The cruise ship Rotterdam will once again homeport in Rotterdam for the 2028 Europe season.

Featuring Holland America Line’s highest number of Europe port calls in nearly a decade, the 2028 season includes record numbers of visits to Norway, Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands. Guests can discover more than 200 UNESCO World Heritage sites — including in-depth exploration of Norway’s UNESCO-listed fjords — and experience each destination through regional cuisine, local traditions and immersive shore excursions.

Holland America recently expanded its European deployment year-round, with departures from January through early December 2028 and itineraries ranging from seven-day getaways to 48-day Legendary Voyages. 

Five ships — Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Volendam and Zuiderdam — will sail throughout the region, giving guests a wide range of options across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and transatlantic crossings. Overnight stays, extended calls and late-night departures in select ports provide additional time to explore destinations from Northern Europe’s historic capitals and fjord communities to the sun-soaked coasts of the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean Sailings 

The Mediterranean features prominently in Holland America Line’s 2028 Europe season, with voyages ranging from seven to 11 days and departures from six homeports. Sailings visit destinations across Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia and Turkey. At the same time, Nieuw Amsterdam returns to Europe for the first time in more than a decade, allowing travellers to experience several of the ship’s signature offerings, including Morimoto by Sea, Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s only dedicated restaurant at sea. Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam offer spring and fall departures, and Zuiderdam returns following her Evolution enhancements.

Many of the itineraries are designed for guests to sail back-to-back, seeing more of the Mediterranean on a longer vacation with few or no repeat ports. Travellers looking for a more extended exploration can also choose the 48-day Legendary Mediterranean Voyage, sailing roundtrip from North America and visiting destinations across the region. The season includes Holland America Line’s highest number of visits to Spain since 2017 and a record six calls at Portofino in 2028.

Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Zuiderdam will sail Northern Europe voyages ranging from seven to 28 days, visiting Norway, Iceland, Greenland, the British Isles and the Baltic. Itineraries pair major cultural capitals with smaller coastal destinations while offering opportunities to combine multiple regions into a single vacation.

(Source: Holland America)

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Following her early delivery in Genoa on 23 July 2026, Explora III embarked on an exclusive Prelude Journey through the Mediterranean before arriving in Barcelona for the official Naming Ceremony. 

Measuring 19.2 metres (63 ft) longer than her sister ships, Explora I and Explora II, she offers 19.5 sqm of public space per guest ― one of the highest ratios in the industry.

The ship’s expanded footprint also introduces new and enhanced venues. A brighter, more open The Conservatory Pool & Bar, a redesigned Crema Café and a new Outdoor Cigar Lounge alongside the Malt Whisky Bar further enrich onboard life. Ocean Wellness has been reimagined as a unified sanctuary that brings together spa and fitness facilities.

Advanced Marine Technology

As the first LNG-powered vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, Explora III represents the next step in the brand’s investment in advanced marine technologies. Designed to operate on liquefied natural gas today, the ship also offers a pathway towards renewable alternatives such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG as these become increasingly available. She is equipped with shore power capability, enabling connection to onshore electricity in ports with existing infrastructure, allowing engines to be switched off while alongside.

Explora III departed on 3 August on her seven-night Maiden Journey to Lisbon. Her inaugural season will then take her through Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America, offering guests an extraordinary way to experience some of the world’s most captivating destinations while enjoying the most spacious and refined expression of the Explora Journeys experience to date.

(Source: Explora Journeys).

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As the family-owned business approaches its centenary in 2027, the occasion was a reminder of the story at the heart of the family cruise venture’s legacy.

“As the third generation to lead our family business, Ostara represents our commitment to the future; a next-generation river ship, designed for the next generation of APT travellers. Sharing this milestone with my daughter today was especially meaningful. It was a reminder that family businesses are built by thinking beyond today,” said Family Principal and Director Lou Tandy.

The APT Travel Group CEO David Cox added: “As we approach our centenary, Ostara and Solara are a reflection of both our heritage and our future. They honour nearly 100 years of experience while demonstrating our commitment to continued growth, innovation and investment in the guest experience. These ships build on everything APT is known for, while helping shape the next chapter of our business and the journeys we’ll create for future generations of travellers.” 

Like her sister ship, APT Ostara’s interiors were designed by acclaimed Melbourne-based studio Hecker Guthrie, bringing the same sophistication to every space onboard. 

