46 | CRUISE NEWS


www.nitravelnews.com Snapshots From The Danube


September/October 2025


Windstar Unveils 2026/27 Voyages for Winter!


WINDSTAR Cruises has announced 35 sailings on 10 different itineraries across four yacht-style ships in the Caribbean and Latin America for Winter 2026/2027, including daylight Panama Canal transits, first-time shore excursions and new Cruise Tours to Machu Picchu. The expansion also includes the debut of Star Seeker, sailing in the Caribbean during winter 2026. Any week November through March, Windstar has a


BY SARAH PICKERING sarah@nitravelnews.com


AS two sides of one tale gently caress either side of the Danube, visitors and locals alike take in the sights and sounds of Budapest from the river. The city stands as a place where many will fail to find


little to do. Museums for the history buffs, cafes and market halls for the foodies, and unwinding relaxation within numerous bathing sites should ensure a busy visit to the Hungarian capital. However, an ample opportunity to see Budapest from a different angle can be done so aboard a ship. Many different river cruises options are available; these range from daytripper activities with morning, noon and night sailings, to


itinerary-led river cruising exploring the Danube in its entirety.


With this wealth of sailings brings a plethora of


experiences to be had. For the avid sightseer, take in breathtaking views of the Hungarian Parliament Building, which opened back in 1904, and witness it illuminate the bank as it dazzles at night. Across the river you’ll find Buda Castle and the ever-so photographed Fisherman’s Bastion,


protruding


from the rock face it sits upon. Lights from bridges and buildings dance in the night as you sail, viewing the often busy city in a new, softer light. Daytime sailors will experience the buzz of


Margaret Island- be sure to stop here to dwell in the enchanting musical fountain or visit the small


zoo which sits within the verdant island. During the summer months this area is filled with many enjoying its laid back approach, with bars and restaurants filling each corner, waiting to be explored. Take your pick of sailings through the historic divide of the city, with sip and sail options aplenty, or use this time to get familiar with your surroundings with a local audio guide - the choice is totally up to you. This brings the beauty of Budapest aboard the ship, with the element of enjoying the city how you see fit, just like you would on foot. Historic monuments are dotted throughout the


newly modernised walkways and long streets. Rest those legs and let the locals do the talking. By ship, Budapest comes to you.


week-long small-ship Caribbean itinerary available from San Juan, San Maarten or both. Guests can indulge in extensive use of Windstar’s iconic marina platform, sail into tiny ports that big ships skip – like Anguilla and Jost Van Dyke – and experience a taste of Windstar’s signature beach barbecue in Virgin Gorda and Mayreau in the Grenadines. From December 2026 through March 2027, Wind Surf,


the brand’s flagship sailing ship, will alternate between the seven-night Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean Getaway and a seven-night Classic Caribbean itineraries to reveal just how diverse and dazzling the region can be. Imagine snorkelling off the yacht’s marina in Prickly Pear, zip-lining through St. Kitts’ rainforest or enjoying rum- soaked sunset toasts in Guadeloupe. From October to January, Star Pride offers weekly sailings departing from San Juan, alternating between the seven-night San Juan & the Virgin Islands and seven- night Windward Islands Surf & Sunsets itineraries. Before transitioning to Latin America, Star Legend will offer two sailings from Barbados in November and December 2026.


Princess Cruises Launches Japan Season for 2027 with Sailings from Tokyo


PRINCESS Cruises has announced its most extensive Japan deployment to date for the 2027 season. For the first time in the cruise line’s history, two Japan- built sister ships, Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess, will sail roundtrip from the Tokyo region throughout the entire season. Running from March through December, the 2027


programme features 78 departures across 50 unique itineraries, with voyages ranging from seven to 28 nights.


Silversea Reveal Immersive Land Experiences at Highly-Anticipated Hotel


SILVERSEA has unveiled highlights of the land offerings available at its highly-anticipated hotel, The Cormorant at 55 South in Puerto Williams, Chile – scheduled to open in January 2026.


Nestled in the heart of the Fuegian Archipelago, The


Cormorant at 55 South will offer guests an immersive experience in one of the world’s most remote and ecologically rich destinations, allowing them to explore deeper before their journey to Antarctica. “Our vision for The Cormorant at 55 South has always been to transform a journey that had to be endured, into one our guests truly enjoy,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “The Cormorant will be more than just a place to stay – it will become a new point for discovery at the edge of the world while also making the journey to Antarctica more comfortable and enjoyable for our guests. Our teams have created an enriching offering for guests to explore during their stay, giving them the opportunity to engage with the natural and historical heritage of Puerto Williams, all while enjoying the elevated comfort and service that is synonymous with Silversea.” Guests will be able to choose from a variety of guided excursions and activities tailored to different activity levels.


These experiences will provide


intimate access to the subpolar landscapes, from the Magellanic subpolar forests such as those in Parque Municipal Ukika to panoramic vistas, and more. The Cormorant at 55 South will be a haven for birdwatching and ecological discovery.


The


surrounding area is home to a remarkable array of bird species, including the cormorant – which serves as inspiration for the hotel’s name – dolphin gull, upland goose, and the yellow-billed pintail. Guests may also admire native horses and guanacos, as well as marine life such as dolphins, whales, and seals in the nearby Beagle Channel. The Beagle Channel, which separates Chile from


Argentina, lies just north of The Cormorant at 55 South, along with a scenic inlet that runs parallel. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy guided kayaking during their stay, exploring these unique waterways that were once charted by legendary explorers. Puerto Williams is known for its remarkable location in the Fuegian


Archipelago, surrounded by the


breathtaking landscapes of the Dientes de Navarino mountain range and Cape Horn. Part of the subpolar climate region, characterised by its pristine wilderness, fjords, and unique biodiversity. The Martial Mountains are home to various animals, including guanacos, foxes, and condors, which guests can witness from a distance.


CELEBRITY Cruises has unveiled its 2027- 2028 itineraries, with stop in Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, Japan, Canada and New England. More than 175 itineraries have been announced in over 180 destinations covering all corners of the globe. Celebrity’s newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, will return to Europe for its second season, across the Mediterranean both on land and on board. “With unforgettable itineraries that span the globe, guests can discover incredible destinations while enjoying the unrivalled hospitality Celebrity Cruises is known for,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.


“Our 2027-2028 sailings provide incredible destination experiences to both first time cruisers and cruising veterans.”


Sailing highlights include back-to-back sailings on


Celebrity Xcel through France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Morocco, Greece and Turkey. There is also more than 60 overnight stays and more than 115 port days of 12 hours or more. Celebrity Edge has also extended its Alaska season and there is also multiple overnight stays in four Japanese cities, including Tokyo and Kyoto.


Celebrity Cruises’ Reveals 2027-2028 Itineraries


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80