THE 2024 EDITION CRUISE DIRECTORY by
sea
EDITORIAL
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Sydney Loney
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Dominique Lamberton
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Brett Walther
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Aimi Mayne
ART
Design Director
Stefanie Sosiak
Photo Editor
Lori Morgan
Contributing Art Director
Brian Morgan
CONTRIBUTORS
Ane Arzelus, Michael George, Carmen Jabier, Tim Johnson, Bonnie Munday, Erin Pepler, Karen Robock, Marc Saltzman, Colleen Seto, Courtney Shea, Caitlin Stall-Paquet, Anna-Kaisa Walker, Caitlin Walsh Miller
RESEARCHERS
Amanda Ghazale Aziz, Corinna Reeves
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Diane Carlson
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Director of Marketing & Delivery Valerie Lenoir
SALES
Senior Director, Partner Relations (Cruise)
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The stunning Atoll Pool on Deck 10 of Explora Journeys’ EXPLORA I
Photo by Michael George
Welcome Aboard!
Unpack your bags — just once — and see the world. The endless appeal of cruising speaks not only to our insatiable wanderlust, but also to our pragmatic side, the planner in all of us who labors over the logistics of getting from A to B. Those details are all taken care of before you even step on a cruise ship, leaving you free to focus on the latest onboard programming, such as photography classes from a National Geographic shooter (page 14), and the one-of-a-kind excursions, like a Mount Etna off-roading adventure, at your next port of call (page 6). To help streamline your voyage, we share insiders’ advice on tipping (page 12), the best cruise-line apps (page 18) and common mistakes to avoid when planning a holiday at sea (page 20). We’ll also introduce some of the key players in the cruise industry (page 32), dream destinations worth exploring (page 46) and the perfect ship for every kind of cruiser (page 58).
FROM
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THE EDITORS AT RANGE PHOTO: MARIDAV/ADOBE STOCK.
What’s Inside
Planning
6 Where to Next?
Five up-and-coming destinations that’ll reignite your passion for cruising.
12
Tipping Points
Expert advice on how to budget for gratuities on your next voyage.
14
How to Come Back from Your Cruise Smarter
These enrichment programs will give your brain a boost between ports.
18
Cruise-line Apps Worth Downloading
Forget the digital detox — you’ll need your phone to access these perks on board.
20
7 Common Cruise Mistakes
Pro tips to ensure your next sailing is unforgettable — for all the right reasons.
24
Range x Explora Journeys
Discover the rich, relaxing experiences that await guests on EXPLORA I .
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PHOTOS, LEFT TO RIGHT: FLO P/UNSPLASH; DAVID LINDAHL/UNSPLASH.
PHOTO, OPPOSITE PAGE: MICHAEL GEORGE.
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Interviews
32 An Appetite for Enrichment
Oceania Cruises’ chef Kathryn Kelly shares tips from her culinary school at sea.
34 Small Ships, Big Experiences
For experienced captain Johannes Tysse, nothing beats Azamara Cruises’ small ships.
35 The Responsible Explorer
How Lindblad Expeditions founder Sven-Olof Lindblad is helping protect some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.
36 High Art on the High Seas
A peek inside art director Sarah Hall Smith’s art gallery aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
38
From Port to Plate
With Masaharu Morimoto, Holland America Line reels in an Iron Chef.
39
Getting Back on the Water
Travel industry titan Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio takes the helm at Crystal.
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PHOTOS, LEFT TO RIGHT: CRYSTAL; JENNA TAPLIN/AZAMARA CRUISES.
Virtual Escapes & Destinations
41 Virtual
Escapes
Eight immersive moments that will whisk you away to somewhere wonderful.
46
Bora Bora and Beyond
Luxurious overwater bungalows are just the beginning on the islands of French Polynesia.
50 Northern Exposure
The Arctic retains an air of the unknown that will spark your spirit of adventure.
54
Dive into the Bahamas
Chill island vibes rule in this Caribbean paradise.
Ship Profiles & Ensemble Hosted Cruises
58 Ship
Profiles
This handy directory will help you find the sailing that’s best for you.
87
Shore Stays
Exclusive perks — from early check-in to hotel credits — await at some of our favorite properties.
88
Ensemble Hosted Cruises
Trust our Ensemble Hosted Cruise program to make your next voyage even more enjoyable.
