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(Equilibrium), Brian Murray (The Odyssey (re-Told)), and Claudia Feilding (Tea Leaves). Danielle enjoyed samples of two of the shortlisted playwrights to see excerpts performed by the onboard acting troupe. This included Nick of Time by Mary Portalska and The Splintered Globe by Bryan Moriarty. Both playwrights were exciting, thrilling, funny and innovative leaving the viewers wanting to see more. Danielle believes the judges will have a hard time coming to a decision on a finalist , describing the level of talent ‘unmatched’. The winner will be announced at a special
Ambassador Cruise Line Brings the Theatre to Belfast!
ON Monday 15th September, Danielle from NI Travel news was invited on board Ambition Am- bassador Cruise Line for a unique onboard expe- rience. Ambassador Cruise Line has worked with Peel Entertainment Group to bring its Theatre@Sea programme to its ships Ambience and Ambition and soon new ship, Renaissance. The onboard acting troupes are among the few existing repertory companies operating out of the UK. Over the past 3 years they have staged a wide range of plays onboard both ships. The theatre productions have included a range of new thrillers, dramas, and comedies, as well as fresh adaptations of the classics. Ambassador Cruise Line and PEEL Entertainment Group have been showcasing the shortlist for the Ambassador PEEL Playwriting Challenge 2025, selected from a wave of national submissions. This innovative award was created to celebrate and showcase emerging writing talent. All plays are under an hour and suitable for performance at sea. The shortlisted
playwrights are Tony Pipes (The
Understudy), Michael Davies (The Seagull Has Landed), Clare Shaw (Mr Sisyphus), Rhys Bevan (The Early Years), James Rushbrooke (Fur and Loathing / Claws for Concern), Huw Turnbull (Venison), Mary Portalska (Nick of Time), Bryan Moriarty (The Splintered Globe), Keiran Lines
Crystal Unveil Key Dates For First New Build Ship in 25 Years
Camila and Matthew McConaughey Named Godparents of New Star Princess
ceremony in London Tilbury in December. We wish all finalists good luck!
Viking Takes Delivery of Newest River Ships
VIKING has announced the delivery of its newest river ships, the Viking Honir, which will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube
Rivers, and the Viking Thoth, which will sail the Nile River. The delivery ceremony for the Viking Honir took place in Basel, Switzerland; the Viking Thoth was presented for delivery at Massara shipyard in Cairo, Egypt. “We are proud to welcome the Viking Honir and the Viking Thoth
to our growing river fleet,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking.
NORWEGIAN Cruise Line has celebrated the arrival of Norwegian Aqua to her new homeport of Miami, kicking off her winter season of Caribbean cruises with calls to the Company’s quintessential private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Following her first season of Bermuda sailings
from New York City, Norwegian Aqua will offer guests an opportunity to embark on a variety of fun-in-the-sun cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Miami through April 2026. “We are delighted to welcome Norwegian Aqua to her new homeport in Miami, the city
Travelmarvel Unveil Details of Brand-New Nile Ship
TRAVELMARVEL has announced the debut of Travelmarvel Sirius, a brand-new ship set to cruise the Nile from September 2026. The new ship marks the Travelmarvel’s return to one of the world’s most storied rivers. With just 62 cabins, Travelmarvel Sirius aims to provide a personalised Nile cruising experience, with inviting social spaces, a large pool and elegantly designed cabins reflecting the heritage and history of Nile cruising. Thoughtfully named, ‘Sirius’ is inspired by Egypt’s rich
CRYSTAL has announced two key
milestone dates in the
construction of the first new ship scheduled for delivery in May 2028. This is the first new build for the
brand in 25 years and under the ownership of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group. The ship’s steel cutting will take place in May 2026, with the keel laying occurring in December 2026, officially commencing the next chapter in Crystal’s storied legacy. Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel comments,
Group, “Behind the
scenes, our teams have been working diligently on every element of this
extraordinary project – from design and craftsmanship to technical innovation.
represent more than construction progress; they are
These milestones a
testament
to our shared commitment with Fincantieri to deliver the most exceptional ship at sea, on schedule and with an unparalleled attention to detail.” The name of the new ship will
be announced shortly, with details on her inaugural voyages and new suite categories to follow by the end of the year. Her inaugural 2028 season is set to go on sale next spring, with the waitlist opening in advance.
