Issue Sixteen | July 2026
CRUISE IN PROFILE
1
STOWAWAY Find your next cruise inside!
Discovering alternative luxury
Viva goes BEYOND
SOUNDS AMAZING:
The joys of cruising in New Zealand
STOWAWAY
SYMI
Seabourn’s Exploration Event offers up to 15% savings* on select voyages off the beaten path in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, the Arctic and more. From our open-deck design to highly personalised, anticipatory hospitality, we offer a more intimate way of experiencing the sea. There is always more to explore with Seabourn. Plan your voyage by July 7.
EPHESUS
7-Day Ephesus & Greek Island Gems 19 Jul*; 13 Sep 2026
13-Day Atlantic Coast l Lighthouses & New England Charms
SEABOURN QUEST Roundtrip Piraeus (Athens) From £3,229pp Fly/cruise – please ask
31 Oct 2026 | SEABOURN OVATION Montreal to Miami From £3,399pp Fly/cruise – please ask
Visits: Piraeus (Athens); Mykonos; Agios Nikolaos (Crete); Symi; Kos; Kusadasi (Ephesus^); Piraeus (Athens). • ^Seabourn’s Classical Concert at Ephesus (Kusadasi) *Lead fare based on 19/7/26
14-Day Jewels of the British Isles 27 Jun 2026 SEABOURN OVATION Roundtrip Dover From £5,184pp No-fly cruise
Visits: Dover; Portland; Cobh (Cork, Ireland); Fishguard (Wales); Douglas (Isle of Man); Rothesay (Isle of Bute); Greenock (Scotland); Belfast; Oban; Ullapool; Leith (Edinburgh); Dover • Travel with Sunday Times Wine Expert Will Lyons
Visits: Montreal; Quebec City; Gaspe (Quebec); Halifax (Nova Scotia); Boston (Massachusetts, overnight); Norfolk (Virginia); Miami. • Overnight stay in Boston • Late evening stays in Quebec & Halifax
10-Day Seville, Granada, Murcia & French Riviera 8 Apr 2027 | SEABOURN OVATION Lisbon to Genoa From £4,504pp Fly/cruise – please ask Visits: Lisbon, Cadiz (Seville); Ceuta (Spanish Morocco); Motril (Granada); Cartagena (Murcia); Sete (France); La Joliette (Marseille); Ajaccio (Corsica); Genoa. • Travel with Ann Cleeves OBE, author of ‘Vera’ and ‘Shetland’ • Late evening stay in Cadiz
ARCTIC
10-Day Iceland & Scoresby South Expedition 16 Jul 2026 SEABOURN VENTURE Roundtrip Reykjavik From £8,414pp Fly/cruise – please ask
Visits: Reykjavik; Grundarfjordur, Patreksfjordur; Dynjandi, Saudarkrokur, Ittoqqortoormiit, Exploring Scoresbysund (2 Days), Heimaey (Westman Islands); Reykjavik • Team of expedition leaders • Complimentary walks, hikes and Zodiac tours
CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL FOR EXPERT ADVICE ON YOUR NEXT SEABOURN CRUISE seabourn.com Terms & Conditions: Advertised fares include taxes & fees and are per guest based on double occupancy, apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space-available basis at time of booking and are in GBP. Savings up to 15% on select sailings. Discounts included in fare shown. Excludes Full world cruise and Pole to Pole. Discounts are not valid on any optional packages including but not limited to: air (when not included in the package price), private car transfers, or pre/post packages. Offer duration from 6 May-7 July 2926 and valid on new bookings only based on promo code NG*. Offer is subject to availability and may be capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn at any time without prior notice. All travel subject to Seabourn Cruise Contract available at: https://www.seabourn.com/en/gb/legal-privacy/cruise-contract. Cruise itineraries and onboard offerings not guaranteed. Administration of Offer and award of Credit at Seabourn’s sole discretion. Offer may be changed or withdrawn without notice. Fly-voyages provided by Seabourn with flights to/from the UK 5are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. Our ATOL number is 6294. Carnival plc trading as Seabourn. Ships' registry: Bahamas. ©2026 Seabourn.
CONTENTS
3
It's fair to say that river cruising is having a moment. The number of new vessels being launched each year remains in the double digits, reflected by continuously increasing sales and the recent RiverView Conference, created by the official UK cruise industry association CLIA, saw more river cruise lines and information hungry travel agents gathering in the Amsterdam venue than ever before. We're doing our bit for river cruising in this issue of Stowaway by dedicating eight pages to this fast growing cruise sector. Other parts of the industry are also grabbing our attention. There are five pages dedicated to expedition, another sector on a roll, as well as special features looking at the joys of cruising in New Zealand, what to do and see in Singapore and some alternative suggestions for travellers looking for a luxury cruise.
12
For more information call our sales team on
01243 871664
NEWS
FEATURES
4
12 SOUNDS AMAZING
IN FOCUS
Jane Archer strikes gold on a Princess Cruises’
Port and cruise news in pictures.
voyage around New Zealand.
11 DISCOVER PALERMO
16 PRESS PAUSE IN … SINGAPORE
Cruise lines' top brass certainly did in June.'
18 HISTORY IN THE MAKING
It would be criminal to cruise from or to
20
Singapore without adding a few days in the city.
20 THAT’S THE SPIRIT
Holland America Line is investing millions of dollars in a revitalisation programme.
Jane Archer enjoy the Freestyle life on a voyage Down Under on NCL’s smallest ship,
28 THE BEAR NECESSITIES
Norwegian Spirit.
In search of bears on a wildlife tour from
23 WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO
Alaska's Icy Strait Point.
Meet two vessels that don’t follow the ultra-
luxury rules but really should be on the list for
DESTINATION: EXPEDITION
high-end travellers planning their next holiday
23
30 QUESTION TIME Stowaway meets Gebhard Rainer, CEO of HX Expeditions.
32
32 SHIP IN PROFILE
at sea.
DESTINATION: RIVERS
36 SOLO SO GOOD
River cruise options for solo travellers continue
Meet Seabourn's 264-passenger expedition
to expand as more travellers opt to travel alone.
ship, Seabourn Venture.
38 ON THE HORIZON
34 EPIC ADVENTURES
More than 25 new river ships are due to
Expedition lines expand in Antarctica as
launch in the next two years as the river
demand shows no sign of slowing.
cruise boom shows no sign of slowing.
41 RISING STAR
Art, history, culture and plenty of good food and wine await on a journey along the Seine.
Published by
Stowaway Publications 5 The Avenue, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5AS. +44 (0)7802 256275
Written and Edited by: Design:
Jane Archer Janearc@aol.com Oddsock Design
42 GOING BEYOND
Viva Cruises has launched the first ship in its new boutique brand.
42
Cover: Scenic cruising in Milford Sound. Credit: Princess Cruises. STOWAWAY
4
IN FOCUS
NCL moves in at Philadelphia In a move timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, Norwegian Cruise Line has launched new cruises from Philadelphia, the city where the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted on July 4 1776. Cruises are on Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl to Bermuda, Canada and New England, and the Caribbean.
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
IN FOCUS
5
A new ‘home’ for Oceania fans It’s all change for Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Nautica in 2027 as the ship goes under the knife and emerges as Oceania Aurelia, a vessel reimagined as the ideal home for the line’s round-theworld cruises and Grand Voyages. Among changes, there will be fewer cabins and larger, more luxurious butler-served suites, taking capacity down from just under 700 passengers to 500. There’ll also be a new Bakery and a Crêperie, where guests can enjoy fresh pastries, crepes and waffles, and a new Chef’s Studio offering culinary workshops.
STOWAWAY
6
IN FOCUS
Timeless treasures of Greece and Turkey Variety Cruises is pairing Greece and Turkey on a new one-week cruise in October this year and then returning for six departures in 2027. The cruises, from the port of Lavrio, just outside Athens, include calls into Syros (2026) or Kea (2027), Delos, Mykonos, Samos, Kuşadasi (Turkey), Patmos, Naxos and Sifnos. Variety is including two free excursions – one to the archaeological site of Delos, the other from Kuşadasi to the ancient Roman city of Ephesus. The 2026 departure is on the 72-passenger Variety Voyager; in 2027 the cruises are on the 49-passenger motor sailing yacht Panorama. JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
CRUISE IN PROFILE
7
SMALL SHIPS
GREAT CRUISES
THE GREEK ISLES THE SEYCHELLES FRENCH POLYNESIA CAPE VERDE ISLES RIVERS OF WEST AFRICA ITALY & MALTA CROATIA, MONTENEGRO & ALBANIA VENICE & THE ADRIATIC
Seafarer
WORLDWIDE CRUISING HOLIDAYS
varietycruises.co.uk
STOWAWAY
8
IN FOCUS
Rotterdam returns More cabins sleeping up to four people and additional seating in Billboard Onboard and the Rolling Stone Lounge have been added to Holland America Line’s Rotterdam during a two-week dry dock. There are also new live music stages in the Crow’s Nest and at the Sea View Pool, and fresh carpeting throughout the ship. It is spending summer sailing from Rotterdam to Iceland and the Norwegian fjords and relocates to Fort Lauderdale in October to spend the winter cruising the Caribbean.