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PHOTOS, LEFT TO RIGHT: TOMAS GONZALEZ DE ROSENZWEIG/UNSPLASH; AMAWATERWAYS.
Where to Next?
PLANNING
From
ports that are welcoming ships for the first time to hidden gems that are suddenly finding themselves in the spotlight, these emerging destinations will inspire you to rediscover the joy of cruising.
By Tim Johnson
South Georgia Island
A remote sliver of land jutting out of the South Atlantic, South Georgia’s isolation is a big part of its appeal. With no landing strip on the island (the closest airport is 900 miles away), passengers on upscale expedition ships operated by lines like Silversea, Seabourn and Viking have this pristine wilderness all to themselves.
The island’s landscape is ruggedly beautiful, from its spine of soaring, snowcapped mountains to coastlines carved into jagged fjords. There’s history here, too, of whalers and sailors. At the turn of the 20th century, an era often referred to as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, South Georgia was explorer Ernest Shackleton’s salvation, and final resting place.
But wildlife is the main draw for most cruisers, as the island is home to thriving populations of albatross, elephant seals and, in St. Andrew’s Bay, what’s likely the world’s largest king penguin colony. An estimated 300,000 of these cute, curious birds gather in rookeries that stretch as far as the eye can see, making for an unforgettable spectacle.
West Africa
OPPOSITE
Santa Monica Beach on the island of Boa Vista is one of Cape Verde’s top attractions.
OPENING SPREAD
Catania, Sicily, is emerging as one of the Mediterranean’s most exciting ports.
Travel to this corner of the continent has long been a difficult prospect and, due largely to protracted political struggles and scant tourism infrastructure, few visitors have experienced West Africa’s dramatic landscapes and fascinating cultures. But that’s changing quickly, thanks in part to new cruise itineraries opening the region to the world.
Silversea’s Silver Wind will call here in 2025, visiting ports in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo, where the tiny capital of Lomé is home to more than 40 ethnic groups, making for some of the world’s most diverse markets. In the coastal resort town of Tokeh, Sierra Leone, you’ll bask in the sun on a palm-lined beach that’s widely regarded as West Africa’s best. Aboard Hurtigruten Expeditions’ MS Spitsbergen, you can explore the volcanic islands of Cape Verde (home of manatees and rare saltwater hippos) and see a slice of the Sahara. You’ll also stop in at the dynamic city of Banjul, a trading hub in the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau’s famed Orango National Park.
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LEFT King penguins stand watch over St. Andrew’s Bay, South Georgia Island.
BUTKIEWICZ/UNSPLASH (CATANIA). PHOTOS (THIS SPREAD): BRIAN MCMAHON/UNSPLASH (SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND);
SVISTUNOV/UNSPLASH (CAPE VERDE).
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PHOTO:
OPENING SPREAD
MATEUSZ
VICTOR
Japan
For 265 years — a span known as the Edo Period — Japan closed its borders to the outside world. While the official policy of isolationism ended in 1868, its legacy was the preservation of a rich culture that proves endlessly fascinating for cruisers.
Take your pick of vessels, as many cruise lines stop in major ports like Tokyo or Kobe on larger regional itineraries, while others focus on the highlights scattered across Japan’s major islands. On a single voyage, you’ll check several items off your must-see list, including the historic temples and shrines of Kyoto and the magnificent Mount Fuji. Make it a point to call at Kagoshima, where a towering volcano steams and hot springs abound (a visit to a traditional onsen spa is essential). In the spring, many cruise lines offer special sailings so guests can experience the breathtaking sakura (cherry blossoms) as they burst into bloom across the country.
Sicily
Sicily has been a nautical crossroads for thousands of years, but traffic is only picking up. A new cruise terminal in the capital of Palermo is the latest in a wave of restaurant and hotel development that’s luring travelers from the Mediterranean’s higher-profile ports.
Several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, call at Palermo and Catania. The latter sits at the foot of Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano (the city has been buried under lava many times), and shore excursions include thrilling four-wheel-drive trips up its slopes. On the way back down, stop for a glass of vino: Mineral-rich soils forged in fire, plus altitude and salty sea breezes, create an excellent terroir for distinctive red (Etna Rosso) and white (Etna Bianco) wines.
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Chilean Fjords
Owing to their remote location at the southernmost tip of South America, the Chilean Fjords have long been overlooked. The secret is out, though, and this series of stunning waterways is now frequented by Celebrity, Hurtigruten, Viking and Silversea, which sail through on South American circumnavigation and Pacific Coast voyages; Cunard (among others) on world cruises; as well as vessels repositioning to (and from) Antarctica.