AE Expeditions Celebrates Historic Milestone Sailing
AE Expeditions is celebrating an historic achievement as its expedition ship, Sylvia Earle MV, successfully transited the Bering Strait, completing what is officially recorded by the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge as the 100th passenger transit of the Northwest Passage. The milestone comes as Sylvia Earle MV concludes the 2025 Arctic season, securing its place in history as the vessel to achieve this landmark count. The Northwest Passage, stretching through the Canadian
is known as one of the most legendary and challenging sea routes on Earth.
PRINCESS Cruises has revealed that Camila and Matthew McConaughey will serve as godparents of the new Star Princess, carrying forward a tradition that has included cultural icons such as Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren. The McConaugheys will christen the cruise line’s most innovative ship, marking the next generation of cruising for Princess. “We’re honoured to be godparents
of the Star Princess,” said Camila and Matthew McConaughey. “With Princess, it’s not just a vacation, it’s time well spent, families and friends coming together, meeting new folks,
and
making memories. This ship’s got that spirit built right in, and we’re proud to be part of her story from the beginning.” Camila and Matthew McConaughey, co-founders of Pantalones Organic Tequila,
and creativity to this time-honoured maritime
Together
bring their dynamic spirit tradition.
they
exemplify the values of passion, generosity and innovation that resonate deeply with Princess Cruises. “We are delighted to have Camila
and Matthew McConaughey serve as the godparents of Star Princess,” said Gus Antorcha, Princess
RIVER cruise operator, Cruises President. Arctic Archipelago,
“Their passion for life, dedication to giving back, and unmistakable charisma make them the perfect pair to christen our newest ship. With their signature warmth and spirit, Camila and Matthew embody the values that define Princess, and we are delighted to welcome them into our family in such a meaningful way.”
revealed details of its three brand new itineraries on the Amazon which are set to launch in 2027. Aboard the 32-guest Brasilian Dream, it plans to
offer a unique eco-tourism experience. Featuring an exclusive exploration of the Rio Negro, the sunny banks of the
and adventures all the way to the Colombian border,
different in this region. CroisiEurpoe has said the itineraries have been designed for discerning
each itinerary highlights somewhere Tapajos CroisiEurope, has
travellers seeking unique eco-tourism experiences, and combine high-end comfort, interaction with indigenous communities, exciting wildlife encounters and immersion in the heart of tropical biodiversity. The cruises will take place on the 32-guest RV
history. Known as the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius was revered by ancient Egyptians as the star whose rising signalled the annual flooding of the Nile, known as the lifeblood of Egyptian civilisation. Continuing Travelmarvel’s tradition of naming ships after constellations, Travelmarvel’s Sirius aptly carries this legacy onto the Nile. Sirius’ port will be in Luxor, carrying guests to Egypt’s most legendary sites, including Dendera, Kernak, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Its immersive itinerary is designed at a relaxed pace, with a full seven-day Nile cruise that allows guests to absorb and marvel at the river’s ancient wonders. Paul Melinis, Managing Director of APT Luxury and
Travelmarvel for UK & Europe, says, “Considering our ambitions for the Travelmarvel brand, it’s only right that we offer an experience on one of the most historically significant and longest river in the world. Melinis continued, “Just as the star it’s aptly named
after, we are confident that Sirius will be a trailblazer for setting the standards of Nile Cruising, with Travelmarvel’s signature standards of service, personalisation and comfort at a competitive value.”
CroisiEurope Unveils Brand New Amazon Itineraries
where NCL originated and continues to play a significant role in our history even today with our headquarters here,” said Harry Sommer,
president and chief executive
officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “As our newest ship in Miami, now is the perfect time for guests to book their next tropical getaway to the Caribbean and Bahamas for a vacation filled with exhilarating and relaxing onboard activities for the whole family, while visiting beautiful destinations – including our private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.” Beginning now through April 2026, Norwegian
Aqua will sail seven-day
Caribbean voyages from Miami to multiple island paradises including Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, which by late 2025, will boast a brand-new pier; a massive 28,000 square-foot heated pool with swim-up bars; and a kids’ splash area to delight adventurers of every age. Norwegian Aqua will return to Miami
from October 2026 to April 2027 to sail Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries featuring a visit to Great Stirrup Cay where guests can experience the all-new Great Tides Waterpark, a sprawling, nearly six-acre aquatic wonderland set to debut in Summer 2026.
November/December 2025 NCL Celebrates Arrival of Norwegian Aqua To New Homeport
Brasilian Dream, a four-deck ship featuring wooden, vibrant colours and local arts and crafts inspired by Amazonian culture. Accommodation will comprise of 16 suites with private balconies including two presidential suites. There will also be a gourmet restaurant serving Brazilian inspired dishes, a spa, fitness room, sun deck and conference room.
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