No-fly from Portsmouth Ambassador Cruise Line has confirmed its 1,200-passenger ship, Ambition, will be sailing from Portsmouth again in 2027 after a successful mini-season of cruises from the south coast port this year. Three no-fly cruises, between them visiting Norway, France and Guernsey, depart in April 2027. A two-night non-landing taster cruise in May from Portmouth ends in Liverpool.
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
IN FOCUS
9
Mexico's Acapulco Cruise Port is set to grow The world's largest port operator Global Ports Holding plans to upgrade the Acapulco Cruise Port's passenger facilities and elevate their shoreside experiences. A new 350-metre berth is due to open in early 2027 to welcome larger visiting cruise ships.
A double Eclipse The Spanish city of Seville made history last month as Scenic’s two Discovery yachts arrived in port on the same day and docked bow-to-bow. Between them, Scenic Eclipse I and sister ship Eclipse II brought more than 400 high-end passengers to the city, which sits astride the Guadalquivir River. The port is managed under a joint venture between Global Ports Holding and Ocean Platform Marinas, and is expecting 90 calls in 2026. STOWAWAY
10
IN FOCUS
DISCOVER GIBRALTAR Embark on a cruise to Gibraltar—where centuries of history, breathtaking vistas, and unforgettable encounters with nature come together to create an experience like no other. Picture the moment your ship sails past the legendary Rock, standing tall and proud as it has for millennia. Step ashore and discover a destination where Europe meets Africa, where the Atlantic greets the Mediterranean, and where every corner tells a story. Wander the bustling streets and enjoy duty-free shopping on world-famous Main Street, where international brands meet local charm. Delve into Gibraltar’s fascinating past—explore its ancient Moorish Castle, uncover hidden wartime tunnels, and admire St. Michael’s Cave, nature’s own cathedral carved in stone.
Scan the QR code and explore Gibraltar
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
Follow Visit Gibraltar
No visit is complete without meeting Gibraltar’s most famous residents—the playful Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild monkeys. Whether you’re capturing the perfect photo or simply enjoying the view from the top of the Rock, these moments will become lasting memories. After a day of adventure, unwind at a cozy café, savor fresh Mediterranean cuisine, or simply soak in the panoramic sea views that surround this unique destination. Whether you’re seeking heritage, shopping, wildlife, or just a moment to breathe, Gibraltar offers an unforgettable stop on your cruise. Your next great discovery is just one port away.
PORT IN PROFILE
11
Introducing Palermo
Palermo was the setting for the June conference of cruise lines and port members of Medcruise, the association of Mediterranean cruise ports. It’s fair to say Oscar Wilde was smitten with Palermo given he proclaimed it “the most beautifully situated town in the world.” It’s fair to also say that a lot will have changed since he was there back in 1900. He called it a town, but these days it’s a big city, the buzzing capital of Sicily, home to one of the island’s busiest cruise ports, welcoming 284 cruise ships in 2025, many of them – AE Expeditions included - making a maiden call into the port, and almost one million cruise passengers. By 2027, the city expects numbers to increase to 326 cruise calls and 1.15 million passengers. Founded by Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, Palermo sits in a large natural harbour on the north coast of Sicily and claims the dubious honour of having been invaded more times than any other city in the world. Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Arabs, Normans, Spaniards, Austrians; they all came and went over the centuries. Finally, in 1860, the city, along with the rest of Sicily, became part of the new Kingdom of Italy. Sifting through the city’s layers of history couldn’t be easier. All cruise lines have tours for those who prefer to be guided; for those happy to explore alone, it’s just a five-minute walk from the port into town. Palermo Cathedral Key sights include the huge cathedral, which blends Roman, Greek and Arabic styles, and the Teatro Massimo, the third largest theatre in Europe. The city’s street markets offer a real taste of Palermo – chaotic, busy and full of life – or head underground, into the catacombs, to see thousands of mummified remains. It is a bit macabre, but makes a change from churches and cathedrals. If they appeal more, put the Church of the Immaculate Conception on the list. It’s easy to miss on the outside but a baroque marvel inside.
STOWAWAY
12
CRUISE REVIEW
Sounds amazing Jane Archer strikes gold on a Princess Cruises’ voyage around New Zealand. Everyone has heard of the Alaska Gold Rush but the New Zealand one? I’ll wager that is on fewer radars but was an equally gripping tale of daring-do as prospectors risked life and limb racing to gold fields in the Central Otego region of New Zealand’s south island in the hope of making their fortune. I’m learning all about it from Robert, the storyteller on this Princess Cruises’ Taieri Gorge Train tour from Port Chalmers into Central Otego and back. Negligible quantities of gold had been found in the region in the 1850s he says – so small no one got too excited. Then in 1861, a prospector, Gabriel Read, struck it big. Almost overnight, the race was on.
More than 250 ships arrived at Port Chalmers that year carrying thousands of prospectors. Once ashore, they faced a 100km walk over harsh terrain to get to the gold fields while carrying food, tents, spades and shovels. A few made it rich; most didn’t. In the 1870s, the railways came to the area – first a line linking Port Chalmers and nearby Dunedin, a town founded in 1848 by Scottish immigrants, and then across the Taieri Gorge to a place called Cromwell, about 250km away. “There were up to five trains a day in the past,” Robert says. Now there’s only the heritage tourist train we’re on and it only goes from Port Chalmers deep into the gorge as far as Pukerangi – a mere 70km away - and back.
Tours from Napier visit Cape Kidnappers, home of the world's largest land-based gannet colony.
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
Bring the Mediterranean to life On a Mediterranean cruise with Princess, immerse yourself in ancient wonders and hidden coastal gems, from the legends of Greece to the charm of Italy. With effortless MedallionClass® service, locally inspired cuisine, and beautifully designed ships, every moment and every view is unforgettable.
START PLANNING TODAY
14
CRUISE REVIEW
No matter. It’s still a stunning seven-hour journey bumping and rattling over high wrought iron viaducts, through narrow tunnels dug into the rock (“don’t lean out,” Robert warns those standing on platforms between carriages), past forests and alongside the Taieri River. “The fishing is great but it’s so difficult to get here the trout die of old age,” he jokes. We arrived in Port Chalmers this morning on Crown Princess, our last port call on a 14-night cruise around New Zealand’s North and South Islands. I was on Crown when it was named in New York 20 years ago so stepping on board had felt like a homecoming – especially as so much is just as I remembered. Well almost. A new watering hole, Good Spirits, has popped up in the Italian piazza-style atrium and a hugely-popular Irish Pub, O’Malley’s, has replaced the Wheelhouse Bar. There’s also a new Reserve restaurant for those in suites and mini-suites. We love dining there for the exclusively, friendly
Steaming rocks at Te Puia geothermal park.
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
atmosphere and personal service - but skip off for a couple of evenings to try the Crown Grill steakhouse and Sabatini’s Italian trattoria, which are both as good as when I tried them all those years ago.
Scenic sailing From Port Chalmers we headed south for a day of scenic sailing in the fiordlands followed by three days sailing the Tasman Sea back to the Australian port of Brisbane, where the cruise started. What an amazing journey it’s been. After three days at sea sailing from Brisbane, we’ve cruised New Zealand’s east coast, visiting Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Lyttleton (for Christchurch) and Port Chalmers. From Auckland we took the ferry to Waiheke Island (about 40 minutes away), where a hop-on and hop-off bus circles around numerous vineyards and breweries. Just pick one you fancy and enjoy.
Next day in Tauranga, we headed off on the cultural trail on Princess’ full-day tour to Te Puia geothermal park in Rotorua. There’s an hour’s drive to the site; once there we were ushered towards the entrance of a Māori meeting house. “Don’t make any noise. He needs to decide if we are friend or foe,” says Hiks, our guide, as we wait, anticipation rising, and a Māori warrior came towards us waving his spear, eyes bulging, tongue hanging out greedily. It’s all done to scare enemies and believe me, it works. Luckily he liked us and we were allowed to enter the meeting house for a cultural show involving plenty of singing, rattling of spears, foot stomping and more bulging eyes and tongue waggling. Once it’s over, Hiks leads us to the park’s steaming rocks and seriously hot bubbling mud pools. I also kept a eye out for the Pohutu geyser, which erupts up to 20 times a day but waited until we were at lunch to shoot boiling water 100 feet into the air.
CRUISE REVIEW
15
Princess Cruises in New Zealand
One of the joys of the cruise was that every day was different. From Napier, we joined Wayne for a tour to the world’s largest land-based gannet colony. From Wellington, we went to Zealandia, a nature reserve enclosed in high fences specially designed to keep out predators and allow native birds, some close to extinction, to breed. Christchurch turned out to be a charming city, ideal for walking and cycling but sadly still bearing the scars of two devastating earthquakes that struck in 2010 and 2011. The Quake Museum tells the story. Once Dunedin was ticked next day, there
was just one more thing to do – some scenic sailing around the fiordland. Sadly the wind was too fierce for us to get into Dusky and Doubtful Sounds – so-named by Captain James Cook because he saw the first at dusk and didn’t think he could get his ship into the second - but Crown’s Captain Lye pulled out all the stops to get us into Milford Sound. Thank goodness, because it was spectacular, with towering peaks, steep cliffs and gushing waterfalls. The Otago Peninsula might have had the actual gold, but as we headed back over the sea to Australia we agreed we’d struck gold with this cruise.
