Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of MSC Group, marked two important milestones in building its fleet at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy. The double ceremony celebrated the float-out of EXPLORA V and the coin ceremony for EXPLORA VI, the brand’s fifth and sixth ships.

Following the delivery of EXPLORA III in July 2026, construction continues on the remaining ships. EXPLORA IV is scheduled to enter service in spring 2027, followed by EXPLORA V towards the end of the year. EXPLORA VI is expected to enter service in summer 2028, completing the brand’s six-ship fleet.

The ceremonies brought together representatives of national and local institutions, maritime authorities and the wider maritime industry, alongside Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division; Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys; Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri; and Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division.

Advancing marine technology

All Explora Journeys ships are equipped for shore power connectivity, enabling them to connect to local electricity grids while in port and switch off their engines, eliminating direct emissions from onboard power generation during connection.

EXPLORA III was the fleet’s first LNG-powered ship. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will also be powered by LNG and are designed to use renewable and next-generation fuels, including bio-LNG, synthetic LNG and biofuels. EXPLORA VI will also feature fuel cell technology to support more efficient energy generation, while EXPLORA V is being designed to accommodate this technology in the future.

These developments support the MSC Group’s long-term energy transition strategy by combining advanced marine technologies with the increasing use of lower-emission and renewable fuels.

(Source: Explora Journeys)

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Accommodating 64 guests across 32 suites, the riverboat combines contemporary design, dining and exclusive archaeological access, bringing a new dimension to A&K’s longstanding presence in one of the world’s most historically significant destinations.

Sailing between Luxor and Aswan on four-night journeys, Nile Seray arrives amid growing demand and renewed international interest in Egypt following the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in November 2025. 

The riverboat offers a new way to experience the country’s extraordinary heritage, pairing visits to its most celebrated ancient sites with an intimate onboard setting designed around the landscapes and culture of the Nile.

Access to Ancient Egypt

Nile Seray sails between Aswan and Luxor on four-night voyages, with daily excursions to explore the temples, tombs, and historic landscapes along the river. 

All meals and excursions are included, and every Nile Seray voyage features complimentary insider access to some of Egypt’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Guests can explore the tombs of Seti I and Ramses VI on the West Bank of the Nile, alongside exclusive private openings of the tombs of Tutankhamun and Amenhotep III.

Expert A&K Egyptologists accompany excursions, bringing the stories, historical context and cultural significance of Egypt’s ancient monuments to life.

The itinerary includes visits to the temples of Luxor, Karnak and Aswan, offering a detailed exploration of the civilisations that flourished along the Nile.

The experience extends beyond the major archaeological sites. Guests can sail by traditional felucca around Elephantine Island, take part in Egyptian cooking classes and enjoy traditional entertainment on board, creating a journey that encompasses both ancient history and contemporary Egyptian culture.

Rates start from USD3,125 per person for a four-night voyage. 

A&K’s Legacy and Commitment

Egypt holds a singular place in A&K’s history. The company’s relationship with the Nile dates back to founder Geoffrey Kent’s pioneering vision, inspired by a chance encounter with David Niven on the set of Death on the Nile in 1977.

Kent subsequently leased the SS Memnon, launching A&K’s first Nile cruise and establishing a legacy of innovation that continues today.

Nile Seray joins A&K Sanctuary’s established collection of Nile riverboats, which includes Nile Adventurer, Sun Boat III, Sun Boat IV and Zein Nile Chateau.

Its launch marks a further investment in Egypt and builds on A&K’s longstanding expertise in delivering distinctive journeys through the country. A sister vessel is set to launch on the Nile in 2028, demonstrating A&K Sanctuary’s continued commitment to the destination.

(Source: A&K)

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Due to set sail in 2028, Celebrity Xcite joins Celebrity Cruises’ most expansive Caribbean lineup yet — with the most Edge Series ships sailing the region — departing from four Florida ports in 2028 and 2029.

Celebrity Xcite makes its highly anticipated debut with seven-night sailings from Miami.

