Cruise Lines

Silver Nova, the first of two innovative Nova-class ships from the leading experiential luxury travel brand Silversea, will debut in Asia-Pacific as the region’s most luxurious ship from the end of September 2024 until April 2025.   

Marking the start of the ship’s inaugural season in Asia, Silver Nova will arrive in Kushiro (Hokkaido), Japan, on September 27^{th. It will undertake two voyages in the region before crossing over to Australia and New Zealand in November. Guests will dive deep into the vibrant cities and magical landscapes of Australia and New Zealand on seven sailings—ranging from 16 to 18 days—}between November 18^th, 2024, and February 24^th, 2025. Silver Nova will then return to Asia until April 2025.  

Silversea’s Nova-class ships pay testament to Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to delivering the world’s best vacation experiences responsibly. With pioneering energy efficiency standards, Silver Nova and her sister ship Silver Ray are 40% more energy efficient than required international standards and regulations. Both ships incorporate innovative design features with asymmetrical, horizontal layouts.  

“We are thrilled to finally be celebrating the arrival of the beautiful Silver Nova in Asia-Pacific,” said President Bert Hernandez, Silversea. “Anticipation has been building among our valued guests and travel advisors in the region, and we’re delighted to be able to introduce them to one of the most pioneering ships in experiential luxury cruise travel at long last. Silver Nova will be the most luxurious ship sailing in Asia-Pacific until she leaves the region in April 2025, with her striking architectural innovations, advanced energy efficiency standards, and unprecedented range of suites and public venues.”  

THE FIRST TASTE OF S.A.L.T. IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND  

Silver Nova’s inaugural season in Asia-Pacific will mark the introduction of Silversea’s pioneering culinary program, S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), in Australia and New Zealand — while also delivering S.A.L.T. shore excursions in Japan for the first time. Hosted both on board and ashore, a range of exclusive new destination-inspired culinary experiences, crafted exclusively for Silversea’s S.A.L.T. program, will provide guests with the opportunity to travel deeper.   

“We’re excited to be bringing S.A.L.T (Sea and Land Taste) to Asia-Pacific in 2024, including Australia and New Zealand for the first time,” said Hernandez. “S.A.L.T. is all about discovering the soul of a place through its food and culture — and where better to taste and explore than these countries so rich in heritage and celebrated for their diverse cuisines? Some highlights will include learning about the building blocks of umami in Japan, every culinary traveler’s dream destination; exploring the lively markets and learning to make traditional and new Vietnamese dishes with the first chef to receive a Michelin Star in Ho Chi Minh City; great wineries and native ingredients in beautiful New Zealand; exploring metropolitan Melbourne with its vibrant dining scene, as well as the wilder shores of Tasmania where we’ll learn about foraging and experience live fire cooking with one of the region’s best young chefs. There are so many great food stories to tell in this part of the region, we can’t wait to share them with our guests.”  

In iconic destinations throughout Asia-Pacific, local experts will showcase the diversity of regional produce and demonstrate their cuisines’ ground-breaking creativity and innovation. Standout experiences ashore will include:  

A Culinary Workshop and Lunch with a Japanese Master at Stunning Zen Retreat  

(October 3^rd, 2024; March 22^nd & 28^th, 2025; April 11^th, 2025)  

From Osaka, travelers will venture to a farm on Awaji Island for an exclusive insight into Japan’s farm-to-table culinary culture. Guests will participate in a fermentation workshop with a renowned local chef, a master of traditional and modern Japanese culinary techniques, before sampling an eight-course lunch of authentic favorites accompanied by sake pairings.  

• MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA:    

First Flavours: Native Ingredients and a Chef with a Mission   

(November 27^th, 2024; January 7^th, 8^th; February 5^th, 2025)  

Chef, entrepreneur, and author Nornie Bero is on a mission to celebrate Australia’s native ingredients. The Torres Strait Islander created Mabu Mabu, which utilizes Indigenous ingredients, and Big Esso, her lively Federation Square eatery, where she will introduce guests to the world of native foods and traditions. Silversea’s guests will learn about Bero’s story and how Australian chefs and home cooks are incorporating native ingredients in their menus before trying to make damper, an ancient bread. A unique five-course lunch, sourced entirely from local and native ingredients, will follow.  

• ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA:   

Garden Foraging and Lunch with Chef Tom Tilbury at Adelaide Botanical Gardens   

(November 29^th, 2024; February 8^th & 9^th, 2025)  

Chef Tom Tilbury will host guests for a seasonal foraging tour through the stunning Adelaide Botanic Gardens, with canapés and apéritifs served en route. He will select a handful of palatable botanicals that can be tasted raw, serving up a four-course lunch. The venue for the meal, which will be paired with premium local wines, is the new Botanic Lodge. Tilbury, a prominent figure in the Australian culinary scene, hails from the heart of McLaren Vale, a region synonymous with exceptional food and wine. From a young age, Tilbury was immersed in the local traditions of farming, fishing, and foraging – experiences that laid a rich foundation for his culinary journey.  

• HOBART (TASMANIA), AUSTRALIA:   

Cooking Masterclass with Analiese Gregory   

(December 6^th & 7^th, 2024; January 10^th, 2025; February 2^nd & 3^rd, 2025)  

In Hobart, guests can embark on a day trip to The Bowmont, a heritage building on the banks of the Huon River, where renowned chef Analiese Gregory will conduct an interactive cooking masterclass. Gregory will guide guests on an immersive exploration of local produce and foraging, followed by a lunch of regional specialties served with the finest local wine. Hailed as one of the most exciting chefs of her generation, Gregory swapped the Michelin-starred restaurants of Paris and Sydney for a century-old cottage in rugged Tasmania, where she is forging a new life for herself, learning to hunt, fish, forage, and live seasonally, closer to nature.  

• NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND:    

Haute Hawke’s Bay: An Indulgent Guided Wine Experience and Lunch at Award-Winning Family Run Winery Craggy Range   

(December 17^th, 2024; January 19^th, 25^th & 26^th, 2025)  

Best known for its premium reds, Craggy Range also produces some of New Zealand’s finest Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, and rosés. Silversea’s guests will learn about the history of this family-run winery in New Zealand’s stunning wine-producing region through a private tour and guided cellar-door tasting, followed by a five-course meal in the winery’s celebrated restaurant. Surrounded by vineyards and the organic farm that supplies much of the produce for its menu, the restaurant was voted Winery Restaurant of the Year for the sixth year in a row at the 2024 Cuisine Good Food Awards.    

Other experiences in countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and more will provide a rounded insight into Asia’s diverse cultures.  

On board Silver Nova, Silversea’s guests will strengthen their understanding of Asia-Pacific’s culinary cultures, with dedicated venues offering unique opportunities to engage with local flavors, ingredients, and culinary experts. In the S.A.L.T. Kitchen, the menu will change daily to reflect the specialty dishes of the destination. Each evening at the intimate S.A.L.T. Bar, guests can reflect on the day’s adventures over a selection of bespoke cocktails crafted with local botanicals. In the S.A.L.T. Lab, an innovative test kitchen, travelers will get hands-on with local ingredients, preparing regional dishes under the guidance of a culinary expert. By night, the S.A.L.T. Lab transforms into the S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table. This intimate, interactive dining experience explores the landscapes and flavors of the visited region, in which the creative process comes to life in front of up to 18 diners.   

Silver Nova will return to Asia-Pacific in September 2025, completing voyages in Asia before departing from Melbourne for a 47-day circumnavigation of Australia. Subsequently, Silversea’s first Nova-class ship will operate Sydney-to-Auckland sailings, ranging from 12 to 15 days.  

Details of the new S.A.L.T. excursions are on the Silversea website, with reservations now open.  

Find out more information on Silversea’s S.A.L.T. culinary program:  

https://www.silversea.com/introducing-silversea-salt.html

View Silver Nova’s scheduled voyages:  

https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-nova.html

EXPLORA II, the second ship in the fleet of the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys, has been officially named in the Italian port of Civitavecchia, near Rome, the country’s capital.

