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Hurtigruten Strengthens Commitment to Sami Culture with New Culinary Ambassador


IN CELEBRATION of Sami National Day on February 6, Hurtigruten has introduced Máret Rávdná Buljo as the latest culinary ambassador. Máret is an experienced advocate of Sami culinary


culture, a reindeer herder, and a passionate custodian of Sami traditions. She brings to light the stories, knowledge, and values deeply embedded in the Sami people’s connection to nature and food. “I feel a responsibility to bring Sami stories to the


table. Through food, I want to convey respect for nature and animals and show how our culture has a spiritual and profound connection to what we eat. It’s about more than just flavours – it’s about soul, heritage, and connection,” says Máret. A culinary ambassador at Hurtigruten develops collaborates with local producers,


menus, and


promotes culinary culture through authentic flavours and sustainable choices. This partnership is part of Norway’s Coastal Kitchen, Hurtigruten’s food concept that highlights Norwegian culinary traditions with local ingredients and seasonal menus. A deeper story on the plate As part of this collaboration, Máret will develop menus and dishes that blend traditional ingredients with modern techniques. These dishes will not only showcase Sami culture but also tell the stories behind them – from the role of reindeer meat in Sami society to the specific berries and plants found in the Arctic landscape.


Øistein Nilsen, culinary director at Hurtigruten, highlights the importance of this collaboration: “We are incredibly proud to have Máret Rávdná Buljo as our culinary ambassador. Her expertise and strong commitment to Sami culinary culture and sustainability are a perfect match for us. Together, we will create dining experiences that not only taste amazing but also communicate the essential values and stories behind them.” Through this collaboration, Hurtigruten will offer


seasonal menus and storytelling that provide guests with a deeper understanding of Sami culture. A focus on local food With a growing interest in authentic and locally


Windstar Announces Caribbean & Latin American Voyages


WINDSTAR Cruises has launched its 2026/2027 Caribbean and Latin America season with 13 different itineraries including the return of many of the line’s most popular voyages taking place on the 148-guest sailing yacht Wind Star and 312-guest all-suite yacht Star Pride.


In addition to returning voyages such as the 18-day Star


Collector: Reefs & Rainforests and seven-day Costa Rica & Panama Canal, Wind Star also sails a 25-night Southern Caribbean Thanksgiving Jubilee sailing departing 10th November 2026 from Lisbon for an ocean transit to Barbados and cruising among the islands before heading to Colombia and Panama. Windstar is encouraging travellers to book now for the best value and staterooms and suites with an early booking offer. Book before 31st May 2025 to receive a complimentary upgrade to All-Inclusive fares, which include Wi-Fi, gratuities, and unlimited select beer, wine, and cocktails, plus $200 onboard credit per stateroom. Additionally, Windstar Cruises’ valued Yacht Club members receive an additional 5% off their bookings. “Windstar embraces a laid-back, yachting vibe in


the Caribbean. We focus on relaxing beaches and the more exclusive islands such as Jost Van Dyke, St. Barths and Virgin Gorda. We layer on our signature experiences like a beach barbeque on a remote island and swimming from the ship’s stern platform,” says Jess Peterson, Windstar’s director of destination experience and itinerary planning. “A small-ship Caribbean cruise is a totally different experience.” Windstar’s Watersports Platform (located on the stern of the ships) is in action on nearly every itinerary in the region (weather/ports allowing) with various complimentary water toys and included gear from kayaks to paddle boards and floating mats for lounging and enjoying the scenery. The tropical cruises also feature Windstar Cruises’ signature deck


and beach barbecue experiences. All Caribbean and Latin American cruises offer an array of


curated shore excursions that range from lounging at iconic beach clubs (like the Le Barthélemy Resort and Spa) to a more active selection of snorkelling adventures, deep sea fishing, jungle hikes to waterfalls and even sailing America’s Cup Race sailboats in St. Maarten. Cultural outings, such as visiting the Embera Indigenous Tribe in Panama, allow cruisers to immerse more deeply in the region with a special connection to local life. Additional guest favourites include foodie walking tours in Bequia, cruising to the Pitons in St. Lucia – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rum master classes in Martinique.


AMADEUS River Cruises has launched the first half of its 2026 European programme featuring 17 itineraries in 13 countries on 14 luxury river ships including the new AMADEUS Aurea.


The 2026 sourced food experiences, many travellers seek


to explore the unique flavours and stories of the Norwegian coast. In 2024, the total score for the food in Hurtigruten onboard restaurants was 9.11 out of 10, reflecting the company’s dedication to quality and guest satisfaction.


Hurtigruten has long worked closely with local


producers and suppliers, and this collaboration with Máret will further strengthen that commitment. Many of the ingredients in the new dishes are sourced from local suppliers, ensuring fresh, high-quality, and sustainable food while supporting communities along our route.


“Hurtigruten has always been a bridge between coastal communities and travellers from around the world. Through our collaboration with Máret, we are strengthening our commitment to authentic, sustainable culinary experiences.


