68 | CRUISE NEWS
Riviera Travel to Introduce New Ship and Itinerary on the Mekong
www.nitravelnews.com
November/December 2024
Norwegian Cruise Line Announces The First-Ever Show at Sea Celebrating Global Icon ‘Prince’
RIVIERA Travel has revealed it will operate on a new ship on the Mekong in 2026. The 70-guest Victoria Mekong features 33
staterooms and two suites, all with private balconies. It also has a restaurant, bar, infinity pool, gym, library and games room, movie room and a spa. The ship will operate a new Vietnam, Cambodia and Hidden Treasures of the Mekong tour and cruise, with 15-night Saigon to Siem Reap upstream and 14-night Siem Reap to Saigon downstream options available. The itinerary will visit Can Tho, Long Xuyen,
Tiger Island, Phu Tan and Tan Chau (all Vietnam), and Phnom Penh, Silk Island, Oudong, Koh Chen, Angkor Ban and Kampong Cham (all Cambodia). A total of six departures, from January to November, are on offer. Prices include flights and transfers, tours and visits, two or three nights at the Hotel Grand Saigon, Vietnam, three nights at the Sokha Angkor Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia, seven
nights onboard Victoria Mekong and
complimentary soft drinks throughout the day and selected drinks with lunch and dinner while onboard.
Will Sarson, product director at Riviera, said: “The Victoria Mekong is a fantastic addition to
the fleet, offering a modern onboard experience from which our guests can enjoy the wonders of the Mekong River. Our new Vietnam, Cambodia and Hidden Treasures itinerary has been designed to showcase some of the hidden wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia, to give guests a new perspective on these fascinating destinations.” The Victoria Mekong was launched in 2019.
HX Launches 2026-2027 Season Celebrating 130 Years of Exploration
NORWEGIAN Cruise Line revealed “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince”
World Expanded” as the two new exclusive entertainment offerings set to debut aboard the Company’s next-generation vessel, Norwegian Aqua, in April 2025.
With more variety of entertainment options including only-on-NCL productions and returning guest favourites, there will be something for everyone to
and
“Elements: The
HX
has unveiled its 2026-
2027 season lineup, marking its upcoming 130th season of exploration.
As and the
of expedition cruising, introduces new itineraries Antarctica, Norway,
the company
pioneers HX in
Alaska, Greenland, the
reflecting the spirit of mindful adventure that has defined the brand since its inception. In 1896,
that
would become HX launched the “Sportsman’s Route” to Svalbard, the last inhabited outpost before the North Pole. At a time when only explorers ventured into these remote regions, HX brought travellers to the
Galápagos,
edge of the world, laying the groundwork for the expedition cruise industry. Now, 130 years later, HX continues this legacy, deepening connections with the people and places central to each destination. “These
are the best
destinations done better than ever,” said Alex McNeil, Chief Expedition Officer (CXO). “We’re building on over a century of
maritime expertise by
enhancing local partnerships and community-focused experiences, ensuring a lasting, positive impact wherever we go.”
The brand-new and immersive Prince tribute show, “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” developed in partnership with Prince Legacy, LLC and Primary Wave Music, will honor and celebrate the Oscar winning, seven-time Grammy Award-winning and
enjoy on board.
38-time Grammy nominated artist during a concert-like experience featuring the music icon’s chart-topping hits, including “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Little Red Corvette,” “Delirious,” “Purple Rain,” and more. NCL is also taking its highest
with new surprises in “Elements: The World Expanded.” Blending acrobatics, magic and intrigue, this show draws inspiration from the four elements – earth, wind, water and fire – for an astonishing display of unexpected delights.
Both productions were developed and enhancing it
by NCL’s in-house production team at the Creative Studios by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in Tampa, Fla., in partnership with Patricia Wilcox, an award-winning Broadway choreographer, director and long-time NCL partner. From original costumes to one-of-a- kind entertainment, the Creative Studios has produced in-house shows since 2008. “For decades, NCL has set the standard in entertainment at sea, with worldclass productions and talent that rivals those found in major cities like Las Vegas, New York City and London,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “For Norwegian Aqua, we are thrilled to build on our legacy of excellence in entertainment to offer our guests more options across the ship, including exclusive original productions that cannot be seen anywhere else on land or at sea.”
guest-rated show in its history, “Elements,”
entertainment venues and shows include The Aqua Theater & Club, “The
club, “The Price is Right LIVE on NCL” game show and “Syd Norman’s Presents: Rumours” – a Fleetwood Mac tribute experience that will be offered in the Aqua Theater & Club to accommodate more guests for this always jam- packed show.
MSC Cruises Reveals Top Reasons Why MSC Yacht Club is A Guest Favourite
FROM being welcomed at a dedicated lounge in the cruise port terminal with premium champagne and prosecco to VIP access to the best seats in the theatre, MSC Cruises is revealing some of the most-loved benefits of its luxurious MSC Yacht Club. The cruise line’s exclusive “ship-within- a-ship” concept offers guests the ultimate comfort, privacy and personalised service on holiday with keycard-only access to an array of private facilities.