Here, the snow-covered Andes meet the Pacific, and shore excursions include hikes along rushing streams in Patagonian forests. As you sail the smooth waters of the fjords, watch for breaching humpbacks and fierce orcas you can spot right from the ship’s deck. In the Beagle Channel, hop in an expedition Zodiac for a close encounter with Glacier Alley, where huge chunks tumble off the ice shelves to become icebergs, drifting away to parts unknown.
ABOVE
Dramatic landscapes abound in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park.
OPPOSITE, LEFT TO RIGHT
Tokyo’s abundant cherry blossoms make spring prime time for cruisers; the Cathedral of Palermo is a must-see in the Sicilian capital.
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PHOTOS: YU KATO/UNSPLASH (TOKYO); FLO P/UNSPLASH (PALERMO); OLGA STALSKA/UNSPLASH (CHILE).
Tipping Points
By Anna-Kaisa Walker Illustrations by Carmen Jabier
Etiquette aside, here’s what you should know about tipping on board your next cruise.
Tipping on cruise ships used to be simple: On your last day aboard, you left cash in an envelope to show appreciation for the crew’s hard work and great service. That all changed with the cashless revolution. Now, most cruise lines charge a pre-set amount to your credit card, or bundle tips into the fare. But with convenience comes confusion: Should you still give cash tips? Who gets the money? And is it better to pay gratuities upfront? We went to the experts for advice on how to read the fine print so you can budget your voyage.
What are daily automatic gratuities?
In lieu of voluntary cash tips, large-ship cruise lines tend to charge daily automatic gratuities to your credit card, typically US$16 to $23 per person per day. For a couple on a seven-day cruise, you might see US$224 to $322 in gratuities added to your final-day folio, where it’s often listed as “crew appreciation.”
While the old days of cash tips tended to favor front-line staff like cabin attendants and waitstaff, automatic gratuities are pooled among most of the crew.
Can you prepay?
You can often settle the bill for gratuities at the time of booking — a budget-savvy option, as locking in the cruise line’s current gratuity rate protects you from potential rate increases before you sail.
Some cruise lines offer fares that bundle gratuities into the price. You’ll pay the same daily flat fees as you would in the automatic daily-gratuities model, but they’re already factored into the quoted fare.
According to Brantford, Ontario-based travel advisor Pat Probert, some premium cruise lines offer a truly all-inclusive experience, covering bar, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and even airfare and shore excursions — with no obligation to tip. “Many people want to be able to get off the ship without a bill, and not have to constantly dip into their pockets,” he says.
Why do gratuities matter?
These pooled tips benefit not only the front-line crew members you interact with in the ship’s restaurants and bars, but staff who work behind the scenes. “Many crew have left their homes, countries and families for months on end so that we can have a vacation,” Probert says.
Who doesn’t share in the tips?
Whether gratuities are included in the fare, paid upfront, or billed at the end of the cruise, some staff aren’t part of the tipping pool, such as casino croupiers, shore-excursion tour guides and drivers and baggage handlers at port.
Casino dealers should get US$1 to $5 if you are winning, says Probert, and more at high-rollers’ tables. For baggage handlers, he recommends $2 per bag, while tour guides should get a minimum of $5, plus $1 to $2 per hour after the first three hours. Cash tips should always be in either US dollars or euros, depending on the destination.
And if you want to reward a crew member for exceptional service or for fulfilling a special request, a cash tip will always be appropriate.
INSIDER TIP
To avoid additional service charges on everything from alcoholic drinks to specialty dining to spa treatments, talk to your Ensemble advisor about pre-paid packages that include these extras.
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EXCELLENCE ON THE RIVERS
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for
How to Come Back from Your Cruise Smarter
PLANNING
Ever wanted to learn how to tango? Take better pictures? Master the art of wine pairing? Your next cruise could be the perfect classroom. In addition to the usual onboard entertainment lineup, many cruises host workshops for guests interested in picking up a new talent, or refining an old one. Given the spare time you’ve got in between ports, these expert-led enrichment programs are an ideal opportunity to give your skills — and your brain — a boost.