Princess Cruises will have two ships, Grand and Royal Princess, sailing between Australia and New Zealand between November and March 202627 and 2027-28. Grand Princess sails mainly 13-night cruises round-trip from Brisbane that include calls into the Bay of Islands, Port Chalmers, Lyttleton, Picton, Napier, Tauranga and Auckland. Royal Princess sails exclusively from Sydney. Most itineraries are round-trip, but a 14-day cruise in February 2027 sails from Sydney to Auckland and includes two days in Tasmania. A 13-day cruise in March takes the ship back to Sydney. A one-week cruise from Auckland to Sydney departing October 16 2027 calls into Napier and Wellington, and includes four days at sea.
Clockwise from top: O'Malley's Irish Pub; Scenic cruising in Milford Sound; View over Wellington; Sabatini's Italian trattoria; Iron viaduct in Taieri Gorge; Crown Princess in Auckland. STOWAWAY
16
DESTINATIONS
Singapore Press pause in…
The Hungarian capital is hosting Clia’s
2025 Riverview conference in March
It would be criminal to cruise from or to Singapore without adding a few days in the city, says Jane Archer.
After a wonderful four nights in Singapore, I can honestly say the Lion City has lost none of its roar – and that a few more days there would not have gone amiss. Alongside being one of the leading ports in Asia for both cruise and cargo, it’s one of the world’s most exciting cities. Never mind New York, this is the city that never sleeps; where visitors can explore a cloud forest by day and watch futuristic laser shows after dark. Ships dock at Singapore Cruise Center or Marina Bay, both of which are served by the city’s metro line.
Shop in
Eat out
Keen shoppers are spoilt for choice, with colourful street markets and vast shopping malls such as Raffles City, Capitol and Marina Bay set over three or four storeys selling everything from designer gear to local fashions. Head down Orchard Road and you’ll even find a Marks & Spencer.
There are any number of places to eat in Singapore – along the river, in shopping malls, in hawker stalls (think open-air food courts) - catering for all budgets. Head to the street markets in Little India for tasty S$1(about 58p) samosas or the Lau Pa Sat hawker stalls for a local chicken rice dish costing just S$8.50 (£5). For a splash, it has to be Celebrity Cruises’ chef ambassador Daniel Boulud’s restaurant, Maison Boulud.
WHO GOES THERE Azamara Cruises Carnival Cruise Line Celebrity Cruises Cunard Disney Cruise Line Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Holland America Line Norwegian Cruise Line Oceania Cruises P&O Cruises Paul Gauguin Cruises Ponant Princess Cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises Royal Caribbean International Scenic Seabourn Silversea
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
Where to stay This is not the place to come in search of budget hotels. If money’s no object, consider Raffles Hotel, the beautiful Fullerton Hotel or Marina Bay Sands, which has three towers with a ‘boat’ across the top. The Capitol Kempinski is a little less extravagant, centrally located and combines excellent service with old-world elegance. Rooms are big and well appointed; choose a Terrace Room to get an outdoor balcony and views of the city.
DESTINATIONS
17
Pics: Singapore Tourist Board; Jane Archer
Something for the kids Take the kids on a wild adventure getting to know critters from all over the world that only come out after dark on a Night Safari at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Four walking trails and a tram take visitors around the park in search of Tasmanian Devils, Malayan tapirs, kiwis, pangolins, possums, Asian otters, barn owls and more. Three times each evening, keepers host Creatures of the Night presentations (included in the entrance price but bookings are required).
Don't miss The Gardens by the Bay, home to the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, is the top stop. The park also houses Singapore’s Supertrees - vertical gardens up to 50 metres tall and with a Skywalk between them some 22 metres above ground offering terrific views over Marina Bay. Saddle up for a four-hour Lion Bike city tour. You’ll visit Marina Bay, China Town, Little India, Kampong Gelam (Malaysian quarter) and more, mostly avoiding roads and with regular stops to learn about history, have a snack or to take pictures.
After dark
Take a day off
Getting around
You need at least four nights in town to tick off the best that nightlife has to offer, from peanuts and a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel (expect queues and eyewatering prices) to an exclusive sunset experience, complete with Champagne, at the top of Marina Bay Sands Hotel. There is a light and water show, Spectra, in front of Marina Bay Sands every evening at 8pm and 9pm (also 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays) and a light show, Garden Rhapsody, in the Supertree Grove at 7.45pm and 8.45pm. Both are free.
In the 1800s, Sentosa Island was a fortress protecting Singapore; these days the island is Singapore’s playground, an ideal spot to escape the city for a while. Accessed by road, monorail or cable car, there are beaches, the Universal Studios and Sci-Fi City theme parks, Adventure Cove water park, an aquarium, butterfly park and interactive museum that tells the history of Singapore and, of course, lots of places to eat.
Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) network is excellent, cheap and easy to use. Single journey tickets cost from S$1.50 (90p) and visitors can tap on and off with a contactless card. Use it now and then, but the best way to get to know the city is to walk. The centre is quite compact and you never know what you might find en route. For a break, a bumboat ride on the Singapore River is an good way to see the sights.
STOWAWAY
18
NEWS UPDATE
Oosterdam will emerge from its refit with a new Grand Dutch Cafe and, below left, 30 solo cabins.
History in the making Holland America Line is investing investing millions of dollars in its biggest-ever revitalisation programme. Restaurants, bars and new cabin categories are to be retro-fitted to six Holland America ships as the line embarks on Evolution, the biggest revitalisation programme in its 153-year history. Some $500 million has been allocated to the project, which will add a variety of new features to four Vista-class ships (Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam and Noordam) and two Signature-class vessels, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. The upgrades will be undertaken by Fincantieri, the company that built the ships, starting with Oosterdam in autumn 2027. Among changes, Oosterdam will be fitted with 76 more cabins, including two new Bridgeview suites with wraparound verandas that have the same view as the Captain, and 30 solo cabins, each with a private balcony. A Grand Dutch Café – a popular venue only on Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam – will also be added to Oosterdam, and to all six ships being upgraded in the Evolution project. When it returns to service in early December 2027,
Oosterdam will embark on a seven-night Western Mediterranean voyage round-trip from Barcelona before heading over the Atlantic for a winter season of Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale. “Everything we are doing [in the Evolution project] is based on guest feedback,” promised vice-president, international sales and marketing Nico Bleichrodt. He said that included keeping the ships in the mid-size sector favoured by Holland America passengers. Oosterdam currently carries 1,900 passengers; the changes will take it to just over 2,000. “This is a great moment for Holland America and our guests, and we’re only just getting started,” said president Beth Bodensteiner. “Over the coming months, we’ll be unveiling several more exciting additions to Oosterdam as well as the other five ships that are part of this evolution.”
A tulip from (near) Amsterdam Holland America Line has celebrated its 153rd anniversary by christening its very own tulip at Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam. Cultivated exclusively for Holland America, the tulip is orange - the national colour of the Netherlands – and was christened ‘Savour the Journey’ to reflect the line’s belief that how you travel is as important as the destination. In true maritime tradition, it was named with Champagne by its godmother, Olympic medallist Joy Beune, one of the Netherlands’ leading speedskaters. “We started our search for a signature tulip a year ago,” said vice-president, international sales and marketing Nico Bleichrodt. “Savour the Journey represents craftsmanship, partnership and innovation - all the things Holland America has stood for for the past 153 years.”
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
CRUISE IN PROFILE
19
Experiences with us are too good to hurry through. THE ART OF LEISURELY TRAVEL Travel is our tradition and for over 150 years, we’ve shown guests the world’s greatest sights and rare treasures. With a 1:2 crew-to-guest ratio, you’ll enjoy a level of genuine service found only with us. Our perfectly sized ships offer elegant comfort, while fresh regional cuisine connects you to every destination. From Up Close presentations and live port briefings to our vibrant Orange Party, onboard traditions bring each other together — with experiences too good to hurry through.
To find out more or to book: Visit HollandAmerica.com call 0344 338 8605 or contact your travel agent today!
STOWAWAY
20
CRUISE REVIEW
Spirit That’s the
Jane Archer enjoys the Freestyle life on a voyage Down Under on NCL’s smallest ship, Norwegian Spirit.
Milford Sound in New Zealand.
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
CRUISE REVIEW
“We’ve learned from experience it’s good to do the wine after the walk,” says our guide, Helen. As this steep hike up Te Mata Peak near Napier involves negotiating a narrow rutted path that comes with the option of putting a foot wrong and going tumbling down the grassy bank, I am inclined to agree. I am also consoling my screaming calves by thinking of all the calories I am burning and the wine tasting to come (four tipples including a cheery sweet rosé aptly named Fleurty in one of about 60 wineries in this area of New Zealand). Apart from sounding a great way to get fresh air, see the countryside and taste wine, the hike seemed a suitable atonement for all the great food we’ve indulged in on Norwegian Spirit since we set sail from Sydney 10 days ago. We’ve explored Melbourne, enjoyed a flat calm crossing over the Tasman Sea and had a day of scenic sailing through New Zealand’s picturesque Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds – think steep cliffs and tumbling waterfalls.