With a vision to redefine luxury ocean travel for discerning travelers, Explora Journeys blends European hospitality and 300 years of maritime heritage. It offers guests the chance to experience a unique “Ocean State of Mind,” connecting them with the sea and curated destinations.

The traditional maritime ceremony featured the symbolic cutting of a ribbon to break a bottle on the ship’s bow. This honor was conducted by EXPLORA II’s godmother, Rosalba Giugni, founder and president of the Marevivo Foundation, a non-partisan environmental conservation organization committed to preserving marine environments, founded in 1985.

Rosalba was chosen for this honor as a friend and partner of the MSC Foundation and as a mark of respect for her 35-year commitment to protecting the world’s oceans.

The naming ceremony brought together distinguished guests from across the globe, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Antonio Tajani, Admiral Nicola Carlone, ART President Nicola Zaccheo, the President of the Port Authority, Pino Musolino, the Mayor of Civitavecchia, Marco Piendibene and Italian film director, screenwriter and Academy Award winner Giuseppe Tornatore, as well as international journalists, key travel partners, and senior MSC Group representatives, including Founder and Group Chairman, Gianluigi Aponte. The event was hosted by Italian actress and TV personality Lorella Cuccarini and concluded with a traditional parade of ship officers.

Following the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed a gala dinner and an evening of vibrant celebrations, including a captivating musical performance by English pop singer Tony Hadley. The evening also included a breathtaking drone show that creatively narrated the story of Explora Journeys, featuring a stunning display of the Mandala and the Explora Journeys logo.

Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, Pierfrancesco Vago said: “Naming a new ship is a proud maritime tradition, and tonight’s celebration marks our continued growth as we redefine luxury ocean travel. Our vision began with the contemporary brand MSC Cruises where we developed a premium offer with MSC Yacht Club and from there we identified a further demand for luxury experiences at sea. With Explora Journeys we offer an unparalleled value proposition and a unique offering compared to other types of luxury holiday. By 2028 the Explora Journeys fleet will comprise six ships offering a spirit of luxurious ocean adventure visiting sought-after destinations, where our guests can expect the same high standards and quality service across our fleet, all over the globe.”

EXPLORA II introduces new features to enhance guests’ luxury ocean travel experience, including new retail options—the first Buccellati jewelry boutique at sea and special collaborations and limited editions by Borsalino, Kampos, and Massaba for Explora Journeys, exclusively available at the ship’s ‘The Journey’ boutique.

The redesigned Ocean Wellness Spa offers a series of new treatment programs inspired by authentic Ayurvedic principles. The Helios Pool & Bar has been refreshed with bespoke Unopiù outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati.

EXPLORA II features original artwork by Emilio Isgró and Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s ‘Marine Encounters’, an exhibition of his marine photographs showcasing diverse underwater species and ecosystems. The exquisite collection of marine photography was gifted to the MSC Foundation as part of the partnership between the MSC Foundation and ‘Focused on Nature’, reflecting a shared vision to educate and inspire action on the need to preserve marine life and biodiversity.

EXPLORA II’s 7-night maiden journey, which began yesterday, will include stops in stunning Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani, Siracusa, and Valletta, ending in Tarragona, Spain.

EXPLORA II and EXPLORA I will reposition to the Caribbean for the winter season, offering incredible itineraries. Highlight destinations include Gustavia in St. Barts, Oranjestad in Aruba, and St. John’s in Antigua. In the summer of 2025, EXPLORA II will sail in the Western Mediterranean, visiting ports such as Barcelona in Spain, St. Tropez in France, Monte Carlo, and Porto Cervo in Italy.

Last week, Explora Journeys celebrated the keel laying of EXPLORA III and the steel cutting of EXPLORA IV at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, near Genoa, Italy. EXPLORA III, set for delivery in 2026, will be the first of four liquefied natural gas-powered ships in the Explora Journeys fleet, followed by EXPLORA IV and EXPLORA V in 2027 and EXPLORA VI in 2028.