By Bonnie Munday
Hone your photography skills
Whether you’re hiking through a national park or sailing on an expedition cruise, incredible wildlife sightings can occur any time. Improve your odds of capturing those fleeting moments on camera — in perfect clarity — with tips from a skilled shooter. You’ll find photography workshops offered on cruise lines like Princess and Hurtigruten, and Lindblad Expeditions even has a resident National Geographiccertified photographer aboard every ship. In addition to expert advice on snapping professional-looking pictures, they’ll offer insights on wildlife behavior, so you’re more likely to be in the right place at the right time.
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PHOTOS: VINICIUS/UNSPLASH (OPPOSITE PAGE); JAVIER AMADOR/UNSPLASH (THIS PAGE).
Pick up cooking tips from pro chefs
For many, an epic cruise experience is defined by food — so who better to teach you a few tricks than the talented chefs on board? Cooking classes are among the most common (and popular) enrichment programs offered on today’s cruise ships, with several lines, from Carnival to Seabourn, offering some form of culinary instruction. On Oceania Cruises, where there’s a ratio of one chef for every 10 guests, cooking classes aboard ships Marina, Riviera and Vista feature the cruise line’s renowned Culinary Centers, where you’ll learn fundamental techniques, including the art of emulsion (a.k.a. the secret to perfect salad dressings), slick knife skills and how to fillet fish. On Oceania’s Culinary Discovery Tours, guests accompany a chef to port markets to pick up fresh ingredients, then prepare a meal together back on the ship — while sampling wine pairings, of course.
Try your hand at pickleball
Cruise lines have been quick to cater to the exploding popularity of pickleball, and it’s not just the mega-ships: Passengers on AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna river ship now have access to a full-size pickleball court on the Sun Deck. As the official cruise line of the Professional Pickleball Association, Holland America Line offers complimentary lessons for novice “picklers” on all sailings. With designated courts installed across its fleet, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to put your new-found skills to the test in regular pick-up games and tournaments.
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PHOTOS: PRINCESS CRUISES (COOKING CLASS); HOLLAND AMERICA LINE (PICKLEBALL); ALESSANDRO BOGLIARI/UNSPLASH (CARDS); CUNARD (BALLROOM DANCING).
Master your bridge game
It’s not always easy to find four for bridge, but on certain cruises, you’ll not only meet like-minded lovers of the card game, you’ll learn tips to refine your strategy. The Bridge at Sea program on Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers social and competitive games on select ships. You’ll be joined by Certified Bridge masters from the American Contract Bridge League who are on hand to provide professional instruction. Silversea Cruises also feature certified masters who oversee matches in exclusive card rooms, with daily contract and duplicate bridge sessions to keep you entertained — and on your game.
Channel your inner Ginger Rogers (or Fred Astaire)
Blame it on the motion of the ocean (or those poolside piña coladas), but there’s something about a cruise that inspires people to get up and dance. On cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Cunard, guests can add new moves to their repertoire by taking dance lessons in a variety of styles, from Latin to line dancing. In terms of elegance, though, nothing beats Cunard’s ballroom dancing program. Professional competition-standard instructors are aboard Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth to guide you — and even partner with you — in evening ballroom dancing. Guests on Queen Anne and Queen Victoria can also take beginner to intermediate ballroom classes with onboard entertainment hosts. Give it a twirl under the sparkling chandeliers.
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Cruise-line Apps Worth Downloading
By Marc Saltzman Illustration by Ane Arzelus
While the official cruise-line app likely sent your way after booking may cover the basics — navigating the ship’s layout, planning excursions, making reservations — there is a whole lot more your phone can do to streamline your life at sea. Here are five features that will convince you to put off that digital detox for another vacation.
CONTROL YOUR CABIN
Smart-home technology is coming aboard. On select Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean ships, for instance, the official apps can serve as your stateroom key, while also turning your phone into a remote control to adjust cabin temperature, lights and blinds.
FIND YOUR CREW
Whether you’re sailing with a group or have made new friends on board, several cruise-line apps can help you stay connected — without risking outrageous roaming charges. Tapping the ship’s Wi-Fi, the in-app passenger-topassenger chat function on the likes
of Disney Cruise Line Navigator and Cruise Norwegian apps makes it easy to plan your next meet-up, or keep tabs on your independent teen.
SKIP THE LINES
Why wait in the restaurant queue when you can reserve your spot in line from your phone? This handy feature on Cunard’s My Voyage app frees up precious time so you can enjoy your pre-dinner cocktail.
