Luxury Cruising Editorial

Norwegian Cruise Line^® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today celebrated the christening of Norwegian Luna™ in Miami. As the latest ship in the Company’s fleet, Norwegian Luna will offer a wide range of onboard experiences for every type of traveler and be the newest ship to call to the Caribbean with itineraries that visit both of NCL’s resort-style destinations, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and  Harvest Caye in Belize. 

“Norwegian Luna represents the evolution of NCL — a brand built on freedom, flexibility and delivering experiences that resonate with every type of traveler,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Curated to deliver attractions for families with the NCL-exclusive Aqua Slidecoaster, and the all-new Moon Climber and Luna Midway activities; as well as adult-only experiences like the late-night production of ‘LunaTique™,’ Norwegian Luna is the perfect ship for multigenerational travelers looking for a warm vacation in the tropics. With itineraries designed to bring guests to Great Stirrup Cay, our private island in the Bahamas, they will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the highly anticipated offerings that our guests are raving about.”

Norwegian Luna Officially Christened

With over 2,000 guests in attendance, the beloved christening ceremony – rooted in the maritime tradition of blessing a vessel before it officially begins its life at sea – took place at the Company’s LEED^® Gold Certified terminal at PortMiami. Featuring a special appearance from Norwegian Luna’s godmother and hull artist, ELLE, the event concluded with the ceremonial breaking of the bottle across the ship’s hull, bestowing blessings and safe travels for all who sail upon her.

“Today’s christening of Norwegian Luna marks an important milestone for our Company and a moment of great pride for our entire team,” said John W. Chidsey, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “As she prepares for this special voyage, I look forward to the remarkable experiences she will deliver and to the exciting future ahead for our brand and our guests.” 

In addition to her role at today’s christening ceremony, ELLE, Norwegian Luna’s godmother and renowned street artist, created the ship’s signature hull artwork – a vivid dreamscape titled ‘La Luna.’ Designed ahead of Norwegian Luna’s maiden voyage, the piece explores humanity’s enduring relationship with the cosmos and its innate connection to the moon’s rhythmic pull. 

“Celebrating Norwegian Luna as the ship’s godmother is an incredible honor, and creating ‘La Luna’ has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” said ELLE, godmother and hull artist of Norwegian Luna. “The moon has always symbolized connection, rhythm and transformation, forces that mirror the journeys we take in our own lives. I hope every guest feels a sense of wonder and possibility as Norwegian Luna carries them toward new horizons.”

Norwegian Luna

In this next iteration of the Prima Plus Class, Norwegian Luna™ features an elevated, upscale design that carries from the public spaces like the Observation Lounge (Right), to guest accommodations including the balcony stateroom (Left) and into the memorable details like the new Luna selfie sculpture (Center).

At 1,056 feet long with a guest capacity of 3,565, Norwegian Luna boasts the intentional design and wide-open spaces of the Prima Class with a variety of experiences that offer guests opportunities to curate their vacations exactly how they want. Like her sister ship Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Luna offers the NCL-exclusive and award-winning Aqua Slidecoaster, the longest and fastest slides at sea, complete with exhilarating dual slides and a magnetic lift that propels adventurous guests through two different courses. Other attractions designed for the young and young at heart include the digital sports complex, the Glow Court, and the Luna Game Zone, which provides guests of all ages with a multitude of classic arcade games and virtual reality experiences.  

Norwegian Cruise Line^® christened its newest ship, Norwegian Luna™, in Miami at the Company’s LEED^® Gold Certified terminal at PortMiami on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Norwegian Luna introduces new experiences designed with multigenerational family travel in mind, including Luna Midway, an amusement park-style outdoor area featuring carnival-inspired games; Moon Climber, a multi-level obstacle course designed for kids and adults alike; and Horizon Park, a complimentary recreational area featuring lawn-style games, all located across the ship’s top decks. 