We’ve also called into Dunedin (of which more later) and Wellington, which has to be one of the most relaxed capital cities in the world. We took a funicular (they call it a cable car) to the top of the botanic gardens and wandered back to town, admiring the exotic plants and trees along the way. Still to come is Tauranga, a lovely beach resort with miles of soft sand and stylish apartments that would look right at home on the French Riviera (but were a lot cheaper!). And then, all too soon, it's journey's end in Auckland. Built in 1998 and with room for just under 2,000 passengers, Spirit is Norwegian Cruise Line’s oldest and smallest ship, but looking very spruce after a massive $150 million refurb in 2020. They doubled the size of the spa, updated cabins and suites, added so many more places to eat and drink you need a week to try them all and turned a waterpark at the back of deck 10 into an adults-only area.
21
Norwegian Spirit is looking very spruce after a $150 million refurbishment. Below from left: Te Mata Peak near Napier, Cagney's steakhouse and the Wellington cable car. Unlike the rest of the NCL fleet, this ship is not really aimed at families. Most of our fellow passengers were from the US, with Australians and Britons in second and third place respectively. Several were in their 30s or 40s; most were probably retired or close to winding down. From conversations, all had chosen this cruise for NCL’s casual Freestyle vibe, with no one telling you what to wear or when to eat. Norwegian Spirit will be back in New Zealand between December 2026 and April 2027 with a selection of 11-day cruises between Sydney and Auckland, and a twoweek voyage round-trip from Sydney that visits the Bay of Islands. Prices start from £1,370pp departing in February 2027, including a Free at Sea upgrade (drinks, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and excursion credits).
STOWAWAY
22
CRUISE REVIEW
Above: Norwegian Spirit sails under Auckland Bridge. Below left: The Bistro. Below right: Old meets new in Auckland.
Dining
Accommodation
Norwegian Spirit has five speciality restaurants - Cagney’s for steaks, Silk for noodles, Onda by Scarpetta for Italian, the Bistro for French cuisine and a Teppanyaki for Asian. They were all really good and the Teppanyaki was great fun, but top marks went to the Bistro for the lovely service and a superb Coq au Vin. All restaurants cost extra unless passengers are on NCL’s generous Free at Sea package. It includes free meals in up to four speciality restaurants on cruises over nine nights (fewer nights nets fewer restaurants) as well as covering drinks, Wi-Fi and even $50 off the cost of shore excursions. In theory, passengers can book whichever restaurant they fancy each evening; in practice a bit of planning is needed as tables sell out fast. There were plenty of included places to eat as well. Taste, one of two main dining rooms (the other is Windows), was good, and I liked the outdoor seating at the Garden Café (a posh name for the buffet) but the Local was my favourite for its salads, burgers, fish and chips and chicken wings.
We were in a balcony cabin that could have slept three people (the third person being on a one-seat pull-out sofa) but was quite full enough with two of us. It had everything we needed, including adequate storage, a shower and small balcony. It could be connected to the much larger Penthouse next door, which had separate sleeping and living areas. Norwegian Spirit also has plenty of inside (no window) and outside cabins, including several for solo travellers. The forward-facing Deluxe Penthouses and aft-facing Owners Suites have the most space and best views.
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
Life on board Norwegian Spirit has as many bars and lounges as restaurants. The al-fresco Biergarten at the top of the ship was a favourite on sunny days for the fresh air and views; come evening, Magnum’s and Henry’s Pub, a cosy venue with a real English pub vibe, had live singers and were always busy. A thermal suite with sauna and steam rooms, rainshowers and heated loungers added to the spa during the 2020 refurbishment was a popular place to hang out on sea days. Theatre shows ranged from a Tina Turner and Whitney Houston tribute singer to a comedian and the zany Mr Penguin. Once the shows were over, ABBA, country and 80s dance parties kicked off in the Spinnaker Lounge.
Excursions
with Rachel, captain of the Sootychaser. Taiaroa Head, at the entrance of the harbour, is the birds’ only mainland breeding site in the world so she was pretty sure we’d see them. She was right. “They love gliding on this south-westerly breeze,” Rachel coos as one flies straight towards us, its wings spanning about three metres. And then she suddenly spots some blue penguins – the smallest in the world and so cute - on the other side of the boat. All this after we’d already seen fur seals, oyster catchers, black swans and sooty shearwaters. Our Te Mata Hike and Wine tour from
NCL has tours to suit every taste, from city walks in Melbourne to trips to film locations for Lord of the Rings fans from Wellington and kayaking from Tauranga. From Port Chalmers, the nearest most cruise ships can get to Dunedin, we went in search of Northern Royal Albatross
Napier was great – just a small group of us led by Helen and Anne (“active Kiwi girls”) who were a mine of information about the city, which was devastated by an earthquake in 1931 and rebuilt in art-deco style. Walking tours visit some of the 144 art-deco buildings that still remain.
ALTERNATIVE LUXURY CRUISE IN PROFILE
23
will do
Jane Archer sails on two vessels that don’t follow the ultra-luxury rules but should be on the list for high-end travellers planning their next holiday at sea.
Credit: Atlas Ocean Voyages
Image: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
When only the best
STOWAWAY CRUISE DESTINATIONS
24
ALTERNATIVE LUXURY
For years, four names have dominated the ultra-luxury cruise sector. Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are two, alongside Seabourn and Crystal. All count their passenger numbers in the hundreds and tick the luxury musts, namely small ships, suite living, personal service, gourmet food and prices that cover drinks – including Champagne – and tips. But several other lines have their eyes on the luxury market, among them Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and MSC Cruises. Neither obeys the traditional idea of luxury - the former has small ships but prices are not all-inclusive; the latter has exclusive ship-within-a-ship Yacht Clubs on vessels that hold thousands of passengers – but both pitch to travellers who expect the best and are prepared to pay for it.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Europa 2 Cruise ships age. There’s nothing anyone can do about that. They work hard, day after day, year after year, carrying thousands of people around the world and are exposed to all that the elements can throw their way so naturally there is a scuff mark here, a broken tile or rust there. Not on Europa 2. I was on board in 2013 just as it emerged from the shipyard; 13 years on it looks as good as new. Indeed the only damage I spotted was some trim that had come adrift from the bottom of one of my wardrobe doors. That’s either a testament to how its mainly German-speaking passengers care for ‘their’ ship or, more likely, proof of the high standards of maintenance Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has insisted on over the past 13 years. Europa 2’s launch heralded a couple of firsts for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. It was branded bilingual, with menus, service and literature in German and English in a bid to widen its international audience (since January this year
JULY 2026 JUNE 2026 | | STOWAWAY STOWAWAYMEDIA MEDIA
all five of its vessels have been designated international). There were also multiple restaurants and no set dining times or formal nights to appeal to luxury travellers who dislike being told when to eat and what to wear. THE VIBE The décor is stunning, the attention to detail amazing and the feeling of space (high ceilings, wide corridors and space between tables in the restaurants) beyond luxurious. ACCOMMODATION All cabins are suites and all have a large balcony, with room for at least two chairs and a lounger. We were in an Ocean Suite, which is the smallest room available but still twice the size of entry-level cabins on mass-market ships. Most have a window into the bathroom, which adds to the feeling of space. Spa Suites are more than a third bigger and come with a butler. Grand Penthouse or Owner’s Suites have
ALTERNATIVE LUXURY
separate living and sleeping areas, and daybeds in the bathroom to laze on while enjoying the ocean view. All suites have vast amounts of storage space and plenty of seating. They also all have a complimentary minibar with beers and soft drinks (and spirits for those in the top suites). Frustratingly, light switches are needlessly complicated. Press the wrong combination and you’re either plunged into total darkness or the room lights up like a Christmas tree. I doubt I was the first to ask for help the first night.
Even the smallest suites (left) on Europa 2 are spacious. Top right: Elements Asian restaurant and the foyer. Below: The pool is a favourite hangout by day.