GET A GUIDED ART TOUR
Between a Fabergé egg and multiple Picassos, the art collection on Regent Seven Seas’ Grandeur is so extensive, you
could really use a guide. That’s where the Regent app’s Art Experience feature comes in. Point your phone’s camera at the exhibit on display to unlock a video detailing the story behind the piece and its artist. Like the Viking Art Guide on Viking Cruises’ Voyager app, it’s the next best thing to your own private docent.
ORDER A PIZZA — ANYWHERE
Don’t lose that amazing poolside seat just because you’ve got a case of the munchies. Through apps including Carnival HUB and Princess, you can have meals delivered no matter where you are on board.
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PLANNING
IT DOESN’T GET BOLDER THAN THIS Harmony of the Seas ® Perfect Day and CocoCay are registered trademarks of Royal Caribbeam. Additional charges may apply for beverages, amenities and access to exclusive experiences. Images and messaging may include artistic renderings. All ship features, experiences are subject to change without notice. ©2024 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. 23012525 • 1/19/2024 This isn’t a vacation. It’s choosing your own adventure with the ones who matter most. Whether you’re an epicurean explorer, a culture craver or a thrill seeker — it’s all here. Soar on a skydiving simulator, hang ten right on deck, or brave the tallest slides at sea. Plunge into the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, take in the rugged beauty of Alaska or soak up the legendary history of the Mediterranean. And wherever you are onboard, you’re taken care of with service from our world-class crew. So bring your bucket list. Because adventure is around every corner — on award-winning ships, in more than 280 ports, and at our gamechanging private destinations, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee. This isn’t a vacation. This is all the vacations. Please contact your Ensemble travel advisor for more details JUNEAU, ALASKA PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY, BAHAMAS ROME, ITALY BEST CRUISE LINE OVERAL L 21 YE AR S RU NNING Travel We ekly Re ade rs’ Choice Aw ards
7 Common Cruise Mistakes
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expert tips from Maru Hyndman, a travel advisor based in La Jolla, California, will help you avoid potential mishaps to ensure your next cruise is unforgettable — for all the right reasons.
By Erin Pepler
2
Forgetting to check the entry requirements for each port
A valid passport is just the beginning: You’ll need to make sure you’ve got the right paperwork and vaccinations for every country included on your cruise itinerary. “If you’re in another country’s waters, you need to meet their requirements,” Hyndman says. On a voyage that makes stops in several countries, the conditions on those entry requirements can get complicated. Take a South American cruise, for instance: Brazil does not require proof of yellow fever vaccination, while Colombia does — but only if you’ve recently visited Brazil, Angola, the Congo or Uganda. 1
Squealing into port to find your ship has already sailed
Cruise ships operate on a strict schedule, and yours will head out to sea whether you’re on it or not. Hyndman recommends clients fly in the day before their departure. “If you have a flight delay, you’ll have to catch your ship at the next port, and that can be time-consuming and expensive,” she says. On embarkation day, arrive at port for your designated boarding window. Have your travel documents ready as well as a small bag with any items you might need on your first day (your larger luggage may not arrive at your cabin for several hours).
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These
PHOTOS: DAVID LINDAHL/UNSPLASH (OPPOSITE PAGE); MITCH DIAMOND/GETTY (1); HARSHIL GUDKA/UNSPLASH (2).
4
Assuming it’s all-inclusive
Although cruises are all-inclusive in the sense that you’ll never go hungry — or thirsty — on board, many large-ship cruise lines offer upgraded packages that expand your options for complimentary food, drinks and amenities. On a mega-ship, for instance, your basic cruise fare may include meals in main dining rooms and coffee, tea and juice, but not specialty restaurants and alcoholic beverages; or provide Wi-Fi access, but not high-speed Internet. “To avoid disappointment, you should find out exactly what is included,” Hyndman says. “Some cruise lines include excursions, but others charge extra. It’s important to ask questions.”
3
Not getting to know the ship
Familiarizing yourself with deck plans, whether through a guided tour or the cruise line’s app, will help you navigate any quirks of the ship’s design (such as decks that don’t connect from forward to aft). Once you’ve got the key routes down, Hyndman advises reading over the ship’s program to get a sense of where you should be, and when. “The program will have information on restaurants, the spa, art galleries, classes and activities, cocktail events and other experiences that are being offered on board so you can plan your days,” she says.