Incredible Entertainment

In the evening, guests can immerse themselves in best-in-class entertainment with “Elton: A Celebration of Elton John™,” which pays tribute to the legendary and timeless music of the global icon himself, as well as “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder™,” a multimedia show featuring innovative design, cirque-style acrobatics, and contemporary dance. The guest-favorite Syd Norman’s Pour House returns with a new show “A Tribute to Eagles™,” an unforgettable production spotlighting the music of one of the best American bands of all time, playing on the mainstage in the Luna Theater and Club. “LunaTique™” makes its debut on Norwegian Luna as an exclusive late-night experience for guests 21 and older at The Improv at Sea. Inspired by the energy and allure of Las Vegas nights, the show blends bold visuals, specialty cocktails, and character-driven performances in an intimate setting. Additionally, “Sea of Discovery! An Under-the-Sea Festival,” is a first-of-its-kind original experience developed in-house and curated specifically for children and is inspired by nostalgic field day activities with glow games, whimsical costumes, awe-inspiring visuals. 

Norwegian Luna features a diverse range of accommodations including solo, inside, oceanview and balcony staterooms, as well as suites in The Haven by Norwegian^®, NCL’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship complex with a private restaurant, bar and lounge. With 17 dining options from bow-to-stern, guests can revel in a variety of more than 15 cuisines from around the world, including modern Italian at Onda by Scarpetta; authentic Thai at Sukhothai; elegant and classic French at Le Bistro; and so much more. After indulging in exquisite cuisine at one of Norwegian Luna’s specialty or complimentary dining venues, guests are invited to unwind at a selection of 18 bars and lounges, including the intimate Whiskey Bar; the bustling Belvedere Bar and NCL’s Sail and Sustain cocktail bar, Metropolitan Bar.  

Newest Ship Sailing from Miami

From April 2026 through April 2027, Norwegian Luna will offer a variety of sun-soaked itineraries to the Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean with visits to the Company’s resort-style destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize. Great Stirrup Cay recently debuted enhancements including the Great Life Lagoon, a sprawling pool area featuring two swim‑up bars, cabanas, lounge chairs and is steps away from the family splash pad, Splash Harbor. The new adults‑only Vibe Shore Club provides an exclusive retreat that offers guests a private bar, premium lounge seating and cabanas, as well as private beach access. This summer the island will debut the nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark boasting 19 waterslides; industry-first cliffside jumps; Splash Cay, a 9,000 square-foot kids splash zone; and the Wandering River, a nearly 800-foot immersive water experience with an accelerated current that will be faster and more exciting than a typical lazy river.

Through April 2027, Norwegian Luna™ will sail Caribbean itineraries visiting the Company’s recently enhanced private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay featuring the Great Life Lagoon pool area (Left); a dedicated kid’s water area, Splash Harbor (Center); and the adults‑only Vibe Shore Club (Right).  

Following Norwegian Luna’s season in Miami, the ship will sail from New York, offering guests four and seven-day round-trip itineraries to Bermuda from April 2027 through October 2027. With the flexibility of more time in port and overnight stays in Bermuda, guests can experience beautiful, pink sandy beaches as well as a variety of sea and land activities including catamaran boat rides, ATV rides, cave dives and scenic bike tours.

For more information about the Company’s award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.

Cruising covers a wider range of environments than most trips can’t. Within a couple of weeks, it’s possible to move from humid tropical air to cold, exposed coastlines where the weather can shift by the hour. That contrast is part of the appeal, but it also changes how to approach each destination. What works in the Caribbean won’t hold up in Arctic waters. Also, the pace of travel often adjusts to the conditions.

The destinations below aren’t just different in temperature; they call for different ways of moving through them, both on land and at sea.