DINING Weltmeere is the main restaurant, a beautiful room with silver leaf ceilings (a feature in many of the ship’s public areas), and the Yacht Club is a self-service with inside and outside seating. Both were good but top marks went to Elements, one of four complimentary speciality restaurants, for its Asian dishes. Nou Rou Miam (beef noodle soup) from Taiwan and Murgh Makhani (spicy butter curry) from India were amazing. The other speciality restaurants serve Italian, French and Sushi. Service in all is excellent but leisurely; dine in the Yacht Club if you want to get to a show. AT YOUR LEISURE Belvedere is a quiet retreat popular for afternoon teas. The pool bar is a sunny
25
hangout by day; Sansibar, a bar-cumnightclub, was buzzing in the evenings. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises launched its first drinks package in January - €44 (£38) per person per day for a huge selection of beers, wines and cocktails – which has livened things up in the public areas after dark. Other facilities include the theatre, a Culinary School, an art gallery where guest artists can display (and sell) their work, and a playroom for children and separate hang-out for teens. WELLNESS The Ocean spa is a vision in white with three saunas and a steam room, a relaxation area, whirlpool and ice machine. Treatments, including facials, massages and body wraps, are not extortionate. My classic massage was 50 minutes of bliss for a reasonable €110 (£95). Keep fit fans will find a well-equipped gym with classes in spinning and Pilates, and a golf simulator with video analysis. VERDICT With 2027 prices from £5,753pp for a 12day cruise from Kiel to Hamburg, Europa 2 is not cheap but luxury lovers will not be disappointed. They need to be aware that a majority of passengers (the ship holds 500) will most likely be German speaking.
STOWAWAY
26
ALTERNATIVE LUXURY
Above from left: The new Butcher's Cut steakhouse on MSC Poesia; the Yacht Club's private restaurant. Below left: the Top Sail Lounge.
MSC Cruises’ MSC Poesia If only all check-ins were this civilised. I’ve been escorted through security to a private section of Seattle’s cruise terminal, seated and served prosecco by butlers, while staff armed with iPads check me in for my seven-night voyage to Alaska. When the ship gives the nod, one of the butlers (there are six on board) escorts me to my new home for the week - the Yacht Club on the newly-redesigned MSC Poesia. MSC's first Yacht Club - a gated residence exclusively for suite guests - was unveiled on MSC Fantasia in December 2008. Poesia launched the same year, but too early (April) to benefit from the line’s luxurious new ship-within-a-ship concept with its all-suite accommodations, 24-hour butler service and private lounge, sundeck and restaurant. Not any more. Poesia underwent a massive refit between February and April 2026 that added a Yacht Club for up to 138 guests, a Butcher’s Cut Restaurant and Kaito Sushi Bar, and Top 15, an adults-only outdoor sundeck reserved for passengers on MSC’s premium Aurea package. TOP SAIL LOUNGE On deck 13, this is the nerve centre of the Yacht Club. Elegantly furnished with grey and green sofa-style seating, it has tall windows – kept sparkling clean - looking over the front of the ship and offering the best views on board. Access is reserved for those staying in the Yacht Club and controlled by keycard (which was not working when we were on board but is pretty much redundant as the butlers and lounge staff and concierge knew all their guests by name before we’d even set sail on day one). Butlers are always on hand to escort guests to the Yacht Club’s private restaurant and to the excursion meeting point – a neat perk that avoids the crowds gathering for their tours. If he happened to be around, my butler also escorted me from my suite to the lounge (one deck down) for snacks or a pre-dinner drinks (all included for Yacht Club passengers, as are tips and unlimited Wi-Fi). JULY 2026 JUNE 2026 | | STOWAWAY STOWAWAYMEDIA MEDIA
DINING The Yacht Club Restaurant is on deck seven, separate from the rest of the complex. Reservations are not needed – passengers can just turn up when they would like to eat. Butlers will escort their guests to the restaurant if requested. Breakfast and lunch is additionally served al-fresco at the Yacht Club bar and grill. It would be lovely on a warm summers day in the Mediterranean, but is rather chilly in Alaska so a few blankets would not go amiss (they are provided in the suites and great for sitting on the balcony, but no one wants to be walking around with them – especially as you’ll be charged if you lose or forget it). Yacht Club passengers can also dine in the ship’s other restaurants. In the refit an existing sushi bar was moved to a new location and MSC’s signature Butcher’s Cut steakhouse was added. I tried the latter twice ($60pp extra) and was impressed with the food and service, but you need to come with a big appetite. YACHT CLUB SUITES All Yacht Club suites are at the front of the ship, on decks 11, 12, 14 or 15. Options include a one-off Royal Suite and one-room deluxe suites. I’m in a stylish new two-room Grand Suite that was created by knocking two cabins into one. It has a double length balcony, walk-in wardrobe and bathroom with a large glass-enclosed shower. All suites come with perks including free wine or spirits (one bottle per suite) and complimentary access to the spa’s thermal suite. VERDICT Retrofitting a new Yacht Club on Poesia was never going to be easy, but MSC has done a great job. Paired with the excellent and friendly service, it is a perfect choice for customers wanting luxury without missing out on the big ship facilities. Prices start from £3,344pp excluding flights for a deluxe Yacht Club suite.
ALTERNATIVE LUXURY CRUISE IN PROFILE
27
MSC in Alaska MSC Cruises is making its debut in Alaska this summer on the newly-redesigned MSC Poesia. The one-week cruises start in Seattle, call into Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) and Juneau, and also include scenic cruising up close to Dawes Glacier and a late evening call into Victoria in British Columbia. The 2027 season, also on MSC Poesia, is already on sale. Ketchikan Known as the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan is a favourite call on Alaska’s cruise circuit, able to handle up to six ships a day and expecting some 1.5 million cruisers this year. Some will stay in town, which is rife with bars and restaurants, and home to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in which teams compete in axe-throwing, sawing, chopping and log-rolling contests. Excursions include everything from boat tours to Misty Fjords to hikes through the Tongass Rainforest. Whatever they choose, there is a good chance of rain (liquid sunshine, as the locals call it) as the town gets more than 250 days of precipitation a year. Icy Strait Point A relative newbie on the Alaskan cruise circuit, Icy Strait is small but able to accommodate up to five ships a day – three docked, two at anchor – and is expecting some 700,000 cruisers this year (See On tour, p28). Dawes Glacier No Alaska cruise is complete without scenic cruising up close to one of the state’s massive glaciers. MSC is visiting Dawes Glacier, which sits at the end of the Endicott Arm Fjord and is a massive piece of ice a mile and a half wide, 175 feet above the water line (impressive enough) and 500 feet below. Depending on ice conditions, the ship gets within three or four miles of the glacier and will be held there for about an hour, slowly turning so there is a view of the glacier from port and starboard sides. MSC is switching to Tracy Arm and the Sawyer Glacier in 2027 if conditions allow (ships are currently banned due to unstable ice). Juneau The only state capital in the US that can’t be reached by road, Juneau is so popular with cruise lines that the city imposed a limit on the number allowed to call on any one day last year. It’s set at a maximum of five large ships or 16,000 passengers. On Saturdays, the number of cruise passengers allowed falls to 12,000. Whale-watching is big here – MSC has numerous small boat excursions in search of cetaceans – as are tours to the Mendenhall Glacier, which sits just outside town. Passengers can take helicopter rides over it, walk on it, hike up close to it and go dog-sledding on it. If neither appeals, there are also bike tours, kayaking, salmon bakes and gold panning. Victoria Cruise ships sailing from Seattle to Alaska that are registered outside America have to call into a non-US port. MSC has chosen Victoria, in British Columbia, It’s a quick stop (just 7.30pm to midnight) but a few excursions are available, including guided walks or horse-drawn trolley tours around town. Those feeling active can sign up for an ebike ride.
STOWAWAY
28
ON TOUR
Spasski River is beautiful, silent...
... but there's not a bear in sight.
The Bear necessities Jane Archer goes in search of bears on a wildlife tour from Alaska’s Icy Strait Point. “I’m pretty confident we’ll see bears today,” our guide Will tells me as we drive inland from the port at Icy Strait Point in Alaska. So am I. We’re on Chichagof Island, home to 3,500 bears - more per square mile than anywhere else in the world apparently. Spotting one seems a dead cert. Icy Strait, one of the ports on MSC Cruises' new Alaska cruises, is the gateway to Hoonah, a blink-and-youmiss-it town with 900 permanent residents, two shops and five churches that was once famous (locally at least) for its “million-dollar fleet” of 36 fishing boats that between them provided 20% of all Alaska salmon. They were banned from operating in 1953 after fishermen on the mainland accused them of depleting their stocks so the locals turned their hand to tourism. These days, cruisers bring in big money for the town. The port is privately owned by the local Huna Totem Corporation, which has opened bars, restaurants and souvenir shops in what was the salmon cannery. There is also a cable car from the port that takes riders up Hoonah Mountain, from where those who dare can race more than JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
5,300ft back down to sea level at speeds of up to 60mph on the world’s largest zipwire. Returning by cable car is also allowed. “Just remember this is a bear search, not spotting,” warns Will as we arrive at the Spasski River and are met by ‘bear security’ – an armed guard who will be accompanying us on the walk into the forest. It would appear the bears here are not the cuddly teddy variety. The walk is very gentle, along a boardwalk with muskeg bog either side in which the unwitting could sink six-feet or more. At the river we wait 15 minutes at the first of three viewing platforms. It’s beautiful, silent but with not a bear in sight. There are none at the next two platforms either, but at least we saw plenty of yellow skunk cabbage (pictured left), which bears tuck into after their winter hibernation as they act as a laxative. It was not as good as seeing the real thing but I’m counting it as a win anyway. MSC Cruises’ 2.5-hour Spasski River Valley and Bear Search tour from Icy Strait Point costs $199pp. Seven-night Alaska cruises in 2027 start from £675pp excluding flights.
