32 | CRUISE NEWS
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The Antidote to Overtourism? Hurtigruten Introduces ‘Open Village’ Experiences along Norway’s Remote Coastline
AS summer holidays get into full swing and overtourism challenges continue to grow across Europe, Hurtigruten is offering a quieter, more meaningful alternative with its new ‘Open Village’ concept in Norway. The iconic leader in Norwegian coastal voyages has collaborated closely with locals to create exclusive,
community-led
experiences that immerse guests in everyday life across three tranquil and remote coastal villages: Træna, Bessaker, and Sæbø. From local traditions and homemade
cuisine to guided activities, an array of thoughtfully designed and sustainably managed ‘Open Village’ experiences are available exclusively on its Signature Line voyages between May and September. Hurtigruten’s smaller ships are the only cruise vessels visiting these remote coastal villages during the summer season, offering access where larger ships simply cannot go. Furthermore, with up to 500 passengers on board each ship, Hurtigruten directly contributes 250 Norwegian Krone (approximately €20/£18) per guest to each community every time they visit. In Bessaker, guests are warmly welcomed
with a festive village parade and access to historic buildings where hosts share personal stories and traditions, alongside live music, woodcarving, and homemade treats like fresh cake, coffee, and sodd, a traditional meat soup. In Sæbø, nestled among dramatic fjords, visitors attend a live church concert featuring local musicians, explore the Avalanche Centre, and engage with guides about the area’s natural and cultural history. Meanwhile, in Træna -which is one of Norway’s oldest fishing communities – guests tour the Træna Local Museum, Petter Dass Chapel, and village church, using a curated booklet for a flexible, self-guided cultural experience. “As some of Europe’s best-known destinations struggle with the pressures of
Holland America Line Unveil Enhancements To Entertainment Experience
HOLLAND America Line has
unveiled a series
of enhancements to its entertainment experience. The updates include additional
live music, revitalised World Stage productions, immersive cultural events and a new entertainment team structure. The programming is currently available on six ships in the fleet, with more to follow by the end of the year. On Nieuw Statendam,
Zaandam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam, classical music has returned with the debut of Vivace, a new string duo or trio, across all itineraries. The line is also launching The Dam Band, a live band accompanying both production shows and guest entertainers on the World Stage. The ships now offer non-stop entertainment every night of a cruise, with expanded show schedules on the World Stage and refreshed set lists across all
live music venues. In addition, cabaret performances and more live music will take place in the Crow’s Nest, Lido Pool and Ocean Bar.
Additionally, a new regional
soloist programme has been introduced fleetwide, featuring music including folk guitar in Alaska, steel drum in the Caribbean and mariachi music in Mexico. All enhancements will roll
out across Holland America’s 11 ships throughout 2025.
September/October 2025
Explora Journeys Celebrate Three Pivotal Milestone
EXPLORA Journeys has celebrated a significant step forward in the brand’s journey was celebrated at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa Sestri Ponente, where three pivotal milestones marked the next chapter in the evolution of its fast-growing fleet; including the float-out of EXPLORA III, the coin ceremony for EXPLORA IV, and the steel cutting for EXPLORA V. The fleet – set to comprise six ships in total by
overtourism, our approach is deliberately different: slower, more meaningful travel rooted in genuine connection,” said Odd Tore Skildheim, Head of Product Development at Hurtigruten. “These villages, with a combined population of fewer than 1,000, are not just points on a map. Through our ‘Open Village’ concept, there is no cost to our guests. Instead, for every visit we make there is a direct financial contribution made by Hurtigruten to each community based on the number of guests onboard, ensuring the benefits are felt by the people who live there. Our aim is for guests to feel truly welcomed and for locals to feel genuinely supported.” “For us in Bessaker, the Open Village contribution is about more than income, it is the foundation for growth and optimism in our community. In a village of just 170 people, 12 businesses benefit directly, from activity providers to artists, bakers and
local producers,” said Knut Johan Monkan, from Coastal Host Bessaker. “Without this initiative, places like FABrikken, our new
Scenic Group Gear Up For Fleet Expansion as New Milestones Reached
restaurant, and Stokkøy Bakeri, named Norway’s best bakery in 2023, would not have managed to keep going. The ripple effects are wide- reaching, and Hurtigruten’s presence is essential to creating a sustainable, living village and district.”
