Holland America Line announced a new 26-day Legendary Voyage that will depart from Vancouver on October 7, 2027.
This new “Inca Coast: Mexico & Latin America Legendary Voyage” will take place on Nieuw Amsterdam and travel from Vancouver to San Antonio (Santiago), Chili.
The ship will over night in Manta (Quito), Ecuador, and Callao (Lima), Peru and visit ports in California, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.
Guests will be able to experience several bucket list moments that include crossing the equator and visiting Machu Picchu.
Cruisers will trace the Pacific shoreline from North America into South America, pairing marquee city calls and beach days with deep-dive opportunities into ancient civilizations, rainforests and volcanic landscapes.
On board the ship, guests will enjoy enrichment programs, regional entertainment and dining options that reflect the flavors of the coast.
Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s vice president of itinerary planning and deployment, gave the following statement about this new cruise:
“We know our guests want experiences that allow them to connect deeply with the places they visit—through history, culture and wildlife. The Inca Coast is one of the most captivating regions on the planet, and we shaped this itinerary to offer guests a meaningful way to explore it.
“For centuries, sailors have traveled this storied coastline, and we’re proud to bring its beauty and heritage to our guests today. Whether they’re discovering Machu Picchu, venturing into the Costa Rican rainforest or relaxing on a beach day, this voyage offers an extraordinary immersion into the rich character of the Inca Coast.
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Royal Caribbean’s next new cruise ship, Legend of the Seas, will have 28 dining options when the vessel debuts this July. This includes newly themed experiences and five new food stands in the AquaDome Market.
Legend of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean’s third Icon class ship, the largest class of cruise ships ever built. The ship will feature 24 global cuisines in newly themed restaurants and familiar favorites that Royal Caribbean cruisers know and love.
Here is a look at all of the different dining options, complimentary and those with a surcharge, that will be on Legend of the Seas.
Savor the Show
Two immersive dining options will have a new theme on the ship. The Hollywood Supper Club will be a multi-course tribute to the golden age of Hollywood. You will celebrate the golden age of the silver screen where each immersive, innovative course is served with grand, striking cocktails.
The Royal Railway: Legend Station is a five-course culinary quest along the ancient Silk Routes. You will follow Marco Polo’s journey from China to Italy.
Guests will travel through China and indulge in mouthwatering Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai garnished with delicate caviar. After feasting on succulent lamb chops in Turkey, the will enjoy awe-inspiring explorations through India, Persia, and Italy. It will be an adventure for all ages, and all appetites.
The popular Izumi Hibachi & Sushi is back for lunch and dinner.
Complimentary Options
There will be numerous complimentary dining options on Legend of the Seas.
For quick bites, there will be Park Cafe, El Loco Fresh, Surfside Bites, Basecamp, and the AquaDome Market with the following six food stands serving up flavors from around the world. The first five are new concepts from Royal Caribbean.
*Seoulmate – Korean rice bowls
*Cajun Kitchen – New Orleans gumbo
*Adobo – Street tacos
*La Espanola – Spanish-style bites
*Simply Pressed – Smoothies and juices
Creme de la Crepe – French style crepes
*New dining concept
The Pearl Cafe will be open 24/7 offering salads, sandwiches, sweet treats, coffee and more.
Sorrento’s, Royal Caribbean’s pizza joint, will be open from lunch until late at night.
For sit-down meals, The Surfside Eatery, Windjammer, and main dining room will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
And of course, Sprinkles will have endless soft serve ice cream.
Extra-Charge Eateries
Izumi in the Park is an all-day window for fresh sushi and Japanese street food to-go located in Central Park.
Trellis Bar is an upscale American bites and sips in the heart of Central Park.
Pier 7 will serve Californian costal cuisine with an all day brunch. Kids will eat free here with paying adults.
Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade will be open for lunch and dinner offering American bar bites.
Specialty Restaurants
Chops Grille, Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse, will be open for lunch and dinner.
Celebration Table is an exclusive VIP experience with family-style pre-fixe menus.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will server classic Italian favorites.
Hooked Seafood is Royal Caribbean’s New England-style seafood restaurant.
Dining for Suites
Guest staying in suites have the option of exclusive dining at two venues. Coastal Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves California-Mediterranean fusion cuisine.