DESTINATION: CRUISEEXPEDITION IN PROFILE
29
Expedition Destination:
Luxury addition for Polar Latitudes
Polar Latitudes Expeditions is expanding its 2026-27 Antarctica sailing programme following a majority acquisition of Discoverer, a 140-passenger expedition ship that formerly sailed as Silver Explorer for luxury line Silversea. The vessel will replace Seaventure, which Polar Latitudes operated under charter. Passengers due to sail on Seaventure will be rebooked on Discoverer in the same cabin categories as originally reserved.
STOWAWAY
30
QUESTION TIME
Introducing
HX Expeditions Formerly part of Hurtigruten, HX Expeditions launched in 2024 as a separate company based in London with Gebhard Rainer as its CEO. Swaway caught up with him to find out more about the line and its relations with UK travel agents.
From left: Kayaking in Alaska; HX CEO Gebhard Rainer; close encounters with wildlife in the Galapagos. Why did Hurtigruten split, creating HX? Hurtigruten has a successful 130-year history cruising the Norwegian coast. Expedition is very different and was difficult to sell in the same vein. The split allows us to maximise our strengths. HX keeps its Norwegian heritage but is now an international company registered in the UK. The US, Germany and UK each account for about a third of guests, with other nations making up the remaining 10%. What sets HX apart from other expedition lines? It is our three pillars - adventure, comfort and curiosity. We have a unique partnership with the University of Tasmania and its Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) that focuses on education and sustainable tourism. They have created a course specially for HX guests travelling to Antarctica that educates them about the continent’s history, science and wildlife. It is free to take and guests receive University of Tasmania accreditation at the end. The university is now creating the same for the Arctic.
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
The Galapagos is a relative newcomer for HX. How well does it sell compared to the polar regions? We started cruising the Galapagos Islands in 2022 and they sell well. Customers going to the polar regions also want warm-water expeditions and we are seeing a lot of newto-expedition and new to brand bookings. The islands are higher yielding than the Arctic and have the benefit of being year-round. Our ship, Santa Cruz II, is owned by Metropolitan Touring, in which we have a 25% share. Which expedition destinations would you like to bring on line? We are always looking at new destinations. I’d love to add Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Why did HX join the UK cruise trade association Clia in 2025? Has it resulted in an uplift in agent sales? Now we are an international company it was important to widen our reach across the trade. Most recently we hosted Clia’s Expedition Summit on Fram in Dover and we will have a ship in Svalbard for its Expedition Showcase in July. Being a member has been very good. More
than 50% of HX bookings now come through agents. That we are true to who we are and authentic helps us against our competitors. What tempted you into the world of expedition cruising? I came to HX from Sandals Resorts, so this is very different. I was attracted by HX’s values, which correlate with my own. I am a strong believer in education, science and sustainability. Where have you cruised so far and which destination is next on your list? I’ve been to Antarctica twice, and also to Greenland and Svalbard. Next on my list is the Galapagos and Alaska. We do Alaska very differently to other lines. We visit the Aleutian Islands and put a lot of focus on meeting the indigenous people and learning about their sacred grounds. This year marks HX's 130th anniversary. How are you celebrating? We have converted a cabin on Fridtjof Nansen to look like one from 1896. It's full of antique wood and furniture. Guests can stay there for one night for €100 per person, half of which will be donated to the HX Foundation [which supports conservation, science and heritage initiatives]. We will also be serving heritage cocktails and menus on board the ships and have various offers and promotions to help our partners celebrate with us.
Images: Ted Gatlin; Andres Mesias
Are there plans to grow the fleet from the current four ships? Our focus is on optimising our business model and building our infrastructure and booking system. The plan is to look at expansion next year. Ideally I’d like two or three more ships of 200-300 passengers over time but it depends on what is available in the second-hand
market or shipyard space if building new. I suspect there will be a cleansing in the next few years as small players disappear through mergers or acquisitions. We would consider that if the synergies were right.
“There’s this deep silence you find nowhere else that stays with you.”
Laura, HX Guest A N TA R CT I CA E X P E D I T I O N C R U I S E S
Up to 25% Off OR A
Free Suite Upgrade
JULIA BRADBURY’S
Change the way you see the world
WONDERS OF THE FROZEN SOUTH Stream now on
†
020 3733 4759 | travelhx.com
Terms and conditions: Discount and Suite Upgrade offers apply to new bookings only made from 01.05.2026 to 31.08.2026. Discount offer varies by departure date for selected departures from 15.05.2026 to 31-03-28. Suite upgrade offer is capacity controlled (ME & Q2 categories) for selected departures from 16-10-26 to 30.12.2027. Offers cannot be combined, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. See website for full terms and conditions for both offers. Single supplements may apply and applies to all offer occupancies. Holidays and flights are ATOL- protected by the Civil Aviation Authority; our ATOL number is 12642. ABTA: Y6835. †Source: Cruise Industry News Expedition Report 2025. Image: © Timo Heinz.
32
SHIP IN PROFILE
Seabourn Venture
Take a bow Guests can enjoy the scenery and keep a look out for passing whales or polar bears from the bow lounge or from the ship’s bow. Suites are equipped with Swarovski binoculars and there are extra binos around the ship.
Coffee culture Seabourn Square is the place to enjoy coffee and cake while catching up with friends.
Land ahoy
Paddle power
Seabourn Venture carries a fleet of 24 inflatable Zodiacs used to take passengers ashore in Antarctica and the Arctic.
Active sorts can get out on the icy water on kayak tours (extra cost) whenever the weather allows.
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
SHIP IN PROFILE
33
Time to refuel Seabourn’s style of ultra-luxury means an elegant restaurant and freedom to dine when and with whom you want. A table for two or buddying up with new friends? The choice is always yours.
Seabourn brought its style of ultra-luxury cruising to the expedition sector in 2022 with the launch of the 264-passenger Seabourn Venture (joined in 2023 by sister ship Seabourn Pursuit). This is the top choice for travellers who want adventure in the polar regions without sacrificing comfort, personal service and the joy of knowing everything is included in the price. Seabourn Venture is spending the coming winter (October to March) in Antarctica before relocating north, popping into the UK and spending the summer season exploring the Arctic.
Lounge about The Expedition Lounge is a favourite place to relax after a day exploring ashore.
Suite moments All rooms on Seabourn Venture are suites and all have a private balcony and fully-stocked minibars. Thoughtfully, they have extra large wardrobes to hold all the expedition gear you need for the chilly climes (polar jackets are complimentary and yours to take home) and fully-stocked minibars.
Listen and learn
Free cheers
Head to the Discovery Lounge to learn about the places and wildlife you’ll hopefully encounter on your journey from the ship’s 23-strong expedition team of marine biologists, historians, geologists and other experts.
Seabourn luxury means drinks, tips and Wi-Fi are always included in the price so guests can relax and enjoy their favourite tipple with friends without worrying whose shout it is. STOWAWAY
34
EXPEDITION CRUISING
Epic adventures Expedition lines expand in Antarctica as demand shows no sign of slowing.
What is it about Antarctica? Wars, political uncertainty, talk of a cost-of-living crisis. It seems nothing can dent the desire of adventurous travellers to set foot on the seventh continent. “It’s a dream for so many,” said HX CEO Gebhard Rainer. “It’s very emotional and seen as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, except many go again, choosing a different route to see more.” Silversea president Bert Hernandez added: “Antarctica continues to be one of the most transformative destinations on Earth, offering extraordinary moments of discovery for even the most experienced travellers.” Both AE and HX Expeditions recorded their most successful Antarctic seasons in 202526, while other expedition lines are launching forward programmes earlier to meet ever growing demand.
Quark Expeditions put 2027-28 on sale in October 2025; HX and AE weren’t far behind, going on sale in November 2025. “Launching earlier lets our guests and trade partners plan with confidence,” said Quark senior director of product development Catherine Lawton. Cruising in Antarctica is carefully controlled. Only small expedition vessels holding up to 500 passengers are allowed to offer landings. Guests go ashore in inflatable zodiacs as there are no ports, wading through freezing water to get to the land. If weather conditions allow, there are usually two landings a day. Most sites allow only 100 people ashore at a time so depending on the number of passengers, there is just an hour or two to wander. They must follow routes marked by the ship’s expedition team and keep at least five metres from the wildlife. Several lines offer kayaking, showshoeing and the chance to camp ashore one night. Most Antarctica cruises are 10-12 days and stay around the Peninsula. A few lines venture further south, into the Weddell Sea, and a growing number of lines offer flycruises for those short of time or who fear crossing the notorious Drake Passage. There are also longer two and three-week cruises that pair Antarctica with South Georgia or the Falkland Islands, or both.