5
Neglecting to make reservations
Onboard cuisine is one of the biggest draws for cruisers, and that leaves specialty dining establishments in high demand. “There could be a restaurant from a Michelin-star chef on board,” Hyndman says, “but you’ll need reservations ahead of time.” To ensure your seat at the table, she recommends booking online in advance of your cruise.
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PHOTOS: REYNIER CARL/UNSPLASH (3); ARCTIC-IMAGES/GETTY (4); ELYNE ANTHONISSEN/UNSPLASH (5).
Breaking cruise etiquette
Just like at any hotel or resort, there are social niceties to follow when cruising. Be mindful of your volume when passing through common areas like hallways, or even when socializing in your cabin (especially at night, Hyndman notes). Pick up a clean plate every time you hit the buffet, and never use your towel to reserve a chair near the pool. You should also familiarize yourself with the ship’s dress code and tipping culture, as these can vary between cruise lines. Most large-ship cruises automatically charge a daily gratuity, but you’ll also want some cash on hand to tip any crew who go above and beyond.
Booking without a travel advisor
Not only will a travel advisor help you choose the right cruise line — a small ship with fewer passengers, or a large one with plenty of family-friendly amenities — they can also help you compare itineraries, brief you on entry requirements and even save you money. “We offer incentives and promotions you won’t get if you book directly,” Hyndman says, adding that could mean a better deal or a more spacious cabin for the same price.
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6 7
PHOTOS: JAMES AND JAMES/GETTY IMAGES (6); ROBERT LINDER/UNSPLASH (7).
An Ocean
State of Mind
PLANNING
RANGE ×
EXPLORA JOURNEYS
All it took to make this first-time cruiser a convert was the comfort, tranquility and private oceanfront terraces on board an Explora Journeys sailing.
By Caitlin Walsh Miller — Photos by Michael George
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I’ve been on board EXPLORA I for about 15 minutes when I fall in love. In fact, I’m struck down midsentence by — and this might be the welcome bottle of champagne talking — one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. It’s about 75 square feet, with brilliant surfaces sparkling in the midday Caribbean sun. It’s a terrace — I’m in love with a terrace. I step through my suite’s patio doors and feel the warmth of the smooth decking under my feet as I brush past a table and chairs to lean on the railing. Everything beyond is all shades of blue, from the deep, dark water directly below to the sparkling sea at the horizon to the cloudless sky above. I believe, at this point, I let out a deep, deep sigh.
Eric Boakye Tuffuor, my suite’s butler, asks if everything is okay. I manage a “Yes,” explaining that this is my first cruise, and I can’t imagine a more perfect place than this terrace. Boakye Tuffuor laughs and tells me he gets it. It’s his first cruise, too. “Where do we go from here?” he asks with a smile.
Technically, we’re headed west, from Cartagena, Colombia, to Colón, Panama, then back east to Curaçao, Martinique and Barbados, but I get what he means. Explora Journeys is a new luxury travel brand whose mission is to connect travelers with the ocean. And all that — me falling in love with a terrace, the fact that Boakye Tuffuor and I are both newbie cruisers — is by design. The goal is to attract people who’ve never cruised, or even considered it. Roughly 60 percent of the team come from a luxury hospitality background, and are on their first contract at sea. Many of the guests are in the same boat, so to speak.
OPPOSITE
Deck 10’s Atoll Pool affords a bird’s-eye view of Willemstad, Curaçao.
OPENING SPREAD, LEFT TO RIGHT
Savoring a last look at Cartagena, Colombia, from the infinity-style Astern Pool; all 461 suites on board are oceanfront with floor-to-ceiling windows.
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ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Suite butler Eric Boakye Tuffuor; marble staircases rise from EXPLORA I’s Lobby Bar, a central lounge lined with high-end boutiques; bartender Komanq prepares his signature Golden View: rum, orange juice, peach liqueur and vanilla syrup, garnished with lemon-flavored foam and volcanic salt.
EXPLORA I is the brand’s first ship — a total of six are set to take to the seas by 2028 — and has been sailing for less than a year. She was built to be different from the keel up, something general manager Heike Berdos recognized the first time she saw EXPLORA I, still under construction. “She’s more like a superyacht,” says Berdos, a three-decade veteran of the cruise industry, as we chat in the soaring two-story lobby. “Or a boutique hotel.”