All ships feature modern environmental and marine technologies, including selective catalytic reduction systems, shore power plug-in connectivity, underwater noise management systems to protect aquatic life, and a comprehensive range of onboard energy-efficient equipment designed to optimize engine use and reduce emissions. The ship has been designated ‘Green Plus’ by RINA – the highest level that the certification body grants for environmental sustainability.

Norwegian Cruise Line^® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, has revealed “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” and “Elements: The World Expanded” as the two new exclusive entertainment offerings set to debut aboard the Company’s next-generation vessel, Norwegian Aqua^TM, in April 2025.

With more entertainment options including only-on-NCL productions and returning guest favorites, there will be something for everyone to enjoy on board. The brand-new and immersive Prince tribute show, “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” developed in partnership with Prince Legacy, LLC and Primary Wave Music, will honor and celebrate the Oscar^® winning, seven-time Grammy^® Award-winning and 38-time Grammy^® nominated artist during a concert-like experience featuring the music icon’s chart-topping hits, including “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Little Red Corvette,” “Delirious,” “Purple Rain,” and more. 

NCL is also taking its highest guest-rated show in its history, “Elements,” and enhancing it with new surprises in “Elements: The World Expanded.” Blending acrobatics, magic and intrigue, this show draws inspiration from the four elements – earth, wind, water and fire – for an astonishing display of unexpected delights. 

Both productions were developed by NCL’s in-house production team at the Creative Studios by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in Tampa, Fla., in partnership with Patricia Wilcox, an award-winning Broadway choreographer, director and long-time NCL partner. From original costumes to one-of-a-kind entertainment, the Creative Studios has produced in-house shows since 2008.

“For decades, NCL has set the standard in entertainment at sea, with worldclass productions and talent that rivals those found in major cities like Las Vegas, New York City and London,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “For Norwegian Aqua, we are thrilled to build on our legacy of excellence in entertainment to offer our guests more options across the ship, including exclusive original productions that cannot be seen anywhere else on land or at sea.”

Other new and returning entertainment venues and shows include The Aqua Theater & Club, “The Improv at Sea” comedy club, “The Price is Right LIVE on NCL” game show and “Syd Norman’s Presents: Rumours” – a Fleetwood Mac tribute experience that will be offered in the Aqua Theater & Club to accommodate more guests for this always jam-packed show.

Revolution: A Celebration of Prince

The hour-long show aboard Norwegian Aqua will be an in-house NCL production and concert experience celebrating Prince’s music, energy, and life. At its core, the show will embrace the global icon’s rise to popularity, as one of the leaders of soul, rock and pop music. Set in the Aqua Theater & Club, the show will feature performances both on stage and off for a fully immersive experience.Guests will also have the option to enjoy the show on the dance floor with the cast or watch from traditional theater seating.

“I’ve always been inspired by Prince and the idea came to me, nearly seven years ago, to create a theatrical concert that would joyfully celebrate his music and exceptional artistry,” shared Patricia Wilcox, conceiver, director and choreographer of “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince.” “After loving my past collaborations with the team at Norwegian Cruise Line, and seeing the beautiful, multi-purpose theater aboard Norwegian Aqua, I knew we would be wonderful partners for this collaboration, and I’m honored to bring this show to life alongside the NCL team, Prince Legacy, LLC and Primary Wave Music.”

Charles F. Spicer Jr., managing partner for Prince Legacy, LLC said “Collaborating with NCL to present a new show featuring the music of global icon Prince is an exhilarating journey into a world of timeless rhythm and electric energy. Our shared passion for his legendary sound transforms every performance into a celebration of his extraordinary legacy. We look forward to the launch of Norwegian Aqua featuring this thrilling show, and we have no doubt that this musical showcase will have everyone talking and wanting to see the show over and over again.”