The Grove is open for lunch and dinner offering Mediterranean mezes.
Sweet Treats
For guests who need to feed with sweet tooth, the ship will have Desserted, Starbucks, and Sugar Beach,
Desserted offers gourmet milkshakes with towering toppings. Sugar Beach has candies, chocolate, cotton candy, and more. Starbucks serves specialty coffees, pastries, and more.
Legend of the Seas will debut on July 4, 2026, a seven-night cruises from Rome to Spain, Italy, and France. After a few months of offering cruises in Europe, the ship will head to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for six- and eight-night cruises to the Caribbean for the winter 2026-2027 season.
All cruises from Florida will visit the cruise line’s award winning private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
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Breaking your hip in the middle of a cruise is not the kind of memory you want to create on a vacation at sea, but after having to be medically removed from Carnival Miracle, one man thanked the cruise line for how they handled the whole situation.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador often shares insights and tidbits about the cruise line, answering questions and snide remarks from thousands of Carnival fans.
Today, John Heald took to Facebook to share what he called his “post of the day”. He posted a screenshot of a message from recent cruiser whose wife broke her hip while on a sailing to Aruba.
‘Such an Angel of a Woman’
The message came from Jim Fyffe, who was with his wife in the middle of a sailing on a Carnival Journeys cruise to Aruba when the accident happened.
He described the injury as a “terrible moment” but gave the crew credit for making it “so much easier.”
He wrote:
“Unfortunately we had to be medically removed from the Miracle in the middle of our Journey cruise… My wife fell and broke her hip. Shaola was cleaning in the area and was there to help and comfort my wife. Such an angel of a woman! … Inna from guest services took our passports, filled out all the immigration paperwork needed, and arranged the flight out of Aruba. Ivana noticed my wife was not with me for dinner and had food sent down… A terrible moment, but made so much easier with the very caring Carnival Family onboard!”
Insurance and Passports
In the post, Jim pointed out that two decisions saved the situation from turning into an even worse nightmare during their “medical removal” from the ship.
“Thank goodness we have passports and took out the insurance through Carnival,” Jim wrote.
For most closed-loop cruises out of the U.S. a passport is not mandatory. You just need to bring a birth certificate and a government issued photo ID.
But this story shows why it’s still best to get a passport and bring it anyway.
Besides the hassle of trying to keep your birth certificate in good shape as you board the ship, if you don’t bring a passport and you are injured overseas it’s a huge logistical and expensive challenge to get back home.
On top of that, this couple bought cruise travel insurance. The biggest reason to get this coverage is for medical situations just like this. The post didn’t make clear if a medical evacuation via helicopter was necessary, but that kind of thing alone can cost upwards of $20,000 to $50,000 and beyond.
No one “plans” to get hurt or become badly ill on a cruise, so having some insurance in place ahead of time can let you rest easy (at least financially) if something happens.
At the end of the post Jim gave a “shout out” to the medical team and everyone else working “behind the scene.” He also said that the “very caring Carnival Family” made everything much easier.
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As global travel patterns continue to evolve, Greece is emerging as a leading destination for faith-based and New Testament-focused tours. Industry data and tour operator reporting indicate that Christian travelers are increasingly selecting Greece for biblical journeys, citing accessibility, affordability, and historical significance.
Faith-based travel to Greece rises as Christian groups seek stable New Testament destinations.
According to official tourism statistics from Greece, international arrivals surpassed 40 million in 2024, marking a record year for the country. Early indicators from 2025 show continued growth in both visitor numbers and tourism revenue, with mainland cultural destinations seeing notable gains.
Within that broader growth, tour operators report rising demand for itineraries centered on sites connected to the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys, including Philippi, Corinth, Thessaloniki, and Athens. Additional itineraries frequently include Patmos — traditionally associated with the Book of Revelation — as well as Ephesus in neighboring Turkey.