Navigating the Icy Wonders of Arctic Svalbard

Arriving in Longyearbyen, the main settlement in Svalbard, feels more like stepping into a working outpost than a typical cruise port. The streets are quiet, with a handful of shops and buildings set against open tundra. From the harbor, small expedition vessels head out toward Isfjorden, where the landscape quickly shifts to glaciers and steep rock faces. There aren’t roads connecting most of the archipelago, so once the ship leaves port, access is entirely by water.

Those looking to enjoy cruises to Svalbard in Norway will notice early on that this isn’t about ticking off landmarks. Routes depend heavily on ice conditions, and ships often adjust course to reach areas like Ny-Ålesund or the edge of the Hinlopen Strait. Wildlife sightings shape the experience just as much as geography. Polar bears, walruses, and seabird colonies appear without much warning, often pulling attention away from whatever route was planned that morning.

Landings usually happen via small boats on gravel beaches or near glacial fronts. There’s no infrastructure waiting on shore, just guides keeping a close watch on the surroundings. It’s not difficult to move through, but it does require paying attention. Temperatures can drop quickly, even in summer, and the light never quite fades.

Exploring the Sun-Drenched Islands of the Caribbean

In the Caribbean, everything picks up quickly once the ship docks. Ports like Philipsburg in Sint Maarten or Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas are busy from the moment ships arrive, with streets filling up by mid-morning. In Philipsburg, Front Street runs parallel to the harbor, lined with shops, while Back Street sits just behind it with a more local feel. It’s easy to walk between both areas, and the beach is only a few minutes away.

Moving between islands changes the pace slightly. In San Juan, Old San Juan’s grid of blue cobblestone streets leads past plazas and fort walls, with most areas accessible on foot. Roads are tight, so taxis and shuttle buses stop just outside the historic center. Over in Barbados, Bridgetown connects directly to the cruise terminal, but heading toward areas like Hastings or the south coast usually means a short drive.

What stands out here is how compact everything is. You can leave the ship, walk through a market, reach a beach, and still be back on board within a few hours. Local buses run frequently on most islands, though routes aren’t always easy to follow at first. Once you get used to them, they’re often the best way to move beyond the immediate port area.

Coastal Wonders and Safari Adventures in South Africa

South African cruise routes often connect cities like Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban, each with a different layout and access to the interior. Cape Town’s harbor sits right beside the V&A Waterfront, so stepping off the ship places you directly into a developed area with clear walking routes. From there, it’s a short drive to the city center or out toward Table Mountain via Kloof Nek Road.

Further along the coast, Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) feels more spread out. The harbor area links to Marine Drive, which runs along the beachfront, but most inland attractions require transport. That’s where combining a cruise with a land excursion becomes more relevant. Travelers who plan a safari in South Africa often connect from coastal ports to reserves like Addo Elephant National Park, about an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth. Once you leave the city, ocean views give way quickly to open savannah.

Durban, on the eastern coast, has a different layout. The Golden Mile stretches along the beachfront, and it’s easy to walk sections of it, but heading inland toward places like Warwick Junction or the city center requires a bit more awareness. Distances are manageable, though traffic can slow things down. Each stop works differently, so it helps to adjust expectations between ports.

Mist-Covered Fjords and Glaciers of the Norwegian Coast

Cruising along Norway’s coastline brings a different kind of navigation. The fjords cut deep into the land, and ships often travel far inland before docking. In places like Bergen, the harbor sits beside Bryggen, the old wharf area, where narrow lanes run behind rows of wooden buildings. Walking is the easiest way to get around, and the city’s layout makes it simple to move between the harbor, the fish market, and the base of the Fløibanen funicular.

Further north, Geiranger and Flåm operate on a smaller scale. Roads wind tightly around the landscape, and viewpoints like Dalsnibba or Stegastein require buses or organized transport. There’s little flat ground, so walking routes tend to involve steep sections. Ships usually anchor in the center of these villages, so everything starts from the same point.

Weather shifts quickly along this coast. Morning fog can sit low over the water, then clear within an hour. That affects visibility more than movement, but it changes how the landscape feels from one moment to the next. Even short distances between ports can look completely different depending on conditions.

