54 | CRUISE NEWS


Explora Journeys Reveal Details of Upcoming Ship


www.nitravelnews.com


January 2025


Carnival Cruise Line to Mark USA’s 250th Anniversary CARNIVAL


Cruise Line has


revealed it will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 with a series of 10 special sailings. The cruises comprise a variety of ranging from three to


itineraries


EXPLORA Journeys have announced details of EXPLORA III, setting sail for her inaugural journeys in summer 2026. EXPLORA III will feature 463 spacious Ocean Suites, Penthouses, and Residences, complemented by award- winning culinary offerings and ocean-inspired wellness experiences.


season,


During her inaugural 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


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


embrace the Ocean State of Mind while experiencing a redefined meaning of luxury ocean travel. Anna Nash, President, Explora Journeys


said: "With EXPLORA III, we are thrilled to reach the halfway point in the launch of our fleet of six luxury ships, each designed to redefine the standards of ocean travel. This milestone represents more than just growth;


our dedication to offering


unparalleled access


to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.


By


expanding our fleet, we are able to offer a greater variety of


itineraries, immersing travelers in


diverse cultures, landscapes, and unique moments across the globe."


WINDSTAR CRUISES’ NEW STAR SEEKER FLOATS OUT IN PORTUGAL


spacious suites. The ship will also boast five dining


options, a full-service spa with a grand entrance from the deck above, a fitness facility and a fresh take on the line’s iconic Watersports Platform, which turns the ocean into an infinity pool by providing guests access to the sea directly from the ship. With a capacity for 224 guests and a staff to guest ratio of 1:2, Star Seeker will enter service in December 2025,.


Havila Voyages Unveils World’s First Ever Noise Forecast MSC Cruises Opens Sales For Winter 2025/26 on Board MSC Poesia


it underscores guests


eight days. Sailing


from six homeports:


Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, New York City, Long Beach and San Francisco. On July 4, 2026, officially America’s 250th birthday, seven ships sailing from east coast homeports will meet near Celebration Key – the line’s new private destination in Grand Bahama – for a celebration at sea. From the east coast, Carnival Vista will depart on June 27 for an eight-


day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, calling at ports such as San Juan and St. Thomas; Carnival Celebration will operate a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami on June 28, visiting Celebration Key, Nassau, Amber Cove and Grand Turk; and on July 2 Carnival Sunrise will sail a four-day Bahamas cruise from Miami and Carnival Elation will sail to the Bahamas on a four-day cruise from Jacksonville. Additionally, Carnival Conquest


and Carnival Glory will both depart on July 3, offering three-day cruises to Celebration Key, from Miami and Port Canaveral, respectively. Meanwhile, from the northeastern coast, Carnival Venezia will sail from


New York on July 1, for an eight- day cruise visiting Celebration Key, Nassau and Half Moon Cay. West coast options comprise


a five-day Mexican Riviera cruise from Long Beach, departing June 30, on Carnival Radiance and calling


at Cabo San Lucas and


Ensenada; a four-day option from San Francisco, departing July 2, on Carnival Luminosa; and a three- day Baja Mexico cruise from Long Beach, departing July 3, on Carnival Firenze. The three ships will meet at sea


on July 4, near Ensenada, with each hosting anniversary deck parties, as well as themed entertainment and food and drink.


MSC Cruises has opened sales for its highly anticipated Winter 2025/26 season sailings. Guests can now book their ideal winter get- away on board the stylish MSC Poesia direct from Southampton to destinations across Northern Europe. Throughout the 2025/26 Winterseason, MSC


HAVILLA Voyages has unveiled a new


campaign focussing on the benefits of escaping noise pollution in cities worldwide, including the world’s first ever noise forecast. With research from the World Health Organisation showing the direct correlation between sound pollution and health, the campaign aims to demonstrate how Norway is the perfect location to escape to on a ‘calmcation’. The company has placed sound measurement


stations at several locations along the Norwegian coast and launched a new web page where agents can access a live feed showing current noise levels and how they compare to average scores from cities around the world such as London and New York. Meanwhile, a new spotify playlist of soothing


soundscapes recorded in rural Norway can be downloaded to help agents, and their clients, relax after a stressful day at work.


With sounds including horseback riding on the


beach in Lofoten and birds singing by the river in Oye, listeners can enjoy a noise detox designed to boost their immune system and improve their overall health. To coincide with the campaign, five lucky agents making a Havila booking between now and the end of January 2025 will be drawn at random to win a 12 month membership to Spotify premium plus Bose noise cancelling headphones, worth a combined £300. Matthew


Valentine, Global Head of Sales commented “According to the World Health


Organisation (WHO), noise has become the second most important cause of ill health in Western Europe, behind only air pollution. “It is staggering that around 40% of the population in EU countries are currently being exposed to dangerous road traffic noise at levels exceeding 55 decibels. Cities such as London and New York are particularly bad with UK Government data showing that noise levels at Vauxhall Bridge in central London average 75 decibels*, compared to this morning’s reading from Geirangerfjord which was just 38db. “We believe it is more important than ever to step


away from the noise of our everyday lives, full of traffic, machinery, background music and smartphones. Our holidays provide the perfect opportunity to do just this - we like to think of our cruises as calmcations!”


Poesia will be leaving Southampton every week and calling at Hamburg, Zeebrugge (Bruges), Rotterdam (Amsterdam), and Le Havre. With a choice of three distinct dining venues, a sophisticated Grappolo d’Oro wine-tasting bar and a glamorous mojito cocktail bar, MSC Poesia offers guests a chance to unwind and relax. After a day exploring Northern European destinations or enjoying the onboard spa and dining venues, guests can experience leading entertainment such as Broadway-style theatre shows and onboard dance classes. Antonio Paradiso,


Vice President of


International Sales for MSC Group’s Cruise Division and Managing Director for the UK & Ireland said: “I am looking forward to welcoming MSC Poesia to our shores during the Winter 2025/26 season. While travelling on board MSC Poesia, guests will sail in style while enjoying brilliant onboard food, drink, entertainment and amenities. I am pleased that we are able to offer all of this and more at value-led prices. “The Winter months offer a perfect time to enjoy a city break and with MSC Cruises, guests can visit an array of city destinations all in one hassle-free trip departing directly from Southampton. Our guests can take advantage of one of our shore excursions to truly experience each destination with ease.


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