A Shift in Faith Travel Patterns
The increase in biblical travel to Greece coincides with ongoing adjustments in travel to Israel, which remains below pre-2023 levels according to international aviation and tourism reporting. Rather than canceling faith-based journeys entirely, many travelers appear to be redirecting plans toward destinations that offer scriptural significance and well-developed tourism infrastructure. Small-group and faith travelers are increasingly turning to U.S.-based tour operators like America Greece Tours® for curated New Testament itineraries. “Faith travel has not declined — it has adapted,” said Noam Matas, founder of America Greece Tours ® and owner of America Israel Tours ®, a U.S.-based tour operator specializing in Christian heritage travel. “Greece plays a central role in the New Testament narrative, particularly in the spread of early Christianity. For many churches and small groups, it provides a meaningful and logistically accessible alternative.”
Why Greece Is Gaining Momentum
Industry observers cite several factors contributing to Greece’s growing appeal among faith-based travelers:
New Testament relevance: Greece is central to the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys.
Infrastructure and accessibility: Established tourism networks and air connectivity.
Cultural depth: Integration of biblical history with classical and archaeological heritage.
Cruise extensions: Popular Aegean itineraries incorporating Patmos and western Turkey.
Group travel trends: Increased demand for educational and small-group experiences.
Travel analysts project continued expansion of purpose-driven and experiential tourism in 2026, with biblical and heritage-focused travel expected to remain a growing niche within the broader European tourism market.
Looking Ahead
As Christian travelers seek experiences rooted in history and scripture, Greece’s mainland biblical landscape is gaining recognition as a cornerstone destination for New Testament travel. Industry operators anticipate sustained growth as churches, academic institutions, and faith-based groups continue diversifying their pilgrimage itineraries.
Fast Facts: Greece Faith & Cruise Travel Trends (2023–2025)
International visitors: Greece welcomed about 40.7 million visitors in 2024, a 12.8 % increase compared with 2023 (Bank of Greece).
2025 Outlook (Visitors): Provisional data for January–August 2025 shows nearly 25 million visitors, with early indicators suggesting that total 2025 arrivals will exceed 40 million, although full-year data is not yet available (Bank of Greece provisional data).
Tourism revenue: Travel receipts reached approximately €21.6 billion in 2024, reflecting strong growth from 2023. Provisional figures for January–August 2025 show about €16.7 billion to date (Bank of Greece provisional data).
Cruise travel growth: Greece’s cruise sector broke records in 2024 with about 5 million cruise passengers and €1.11 billion in cruise tourism revenue, a 22 % increase from 2023 (Bank of Greece; news.gtp.gr). Total cruise ship visits and passenger stopovers also grew significantly year-over-year.
Cruise 2025 trend: Industry associations forecast cruise traffic to rise more than 10 % in 2025 compared with 2024, showing continued momentum.
Faith-based travel: Tour operators report growing interest in itineraries focused on Apostle Paul’s journeys and other New Testament sites.
Booking momentum: Early bookings for 2026 indicate continued demand for cultural and faith-based travel to Greece.
About America Greece Tours ®
America Greece Tours ® is a U.S.-based tour operator specializing in Christian, New Testament, and heritage travel experiences throughout Greece. The company designs curated itineraries focused on sites associated with the Apostle Paul and the early Christian church, serving churches, educational institutions, and small-group travelers.
MSC Cruises has been matching the rewards programs of other cruise lines for years. It’s helped to bring over some new cruisers to the company, allowing them to enjoy some of the same perks they had elsewhere.
But now the cruise line has announced a partnership up with Wynn Las Vegas, giving more benefits to Wynn Rewards users.
According to today’s announcement, MSC Cruises is now the exclusive benefit partner for the resort and gaming company’s tiered loyalty program.
Tiered Benefits and “Yacht Club” Access
According to information on the Wynn Rewards Tier Benefits webpage, some of the benefits break down as follows:
Platinum: Eligible for one annual complimentary cruise of up to 10 nights in an Oceanview Stateroom, plus $100 in onboard casino credit.
Black: Eligible for one annual complimentary cruise of up to 10 nights in an Aurea Suite, plus $200 in onboard casino credit.
Red: While not eligible for a “free” fare, entry-level members receive preferred pricing of a 30% discount on most sailings.
For top-tier guests, one of the big perks is the luxury experience of the MSC Yacht Club.
As mentioned in the announcement from MSC Cruises, this “ship-within-a-ship” concept is designed to deliver “privacy, personalized service, and elevated luxury unmatched at sea.” MSC Yacht Club features 24-hour butler service and private lounges.
