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Celestyal to offer 190 new shore excursions for its first winter Mediterranean season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 September 2026 22 September 2026

Celestyal, the Mediterranean boutique cruise line has unveiled its shore excursions for its new winter Eastern and Western Mediterranean deployments, with 190 experiences available to book now.

The new offerings include 118 excursions for Celestyal Discovery’s new Western Mediterranean itineraries sailing winter 2026-27 and 2027-28, and 72 excursions for Celestyal Journey’s winter 2027-28 Eastern Mediterranean itineraries.
A range of half-day, full-day and two-day options are available, in addition to 27 new “Authentic Encounters”, which provide immersive experiences with local people and attractions, and smaller group sizes.

The excursions also introduce a new “Community Connections” offering, designed to take guests beyond traditional sightseeing by connecting them with the local people, producers and communities that bring each destination to life.
To mark the introduction of the new excursions, Celestyal is offering a 15% discount on all excursions for Celestyal Discovery’s new 2026 Western Mediterranean itineraries booked before September 30, 2026.

Highlights include:
– “Mamas and Tapas”, full day “Authentic Encounter” tour. Takes guests from Malaga into rural Andalucía to visit an olive oil mill before being welcomed into the homes of residents in the mountain village of Alfarnate for a traditional five-course lunch. Prices start at $128pp.*
– “Artisan Cheese Tour & Workshop”, half-day excursion. From Cádiz, the tour takes in the small town of El Bosque, where guests meet local cheesemakers, take part in a hands-on workshop and sample cheeses made using milk from livestock farms in the surrounding Sierra de Grazalema. Prices start at $118pp.
– Carcaixent Citrus Plantation & Spirit Tasting, half-day “Community Connections” excursion. Departs Valencia for the countryside of Carcaixent, where guests visit a family-run citrus orchard dating back to 1870. The experience includes an introduction to traditional orange cultivation, tastings of fresh juice, artisan jams and orange-blossom honey, followed by regional citrus liqueurs. Prices start at $93pp.*

Other highlights include a hands-on tagine cooking class in Tangier, a private flamenco and tapas experience in Cádiz, Valencia’s Fallas festival workshops, a gastronomic tour of Palma’s Mercat de l’Olivar, a Taste of Istanbul experience, and a journey on the historic mountain railway from Volos.

John Diorio, Managing Director and Vice President for Celestyal North America, said: “For us, an authentically Mediterranean experience has always been about much more than simply arriving in a destination and seeing its most famous sights. It’s about meeting the people who live there and understanding the traditions that have shaped it.

“Winter is such a rewarding time to explore the Mediterranean. There’s a more relaxed pace and guests have more space to experience destinations. Through our new shore excursions and ‘Community Connections’ offering, we can help them get closer to local life and traditions, while ensuring tourism delivers real, meaningful value to the people and businesses they meet along the way.”

As part of Celestyal’s current “Uncrowded, Unforgettable, Authentically Med” campaign, which runs until November 2, 2026, seven-night winter Mediterranean cruises start at $549 per person and include meals, soft drinks, WiFi, port fees and gratuities.

Scenic Group to expand in India

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 September 2026 22 September 2026

Scenic Group has announced a strategic partnership with Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN), marking its expansion into the Brahmaputra River and a commitment to have two-ultra luxury Scenic River ships operating in India by 2029-30.

The long-term agreement marks a significant next step in Scenic Group’s expansion within the India market and will bring together ABN’s more than two decades of experience, operating river cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganges. This will align closely with Scenic’s global expertise in all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising, international operations and unique immersive experiences, that connect guests with the unique destinations they visit.

The Brahmaputra River will offer Scenic guests access to distinct aspects of India, shaped by dramatic landscapes, wildlife, ancient cultural traditions and remote riverside communities. It will provide a natural complement to Scenic’s upcoming inaugural 2027-28 Hooghly River program in West Bengal, while extending the brand’s ability to offer deeper, more diverse discovery of the subcontinent.