Tropical Rainforests and River Cruising in the Amazon

Cruising the Amazon works differently altogether, with ships moving along wide river channels and docking in small towns where infrastructure is limited. In Manaus, the main entry point, the port sits close to the city center, and landmarks like the Teatro Amazonas are within walking distance. Streets around the market area are busy, with vendors selling produce brought in from surrounding regions.

Further along the river, stops become less structured. Smaller communities don’t always have formal docking points, so boats anchor offshore and use tenders to reach land. Walking paths are typically unpaved, with guides leading small groups through forest areas or along riverbanks. The environment feels dense, and movement naturally slows in the heat and humidity.

Transportation here relies heavily on the river itself. Local boats pass by regularly, connecting villages with no road access. Wildlife sightings happen along the banks, but timing depends more on water levels. It’s not a place where you move quickly, but the distance covered over a few days can still be significant.

Which climate will you explore next?

Choosing between these routes usually comes down to what kind of environment feels most worth the effort right now. Some travelers are drawn to places like Svalbard or the Norwegian fjords, where conditions shape the day, and plans stay flexible. Others lean toward the Caribbean, where distances are short, and it’s easy to move between towns, beaches, and local streets.

South Africa and the Amazon sit somewhere in between, offering more contrast within a single region. One combines coastal cities with inland wildlife areas, while the other follows a river system that dictates how and where you travel. Each destination stands on its own, with its own pace and set of conditions. It’s less about comparing them and more about deciding which climate, and the way of traveling that comes with it, feels like the right fit next.

New Zealand authorities confirm that a passenger on board Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas died while the ship was approaching port, police told reporters.

The New Zealand Police said they were called to the vessel for a reported “sudden death” early Wednesday, March 25, as the cruise ship neared Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. A police spokesperson told news outlets that the matter remains under inquiry.

The police spokesperson said officers are making enquiries into the person’s death on behalf of the coroner. Authorities have not released the passenger’s name, nationality, or cause of death, and New Zealand Police did not indicate whether the death is being treated as suspicious.

We will update this story as the New Zealand Police, the coroner’s office, or Royal Caribbean provide further details or an official statement.

The Royal Caribbean voyage includes multiple New Zealand ports of call: Waitangi (Bay of Islands), Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Lyttelton‑Christchurch, Dunedin, and Fiordland National Park.

The ship is scheduled to return to Sydney on Friday, April 3, according to the published itinerary and tracking data.

Anthem of the Seas, a Quantum Class ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, has an advertised capacity of up to 4,180 guests and about 1,500 crew members and features 16 decks and 2,090 staterooms.

New Zealand police and the coroner’s office are leading inquiries into the passenger’s death, and that official process — including whether the death will be referred to the coroner and any subsequent findings on cause of death — will determine next steps for authorities and for guests on board.

To celebrate International Whiskey Day today, Holland America Line and Jefferson’s Bourbon are announcing a partnership for a first-of-its-kind collaboration in which Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon is aged at sea across the cruise line’s fleet. This marks the distillery’s maiden voyage partnering with a cruise line for its Ocean Aged at Sea® Bourbon series. The program expands Holland America Line’s award-winning Single Barrel Program and marks a new milestone in its America’s 250th celebration, which highlights the theme “The Spirit of Independence.”

Beginning in March 2026, Jefferson’s began loading one barrel aboard each Holland America Line ship. By the end of April 2026, all 11 ships will carry their own exclusive barrel. Each barrel will sail for a minimum of six months and experience shifting climates, rolling waves, ocean air and the constant motion of the ship. These natural elements will shape the bourbon’s flavor, depth, character and finish, reinforcing the idea that every bottle has a story influenced by its journey.