Tier benefits from the Wynn Rewards program. See more here.
Commitment to North America
MSC Cruises is the fastest growing cruise line in the world, and this partnership is just more proof that the cruise line is not slowing down.
Today’s press release also mentions the cruise line’s commitment to growth in North America as a greater attempt is being made to broaden the brand and provide easier access to onboard new cruisers.
MSC also said the following regarding the collaboration:
“With significant investments across the region, including new ships, expanded itineraries, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, MSC Cruises continues to build momentum through innovation, growth, and premium partnerships.”
With the cruise line opening a new North American headquarters in PortMiami and expanding its homeports to include Galveston and Port Canaveral, this partnership just drives home what the company is trying to do: grow.
And the partnership with Wynn is a move to try to capture a demographic already used to fine-dining and gaming, so the hope is that loyal cruisers come from this.
Remember, even if you don’t stay at a Wynn’s resort on a regular basis you can still save up to 30% on an MSC cruise. You just need to join the Wynn Rewards program.
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Margaritaville at Sea announced new sailings on one of their ships today that includes a dedicated Jimmy Buffett Day sailing in 2027.
Margaritaville announced that their first ship, Paradise, will offer its widest range of itineraries yet in 2027.
The cruise ship will continue to sail from the Port of Palm Beach and its 2027 deployment includes longer cruises to the Caribbean and to ports the ship has yet to visit.
The sailings include the ship’s first ever visit to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and to Grand Turk Island, Turks and Caicos.
There will also be new three- and four-day cruises to The Bahamas that visit Bimini.
Paradise will continue to offer some two-night cruises, but they will depart on Friday for easy weekend getaways.
The ship will offer more cruises to Key West including a dedicated Jimmy Buffett Day sailing that will depart on September 2, 2027.
There will also be five-night Festival Voyages with special programming for Fantasy Week (Key West & Mexico), Sail the Spooky Seas (Nassau, Bahamas), and Día de los Muertos (Cozumel, Mexico).
Paradise will continue to expand availability of four-night weekday and three-night itineraries to Key West, Nassau, and Freeport, Grand Bahama Island in 2027.
Starting tomorrow, February 19, the cruise line is offering 50% off cruises, free cabin upgrades, and kids sail free on select cruises.
Paradise recently emerged from dry dock after receiving enhanced dining venues, upgraded public spaces, and redesigned venues.
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River cruises are sometimes misunderstood. For couples in particular, there can be assumptions that they lack privacy, flexibility or romance, or that the experience is too structured or too focused on the ship itself.
In reality, river cruising offers a slower, more immersive way to travel, with smaller ships, central docking locations and a pace that lends itself well to exploring together.
To clear up some of the most common myths, Katherine Greaves, Head of Cruise Product at Riviera Travel, has shared her perspective on what river cruising is really like for couples and why so many of these assumptions miss the mark.
Myth 1: River cruise dining is all about shared tables
One of the most common worries about river cruising is that the smaller ship environment means a forced social atmosphere, especially at mealtimes. Some couples assume that dining will be formal, structured or focused around large communal tables, with little opportunity for quiet, private meals together.
In practice, dining on a river cruise is designed to be flexible, allowing guests to choose the style of experience that suits them best, whether that means being social or keeping things more intimate.
“A common misconception is that river cruise dining is overly formal or centred around large communal tables. In reality, river cruise ships offer flexible dining arrangements, including tables for two, allowing couples to enjoy meals together in a relaxed and comfortable setting.
“Whether enjoying regional cuisine inspired by the destinations visited or a leisurely breakfast overlooking the river, dining becomes a shared experience that feels unhurried and personal.”
Rather than being locked into one way of dining, couples can choose what feels right for them, whether that is meeting other travellers or enjoying meals together in a quieter setting.
Myth 2: River cruises do not offer enough privacy
Another assumption is that smaller ships automatically mean less personal space and fewer opportunities to enjoy time alone together. Because river cruise ships carry fewer guests, some people imagine that everything feels shared or exposed.
In reality, these ships are designed to balance sociable spaces with areas that feel calm, quiet and private, both in cabins and in public areas.