With a capacity for just 154 guests, APT Ostara mirrors the refined design of her sister ship, featuring the same expansive Balcony and Owner’s Suites, and The Grüner Bar & Dining, which lifts hydraulically to offer sweeping 360-degree views from the Sun Deck. Dining is at the heart of the experience, with six distinctive venues plus in-suite dining. 

APT’s river cruise packages cover Europe’s iconic rivers plus Australia’s Murray, China’s Yangtze, South America’s Amazon, Southeast Asia’s Mekong and India’s Lower Ganges. 

About APT
The APT Travel Group’s flagship brand, APT has pioneered a diverse range of cruising and touring styles to deliver holidays that take in every corner of the globe. www.aptouring.com/en-au

(Source: APT)

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Princess Cruises has been sailing to Alaska since 1969, giving the brand nearly six decades of experience creating cruise and land vacations.

The 2028 Alaska season features eight ships, including the new Star Princess as well as Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Royal Princess, Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Island Princess, and Ruby Princess.

Departures from Seattle, Vancouver, British Columbia, Anchorage (Whittier), San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Visits to 16 destinations, including Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
Scenic cruising through four of Alaska’s most spectacular glacier regions: Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier.

86 visits to Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site 

Princess’ celebrated Voyage of the Glaciers itineraries remain the hallmark of the Alaska season, sailing between Anchorage (Whittier) and Vancouver, British Columbia. These one-way voyages showcase some of Alaska’s most spectacular scenery, including visits to iconic ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, with many itineraries featuring two glacier-viewing experiences and opportunities to combine the cruise with an immersive land-based cruisetour.

Roundtrip Inside Passage – Convenience from Desirable Homeports

Guests can also choose from a wide variety of roundtrip Inside Passage voyages departing from Seattle, Vancouver, British Columbia, San Francisco and Los Angeles, offering a convenient way to experience Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife and picturesque coastal communities. Ideal for first-time Alaska travellers, roundtrip Inside Passage voyages offer a convenient, approachable way to experience the region’s glaciers, wildlife and coastal communities from desirable West Coast homeports.

For guests who want to go beyond the coastline, Princess cruisetours combine the ease of a cruise with multiple nights on land, offering a seamless way to experience Alaska’s interior, national parks and Princess Wilderness Lodges in one vacation.

(Source: Princess Cruises)

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Two ocean itineraries will begin operating in April 2027, making them the first Northern European voyages designed specifically for Chinese-speaking guests. This comes as international cruise operators seek to tap a boom in China’s outbound travel market, particularly among affluent consumers looking beyond conventional group tours.

“More than 100,000 Chinese guests have travelled with Viking, making China an important source market for our global fleet,” Viking China managing director Brendan Tansey told China Daily. He added that the company is confident in China’s premium travel market.

Its 930-guest ocean vessel, Viking Yidun, provides Chinese-language signage, entertainment systems, hotel services, and shore assistance, as well as Chinese electrical outlets, kettles, and a mix of Chinese and Western food.

Mediterranean season

The expansion follows the company’s launch of Chinese-language Mediterranean cruises on Viking Yidun, which will be sailing her first Mediterranean season from August this year until March 2027. The ship will offer eight- to 22-day regional sailings covering Western and Eastern Mediterranean ports, spanning nine countries including Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, France, Monaco, Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia.

The ship is currently sailing her first 60-day transcontinental voyage, which started in Shanghai in early June and will arrive in Barcelona in early August in time to start her maiden Mediterranean season.

Viking Yidun will continue to operate Chinese-language Mediterranean voyages during the winter of 2027 and will offer more than 10 combined ocean voyages, including a 60-day journey from Athens to Stockholm that covers 18 countries and 40 cities.

New itineraries for Northern Europe

The new routes comprise a 15-day voyage from Oslo to Stockholm, covering three Nordic capitals, Norwegian fjords, Berlin and destinations along historic Hanseatic trade routes, and a 14-day voyage from Lisbon to Oslo along Europe’s Atlantic coast.

Viking China will also introduce land-tour extensions in Oslo, Stockholm and Reykjavik.

14-Day repositioning cruise from Lisbon to Oslo: The itinerary departs on 9 April 2027 and includes visits to nine cities, including Porto (overnight), A Coruña and Bilbao in Spain; Pauillac and Bordeaux (overnight) in France; Le Havre in France; Zeebrugge in Belgium; and Kristiansand in Norway, before arriving in Oslo (overnight).