What’s new 2026-27 Seabourn: A 94-day Pole to Pole expedition departing in August 2027 pairs the Arctic with Antarctica. The voyage takes in Greenland, the Northwest Passage, Arctic Canada, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, ending with a flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aries. Silversea: The line is building its own hotel, The Cormorant at 55 South, in Puerto Williams, the Chilean town from which it operates cruises to Antarctica. Once the 150-room property opens – expected in October 2026 – it will also be the start and end point for its flycruises to Antarctica. Swan Hellenic: An epic 32-night Grand Voyage from Ushuaia pairs the western Antarctic Peninsula with the Ross Sea on the continent’s east coast before sailing through New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands and ending in Dunedin. AE Expeditions: Ten-day Taste of Antarctica cruises round-trip from Ushuaia are new in February and March 2027 to cater for timeconscious travellers. A debut flycruise expedition designed, led and reserved for women only departs on February 23 2027. Quark Expeditions: A 12-day voyage departing December 2027 ventures beyond the Antarctic Peninsula into the remote Weddell Sea. The voyage, on the 138-passenger Ocean Explorer, will aim to spend three or four days there in search of the Adelie penguins who call the sea their home. Atlas Ocean Voyages: An exclusive new multi-course omakase-style dining experience for up to 10 guests serves cuisine from Spain, Korea, France, Argentina, and North America paired with premium wines.
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
Rivers
DESTINATION: RIVERS
35
Destination:
Amadeus to launch on the Douro Amadeus River Cruises is making its debut on the Douro in Northern Portugal in 2028 with new ship Amadeus Douro. The vessel will hold 111 passengers, have a top-deck swimming pool and a lounge and bar, as well as the line’s signature Café Vienna. Cruises will operate roundtrip from Porto between March and November; further details about the ship’s design, features and itineraries are yet to be revealed.
STOWAWAY
36
RIVER CRUISING
SOLO
so good
Solo travellers on Riviera's George Eliot will get a double cabin (below) without paying a single supplement.
River cruise options for solo travellers continue to expand as more travellers opt to travel alone. Riviera Travel has expanded its selection of new river cruises exclusively for solo passengers for 2027 to meet demand from the ever-growing number of travellers holidaying alone. New itineraries include a six-day tulipthemed river cruise round-trip from Zaandam in April next year that features a half or fullday visit to the Keukenhof Gardens and a tour of Amsterdam, and an eight-day Christmas cruise on the Danube from Budapest departing December 23. A new six-day New Year sailing, also on the Danube, departs December 30 and spends New Year’s Eve in Bratislava. There are also two 15-day solo sailings in 2027 between Cologne and Budapest that journey along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, and the Main-Danube Canal. Departures are on August 18 and October 13, with prices from £5,599pp including flights or Eurostar train travel. Riviera launched its first dedicated solo river cruises in 2018 and has continued to expand the programme over the years. This year there are 14 solo departures across eight rivers and starting June 2027, the George Eliot becomes the world’s first river ship dedicated to solos, with all cruises exclusively for those travelling alone. Capacity on the vessel will be capped at 68 passengers instead of 140 JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
and everyone will get a double cabin without paying a single supplement. A selection of solos-only cruises will continue across Europe’s other rivers. For those travelling alone who fancy venturing further afield, a 16-day Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong cruise-tour for solo passengers departs October 27 2027. It’s on the new Rivera Alba, Riviera’s first river ship outside Europe (see p38).
Other river cruise lines to consider Tauck has scrapped the single supplement on all Category 1 (lower deck) cabins on all its European river ships, equal to more than 250 departures in 2026. American Cruise Lines has supplementfree single cabins across its 21-strong fleet of coastal ships and riverboats, which hold between 90 and 180 passengers and only sail in US waters.
Riviera says 84% of its solo customers are female and 59% choose to travel solo because they enjoy being sociable while staying independent. Other might be one half of a couple where one wants to cruise and the other doesn’t. Product director Will Sarson said the dedicated solo cruises are popular because they are more intimate and all about meeting other people. “Guests might be travelling alone, but they are never lonely,” he added.
Pandaw offers selected river cruises in India, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos with no single supplement. Saga sets aside 12 twin cabins for solo passengers with no single supplement on each of its own river ships. They go on sale with a 25% discount that reduces as they sell out. A dining table in the restaurant is reserved for those travelling alone should they wish to join it.
RIVER CRUISING
37
Travel solo...
yet never alone
• Meet & greet at your UK departure point • Luxury double cabin all to yourself, with window or French balcony • Delicious full board dining, plus Chef’s Dinner and a free drinks package*
• Welcome drinks and dinner to get to know fellow travellers • Insightful excursions and visits every day with local guides • Expert Cruise Director and Cruise Host
Solo river cruises from £1,749PP Book with your local travel agent *2026 & 2027 river cruises include an unlimited quantity of drinks from 10am to midnight while on board (selected drinks available.) Operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430.
ABTA No. V4744
CRUISE DESTINATIONS
38
RIVER CRUISING
On the horizon More than 25 new river ships are due to launch in the next two years as the river cruise boom shows no sign of slowing. It’s not that long ago that two or three river ship launches was big news. Not any more. The sector has been growing fast for more than a decade and shows no signs of slowing, with almost 20 new vessels launching this year and more than 25 announced so far for 2027 and 2028. This year has also seen Viva Cruises introduce a new boutique brand (see p42) and river cruise newcomer Trafalgar set sail on the Rhine and Danube. The company, best known for its land-based tours, has started with two river ships, Trafalgar Reverie
and Trafalgar Verity, respectively sailing the Danube and Rhine, and will add a third, Trafalgar Harmonie, on the Seine in France in April 2027. All three vessels formerly sailed for sister company Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Along with growth comes innovation. New river ships have larger cabins and suites, modern looks and a choice of two or three places to eat, mostly for no extra charge, while prices are increasingly inclusive. Here’s a sample of the new vessels on the way in 2027-28.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Weeks before new river ship SS Emilie had even welcomed its first passengers, Uniworld announced three more Super Ships for 2027. Two, SS Marlene and SS Audrey, will sail the Rhine and Danube. They will each hold 154 passengers and feature décor inspired by their namesakes, Marlene Dietrich and Audrey Hepburn. Launch dates are March 27 and April 16 respectively. The third, SS Sao Rafael, will cruise the Douro River in Northern Portugal. Named after one of the ships that accompanied Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama’s 1497 expedition to find a sea route to India, the vessel will hold up to 94 passengers and sail eight-day cruises round-trip from Porto starting March 31.
Tui River Cruises In the five years since setting sail with a trio of river ships on the Rhine and Danube, Tui River Cruises has added a fourth vessel in Europe and two on the Nile in Egypt. Now it is growing again. The line, which targets the UK market, is launching Tui Elara, its fifth refurbished ship, on the Rhine and Danube in March 2027 and making its Douro debut with its first-ever new build, Tui Luzia, in June 2027. Another two yet-to-be-named new builds, each holding 188 passengers, will set sail on the Rhine and Danube in 2028.
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
RIVER CRUISING
39
AmaWaterways AmaWaterways is wasting no time getting started with its ambitions plans to add 20 more river ships over the next seven years. AmaSofia launched this year and AmaNubia is due out on the Nile in September, and there are another six vessels planned for 2027 and 2028. AmaFiora, AmaMaya and AmaRudi, sailing the Rhine, Mekong and Danube respectively, are slated for 2027 and will be followed by another three ships in 2028 - AmaClara, AmaGaia and AmaCleo, sailing the Rhône in France, Douro in Portugal and Nile in Egypt. AmaWaterways is also planning to launch its own vessel on the Chobe in Africa to sail alongside its the Zambezi Queen, which it charters. By 2032, the line aims to have more than 50 ships on rivers across Europe, Asia, South America and Egypt.
American Cruise Lines If you’ve lost track of American Cruise Lines’ river ships, you’re probably not alone. The line has added 20 new vessels in the past decade – a mix of river ships and coastal craft, and it is still building. The 180-passenger American Encore started sailing on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest in May 2026. It will be joined in 2027 and 2028 by sister ships American Anthem and American Grace. This year and next also sees the launch of the new 130-passenger coastal ships, American Ranger, American Mariner and American Navigator.
CroisiEurope Fresh from celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, CroisiEurope is heading to the Amazon, where it is launching eco-themed cruises on the Amazon River in 2027 on the new 32-passenger riverboat Brasilian Dream. The line is offering two 10-night itineraries on the river. Along the Amazon & the Rio Negro operates roundtrip from Manaus between January and August 2027, and promises wildlife, floating markets and sunrise boat trips. The Gentle Amazon & the Tapajos River itinerary sails between Santarem and Manaus in April and May, and includes encounters with local Ticuna people.
Tauck ‘Small is big’ continues to be the philosophy at Tauck, which launched two river ships in France this year – one on the Rhône, the other on the Seine - and has two more lined up for 2027, one on the Douro in Northern Portugal and another on the Seine. Details of the ships, including names and itineraries, have yet to be announced, but they will have pools on the sun deck and suites measuring 300 square feet that come with kingsize beds and two French balconies. Arthur’s, a casual alternative restaurant, will offer a break from the main dining room.
STOWAWAY
40
RIVER CRUISING
Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruises is making quite a stir as it counts down to the launch of its first two river ships, Celebrity Compass and Seeker, in 2027. The 172-passenger vessels will have infinity pools, suites with skylights and dining pods on the sundeck that ‘float’ over the river. Each holds 172-passengers and will cruise the Rhine and Danube.
