68 | CRUISE NEWS
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RIVIERA Travel is setting sail into a bold new era with the launch of its 2027 season, headlined by an industry first: MS George Eliot, the world’s first river cruise ship operating exclusively for solo travellers. This launch marks a transformative moment for river cruising, showcasing innovation,
Riviera’s commitment to choice, and unforgettable
travel experiences. The highlights: The world’s first river cruise ship operating exclusively for solo guests, with
Silversea Sets Sail on Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2025
SILVERSEA has officially embarked on its Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2025, a 55-day immersion through iconic cities such as Venice, Dubrovnik, and Naples, as well as hidden gems like Kotor and Trapani. From September 24th to November 18th, Silver Spirit will connect guests with 45 destinations across 12 countries, offering them a rare opportunity to explore the slower rhythm of the Mediterranean in the late summer.
“Our 45-destination Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2025 gives our guests the rare luxury of time to experience this iconic region like a local,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea.
“This journey has
been thoughtfully curated for travellers who may have explored the Mediterranean before, but value a deeper understanding of its rich cultural heritage. This enriching voyage will enable them to uncover the region’s hidden gems, savour its diverse culinary traditions, and connect with its people in meaningful ways.”
FROM IBERIA TO THE ADRIATIC: A TAPESTRY OF
CULTURE AND COASTLINE The Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2025 onboard Silver Spirit begins with a 12-day exploration of the Iberian Peninsula, sailing from Lisbon to Gibraltar and through Spain’s coastal cities, including Malaga, Ibiza, and Valencia. Guests will then journey to the cultural wonders of Monaco and Italy, with explorations of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. From there, the itinerary leads to Croatia’s Adriatic jewels and toward the idyllic islands of Greece. The voyage concludes with a return to Italy and Spain, ending in the architectural wonder of Barcelona, home to Gaudí’s Sagrada Família. Each of these destinations presents an opportunity
for captivating cultural experiences, including highly immersive
culinary offerings, private tours, and
bespoke adventures. Guests seeking a taste of the region can take part in a S.A.L.T. Experience featuring a blend of Greek and Venetian influences in the island of Corfu, Greece, exploring the products, spices, and herbs unique to the area. Those journeying to witness the rich landscape, can hike through the Natural Park of Ses Salines, one of the most pristine areas of Ibiza, Spain, where numerous species of bird’s nest.
MSC Cruises Team Up with Popular Airline for Fly and Cruise Packages from Belfast
MSC Cruises UK & Ireland has announced its new Fly and Cruise packages for 2026, with flight seats secured from three UK airports in partnership with
Jet2.com. For Summer 2026, MSC Cruises is offering the
largest number of seats ever from the UK with Jet2. The new partnership sees an increase in seats of 42% compared to 2025. Flights will be available with
Jet2.com from key
UK airports including Edinburgh, Manchester and Belfast International. Guests can choose to sail on some of MSC
Cruises’ ships including MSC World Europa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Seaview, MSC Divina, and MSC Splendida. Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales at
MSC Cruises, said: “Demand from our UK and Irish guests for Mediterranean sailings continues to grow rapidly, with bookings up over 15% year-on-year. For 2026, we’re excited to offer an increase in seat capacity from the UK, giving our guests even more convenient access to stunning destinations.
Oceania Cruises Reveal Details of 2027-2028 Sailings
OCEANIA Cruises has unveiled their 2027- 2028 voyages, which presents more than 230 voyages, each offering in-depth experiences and enriching destinations. 2027-2028 sailings encompass more than a year
of itineraries across seven ships, with sailings ranging from 7 to 96 days across all seven continents, including a 59-day South Pacific Grand Voyage from Miami to Sydney and a three-month epic adventure from Auckland to Rome, both aboard the highly acclaimed Oceania Vista. Itineraries run through April 2028 and are open for reservations now. This collection invites guests to wander the legendary shores of the Mediterranean, embrace the storybook charm of Northern Europe and marvel at the dramatic beauty of Iceland. Travellers may choose to feel the vibrant rhythms of the Caribbean, the captivating allure of Asia and the South Pacific, and the untamed majesty of Alaska, each destination promising its own unforgettable discoveries. The 2027–2028 Collection of Voyages offers an abundance of enriching overnight stays that unlock bucket-list experiences, whether it’s an exquisite
the first sailing departing June 2027. A
departures,
November/December 2025
A River Cruise Revolution: The First-Ever Dedicated Solo Ship Has Arrived full season of solo-exclusive
dramatically increasing
capacity for independent travellers and putting them centre stage. Two brand-new 15-day itineraries – the longest solo river cruises ever offered. Demand for solo river cruises is soaring.