Celebrity Xcite’s inaugural season will feature seven-night Caribbean vacations from Miami, bringing guests to some of the region’s most sought-after destinations. Rotating itineraries take guests to St. Thomas, Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Maarten, and the Dominican Republic. Guests can unwind on white-sand beaches, swim in turquoise waters, explore natural wonders including The Baths at Virgin Gorda, and immerse themselves in the vibrant cultures of the Caribbean.

Season highlights 2028-2029 

The first-ever short sailings for Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, with new three-night weekend escapes from Fort Lauderdale on Celebrity Beyond.

Eight- to 11-night sailings on Celebrity Beyond visit destinations including St. Kitts and Nevis, Martinique, Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Antigua, and feature six bucket-list journeys to the Panama Canal. 

New eight- to 12-night summer sailings on Celebrity Silhouette with Celebrity Cruises’ first full summer season to Southern Caribbean destinations including Barbados, Saint Lucia, Martinique, and Grenada.

Year-round Caribbean escapes aboard the renewed Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale.

Celebrity Ascent will offer nine- to 12-night sailings to destinations including Grand Cayman, Aruba, Curaçao, Saint Lucia, Martinique, St. Maarten, Barbados, Antigua, and Turks and Caicos Islands. Celebrity Eclipse will also sail from Fort Lauderdale on 11-night itineraries to guest-favourite destinations.

On Celebrity Xcel, six- and eight-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale offer Southern Caribbean itineraries to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, as well as Western Caribbean itineraries to Mexico, Honduras, and Grand Cayman. 

(Source: Celebrity Cruises)

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The awards recognise excellence and innovation across industries, with winners voted by industry professionals, business leaders and the wider business community.

“On behalf of StarDream Cruises, we are honoured to receive the Best Regional Cruise Experience Award. As a homegrown cruise brand with more than 30 years of experience in Asia, we remain committed to bringing travellers closer to the region’s diverse destinations, cultures and experiences.

We thank our guests, travel partners and team members for their continued trust and support as we continue to make cruising an appealing way to discover the region,” said StarDream Cruises President Michael Goh.

StarDream Cruises connects travellers with more than 50 destinations across Asia through its two brands, StarCruises and Dream Cruises. 

Under Dream Cruises, flagship Genting Dream sails year-round from Singapore, with additional departures from Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang) and Melaka. Cruises also visit popular destinations such as Phuket, Bali, Penang and  Melaka.

StarCruises offers a more intimate cruise experience aboard its mid-sized ships, Star Voyager and Star Navigator, connecting travellers to destinations across Asia. 

From Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang), Star Voyager offers itineraries featuring destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, Pangkor and Langkawi.

Meanwhile, Star Navigator sails year-round from Keelung, with select departures from Kaohsiung, offering cruises to destinations across Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong.

(Source: StarDream Cruises).

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The 16 to 30 October drydock introduces the Sanctuary Collection to Royal Princess, part of the cruise line’s rollout to five of its Royal-Class ships. It brings fresh energy to the ship’s signature Piazza with O’Malley’s Irish Pub and an expanded Bellini’s cocktail bar. 

Royal Princess now offers the premium, all-inclusive Sanctuary Collection, including access to the Sanctuary Club (from April 2027), elevated amenities and personalised service. New for Royal Princess, newly constructed oceanview staterooms can be reserved as part of the Sanctuary Collection, along with suites, mini-suites, deluxe balcony and balcony staterooms. In addition, the Sanctuary Restaurant – only available to Sanctuary Collection guests – is open on deck 6.

As part of the dry dock enhancements, Royal Princess also adds 20 guest cabins — six mini-suites, seven oceanview, two interiors, and five single interiors.

Singapore sailings before Australian summer season

Royal Princess began her first Singapore-based cruise on 1 November, a nine-night itinerary to Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Ko Samui, followed by a 13-night Southeast Asia cruise departing 10 November and concluding in Sydney on 25 November, with calls at Lombok, Darwin, Yorkeys Knob, and Brisbane.