Emerald Cruises The Seine takes centre-stage for Emerald in 2027 as the river cruise line makes its debut on the French river with the new Emerald Lumi. The 130-passenger vessel will be sailing one-week cruises round-trip from Paris that include one excursion most days as well as hiking, biking and kayaking tours for those who like to stay active. The line is also expanding on the Douro in Northern Portugal, adding a second river ship, Emerald Nova, to sail round-trip from Porto starting June 2027,
Scenic One new river ship a year is on the way from Scenic as it expands on the Douro and Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. Scenic Azure II, holding 96 passengers, starts sailing the Douro in September 2027, offering a choice of eight and 11-day cruises round-trip from Porto. Scenic Spirit II, holding just 68 passengers, will be sailing the Mekong from early 2028. The one-week voyages are between Siem Reap in Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
Saga Over-50s favourite Saga is launching a fourth “Spirit of” river ship in 2027. While other vessels· in the series are named after rivers, the 172-passenger Spirit of the Lorelei takes its moniker from the famous rock in the Rhine Gorge from which a maiden is said to have thrown herself in despair over a faithless lover. The vessel enters service on July 1 2027 with a seven-night voyage from Rotterdam that transits the Rhine Gorge and ends in Koblenz.
Riviera Travel Riviera is spreading its wings in 2027 with the launch of its first river ship outside Europe. The vessel, Riviera Alba (meaning dawn), holds just 50 passengers and will be sailing the Mekong River between Siem Reap in Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. A cruise-and-stay package pairs the one-week cruise with overnights in both cities. Back in Europe, the 178-passenger Riviera Reflection will be launching on the Danube in 2027, with a yet-to-be-named sister vessel to follow in 2028.
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
RIVER CRUISING
41
Art, history, culture and plenty of good food and wine await on a journey along the Seine. The Seine has always been a firm favourite with river cruisers, but demand is set to reach a new high as more lines make their debut on the waterway. Viva Cruises started sailing there in May this year, while Emerald Cruises is adding the river in 2027. Tauck, meanwhile, launched new river ship Serene on the Seine in March and is adding a second, as yet unnamed, vessel in 2027. Cruising the Seine couldn’t be easier. Most voyages start and end in Paris, which is just 45 minutes away by air or two hours, 15 minutes by Eurostar. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect once there.
Paris Most lines offer a full day in Paris at the end of the river cruise so passengers have time to see the city. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Montmartre are sightseeing favourites, and everyone wants to see the Arc de Triomphe and wander down the Champs Elysées. Adding a hotel night in the city to the start or end of the cruise is not a bad idea.
Vernon Excursions go from here to the garden at Giverny, home of the impressionist painter Claude Monet, which has been kept much as it was 100 years ago. Art lovers will see scenes from his famous paintings, keen gardeners will love to see the plants and shrubs, and learn how it is all maintained.
Les Andelys There is only one reason to visit to Les Andelys and that’s to see Chateau-Gaillard, built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart in the days when England owned Normandy. It’s a ruin now, destroyed by Henry IV in 1603, but had a colourful history, having changed hands between the British and French several times during the Hundred Years War and been besieged many times.
Rouen A lot of river cruise itineraries stay overnight in Rouen because there is so much of interest in and around the city. Tours visit the cathedral, which was rebuilt after suffering severe damage during heavy bombing in the Second World War, the half-timbered houses and the Church of Saint Joan, built on the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431.
Caudebec-en-Caux This is the jumping off point for tours to the pretty fishing village of Honfleur, which used to be a favourite haunt of the impressionist painters, and the D-Day Landing Beaches. At Arromanche, passengers will see parts of the floating Mulberry Harbour built for the Allied landings in June 1944.
Auvers sur Oise This is another one for art lovers, as it’s the town where Vincent Van Gogh lived, painted and died. Tours visit his small room, scenes from his paintings, the place where he shot himself and his grave.
STOWAWAY
42
RIVER CRUISING
Going Beyond Viva Cruises has launched the first ship in its new boutique brand.
Viva Beyond is the first river ship in Viva Cruises new boutique brand. Below: Riverside is one of three restaurants on board. Right: The Brasserie is at the front of the lounge.
JUNE 2026 | STOWAWAY MEDIA
When Viva Cruises’ chief Andrea Kruse noticed suites on the line’s river ships were in big demand, a question popped up in her head. How could Viva offer more suites? “It would have been wrong to change what we already had so I thought, why not start a new, more upscale brand on a river ship with fewer passengers and more suites,” said Kruse, the line’s CEO and co-founder. The concept for Viva Boutique was born and in May its first ship in the new brand, Viva Beyond, was christened at a gala ceremony in Paris, two days before welcoming its first passengers on an inaugural one-week sailing on the Seine. The ship, holding 112 passengers, is not new - it previously sailed for Tauck – but looks amazing after a total refurbishment. Alongside new décor, artworks and furnishings, Viva has converted part of the lounge into the Brasserie – a lovely light, bright place to eat - and reduced seating in an aft restaurant, Moments,
to an intimate 12 passengers. Dining in both is complimentary; the latter serves a Michelin-inspired menu with a decidedly French accent (think pate en croute, Champagne sorbet and camembert cheese) created by Michelin-starred chef David Goerne. And then there are those all important Beyond Suites – 10 in all, each with two French windows and coming with perks including preferred reservations in both the Brasserie or Moments. Tapping into the culinary heritage of the countries they are sailing in is a key part of the boutique concept, says Kruse. The Moments restaurant on a second boutique ship, Viva Unique, launching on the Po in Italy in 2027, will serve Italian-inspired cuisine. Viva’s story is nothing but spectacular. Launched in 2018 with one river ship and a near 100% German audience, it now has eight vessels and a 55% - and growing international (as in English-speaking) base.
RIVER CRUISING
Viva on the Seine 2026 Viva Beyond is sailing three seven-night itineraries on the Seine. Each has a different theme - culture, art or cuisine – with a selection of excursions to match. All include a final day in Paris.
Pure culture along the Seine Itinerary: La Roche Guyon, Rouen (overnight), Le Havre, Les Andelys, Poissy. Themed excursions: Château de la RocheGuyon, a medieval-cum-Renaissance castle; Château Gaillard, medieval fortress built by Richard the Lionheart.
The launch of Viva Beyond adds the Seine to its river line-up; Viva Unique will add the Po. Kruse attributes Viva’s success to three factors – its international passenger base, a no fluid pricing or discounting policy and an almost year-round sailing schedule (it will be 11 months in 2027), with out-of-season sailings attracting a lot of first-time river cruisers. “I call it the Viva vibe,” says Patrick Ell, vice-president commercial and marketing, of the multi-national passenger mix. “It is very important to us. The stereotype of river cruisers doesn’t fit with us. We already have the next generation on board. Some cruises have an average age under 50 years old.” At just 3%-4%, the UK’s share of the international market is small, but country manager UK and Ireland Michelle Daniels is confident that will increase to 10% by the end of 2027, once more agents and customers understand what Viva stands for. “It’s about dining, flexibility and choice,”
she says. Drinks, tips and Wi-Fi are included but excursions cost extra so passengers don't feel they are paying for something they don't want. Exceptions to that include the Douro, where lunch at a quinta is included, and the boutique brand, which includes one signature excursion per cruise. Daniels is looking to get more agents engaged though a just-launched online training portal and incentive offering rewards, including a free cruise, in return for bookings. The line is also applying for an ATOL licence
43
In the footsteps of Impressionism Itinerary: Conflans, Rouen, Le Havre, Vernon. Themed excursions: Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh died; Claude Monet’s Garden at Giverny.
Culinary delights of Normandy Itinerary: Les Andelys, Rouen (overnight), Le Havre (overnight), Vernon, Poissy. Themed excursions: Château Gaillard and farm visit; A taste of Honfleur.
so it can offer flight-inclusive packages for agents who don’t have their own ATOL.
Viva Unique Viva Cruises’ second Boutique-branded river ship, Viva Unique, makes its debut in May 2027. It will be sailing seven-night voyages round-trip from Venice that include overnight calls into Mazzorbo, Taglio di Po, Polesella and Choggia, and ends with a full day in Venice. It will hold 104 passengers, have more suites than Beyond and offer the same choice of three restaurants, but with an Italian Trattoria replacing the Brasserie and Italian cuisine in Moments.
STOWAWAY
44
ALTERNATIVE LUXURY
At SeaDream, we believe the most pleasurable travel experiences lie in beauty, intimacy, and detail. That’s why we are committed to delivering an unsurpassed boutique luxury experience for discerning travelers — on board elegant, newly renovated twin yachts carrying guests to breathtaking destinations that larger ships cannot reach, hidden gems off the world’s pristine coastlines.
seadream.com / info@seadream.com JUNE2026 2026 | | STOWAWAY STOWAWAYMEDIA MEDIA JULY
AWARD-WINNING SERVICE • UP TO 56 COUPLES • 95 CREW • 5-STAR CUISINE • CASUAL ELEGANCE • INCLUSIVE PRICING