The partnership was confirmed following a recent meeting in Delhi between Scenic Group Founder and Chairman Glen Moroney, Ashish Phookan, Founder and Managing Director of Assam Bengal Navigation and Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Glen Moroney, Founder & Chairman of Scenic Group, said: “India offers extraordinary potential for luxury river cruising. Our partnership with Assam Bengal Navigation gives us the benefit of deep local expertise and an established operating platform, while allowing Scenic to bring its international experience in luxury cruising to the market. Scenic Aura is the first step in what we expect will be a long-term commitment to India.”

Ashish Phookan, Founder & Managing Director of Assam Bengal Navigation, said: “ABN has spent more than two decades developing river cruising on the Brahmaputra and Ganges. This partnership brings together our operating experience and knowledge of India’s rivers with Scenic’s global luxury cruise expertise, brand and international distribution. We believe it can significantly expand India’s position on the global river-cruise map.”

Strong demand for Scenic Aura’s inaugural season

The Brahmaputra announcement follows the previously released plans for Scenic Aura to commence cruising on the Hooghly River from October 2027. Designed for just 44 guests, the boutique ship will operate an inaugural collection of all-inclusive ultra-luxury river cruises and land journeys through India and Sri Lanka.

Scenic Aura’s 2027–28 season combines a 10-night Hooghly River cruise through West Bengal with carefully curated land journeys across India and Sri Lanka.

Guests will experience a diverse selection of vibrant cities, sacred sites, historic palaces, artisan communities and culturally immersive experiences. This will be provided with personalised service and unrivalled depth of inclusions for which Scenic is known.

Demand for the inaugural program has been exceptionally strong. With limited availability remaining, travel advisors, clients and guests are encouraged to secure their preferred departures before the inaugural season sells out.

The strong response to Scenic Aura has reinforced the opportunity for Scenic Group to grow its presence in India. Together with the planned Brahmaputra expansion, it forms the foundation of a broader long-term strategy to introduce new, luxury river cruise and land journey experiences across India and the wider region.

Further details on remaining availability for Scenic Aura’s inaugural season, as well as the opportunity to pre-register for updates and priority bookings on the future Brahmaputra programme, are available through Scenic’s Reservations team and preferred travel advisors.

Photo: Scenic Aura Vitality Pool

Mitsui Ocean Cruises names newest ship Mitsui Ocean Sakura

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 September 2026 19 September 2026

Mitsui Ocean Cruises, Japan’s premier luxury cruise line, celebrated the naming of its newest luxury ship, Mitsui Ocean Sakura, during a traditional ceremony in Yokohama on September 16, ahead of the ship’s highly anticipated debut voyage from Yokohama Port on September 19, 2026.

The arrival of Mitsui Ocean Sakura marks an important milestone for Mitsui Ocean Cruises, expanding the Japan-based luxury cruise line to a two-ship fleet alongside Mitsui Ocean Fuji, which debuted in December 2024. Together, the ships carry forward more than 140 years of Japanese seafaring heritage while introducing travelers to the country through authentic cuisine, culture, warm hospitality and access to both marquee and off-the-beaten path ports throughout Japan.

Held at the Ocean Stage onboard Mitsui Ocean Sakura at the Yokohama Hammerhead cruise terminal, the naming ceremony honored the people behind the ship, with Mitsui Ocean Cruises crew members and employees collectively serving as namers.

Captain Satoshi Ninomiya, the ship’s inaugural captain, represented the crew and employees in officially naming the vessel: “With this ship, we pledge to travel around beautiful Japan and the world for many years to come, connecting hearts and sailing safely,” said Ninomiya during the ceremony. In keeping with maritime tradition, the ceremony included the bottle breaking to wish Mitsui Ocean Sakura safe voyages and good fortune for the many guests and crew who will sail aboard her in the years ahead.

Captain Ninomiya also reflected on the company’s long maritime history, including a lineage of passenger ships that have connected Japan with destinations around the world, including Argentina Maru and the Brazil Maru, which connected Japan and South America, the first Nippon Maru and Sakura Maru-Shin Sakura Maru during Japan's high-growth period, and since the Heisei era, Fuji Maru and Nippon Maru, and most recently introduced Mitsui Ocean Fuji.