With elegant and spacious suites, an
exclusive restaurant, lounge, pool and sundeck, the MSC Yacht Club offers its guests a secluded sanctuary while allowing them to enjoy the countless facilities and entertainment possibilities available throughout the rest of the ship. The 24-hour butler is incredibly popular among guests along with a dedicated concierge to offer guests complete peace of mind by managing every aspect of their stay. From booking spa treatments and speciality restaurants to organizing special celebrations such as birthdays or anniversaries, these dedicated professionals are always at hand to ensure every detail is flawlessly arranged. Other advantages to the MSC Yacht Club our guests tell us they love are: 1.
Dedicated check-in and priority
embarkation Upon arrival at the port terminal, MSC Yacht Club guests are welcomed into a dedicated area and offered premium snacks and delicious drinks including a selection of champagne and prosecco. From there, a butler will quickly and seamlessly escort them through security checks to lead them to the MSC Yacht Club’s Top Sail Lounge, where guests receive a personalised welcome speech by the concierge, accompanied by bespoke beverages for a luxurious start to their holiday.
2. Exclusive privileges enabling guests to
make the most of their time MSC Yacht Club guests enjoy priority disembarkation and embarkation at every port, with a butler escorting them from the MSC Yacht Club area to the pier or terminal. They can also make the most of the reserved seating in the ship’s theatre by being escorted to the theatre to a special reserved area with no need to reserve in advance. Guests can also enjoy the new exclusive MSC Yacht Club shore excursions which provide thoughtfully curated experiences with knowledgeable guides, private transportation, and small groups, allowing them to maximize their time and fully immerse themselves in each destination. 3 .An all-inclusive experience The MSC Yacht Club’s all-inclusive experience
guarantees a complete peace of mind for guests, with a premium drink package, unlimited Wi-Fi and access to the thermal area provided. In select ships, suites come with their own Nespresso coffee machine and an array of East India Company teas for caffeine and tea lovers to enjoy. The minibar is also
included and refilled daily and can be tailored to guests’ preferences by asking the butler. 4. Exclusive, elegant, and luxurious experiences Guests can indulge in a
range of refined experiences not available in other areas of the ship, including the ultimate high tea experience in the private Top Sail Lounge with
butler service and
champagne upon arrival. Provided once a week per cruise, guests can indulge in
the finest teas from the East India Tea Company, served with delicious scones, sandwiches and pastries in traditional British fashion. 5. Culinary delights and a sommelier in the
MSC Yacht Club Restaurant The MSC Yacht Club restaurant delivers an unforgettable dining experience,
combining
exceptional food and impeccable service, with a sommelier, frequently praised for their extensive knowledge, to elevate the dining experience by expertly pairing wines with each dish. Menus offer classic Mediterranean and international dishes inspired by the regions in which the ship is sailing and a dedicated team of international chefs enhance the culinary experience with a focus on sourcing local premium products. 6. From personalised touches to tailor-made
shore excursions Guests of the MSC Yacht Club can also expect daily amenities and delicacies, ranging from fresh fruits to macarons and chocolates as well as a spirit bottle of guests’ choice delivered in-suite. MSC Yacht Club guests also benefit from unpacking and packing services, as well as a personal shopping
session in the onboard boutiques outside of regular opening hours or even a private jewellery viewing in the comfort of the guest’s suite. Guests can also enjoy the MED by MSC, our exclusive range of organic amenities specifically catered for MSC Yacht Club guests. Finaly, guests can also ask for tailor-made excursions and customised experiences with private guides and transportation for experiences crafted to their wishes. 7. A family-friendly area with extra-services allowing parents privacy and peace of mind. For ease, families travelling with children don’t need to leave the MSC Yacht Club area when their children need to be collected, their butler can collect the guests’ children from the kid’s club and bring them to wherever the parents are, meaning the experience is seamless for the whole family. 8. Dedicated area in MSC Cruises Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve For those guests traveling in the Caribbean,
the exclusive MSC Yacht Club experience extends to this Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, where a private beach and restaurant await. This exclusive area, the MSC Yacht Club Ocean’s house, provides members with the same high level of service and personalised attention that they enjoy onboard. MSC Yacht Club Executive Director, Marion
Baland, says: “There are even more advantages of the MSC Yacht Club just waiting to be discovered by guests. The beauty of the MSC Yacht Club lies in its ability to offer the best of both worlds. Whether guests are seeking a vibrant and varied entertainment experience for the whole family or a more serene and leisurely pace, it caters to all preferences. This flexibility sets it apart from other cruise lines, making it an ideal option for families, groups of friends, or couples.
Improv at Sea” comedy Other new and returning
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