Katherine says:
“Despite their smaller size, river cruise ships are thoughtfully designed to provide privacy and tranquillity. Cabins are comfortable and well laid out, many with French balconies or floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the scenery directly inside.
“Quiet lounges, sun decks and intimate public spaces give couples plenty of opportunities to unwind together and enjoy time alone while watching life along the river drift by.”
The focus is on creating an environment that feels relaxed rather than busy, with space to retreat as well as space to socialise.
Myth 3: River cruising means following a strict schedule
Some travellers picture river cruises as tightly organised, with little room to make your own choices once you are on board. The idea of a fixed timetable of excursions and activities can make it sound more like a guided tour than a flexible holiday.
While river cruises do include organised experiences, they are not designed to remove choice or independence from the day.
“While river cruises include guided excursions and onboard talks, couples have complete freedom over how they spend their time. Activities are optional, allowing guests to explore independently, relax onboard or simply enjoy the changing scenery.
“This gentle flexibility makes river cruising ideal for couples who prefer a slower pace and the freedom to tailor each day to their own interests.”
This approach means couples can decide when they want structure and when they would rather take things at their own pace.
Myth 4: River cruises are not romantic
When people think of romantic travel, they often picture beach resorts or city breaks, not necessarily a cruise ship. River cruising can sometimes be seen as practical or cultural rather than atmospheric or intimate.
However, the setting and pace of river travel create a very different kind of experience, one that naturally lends itself to spending quality time together.
Katherine explains:
“River cruising offers a naturally romantic setting in a relaxed and understated way. Travelling through vineyards, historic towns and city centres, often along routes that visit some of the world’s most romantic destinations, creates an intimate and appealing backdrop for couples
“The slower pace of river travel allows couples to unwind, spend quality time together and enjoy exploring romantic destinations without feeling rushed, making the experience feel calm, comfortable and particularly well suited to couples.”
Rather than being about grand gestures, the romance comes from the scenery, the destinations and the unhurried rhythm of the journey.
Myth 5: River cruises focus more on the ship than the destinations
Ocean cruising is sometimes associated with the ship itself being the main attraction, with destinations playing a secondary role. This can lead to the assumption that river cruises work the same way.
In fact, river cruising is built around close, easy access to the places you are visiting.
As Katherine puts it:
“River cruises place destinations firmly at the heart of the experience. Ships dock in the centre of towns and cities, allowing couples to step straight into historic streets, local markets and cultural landmarks.
“This close connection to destinations means more time exploring and less time travelling, making it easy for couples to experience each place together without the usual logistical challenges.”
The result is a style of travel where the journey and the destinations are closely connected, rather than competing for attention.
Myth 6: River cruises feel crowded or impersonal
Cruising is sometimes associated with busy public spaces and a sense of being one of many. For couples looking for a calmer experience, this can be a concern, especially when thinking about shared lounges, decks and dining areas.
River cruises operate on a much smaller scale, which changes the atmosphere on board.
“With fewer guests onboard, river cruises offer a calm and sociable atmosphere without ever feeling overwhelming. Public spaces are designed to feel welcoming rather than busy, allowing couples to find quiet corners whenever they wish.
“This intimate scale creates a relaxed environment where couples can enjoy both shared spaces and peaceful moments in equal measure.”
The smaller number of guests helps create a setting that feels personal without being isolating.
Myth 7: River cruises lack depth or cultural immersion
Another misconception is that river cruises offer only surface-level sightseeing, with limited opportunity to really understand the places being visited. Some people assume that the convenience of the format comes at the cost of meaningful cultural experiences.
In reality, river itineraries are often built around history, local life and regional traditions.
“River cruising offers a rich cultural experience, with itineraries that follow historic trade routes and waterways central to local life. Expert-led excursions, regional cuisine and onboard talks provide valuable insight into the history and traditions of each destination.
“For couples, these shared cultural experiences create meaningful memories and a deeper connection to the places they explore together.”
This focus on context and local detail is a key part of what defines the river cruise experience.
Final word
For couples who value time together, easy access to destinations and a relaxed pace, river cruising offers a style of travel that is often very different from what people expect at first glance.