“Throughout our long history, what we have inherited is truly service from the heart,” added Captain Ninomiya. “This spirit and tradition will be proudly passed on to Mitsui Ocean Sakura.”

A name rooted in Japan

Few symbols are as closely associated with Japan as the Sakura, or cherry blossom, celebrated for its beauty and place in Japanese culture. The Sakura name also holds special significance in the company’s maritime history, having previously been carried by the passenger ships Sakura Maru and Shin Sakura Maru.

The name Mitsui Ocean Sakura honors both the enduring beauty of Japan and the heritage of passenger ships that have been loved by generations of travelers.

“Mitsui Ocean Sakura carries on the legacy of our cruise business while embarking on a new era,” said Tsunemichi Mukai, President of Mitsui Ocean Cruises. “With thoughtful time spent onboard, the scenery and culture encountered in ports of call, and the connections made along the way, we hope to provide special experiences that remain with our guests throughout their lives. We will continue moving forward as a Japanese cruise brand that shares beautiful Japanese cruising with the world. Together with Mitsui Ocean Fuji, we will do our utmost to make Mitsui Ocean Sakura a ship loved by many guests.”

Mitsui Ocean Sakura sets sail September 19

Mitsui Ocean Sakura will officially enter service on Saturday, September 19, departing Yokohama Port at 5 p.m. on her inaugural cruise. Prior to departure, the City of Yokohama will host a ceremony onboard to celebrate the ship’s launch, including a traditional plaque exchange between the ship and Yokohama Port.

The 32,477-ton, 458-guest Mitsui Ocean Sakura is an intimate, all-suite luxury ship with ocean views from every suite. At 650 feet long, her compact size allows access to a diverse range of ports throughout Japan, including smaller destinations and ports located within easy reach of city centers.

As a Japanese-registered ship, Mitsui Ocean Sakura will initially focus on short- and medium-length domestic voyages. The ship is scheduled to operate 29 cruises during her first three months through December 2026, including 1- to 3-night Autumn Scenic, Christmas and New Year cruises. A total of 61 cruises have been announced through September 2027, offering travelers a variety of opportunities to explore destinations throughout Japan.

A distinctly Japanese experience at sea

Mitsui Ocean Sakura brings Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ signature Funatabi – Beautiful Encounters with Japan to life through cuisine, hospitality, entertainment and destination experiences inspired by Japan.

Among the ship’s new culinary experiences is Sushi Bar Shiosai, an intimate specialty restaurant on Deck 5 featuring counter and table seating. Guests can enjoy carefully curated multi-course menus featuring sushi, seasonal small dishes and sake, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail at the heart of Japanese cuisine.

The ship’s Grand Pool on Deck 8 offers another distinctly Japanese touch: an open-air footbath where guests can relax while remaining comfortably dressed, providing a restorative retreat between sightseeing and onboard activities.

Guests also enjoy an inclusive onboard experience featuring suite accommodations, dining, more than 200 alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, Wi-Fi, select onboard activities and half-day shore excursions in most ports.

With the debut of Mitsui Ocean Sakura, Mitsui Ocean Cruises will operate two intimate luxury ships – Mitsui Ocean Sakura and Mitsui Ocean Fuji – offering short, medium and longer voyages from ports throughout Japan. The expanded fleet will provide travelers from around the world with more opportunities to experience Japan through the eyes of the people who know it best, combining authentic cultural encounters, exceptional cuisine, distinctive destinations and the heartfelt Japanese hospitality that has defined the company’s passenger shipping heritage for more than 140 years.

MSC Euribia to offer Canary Islands winter cruises for 2027-2028 season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 September 2026 17 September 2026

MSC Cruises today announced that MSC Euribia will offer 7-night Canary Islands and Madeira cruises during the winter 2027-28 season, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy winter sunshine, explore six distinctive island destinations and experience one of the newest ships in the Company’s fleet.

The ship’s deployment marks the fourth season of the popular itinerary and reinforces MSC Cruises’ long-term commitment to the region.