15-Day Viking Nordic Discovery: Oslo to Stockholm. Sailing dates — 22 April, 17 June, 15 July and 12 August.

Stockholm to Oslo sailing dates — 6 May, 3 June, 29 July and 26 August 
Seven Countries | 12 Destinations | 12 Shore Excursions and Experiences.

Guests will spend the night on board in Oslo before it sails to the Norwegian ports of Kristiansand, Bergen, Eidfjord, and Stavanger, then arrives in Copenhagen for another overnight before sailing the following morning to Warnemünde (Berlin). After which, the ship will visit Rønne, Bornholm, Denmark; Gdansk, Poland; Klaipeda, Lithuania; and Riga, Latvia, before arriving in Stockholm for another overnight stay.

15-Day Viking Nordic Discovery: There will be two Extended Journeys on 20 May and 1 July, each with an additional stop in Gothenburg, bringing the total to 13 destinations.

Oslo to Stockholm — Sailing date: 20 May
Stockholm to Oslo — Sailing date: 1 July
Seven Countries | 13 Destinations | 12 Included Shore Excursions and Experiences.

Begins in Oslo and travels through Norway, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Sweden. Explore the Nordic capitals of Copenhagen and Stockholm, and visit Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city and the birthplace of Volvo.

(Source: Viking)

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Presented as part of the 11^th Asia Cruise Awards, the award recognises organisations that have played a significant role in advancing regional cruise tourism and strengthening collaboration across the industry.

StarDream Cruises President Michael Goh commented: “We are honoured to receive this recognition from the Asia Cruise Leaders Network (ACLN). This award reflects the dedication of our team in helping pioneer cruise tourism in Asia and the strong collaboration we have built with governments, tourism organisations and industry partners across the region. As an Asian cruise brand with more than 30 years of experience, we remain committed to growing cruise tourism across Asia, including supporting SouthKorea’ss continued development as a leading cruise destination and an increasingly important source market for the fly-cruise segment.”

Its flagship, Genting Dream, under Dream Cruises, currently homeports in Singapore, with selected departures from Malaysia, offering a series of two-, three-, and five-night cruises to destinations across Southeast Asia.

Under StarCruises, Star Voyager continues its deployment from Hong Kong, offering two, three and five-night cruises to destinations across Northeast Asia before returning to Singapore and Malaysia for the year-end holiday season. 

Star Navigator continues to homeport in Keelung, operating two-, three-, five-, and seven-night itineraries to popular destinations in Japan and South Korea.

(Source: StarDream Cruises)

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Responding to the growing interest in wellness experiences, Oceania Cruises offers more than 50 Wellness Discovery Tours in destinations throughout Asia, Europe and South America, as luxury travellers increasingly seek journeys that allow them to learn new skills and explore the world differently. 

Shoreside encounters are complemented by a wealth of enriching experiences on board Oceania Cruises’ intimate, luxurious ships. With culinary lectures, hands-on cooking classes, food-and-beverage pairing experiences, creative workshops in the Artist Loft, insightful guest speakers, and performances by local musicians, guests can enjoy a diverse programme designed to enhance their journey.

Asia’s wellness experiences

• Ultimate Traditional Dance Therapy – Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• Saigonese Organic Food Tasting – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
• Tai Chi at Viharn Sien Park – Bangkok, Thailand.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine Experience – Hong Kong, China.
• Tai Chi & Vegetarian Lunch at a Monastery – Hanoi, Vietnam.

(Source: Oceania Cruises)

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Following centuries of Italian shipbuilding tradition, the ceremony marks the completion of the exterior build and the transition of Amangati from dry dock to sea.

The Float Out is one of the most significant milestones in the construction of an ocean-going vessel, signalling that the hull is complete, sealed, painted and watertight. Amangati now moves to the outfitting quay in Genoa, where the finishing of the interiors will unfold in the months ahead — including the yacht’s 47 expansive suites, the Aman Spa, four signature restaurants, Selora lounge and the Marina — ahead of sea trials, delivery and preparations for welcoming its first guests.

Amangati will depart Palma de Mallorca on a six-night voyage bound for Nice on 7 May 2027, opening its inaugural Mediterranean season with voyages of between five and eight nights across the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean seas. Reservations for the maiden season, along with its newly added Autumn 2027 Caribbean voyages, are now open.