Jeffrey Straughn, Chief Branding Officer at Primary Wave Music adds, “We’ve been working with NCL over the years with our artists on various themed cruises and the passion, excitement, and energy from them continues to be undeniable. As partner in the Prince world, Primary Wave is thrilled to be part of this celebration of his life and music with the development of this concert and immersive experience aboard NCL’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua. This will truly be a one-of-a-kind event for both fans old and new.”

Elements: The World Expanded

Fifteen years after its inception aboard Norwegian Spirit®, Patricia Wilcox’s “Elements,” has become one of NCL’s highest-rated guest shows of all time and is featured across four of the Company’s ships. Now, it will be revamped and reimagined with the debut of Norwegian Aqua. The all-new “Elements: The World Expanded” will be a more immersive version of the already dazzling production that revels in the four elements of earth, air, water, and fire, while featuring mesmerizing magic, visual acts of aerial acrobatics along with music and dance to captivate guests’ attention from the moment the show opens.

The Aqua Theater & Club

The Aqua Theater & Club, similar to the Theater & Club aboard Norwegian Prima^® and Norwegian Viva^®, will transform from a three-story theater to a three-story Vegas-style nightclub featuring an expansive dance floor, enhanced and interactive chandelier, state-of-the-art lighting, and more.

Boasting two different bars, the Aqua Theater & Club will showcase all nightclub programming through three different themed experiences: “90s Party,” where guests can relive the top hits and outfits of the decade; “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” featuring the latest Latin jams for a night of non-stop dancing; and “Pop Life,” a Prince influenced club experience where guests can dance the night away to the music icon’s top-charting songs and music influenced by his unique style.

The entertainment programming also includes a brand-new in-house production for NCL, “The Welcome Aboard Show” where vocalists, dancers, and onboard crew provide guests a tantalizing preview of all the offerings throughout their sailing. Immediately following this new show, guests can continue the fun at the popular “Ocean Music Fest,” an immersive concert and the ultimate jam session at sea, where multiple musicians merge their talents on stage for one world-class concert experience.

Returning & Enhanced Guest Favorites

Norwegian Aqua, set to be the 20^th ship in the NCL fleet, will also feature returning guest-favorite venues and shows, including the expanded “Improv at Sea” comedy club with more seating, and “The Price is Right LIVE on NCL” where guests will “come on down,” for the opportunity to spin the wheel and win big in the “Showcase Showdown”. The ever popular “Syd Norman’s Pour House” also returns to feature rock-and-roll tributes to Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, and other legendary artists of the Classic Rock genre. Additionally, the highly sought-after Fleetwood Mac tribute experience, “Syd Norman’s Presents: Rumours,” which is a staple of the intimate dive-bar venue and always performs to a packed house, will now be offered in the main theater, accommodating over 700 guests in each show, making it the ultimate concert experience.

“From vibrant production shows to parties, musical performances, game shows, comedy and more, we have struck just the right balance of offering something for everyone to enjoy on board Norwegian Aqua,” added NCL’s Vice President of Entertainment Production, Bryan Anthony White. “Our talented performers and the staff behind-the-scenes who bring our original productions to life are one-of-a-kind, and their dedication, passion and effort truly shines through when watching these exceptional shows. Our team is already working to bring these new entertainment offerings to life on board Norwegian Aqua and we look forward to wowing our guests when it sets sail next year.”

Beginning April 2025, Norwegian Aqua will sail seven-day Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., featuring calls to the tropical island destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. Following the ship’s Caribbean season, Norwegian Aqua will offer five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025 and then cruise five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami, the “Cruise Capital of the World,” beginning October 2025 through April 2026.

For more information about the Company’s award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries or to book a cruise, don’t hesitate to contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), the world’s largest expedition cruise company, has unveiled its 2026-2027 season lineup, marking its upcoming 130th exploration season. As the pioneers of expedition cruising, HX introduces new itineraries in Antarctica, Alaska, Greenland, Norway, and the Galápagos, reflecting the spirit of mindful adventure that has defined the brand since its inception.