Royal Princess is one of three Princess ships sailing Australia during the 2026-27 season, which features 42 itineraries and 62 departures. Based in Sydney for the season, Royal Princess will offer a variety of voyages showcasing the natural beauty, vibrant cities and distinctive cultures of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, along with shorter coastal getaways.

Singapore season

Diamond Princess will arrive in Singapore on 9 December 2026 from Japan and begin regional sailings to Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. 

Sapphire Princess will arrive in Singapore on 26 December from North America to join Diamond Princess for their twin-ship deployment in Singapore until February- March 2027. Their last twin-ship deployment in Singapore was back in 2019.

After their Singapore season, both ships will sail to Japan for Princess Cruises’ first twin-ship deployment for the March–December 2027 season, featuring the cruise line’s largest-ever Japan programme, offering 78 departures and 50 itineraries ranging from seven to 28 days

(Source: Princess Cruises)

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Departures begin in 2028, and the new itinerary offers Viking’s most comprehensive exploration of Egypt to date, featuring four hotel nights in Egypt’s capital and a 14-night sailing between Cairo and Aswan aboard the all-suite Viking Ra.

Guests will discover the country’s renowned landmarks alongside lesser-visited archaeological sites and communities in Middle Egypt, gaining a deeper understanding of the history, culture and traditions that have shaped life along the Nile.

Grand Nile Journey

The new Grand Nile Journey itinerary features 17 guided tours designed to explore the country’s history and traditions. The trip begins in Cairo, with highlights including the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum, before continuing along the Nile through the heart of Egypt.

The voyage includes visits to sites throughout Middle Egypt that offer a fascinating perspective on the country’s ancient civilisations. Guests will discover the Meidum Pyramid, which represents an important chapter in the evolution of pyramid construction.

They will also explore the cliffside Noblemen’s Tombs of Beni Hasan, renowned for their depictions of daily life in ancient Egypt. At Tell el-Amarna, guests will encounter the remains of the once-lost royal capital established by Pharaoh Akhenaten. At the same time, a visit to Deir el-Muharraq monastery offers insight into Egypt’s Coptic Christian heritage and the site traditionally associated with the Holy Family’s journey through the country.

Continuing south, guests will experience ancient Egypt’s grandeur at the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Seti I at Abydos.

The journey also includes time in Aswan, where guests can explore the island temple complex of Philae, immerse themselves in Egypt’s storied past at the monolithic temples of Abu Simbel, and sail the Nile on a traditional felucca. Throughout the voyage, scenic sailing highlights the contrast between the Nile’s lush green riverbanks and the surrounding desert.

For guests who want to extend their travels, Viking offers pre- and post-trip land extensions that can be combined with the Grand Nile Journey itinerary. Options include Cairo (two nights; with services of a Viking Host), offering more time to discover Egypt’s vibrant capital; Morocco (five nights; fully guided), showcasing its colourful markets and rich heritage; and Jordan – Dead Sea, Petra and Amman (four nights; fully guided).

Viking Ra hosts 52 guests in 26 suites and is built specifically to navigate the Nile River. 

(Source: Viking)

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Through October 2027, the ship will offer short-bream cruises to Malaysia and Thailand, and longer cruises to Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan.

“Navigator of the Seas’ arrival in Singapore marks a game-changing moment for Royal Caribbean, making it easier for vacationers to discover more of Asia from one convenient homeport. With a range of short getaways and longer journeys to destinations across the region, Navigator gives vacationers greater flexibility in how they experience Asia,” said Royal Caribbean President of Greater China and Managing Director Asia Ben Bouldin. “We’re thrilled to welcome Navigator to Singapore and give families and friends more ways to explore, reconnect and make every getaway count.”

From Singapore, vacationers can choose from two- to five-night getaways across Southeast Asia, exploring the heritage-rich streets and renowned food scenes of Penang, Malaysia, unwinding on the beaches of Phuket, Thailand, or discovering the scenic landscapes of Langkawi, Malaysia. 

