur José Pizarro. Marco Pierre White also celebrates


20 years working with P&O Cruises in 2026. The flagship sailing of this year’s


programme stars all three Food Heroes together. Guests can expect a programme


of exclusive experiences designed to


bring P&O Cruises culinary


proposition to life – from special menus and celebration nights curated by Marco Pierre White – to


hosted tastings, intimate talks and immersive events led by Olly Smith and José Pizarro. Carnival UK


& P&O Cruises


president Paul Ludlow said, “Food has always been at the heart of the P&O Cruises experience, and our Food Heroes programme brings that to life in a way that’s authentic, entertaining and genuinely distinctive. Celebrating Marco Pierre White’s


20th year with us – alongside José Pizarro and Olly Smith – is a powerful moment for the brand, and the all- star sailing in 2026 will be something truly special for our guests. “These cruises aren’t just about


incredible food and drink – they’re about the stories behind the menus, inspired by the amazing destinations we sail to, and the unforgettable experiences that stay with our guests long after they return home.”


OCEANIA Cruises has unveiled a first look at the itineraries of Oceania Sonata, the first ship in its all-new Sonata Class debuting in August 2027. With bookings opening on January 28,


2026, Oceania Sonata’s inaugural season features 22 sailings from August 2027 through April 2028, spanning more than 90 destinations on voyages ranging from 7 to 16 days. The 1,390-guest vessel will trace a route through the capitals and


coastal towns of


Europe to vibrant ports across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. “Oceania


Sonata’s inaugural season


is defined by the cultural diversity and geographic variety of the destinations she visits,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises. “As the first of four ships in the Sonata


Class, her premiere sets the tone for the thoughtfully designed itineraries, exceptional comfort and meaningful, unrushed freedom


to explore the world that underscore the continued evolution of Oceania Cruises.” Oceania Sonata’s maiden voyage will set


sail from Rome (Civitavecchia) on August 7, 2027, beginning a 14-day journey to Trieste. Highlighted ports of call include Catania, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Katakolon, Greece; Bar, Montenegro; and the Croatian port of Zadar. Oceania Sonata’s inaugural season will see her visit European cities including Barcelona, Spain; Athens, Greece; and Lisbon, Portugal alongside lesser-known ports such as Paros, Greece; Koper, Slovenia; Sarandë, Albania; and Palamós, Spain. Following her Mediterranean sailings,


Oceania Sonata will transit the Atlantic to Miami where she will begin her inaugural tropical season.


Bridgetown, Barbados, and Tortola,


Ports of call include British


Virgin Islands; plus, hidden gems across Latin America like Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa, Mexico, and Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; as well as sailing a daylight transit through the Panama Canal.


Holland America Line Introduces Moose Shore Excursion


HOLLAND America Line has introduced a new shore excursion to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). The ‘Exclusive Eland & Friends Moose Discovery’ tour will launch


during the upcoming Alaska cruise season. It includes a scenic drive along the Seward Highway and a guided behind-the-scenes visit to the conservation centre. During the tour, guests will learn how the AWCC supports moose health and wellbeing through enrichment activities, diet preparation, behaviour observation and station training. Among the moose guests may encounter is Eland, who arrived at the conservation centre in June 2025. His name, the Dutch word for “moose”, was selected by Holland America Line social media followers and reflects the cruise line’s Dutch heritage. The excursion was launched to mark National Moose Day, which is dedicated to recognising moose for their ecological importance and cultural significance. Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer of Holland America Line, said: “Seeing wildlife is one of the top reasons guests choose to cruise Alaska. This new shore excursion gives our guests an extraordinary opportunity to connect with moose in a way that is both unforgettable and responsible, working alongside conservation experts to support the animals and the environment they call home.”


Carnival Cruise Line Announce Series of Adults- Only Sailings


CARNIVAL Cruise Line has announced a series of adults-only special sailings aboard the Carnival Conquest, positioning Barbados as a key port of call within its Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries. The inaugural cruise departed Miami on


January 5th, 2026, with more than 2,700 passengers onboard, and includes visits to Barbados and other major regional destinations. A second extended sailing departed on


January 17th, 2026. Barbados will also receive calls through the end of January and August. Each call to Barbados is expected to deliver


positive economic impact through increased passenger spend and enhanced opportunities for local cruise stakeholders. “Carnival’s special sailings represent a significant opportunity for Barbados,” says Ms. Tia


Broomes, Senior Business Development


Officer, Cruise with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI). “These extended itineraries and adults-only voyages attract a demographic that is eager to explore, dine and invest in authentic onshore experiences. Each visit strengthens our cruise ecosystem,


supports local businesses and


reinforces Barbados’ reputation as a must-visit Southern Caribbean port.”


Swan Hellenic Introduces Expert Collaboration for Cape-To-Cape Cruise


exploring some of the planet’s most remote seas. Guests will have the unique chance to track individual


whales, document their movements, and contribute valuable data that supports global conservation efforts. “Having scientists of this calibre onboard allows our


SWAN Hellenic has announced a new collaboration with two of the world’s foremost experts in whale biology for its upcoming Cape- to-Cape cruise. Taking place aboard SH Diana in March 2026,


Professors Ken Findlay and Jonathan Codd will lead a Science Discovery Programme, giving guests a rare opportunity to engage directly with research while


Diamond Princess Introduces New On-board Dining Experiences


THE cruise ship will introduce Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill for the 2026 Japan season Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess has added two new


dining experiences, Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill, further enhancing their on-board culinary options for passengers. Makoto Ocean will be located on Deck 7, bringing Chef


Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi to the ship, along with Japanese-inspired cocktails. Also new is Crown Grill, Princess Cruises’ signature


steakhouse, which will be located on Deck 5, serving premium aged beef and fresh seafood. Sami Kohen, Princess Cruises vice president said,


“With Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill now onboard Diamond Princess, and also recently added onboard sister ship Sapphire Princess, we’re proud to enhance the guest experience as Diamond Princess sails across Asia and as we look ahead to our dual-ship Japan season in 2027.”


guests not just to observe, but to actively participate in research that has real-world impact,” said Antony Jinman, Expedition Leaders Manager at Swan Hellenic. “This voyage demonstrates how exploration, education, and conservation can come together in a truly unforgettable experience.” Throughout the journey, guests will enjoy expert-led


lectures and interactive workshops on whale biology, ecology, and conservation, as well as whale identification techniques, population surveys, and the science of migration. Data collected onboard will be shared with HappyWhale, helping to advance global understanding of these majestic creatures and their long-term protection.


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