Sami culinary


traditions are an essential part of Norwegian culture, and we are proud to share this heritage with our guests,” says Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten.


itineraries range from five to 16 days including a new Rhine Concert Cruise featuring Dutch violinist and conductor, André Rieu. The new Rhine Concert Cruise with Andre Rieu is a six- night itinerary from Cologne to Amsterdam onboard AMADEUS Cara with calls in Bonn, Nijmegen, Arnhem, Rotterdam and Dordrecht. The highlight of the cruise is a dazzling performance by world- renowned André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra in the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. The cruise departs 5th January 2026 the inclusion of all meals and soft drinks, beer and wine with lunch


and dinner, the concert


in Amsterdam, use of onboard bicycles, WiFi and port fees. Fred. Holidays, who have recently re- signed their GSA (general sales agent) agreement with Amadeus River Cruises has also put together a fly or rail inclusive prices. Launching


in 2026 is the


Amadeus River Cruises Launches 2026 Programme Featuring New Ship AMADEUS


March 2025


Aurea which will


accommodate 158 guests in 12 spacious suites with balconies and 67 cabins featuring panoramic windows.


culinary highlights in the elegant Panorama


unwind


Guests can savour Restaurant,


on the sun deck with its outdoor pool and Lido Bar, stay active in the state-of-the-art fitness room or enjoy an al fresco drink while watching the world go by on the River Terrace. The new ship will also be sustainable with Cutting-edge environmental technologies such as a hybrid propulsion system and an efficient heat recovery system. AMADEUS Aurea will set sail on the Rhine on 26th May 2026. Amadeus River Cruises has further expanded its excursion offerings for 2026, culture,


providing sports and nature


enthusiasts with even more shore excursion choices. AMADEUS Active – additional exciting cycling tours


Vienna, Bamberg, and Amsterdam are


available as through


hiking opportunities in Linz and Oberwesel


an


well as new and vineyard


explorations near Bernkastel. AMADEUS Taste – wine and sparkling wine tastings in Koblenz, Cochem and Rüdesheim,


excursion to the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market hall in Lyon and a visit to a truffle farm in the picturesque village of Grignan.


AMADEUS Experience – new


onboard events including a waltz lesson, concerts along the Rhine, Budapest by Night with a folk programme and a chanson evening on selected French routes. The 2026 programme also features


exciting themed cruises in winter, as well as special journeys focusing on golf and music. The 2026 programme features cruises on Europe’s most beautiful and renowned waterways: on the waterways of Belgium and Holland, past the Rhine’s picturesque vineyard scenery, along the Rhine-Main canal, in the steps of French Savoir-Vivre on the Rhône, Saône and Seine, and through the charming landscapes adjoining the Danube all the way to the Black Sea.


AmaWaterways Expand Soulful Experiences


AMAWATERWAYS has expanded its programme of Soulful Experiences sailings.


Joining the 2025 line up (which includes cruises in Egypt, France, Colombia and Portugal) is the Best of Holland & Belgium sailing round-trip from Amsterdam, while for 2026, two new options have


been announced including a departure on the Riches of the Mekong and Swiss Alps and Rhine Castles itineraries. A themed Enticing Douro cruise, first operated for 2025, is also being repeated for 2026 alongside the previously announced options in France and Egypt.


Holland America Line Unveils Partnership with The History Channel


HOLLAND America Line has announced a new multi-year partnership with The History Channel. As part of the agreement, the cruise line has


introduced a series of itineraries and shore excursions, developed in collaboration with the channel, to provide historical insights. Additional themed departures will include


the eastern Mediterranean with a focus on ancient empires; northern Europe and its Viking heritage; and Arctic encounters and the region’s history of polar exploration. These cruises will be announced at a later date and signposted on Holland America Line’s website. Example shore excursions featured in the


programme comprise the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx and the Pyramid of Sakkara, on the 11–Day Greece & Egypt with History Channel voyage; or an exploration of Stavanger on the seven–day Norwegian Fjords & Copenhagen with History Channel cruise.


Guests on these tours will take a deep dive


into the location’s historical significance, visiting important sites that played a role in the background of the locale. Itineraries and shore excursions created in partnership with The History Channel are available for booking now through the line’s ‘Start Your Journey Sale’ campaign. Additional itineraries and shore excursions for 2025, 2026 and 2027 will be released in due course. Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer for


Holland America Line, said: “With us, history isn’t just told, it is experienced. As two iconic brands rooted in storytelling, we are uniquely positioned to bring history to life through custom itineraries and shore excursions. This partnership further differentiates our brand and allows us to deliver experiences that are too good to hurry through.” David DeSocio, executive vice president, ad sales partnerships, at A+E/The History Channel, said: “We are thrilled to join with Holland America Line on this groundbreaking, long- term partnership, to have the opportunity to bring the power of The History Channel brand as a whole new dimension to the cruising experience. Through our unique storytelling and new curated


itineraries, The History


Channel is excited to help enable Holland America Line customers to further explore and understand the past, present and future significance of these beautiful and historic destinations.”


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