Cruise industry boosts UK economy by £9bn in 2017, and it’s set to get even better

Cruising boosted the UK economy by more than £9bn in 2017, according to a report commissioned by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). From the overall figure, representing around 22 per cent of the cruise industry’s “total output” across Europe, £3.4bn was spent in direct expenditures, an 18 per cent increase from two years prior,

Monks’ blessings replace coins in keel-laying of Halong Bay’s first boutique cruise ship

The keel-laying ceremony for the very first ship in the Heritage Cruises’ Halong Bay fleet takes place today(19 October) at Vietnam’s Nam Phat shipyard in Haiphong. The ceremony is for the twin boutique cruise ships, the Heritage Dragon and Heritage Phoenix, which will be operating in the Halong Bay region. The first Heritage Dragon cruise will set sail

MSC Cruises sailing into ultra-luxury cruise market with four medium-sized ships

The growing move towards medium-sized, ultra-luxury ships continued today with MSC Cruises’ order for four 64,000-ton vessels from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, with a total value in excess of £1.75bn. The first ship is slated for delivery in Spring 2023, with further ships entering service each year over the following three years. MSC’s new order moves

Oceania Cruises delves deeper into destinations and culture in Europe and Americas in 2020

Oceania Cruises’ 2020 Europe & The Americas Collection will be the first full season of itineraries offered aboard a fleet of completely re-inspired ships. Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and Sirena will be better than new upon completion of their $100m transformation, while Marina and Riviera will also offer guests a host of enhancements along with yet to be revealed physical and decorative updates. Regatta is

Cruise ships Crystal Serenity and Symphony

Extended exploration of Asia plus new Holy Land itineraries from Crystal Cruises in 2021

For 2021, Crystal Cruises is offering 68 all-inclusive worldwide voyages to 238 destinations in 53 countries, allowing guests to experience 175 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, untouched natural beauty, artistic and cultural riches and pristine tranquility. From Crystal Serenity’s 139-night Ancient Dynasties & World Wonders comprehensive world cruise to 10 seven-night sailings through the Mediterranean on Crystal Symphony, travellers will find

Celebrity Xpedition makeover adds even more comfort to Galapagos Islands cruising

Celebrity Xpedition has emerged from a seven-day makeover in Panama with upgraded comforts for guests to explore the Galapagos Islands. She returned to service on 23 September with an array of enhancements across the 100-guest ship, such as redecorated staterooms, lounges and restaurants, and faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. Celebrity Xpedition boasts an array of enhancements

Silversea orders three new ships as the line continues to evolve

Silversea Cruises, which recently joined the Royal Caribbean stable, today signed an agreements for three new ships. The first to arrive will be Silver Origin, to replace Silver Galapagos cruising in the Galapagos Islands, while the other two will create a new “Evolution Class”, the first arriving in 2022. Silver Galapagos, above, is set to be replaced by

SeaDream I

‘Unabashed and discreet’ … SeaDream 1 the tops when it comes to boutique cruising

SeaDream 1 has been ranked best boutique ship in the 2019 edition of the Berlitz Cruising and Ships Guide. And, together with sister ship SeaDream II, both are praised for superlative cuisine and service. Check out the SeaView review of life aboard SeaDream II SeaDream 1 cruising off St Barth’s Douglas Ward’s guidebook, the world’s

Sex in the afternoon … Something else to look forward to on all-inclusive Norwegian Encore?

The screen flickered into life and we were soon being informed: “There is no law that says you can’t make love at 4 in the afternoon on a Tuesday.” This, it transpired, was Norwegian Cruise Line’s first TV commercial dating back to 1993 promoting the joys of romantic days at sea.   Norwegian’s exclusive PortMiami

Carnival Triumph to get ultimate $200m makeover in 2019 and emerge as Carnival Sunrise

Following a $200m top-to-toe makeover in spring 2019, Carnival Triumph will emerge as Carnival Sunrise to reflect its significant transformation. The ship will join Carnival’s Sunshine class after a two-month-long refurbishment in Cadiz, Spain, starting 1 March. The makeover will provide guests fresh seagoing vacation choices The makeover will add all of Carnival Cruise Line’s popular branded food, beverage