Celebrating 130 Years of Exploration

In 1896, the company that would become HX launched the “Sportsman’s Route” to Svalbard, the last inhabited outpost before the North Pole. At a time when only explorers ventured into these remote regions, HX brought travelers to the edge of the world, laying the groundwork for the expedition cruise industry. Now, 130 years later, HX continues this legacy, deepening connections with the people and places central to each destination.

“These are the best destinations done better than ever,” said Alex McNeil, Chief Expedition Officer (CXO). “We’re building on over a century of maritime expertise by enhancing local partnerships and community-focused experiences, ensuring a lasting, positive impact wherever we go.”

What’s in Store for 2026-2027:

Solar Eclipse Expedition – An Anniversary Celebration to Svalbard, Greenland, and Iceland

On August 12, 2026, travelers will witness a total solar eclipse over East Greenland, one of the rarest astronomical events. The path of totality will pass through Svalbard, Greenland, and Iceland—the best locations for viewing. With decades of expertise in this region, HX will offer an unrivaled experience in the remote Arctic, where it has been operating longer than any other cruise line. This “Solar Eclipse Expedition” will provide a unique opportunity to celebrate HX’s 130th anniversary and reflect on the company’s first expedition in the summer of 1896.

Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights

Launching in January 2026, the seven-night “Ultimate Norway” expedition embraces the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv or ‘free air life.’ Guests will travel to the Lyngen Alps, Lofoten Islands, Vesterålen, and Senja while experiencing polar nights and the Northern Lights. A special “Ultimate Norway at Christmas” voyage will also be available in late 2026, marking a truly festive journey.

The new ‘Ultimate Norway’ itinerary takes travellers on a seven-night journey above the Arctic Circle in winter

Alaska’s Inside Passage: New Nine- and Twelve-night Voyages

Two distinct voyages will offer unparalleled access to Alaska. The nine-night “Fjords of the Great Land” itinerary provides a condensed yet immersive exploration, ideal for travellers seeking a shorter but enriching adventure from Vancouver to Seward. The 12-night “Where the Mountains Meet the Sea” voyage begins in Seward, visits Prince William Sound, and crosses the Gulf of Alaska to follow the Inside Passage through Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, ending in Vancouver. Both itineraries provide access to Alaska’s wilderness—from towering forests and mountain ranges to rich cultural encounters and iconic wildlife. Guests will spot eagles and bears, explore landscapes on foot or by kayak, and engage with local communities.

Iconic Antarctica – The Explorer’s Route

Building on HX’s legacy as a leader in Antarctic exploration, the new “Explorer’s Route” voyage offers an unparalleled journey across the Antarctic Peninsula, offering travellers an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the great explorers who originally traversed the Seventh Continent. Over nine days, guests will visit the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea, Gerlache Strait, and Penola Strait, beginning and ending in Buenos Aires. As the largest operator in Antarctica, HX provides exclusive access to secluded areas beyond the usual routes. This voyage offers more exploration than any other Antarctic Peninsula itinerary, allowing travellers ample time to savour every unforgettable moment while immersing themselves in mindful learning, embracing the science and natural wonders of this extraordinary destination.

Europe & Svalbard: New Voyages Departing from Dover and Hamburg

Travelers in the UK and Germany will enjoy new expeditions departing from Dover and Hamburg, exploring Europe’s west coast as spring returns. Stops include remote islands rich in culture and nature, with unique locations only accessible by a small ship, such as the Channel Islands, the Isles of Scilly, the Dutch coastal town of Harlingen, and Germany’s Heligoland Island. New Svalbard expeditions will also depart from Dover and Hamburg, taking travellers through Norway’s deep fjords before heading to the Arctic and the rugged west coast of Svalbard.

“Each voyage is designed to change the way guests see the world,” McNeil said.

Get To Know HX

With a legacy spanning almost 130 years, HX is the world’s largest and leading expedition cruise company. Offering voyages to over 250 destinations across more than 27 countries, HX combines sustainability initiatives with deep local insights to provide guests with transformative travel experiences. Find out more at travelhx.com.