Vacationers can also embark on a 10-night journey to Thailand and Vietnam, stopping in Ho Chi Minh City and coastal Da Nang, Vietnam, and spending an overnight in Bangkok, Thailand. For longer adventures, 12-night journeys between Singapore and Tokyo explore destinations across Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Navigator’s year-long Singapore season is part of Royal Caribbean’s 2027–28 Asia-Pacific lineup. From January to April 2028, Voyager of the Seas will sail from Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo, while Ovation and Anthem of the Seas offer adventures from Brisbane and Sydney, Australia. Quantum of the Seas will follow Navigator of the Seas’ season in Singapore, with cruises kicking off in October 2027.

(Source: Royal Caribbean)

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Twelve winter 2028 journeys of five to eight nights follow Autumn 2027 itineraries announced last June. They sail routes to the harbours and archipelagos of the Antilles from 21 November 2027 through 20 March 2028, and open new waters in the Dominican Republic, Martinique, Guadeloupe and the Grenadines.

Amangati extends its inaugural Caribbean season into 2028 with 12 voyages of five- to eight-night sailings between 2 January and 20 March. 

Departing Palma de Mallorca on 7 May 2027, Amangati’s inaugural Mediterranean season will feature five- to eight-night voyages across the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean seas, with itineraries designed around longer stays, late departures and access to intimate harbours and secluded anchorages. 

Autumn 2027

The Autumn season comprises three regional voyage routes: the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands, and the Dutch Caribbean, with select sailings extending through the festive season.

The Leeward Islands voyages open the season with three successive itineraries through the northern arc of the Antilles, drawing on the harbour of Gustavia in Saint Barthélemy and Saint Kitts and Nevis. 

The Windward Islands voyages depart from Saint John’s and Bridgetown in Barbados, respectively, and carry guests south through Îles des Saintes in Guadeloupe, Portsmouth in Dominica, Anse d’Arlet in Martinique, and Soufrière in Saint Lucia, beneath the rain-forested Pitons. 

The Dutch Caribbean voyages offer itineraries from Bridgetown and Oranjestad, tracing the southern Caribbean’s ABC islands, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.

Launching in May 2027, Amangati will welcome just 94 guests across 47 ocean-facing suites, each featuring a private terrace and uninterrupted sea views. On board, guests can enjoy four signature restaurants, the Aman Spa and direct access to the sea via The Marina. 

(Source: Aman at Sea)

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Together, this collection offers four experiences in one season spanning the landscapes of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, as well as some of the world’s most celebrated cities and remote destinations. 

All voyages go on sale 10 November 2026.

Princess Cruises

2029 Grand World Odyssey: 129 Nights of Extraordinary Discovery

The longest World Cruise ever offered roundtrip from Australia, the 2029 Grand World Odyssey connects five continents.

Sailing aboard Grand Princess, the 129-night Grand World Odyssey covers about 37,300 nautical miles and visits 61 destinations in 31 countries.

2028–29 Australia & New Zealand

Princess’ 2028–29 Australia and New Zealand programme delivers over 90 departures across 70  itineraries aboard three ships. Voyages range from two to 46 nights, offering guests everything from short escapes to extended adventures exploring the region’s spectacular coastlines, vibrant cities, extraordinary wildlife and rich cultural heritage.

Three Princess Ships: Grand Princess, Emerald Princess and Royal Princess explore 42 destinations across six countries, exploring the diverse landscapes, cultures and natural wonders of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific

(Source: Princess Cruises)

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With an initial deposit of just 10%, reduced from the usual 25%, guests can secure their preferred small-ship voyage while keeping more of their travel budget available for longer. 

The offer applies to new bookings on 350 small-ship sailings across many destinations in late 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029, and to voyages by sister company Paul Gauguin Cruises. Whether exploring the Kimberley’s dramatic coastline, discovering the Mediterranean’s historic ports, island-hopping through French Polynesia or venturing into the polar regions, travellers can lock in their next adventure with a smaller upfront commitment. 

Terms and conditions: Valid on all new bookings made by 31 January 2027. A reduced deposit is required at booking, with a further deposit equal to 15% of the booking value due 212 days before departure. Standard final payment, booking and cancellation terms apply. Combinable with selected promotional offers. 

(Source: Ponant)

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