2028 – is progressing on schedule. EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II are already welcoming guests and are operating at near full capacity. EXPLORA III is set to join the fleet in 2026, followed progressively by EXPLORA IV and EXPLORA V in 2027, and EXPLORA VI in 2028. The €3.5 billion investment in Explora Journeys’
six-ship fleet – all of which are being built by Fincantieri – represents a long-term commitment to the Italian shipbuilding industry.
Popular Cruise Line Reintroduces Behind-The-Scene Ship Tours
HOLLAND America Line has
confirmed it will reintroduce behind-the-scenes ship tours for its guests onboard. During each tour, guests will access
EMERALD Cruises are gearing up for the highly anticipated inaugural Mediterranean sailing of Emerald Kaia in April 2026. Reflecting Scenic Group’s commitment
to continuous innovation and growth, anticipation is growing for the next generation of super yachts, with the fleet expansion continuing via the recent steel cutting for Emerald Raiya, which sails from June 2027.
Emerald Kaia will embark on her inaugural voyage on 4
April 2026, inviting up to 128 guests on a journey that spans the historic coastlines of Greece and Turkey. This exclusive itinerary cruises from Limassol to Athens, traverses the awe- inspiring Aegean Sea and explores ancient wonders with authentic local experiences.
The sailing coincides with both Roman Catholic and
Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations, for guests to be immersed in the vibrant local traditions and festivities on this exciting voyage.
Explora Journeys Launches New Seamless Travel Option
EXPLORA Journeys has announced the launch of its Sky and Sea fare, an new fare designed to provide a seamless travel experience from departure to stepping onboard. Guests from the UK, Netherlands, France,
Spain, Germany, Italy, Canada, the USA,
Australia can enjoy a seamless booking experience that integrates flight arrangements,
offering key routes
from major airports in each country to
the Journey’s embarkation
disembarkation ports. The new fare combines international
Switzerland, and
flights, hotel stays when required, private transfers from airport to hotel and port, and 24/7 dedicated guest support. The fare includes international economy-class flights, with the option to
upgrade to premium seating including Business and First Class, for and
an additional supplement. Flight bookings via the Sky & Sea fare
are available for select Journeys and can be combined with existing offers such as Explora Early Booking Benefit, Extended Journeys benefits, and exclusive Explora Club Member privileges.
several locations that showcase the operations on board. In addition to the navigational bridge, galley and engine control room, guests will visit the main laundry, recycling centre, World Stage dressings rooms, marshalling areas, storerooms, bakery and bars. Meet with crew members at each
station – such as the captain, a bridge officer, or chief engineer – who can answer any questions you may have! Guests will also receive a ship-
specific lanyard, souvenir photo collection and commemorative certificate. Carole Biencourt, Holland America
Line’s vice president of onboard revenue, said: “We hear so often from guests who’d love to see the bridge or where our chefs prepare their meals. By bringing back this tour experience we’re pulling back the curtain to these
New Captain at the Helm: Celebrity Cruises Introduces Captain Onboard Newest Ship
CELEBRITY cruises has unveiled
its newly appointed captain of its brand new ship. Captain Kyriakos Matragkas, known as
captain Kirk, will join the fleet onboard Celebrity Excel – the newest ship within its Edge series. Born in Piraeus, Greece, Captain Kirk
has long had an interest in seafaring, working alongside his father and later graduated from the world’s oldest marine academy in Hydra. He joined Celebrity Cruises in 2000 as part of the launch crew for Celebrity Millennium and has been with the company since. In his spare time you may find him snowboarding, reading or playing the guitar or drums!
areas that are rarely visited. We’re giving guests a rare opportunity to see what makes our operation so unique. It’s a fascinating look at the inner workings of a cruise ship, and guests love meeting the crew members who work behind the scenes to create such a memorable experience.”
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