Cruise
Silversea’s Silver Shadow sails away on World Cruise
Silversea’s Silver Shadow departed San Francisco on Jan. 15, embarking upon the Far East-West World Cruise 2024. Travellers will journey from east to west, from one of the planet’s extremes to the other, on a 132-day round-trip itinerary that will encompass most of the Pacific Rim, from Hawaii and remote Pacific isles, to Australia and New Zealand, through Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and back across the Pacific to Alaska, Canada, and California. About the World Cruise In total, guests will visit 65 destinations across 14 countries, including 33 destinations that are entirely new...
MSC cancels three Grand Voyage sailings
MSC Cruises has cancelled three repositioning ‘Grand Voyage’ sailings in April from South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Europe because of the risk to shipping in the Red Sea. Ongoing attacks on merchant vessels in the region has obliged the company to cancel a 24-night cruise of MSC Splendida from Durban, South Africa to Genoa, Italy, a 21-night sailing of MSC Opera from Dubai, UAE to Genoa and a 23-night voyage of MSC Virtuosa from Dubai to Southampton, UK. Avoiding the Red Sea The safety of passengers and crew is the number one priority and as there was no...
Windstar’s Star Legend returns to the Med for another winter
After pivoting to a first-ever winter cruise season in the Mediterranean this year, Windstar Cruises’ intends to keep Star Legend sailing in the region for another winter season. Positive feedback and an influx of bookings and demand have led the luxury small ship cruise line to enhance their winter Mediterranean deployment with new itineraries and opportunities to book longer voyages in 2024/2025. “On our inaugural sailing in December, every single travel advisor and guest on board told me ‘this is genius’ as we enjoyed the sunny weather of Europe’s most walkable cities when...
On Expedition: Shari Tucker discovers Belize, Honduras with PONANT
In December 2023, Halifax-based travel advisor Shari Tucker embarked on a new seven-night PONANT itinerary called Belize and Honduras: Unexpected Encounters and Nature on the expedition ship Le Dumont d’Urville. “One of my professional goals for 2023 was to try my first expedition cruise,” Tucker tells Travel Courier. “The allure of off-the-beaten track destinations with fewer tourists, combined with a company who is having a positive impact through travel, is a sweet spot for me. This trip encompassed many firsts for me. It was my first time sailing with PONANT, my first...
Passport Online, Swan Hellenic announce partnership
Travel advisors using Passport Online to populate and market their online inventory of leisure travel products will now be able to find up-to-date information and pricing for Swan Hellenic’s expedition cruises to Antarctica, the Arctic, and destinations around the world as a result of a new partnership between the two companies. “We are committed to providing our travel agency customers with the very best suppliers in the industry," said Jeanne Colombo, president of Passport Online. "We are thrilled to welcome award-winning Swan Hellenic Cruises to our portfolio. Adding Swan...
Celebrity announces huge WAVE deals on four Edge ships
Celebrity Cruises celebrates a series of firsts in 2024, with its four Edge Series ships located in top destinations for the summer season and beyond. For the first time, holidaymakers can experience the idyllic Caribbean on new three- and four-night itineraries, or board the newest Edge Series ship, Celebrity Ascent, all while making huge savings with the brand’s new Semi-Annual Sale. To entice guests to think ahead for 2024, the premium cruise line is now offering up to 75% off the fare of the second guest* on all sailings from now until April 30, 2026. Those booking on select dates...
Viking adds new China itineraries
Viking is setting a course to China, with the launch of three new, ‘first-of-their-kind itineraries that will provide guests with exclusive access’ to China in 2024. The new sailings range from 10 to 20 days and include Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Each itinerary also includes a domestic sailing of China’s coast, highlighting ‘rarely-seen destinations and ports to The new voyages will operate from September to November on the Viking Yi Dun -- formerly the Viking Sun. The Chinese-flagged Viking Yi Dun will be the first ship dedicated specifically to the foreign market...
Seabourn heads to Alaska for summer 2024
Seabourn is looking ahead to the 2024 Alaska season aboard Seabourn Odyssey as she completes her final season with the ultra-luxury cruise line. Featuring 20 carefully curated sailings from seven to 14 days, Seabourn will immerse guests in the natural and cultural wonders of “The Great Land” from May to August 2024. Seabourn Odyssey will provide the ultimate retreat into nature and a blend of up-close adventures with luxurious amenities for guests to immerse themselves and experience Alaska in a multitude of ways. About Seabourn Odyssey The ship’s intimate size and yacht-like...