Aman at Sea President and CEO Jonathan Wilson said: “Today is a defining moment in the story of Aman at Sea. To see Amangati painted, afloat, and taking shape for the first time is to see years of design, craftsmanship, and vision meeting the water. We are grateful to the T. Mariotti shipyard, Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, and to every hand that has brought Amangati to this milestone. Every step from here brings us closer to welcoming our first guests aboard next May.”

(Source: Aman at Sea)

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In addition to revealing the newest ship in this fleet enhancement, Holland America Line is also releasing renderings of the new Pinnacle and Bridgeview Suites for the first time — offering an inside glimpse into this new stateroom category, a highlight of the ship transformation.

Building on the momentum of Oosterdam, Zuiderdam is the second of six ships to undergo the programme upgrade. 

The enhancements expand the ship’s accommodations with the addition of a reimagined Pinnacle Suite, two new Bridgeview Suites, 14 Vista Suites and 32 Solo Verandah staterooms, creating more options for guests while maintaining the spacious experience for which the ship is known. 

Zuiderdam: New accommodations

Bridgeview Suites: Two suites located above the bridge, offering sweeping, forward-facing views through wraparound windows, a private balcony, and distinct living and sleeping spaces designed to maximise light and scenery.

Solo Verandahs: Purpose-built staterooms for solo travellers, each featuring a private balcony and thoughtfully designed living space tailored for one guest.

Vista Suites: A guest-favourite category from Pinnacle Class ships, Vista Suites bring spacious, light-filled accommodations with a sitting area, oversized windows and a private verandah to Zuiderdam.

Reimagined Pinnacle Suite: The most expansive accommodations on board, redesigned to offer an elevated residential-style experience with generous living space, refined finishes and panoramic ocean views.

Oosterdam debuts the upgrade

Oosterdam will be the first ship to debut its Evolution transformation, marking the opening chapter of the programme as Holland America Line begins rolling out enhancements across the fleet. 

Bookings are now open for the ship’s first collection of voyages following its refurbishment, giving guests an early opportunity to experience its updated staterooms, enhanced spaces and expanded venues firsthand.

(Source: Holland America)

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Located on Deck 11, Crystal Grace’s dedicated youth area is a vibrant gathering place where younger guests can enjoy the freedom of open-air play, surrounded by the sea.

The space will feature a shallow pool, outdoor recreational games and comfortable areas for families to spend time together in a safe and welcoming environment. Designed to encourage active play and social interaction, this new concept reflects Crystal’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for younger guests while maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic that defines the brand.

Also located on Deck 11, the all-new Waves Teen Centre has been significantly expanded to offer the largest teen space in Crystal’s fleet.

Created exclusively for guests ages 13 to 17, the venue features a larger entertainment lounge complete with an oversized screen for gaming, movies and group activities, card and board game areas and a music and dance space featuring a sound system and dance floor.

The teen programme will operate daily with dedicated programming and activities during peak family travel periods, including summer months and the holiday season.

Younger guests will enjoy a refreshed Fantasia Children’s Playroom, designed specifically for children ages 3 to 12.

Crystal’s family-friendly approach includes drop-off programming for younger children, supervised activities for older children and the continuation of the brand’s in-room babysitting services.

The enhanced playroom is designed to create an engaging and welcoming environment where children can learn, create and make new friends while parents enjoy the ship’s many amenities.

At the heart of Crystal Grace’s outdoor spaces is the Seahorse Pool, the largest pool in the Crystal fleet. Spanning the centre of Deck 10, the expansive pool area will feature 140 loungers between Deck 10 and 11, creating ample space for guests to relax, socialise and enjoy uninterrupted ocean views. 

A large outdoor LED screen will serve as a focal point throughout the day and evening, hosting everything from live sporting events and destination programming to movie nights under the stars.

For the first time, Crystal Grace will introduce a collection of 60 private cabanas on Deck 11, offering guests an exclusive retreat overlooking the Seahorse Pool. Designed for relaxation and privacy, each cabana accommodates two guests and provides elevated views of the pool deck and surrounding seascapes.

Crystal Grace’s inaugural voyage will embark on 11 June  2028, on an eight-night sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Venice. 

(Source: Crystal Cruises)

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