Riviera Travel has seen a 66% year-on-year increase in bookings via trade partners, with solo travellers now making up nearly 13% of all bookings. Almost half of these guests are repeat travellers, reflecting strong satisfaction, and the programme
boasts a 61 Net Promoter Score. Revenue from solo guests has grown 52% year-on-year, highlighting the rising popularity of independent travel. With 64% of solo travellers preferring solo-exclusive
trips, it’s clear that more people are embracing the freedom of exploring
alone while enjoying the
camaraderie of like-minded adventurers. Meanwhile, Riviera Alba, a brand-new long-haul
vessel, is bringing Riviera Travel’s river cruises to Asia for the first time, navigating the legendary Mekong River.
Expanding its horizons beyond Europe, Riviera
Travel is introducing three new long-haul river cruise itineraries. These 2027 itineraries give travellers the chance to explore Asia’s most iconic waterways while enjoying the same award-winning Riviera service. Phil Hullah, CEO of Riviera Travel, says: “The debut
of Riviera Alba on the Mekong marks our first step beyond Europe, expanding our horizons and giving our guests
the opportunity to experience Asia’s
most iconic waterways with the same trusted Riviera service.”
dinner at a stately château in Bordeaux, an immersive journey on Singapore’s famed Night Safari, or a stay in a serene overwater bungalow in Bora Bora. “Alongside our reputation for serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea, Oceania Cruises is widely acclaimed for crafting some of the most enticing and destination- rich itineraries in the cruise industry,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises. “Our 2027–2028 Collection of Voyages pairs iconic ports with compelling new discoveries – designed to delight even the most seasoned explorers.”
P&O Responds To Rise of Multi-Generational Cruising with New Family Sailings
IN response to the rising trend of multi- generational cruising, guests of all ages will be welcomed on board P&O Cruises ships Arcadia and Aurora from December 2026. Previously, sailings on board P&O’s Aurora and
Arcadia were exclusively adults-only. However in a recent move by the cruise line, selected
cruises on the two smaller ships in the P&O Cruises fleet will be open to families on specific dates, during peak holiday periods and in time for Christmas next year. The change provides an even wider range of cruise options for multi-generational groups and families, with more holidays available from the home port of Southampton and will add 23% more cruises for families to choose from in school summer holidays in 2027. A total of 12 sailings on Aurora and eight on Arcadia
will be available to families through to September 2027.
Menus for children will be available together with
baby changing and bottle warming facilities and both ships will offer entertainment and activities for all ages to enjoy. There will be a wide range of spaces available for everyone on board – from quiet to more lively spaces and special events. Carnival UK & P&O Cruises associate vice president,
sales & distribution Ruth Venn said, “Recent CLIA data showed that multi-generational travel is a rising trend. Over 30% of families are now cruising with at least two generations onboard. “In response to guest feedback and increasing demand we are excited to invite all ages to join Arcadia and Aurora on selected holidays meaning the whole family can come together to experience these elegant ships. “These cruises will provide agents with even more opportunity to promote P&O Cruises.” Venn continued, “Arcadia and Aurora will continue
to offer holidays exclusively for adults for the much of the year ensuring guests can enjoy the choice of both family-friendly and adult only cruises when booking a P&O Cruises holiday.”
HOLLAND America Line has officially launched the first lipstick blending bar at sea. Named, ‘The Blend Bar,’ the area features a hands-on experience led by beauty consultants, ena- bling guests to design their own lipstick or gloss.
It is currently available in the beauty section in the onboard shops on Nieuw Statendam, Eurodam, Westerdam, Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Volendam and Zaandam, and will be introduced on the remaining four ships in the fleet by mid-November. Blend Bar offers a palette of more than 30 premi-
um pigments, four finishes and over 20 signature flavours. Working together with the consultant, guests can choose their colours to create a one-of-a-kind hue, match a favourite discontinued colour, or formulate a shade that complements an outfit. Each tailored blend can be made into one of four finishes: butter, crème, matte or gloss. Once blended, the custom formula is melted and
poured into a lipstick mold or gloss tube. Guests can choose a custom name for their lipstick, which will be applied to the tube upon completion. In addition, each guest receives their personalised product along with a formula card listing their selected ingredients for future recreations. Carole Biencourt, vice president of onboard reve-
nue for Holland America Line, said: “Today’s travel- lers are looking for more than just a holiday – they want exclusive experiences like Blend Bar that feel personal, immersive and meaningful. We’re excited to launch the first lipstick blending bar at sea, where our beauty-loving guests can express themselves and create a unique souvenir of their time on board.
Pop of Gloss! Holland America Launch First Lipstick Blending Bar at Sea
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