“These seven reasons show how river cruises are perfectly suited to couples, combining intimacy, cultural depth and effortless travel. By removing the stresses of planning and embracing a slower, more scenic pace, river cruising allows couples to focus on enjoying each other’s company while discovering destinations in a truly rewarding way.”
So if you’re looking for your next adventure as a couple, you should definitely consider a river cruise as one of your options – and Riviera Travel could be your ideal partner.
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MSC Cruises has announced a new partnership with Wynn Las Vegas, naming MSC Cruises as the exclusive benefit partner for Wynn Rewards, the Company’s tiered loyalty program. The collaboration makes cruise travel a core component of their premium loyalty offering and annual cruise benefit program, providing members with elevated vacation experiences.
Through the partnership, rewards members across all tiers will enjoy access to annual cruise benefits based on their loyalty status. Offerings include a range of exclusive values from preferred pricing and complimentary staterooms to onboard casino incentives, designed to deliver exceptional experiences aboard MSC Cruises’ modern fleet.
New Loyalty Partnership
As part of the program, top-tier rewards members will receive access to the MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ award-winning “ship-within-a-ship” luxury concept. The MSC Yacht Club offers an all-inclusive experience featuring spacious suites, 24-hour butler service, a dedicated concierge, private restaurant and lounge, and exclusive pool and sun deck areas, delivering privacy, personalized service, and elevated luxury unmatched at sea.
In addition to the annual cruise benefit, Wynn Rewards members may also qualify for invite-only cruise giveaways throughout the year, offering additional opportunities to experience MSC Cruises’ distinctive onboard amenities, world-class dining, and vibrant entertainment.
Elisa Mattsson-Shen, Senior Vice President, Global Casino at MSC Cruises, said: “This partnership with Wynn Las Vegas creates a natural extension of two brands known for exceptional hospitality, sophistication, and premium guest experiences. As MSC Cruises continues to expand in North America, collaborations like this allow us to connect with discerning travelers in meaningful ways. We’re proud to welcome Wynn Rewards members aboard and introduce them to our unique blend of European style and American comfort – including the elevated luxury of the MSC Yacht Club.”
The partnership further reinforces MSC Cruises’ ongoing commitment to North American consumers and strategic collaborations that expand brand awareness and broaden access to cruise travel. With significant investments across the region, including new ships, expanded itineraries, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, MSC Cruises continues to build momentum through innovation, growth, and premium partnerships.
For guests looking to embark on an unforgettable journey, Holland America Line has unveiled a new Legendary Voyage: the 26-day “Inca Coast: Mexico & Latin America Legendary Voyage,” sailing Oct. 7, 2027, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam from Vancouver to San Antonio (Santiago), Chile. The itinerary features overnights in Manta (Quito), Ecuador, and Callao (Lima), Peru, along with calls across California, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile—delivering extended time in destination and access to bucket-list experiences including crossing the Equator and visiting Machu Picchu.
Inca Coast Voyage
This new voyage immerses guests in the natural wonders, rich history and vibrant cultures of the Inca Coast. Cruisers will trace the Pacific shoreline from North America into South America, pairing marquee city calls and beach days with deep-dive opportunities into ancient civilizations, rainforests, and volcanic landscapes—seamlessly delivered with Holland America Line’s award-winning service.
“We know our guests want experiences that allow them to connect deeply with the places they visit—through history, culture, and wildlife. The Inca Coast is one of the most captivating regions on the planet, and we shaped this itinerary to offer guests a meaningful way to explore it. For centuries, sailors have traveled this storied coastline, and we’re proud to bring its beauty and heritage to our guests today. Whether they’re discovering Machu Picchu, venturing into the Costa Rican rainforest or relaxing on a beach day, this voyage offers an extraordinary immersion into the rich character of the Inca Coast,” said Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s vice president of itinerary planning and deployment.
Highlights of the 26-day voyage
• Sail the California coast with calls in San Francisco and San Diego before heading south to sunny Cabo San Lucas and Huatulco in Mexico.
• Step into storied civilizations at Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala—gateway to Mayan ruins, colonial Antigua, and the Pacaya volcano.
• Call at Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica, then cross the Equator en route to Ecuador.