The deployment reflects the continued popularity of winter cruises in the Canary Islands, where a warm climate, varied destinations and convenient embarkation option make the program attractive to guests from across Europe and other parts of the world. As one of the newest ships in the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC Euribia will bring an even broader choice of dining, entertainment and onboard experiences to the region, complementing the well-established itinerary that has made the program a success.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “The Canary Islands are an important part of our winter offering and a program that our guests continue to value highly. Deploying MSC Euribia for winter 2027-28 is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the region and to the continued development of this popular program.”

The itinerary provides sustained economic benefits during the winter season, bringing guests to multiple islands and supporting local ports, tourism businesses, tour operators, transport providers and other suppliers.

A traditional 7-night winter itinerary

MSC Euribia will offer 7-night cruises in the Canary Islands and Madeira, with four embarkation ports for guests to choose from. Guests will discover the historic streets and lively waterfront of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the golden beaches and turquoise water of Fuerteventura, the vibrant port of Funchal in Madeira, the distinctive landscapes of Lanzarote and the lively island capital of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with a day at sea to enjoy the ship’s extensive facilities. Guests can choose to embark from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Funchal, Arrecife or Santa Cruz de La Palma.

The itinerary combines striking volcanic landscapes, historic towns, local cuisine and diverse cultural attractions, offering guests an appealing way to explore the Atlantic islands during the European winter.

MSC Fantasia to replace Euribia in the Mediterranean

As part of the winter 2027-28 deployment, MSC Fantasia will operate MSC Euribia’s current 7-night Western Mediterranean itinerary. Sailing round-trip from Barcelona, the ship will call at Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Palermo and La Goulette, with a day at sea, and will offer embarkation at several ports along the itinerary. This will ensure MSC Cruises continues to provide a strong and accessible winter program in one of its core regions.

APT Travel Group and Quark Expeditions announce partnership for new purpose-built ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 September 2026 15 September 2026

APT Travel Group and Quark Expeditions yesterday announced a partnership for a new purpose-built small ship scheduled to enter service in 2029.

Travelmarvel will operate the vessel in the Mediterranean, and Quark Expeditions, under a 10-year charter agreement, will take it to Antarctica from the 2029/30 season.

Currently under development and not yet named, the vessel will feature just 99 suites, offering the manoeuvrability and access of a small ship while supporting exploration in some of the world’s most remote regions. Its PC6 ice-class hull will enable Antarctic operations, while features designed for expedition travel, including spacious mudrooms and efficient embarkation and disembarkation areas, will help guests transition quickly and comfortably between the ship and the destination.

The agreement brings together APT Travel Group’s expertise in premium cruising and Quark Expeditions’ more than three decades of specialization in polar exploration. Quark Expeditions will work closely with APT Travel Group throughout the ship’s development, contributing its operational and polar expertise to help prepare the vessel for Antarctic expedition travel.

For Travelmarvel, the premium small ship represents one of the most significant investments in the brand’s history and its first ocean vessel designed and built specifically for the brand. Its intimate scale will provide access to smaller ports and destinations beyond the reach of larger cruise ships during its Mediterranean program.

For Quark Expeditions, the ship will expand the ways guests can explore Antarctica aboard a vessel designed to support active, immersive experiences on and beyond the ship. The partnership reflects Quark’s continued investment in a modern, purpose-built fleet and its focus on helping guests spend more time off the ship and closer to their destination.

“Partnering with Quark Expeditions allows us to maximise the potential of this incredible vessel year-round, pairing our strengths in relaxed, enriching ocean cruising with Quark’s unmatched expertise in polar expedition travel” said David Cox, CEO of APT Travel Group. “This is about giving guests access to two extraordinary experiences on one ship, backed by two of the best names in travel.”

“This partnership brings together complementary expertise and a shared commitment to thoughtful small-ship exploration,” said Sam Seward, President of Quark Expeditions. “By collaborating with APT Travel Group during the development process, we have an opportunity to help prepare a ship that is truly built for exploration, with the capabilities and operational features needed to help guests get off the ship efficiently and experience more of Antarctica.”

The announcement coincides with Seward’s visit to Australia to meet with the APT Travel Group team, travel trade partners and media and celebrate the new partnership.

Further details about the vessel, including its name, complete specifications and inaugural Mediterranean and Antarctic itineraries, will be announced closer to launch.