“This partnership with Jefferson’s Bourbon is another way we’re setting ourselves apart through experiences that are too good to hurry through,” said Drew Foulk, director of food and beverage revenue and innovation at Holland America Line. “Aging bourbon aboard our ships and offering it exclusively back to guests later reflects our commitment to beverage programs that are shaped by the journey itself.”

Guests will be able to follow the aging journey through onboard activations like educational tastings that show how the ship’s itinerary shapes the spirit. Once bottled, the barrels aged on the cruise line fleet will be made available for cruise line guests to taste onboard. Each limited-edition barrel will create approximately 150 to 300 bottles that will be delivered back to the ships for guests to enjoy in 2027 and will expand upon the cruise line’s robust single-barrel program.

A Partnership Rooted in Innovation and the America’s 250th Spirit

As an official partner of Holland America Line for America’s 250th, Jefferson’s Bourbon brings a legacy of American ingenuity that spans eight generations. Founded in 1997 by Trey Zoeller and his father, Chet, a respected bourbon historian, the brand continues a family tradition that began with Trey’s eighth-generation grandmother, one of the first women officially documented for her involvement in making American whiskey. Jefferson’s honors time-tested methods while embracing the same curiosity and innovation that have defined the American story for 250 years.

The concept of aging bourbon at sea began when Trey Zoeller wondered how constant motion, salt air and dramatic temperature shifts might influence the spirit. After 35 bottled voyages on cargo and fishing vessels, Jefferson’s is expanding the program to Holland America Line’s global fleet. The collaboration reflects the shared America’s 250th spirit of exploration, independence and craftsmanship.

“We are thrilled to partner with Holland America Line to embark on a truly unique adventure,” commented Zoeller. “By placing Jefferson’s Ocean barrels on their cruise ships, we’re diving into a quest to see how different routes and voyages (meaning different climates and agitation) influence the taste, smell, and mouthfeel of our whiskey. I truly appreciate Holland America’s dedication to experimentation and innovation, allowing us to craft a one-of-a-kind experience for their guests. The whiskey they enjoy will be exclusive to their ships, available only once the voyage is complete. Jefferson’s Ocean is a true treasure to savor and share.”

America’s 250th Partnerships

In addition to Jefferson’s Bourbon, Holland America Line is marking America’s 250th celebration with partnerships featuring American brands that reflect the nation’s rich heritage. Holland America Line and Crane, the renowned American stationery brand, created an original collection of cards designed by artists from the United States Veterans’ Artists Alliance. The exclusive, handcrafted designs, available for purchase on board, are inspired by Holland America Line’s 11 ships and signature tulip.

In collaboration with Pendleton Woolen Mills—a Pacific Northwest lifestyle brand—a custom-designed, numbered, Alaska-themed throw blanket inspired by the Great Land was created exclusively for Holland America Line. The limited-edition throw will be available for purchase on board ships sailing in Alaska in 2026.

A 28-day Pan Am® 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage will set sail in 2027. Inspired by the Pan Am® historic Clipper routes, it celebrates a golden age of global travel. The ship will visit 18 ports along the legendary Pan Am® Great Circle Route, a pioneering path that spanned the entire Caribbean and set the standard for modern travel in the region.

Additional limited-edition co-branded offerings and future brand collaborations will be unveiled in the lead-up to the July 4, 2026, milestone, creating a meaningful tribute to America’s 250th anniversary.

‘America’s 250th Celebration: Stars and Stripes’ Cruise

Guests who want to celebrate America’s birthday in a unique way can set sail on Holland America Line’s America’s 250th Celebration: Stars and Stripes cruise. Departing Boston, Massachusetts, July 4, 2026, the sailing promises special moments and experiences, including a late-night departure from Boston so guests can witness the historic skyline fireworks from a distance, as well as a July 4 party on deck with classic American picnic foods and a live music tribute to The Soundtrack of America. The cruise will include visits to cities that played an important role in U.S. history, including Norfolk, Virginia, and an overnight at New York.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.