• Enjoy an overnight in Manta (Quito), Ecuador, with opportunities for epic overland adventures to the Amazon, Galápagos, and the Ecuadorian rainforest.
• Continue south along Peru’s coast with an overnight in Callao (Lima)—gateway to the Inca Empire—plus calls at Salaverry (Trujillo) and General San Martín (Pisco).
• Conclude with world-class stargazing off the coast of Arica and the seaside beauty of Coquimbo (La Serena), Chile.
Nieuw Amsterdam
Onboard, guests can continue exploring through enrichment programs, regional entertainment, and dining options that reflect the flavors of the coast. And with the ease of unpacking just once and arriving somewhere new each morning, it’s a simple, seamless way to take in many of the region’s most iconic places on a single itinerary.
For more information, prospective and current guests can consult a travel advisor or call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425).
Thousands of passengers were left stranded in Hong Kong after StarDream Cruises cancelled Star Voyager’s Valentine’s getaway sailing on 13th February 2026 due to unexpected technical difficulties.
The 2,395-guest ship had been scheduled to operate a two-night round trip from Hong Kong to Xiamen, China, returning on 15th February.
However, the Asia-based cruise line pulled the sailing at the last minute, with guests already gathered at the Kai Tak and Tsim Sha Tsui cruise terminals awaiting embarkation.
“We sincerely regret to inform you that due to a technical issue, today’s Star Voyager is not able to set sail,” StarDream Cruises wrote in a letter to booked passengers.
“We understand today’s cancellation will affect your travel plans and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused,” the company added.
The cruise line did not publicly disclose the specific technical fault that forced the cancellation.
Guest Frustration Grew After Hours Of Waiting
While cancellations are never welcome news, frustration intensified because of the timing of the announcement. By the time passengers were informed, many had already been waiting for hours inside the terminal.
It’s reported that the announcement was made at around 9 pm on embarkation day, long after guests had expected to be on board and settling into their cabins. A formal letter confirming the cancellation was then issued at 11:45 pm.
Passengers described chaotic scenes at the terminal, with large crowds left standing for extended periods and little immediate clarity on what was happening.
“I was only given a bottle of water,” one man told the South China Morning Post. “Of course, there were issues with how this was handled. I was standing until my legs were sore.”
“I booked the Palace Suite, which allows us to board the ship first. However, we were forced to squeeze together at the waiting area like refugees,” another passenger complained.
Crew members eventually distributed bottled water, and dinner vouchers valued at HK$200, approximately $25 USD, were handed out later in the evening in an effort to ease tensions.
Compensation Options Offered To Affected Guests
In the days following the cancellation, StarDream Cruises confirmed compensation options for impacted travellers.
Guests were given the choice to transfer their booking to any other two- or three-night sailing aboard Star Voyager departing on or before 30th August 2026. Rebookings were to be honoured free of charge, even if the new sailing carried a higher fare. In addition, affected cabins were to receive a HK$200 onboard credit as a goodwill gesture.
This was on top of compensation previously outlined, including HK$200 per guest and HK$500 to cover transportation costs linked to the disrupted departure.
Alternatively, passengers could opt for a full refund while still retaining the HK$200 per guest payment and HK$500 transportation allowance.
For those willing to sail with the 2025-launched brand again, StarDream Cruises also offered a 50 per cent discount on any new two- or three-night Star Voyager sailing departing on or before 30th August 2026.
Uncertainty Around Subsequent Sailings
At the time of writing, there had been no confirmed impact on Star Voyager’s subsequent departures.
According to cruise tracking data, the 77,441-gross ton vessel is next scheduled to depart on 20th February for a 2-night cruise, suggesting that the 3-night cruise departing 15th February and the 2-night cruise departing 18th February were also cancelled.
If that is the case, hopefully issues are resolved quickly and the ship can get back to sailing ASAP.
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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has secured a major long term shipbuilding agreement with Italian yard Fincantieri that will see a new vessel delivered for each of its three cruise brands…
Deaf Land & Sea Travel has confirmed details of its Deaf Super Cruise 2027, a week-long Caribbean sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas departing Port Canaveral on 14th…
A couple who first met on board a P&O Cruises ship in 2019 are marking Valentine’s Day by celebrating a romance that has spanned multiple sailings, an engagement in the…