Even I can see it. Instead of a hulking white mass, EXPLORA I cuts a sharp figure in navy with gold trim. Infinity pools and whirlpools abound. There are 461 suites, all oceanfront with walk-in closets, Frette linens, floor-to-ceiling windows — hello, terrace — and heated marble floors. There’s no buffet or central dining room. Instead, guests choose among five relaxed, elegant restaurants, a mini-gourmet food hall, and a bunch of intimate lounges and lively bars. There are no crowds, or cramped quarters, or frantic schedules. Just a feeling of calm and connectedness — an “ocean state of mind” the brand is trying to curate. Whatever it is, I start to feel it a little bit everywhere.
It’s there in the cooking class I take with chef Hugo, a.k.a. Hugues Le Bourlay, where we learn how to make tortellini by hand. I was expecting the flash-bang-sizzle, “Yes, chef!” of a kitchen environment. Instead, I get the lulling, meditative practice of rolling out delicate pasta dough, slowly, evenly, patiently with zero hurry — just lots of semolina for structure, I find out — paired with a
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× EXPLORA JOURNEYS
Four Ways to Slip into an Ocean State of Mind
Langhe Nebbiolo red from Italy’s Piedmont region and the dazzling Caribbean Sea as a backdrop.
It’s there during my shoreside excursion, when the ship docks in Colón. I take a bus and a boat and an aerial tram into the Panama rainforest to see one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Exploring the vast Lago Gatún, a man-made freshwater lake that powers the lock system of the famous canal, I spot caimans, toucans, basilisks and three of the seven types of monkeys that live in the area. The tamarins and capuchins hang back in the trees, but a baby howler hooks its prehensile tail around a vine and swings onto our boat, curious, hopping back to his mother just as quickly. On the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve aerial tram, we slice through impossibly tall royal palms aboard a six-seater open-air gondola car shaped like a little ship. “It’s like something out of Peter Pan,” says my seatmate, as we sail away through the sky.
And it’s there, of course, on my suite’s terrace, where I finish each day. At night, that pixie-dust feeling from the jungle gondola returns. The sky and the sea weave together as bits of white — waves, stars — break around us. Stretched out on the daybed, rocked by the ocean, warm wind flicking around my face, I feel unanchored and unmoored but cradled and safe. It’s overwhelming, the sensation of being adrift, in motion but not in control, the relentless churn and the power of the ship and sea beneath, and for once not at all concerned about where we go from here.
ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT
Soaking up sunset views of Cartagena from Sky Bar on 14; al fresco dining featuring creations from Emporium Marketplace’s build-yourown-ceviche station.
OPPOSITE,
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT
Panama’s Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary makes for an unforgettable shore excursion; the Cathedral of Cartagena de Indias in Cartagena’s historic city center; Ivy, a server at EXPLORA I’s Sakura restaurant, prepares tables for dinner.
Take an experience shower at the spa
Whether you opt for the “cool breeze” or the “tropical rain,” you’ll be gently immersed in a soft mist that’s infused with a subtle scent, the sweetness of which lingers long after you dry off.
Build your own ceviche
Swordfish, octopus, mango, plantain strips, dried corn and more — at Emporium Marketplace, you can create your own fresh ceviche snack using everything you like and nothing you don’t, doused in a tomato-lime sauce and sprinkled with sea salt.
Dip into an infinity plunge pool
Deck 12’s plunge pools, practically overflowing into the ocean below, are long and deep enough for you to master the one-armed dog paddle with a glass of sparkling rosé in hand.
Sip a sunset drink with a view
Set on the ship’s highest point, Sky Bar on 14 is an outdoor lounge with a panoramic ocean backdrop. Savor a salt-rimmed margarita as the sun sets on another spectacular day at sea.
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Interviews
You may not always see them on deck, but these cruise-industry professionals play a key role in shaping your experiences at sea. Don’t miss our one-on-one chats with insiders from the boardroom to the bridge — and beyond.
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PHOTO: BILLEASY/UNSPLASH.
An Appetite for Enrichment
By Karen Robock
Oceania Cruises’ chef Kathryn Kelly chats about launching the first culinary school at sea, her favorite port markets and the cooking mistake everyone makes.
Chef Kathryn Kelly’s career didn’t start in a kitchen. After a successful decades-long run as a health-care executive, she made the bold decision in her 50s to enroll in culinary school. Graduating with honors from the Culinary Institute of America, Kelly joined Oceania Cruises in 2011 and — as living proof you can learn to cook at any age — launched the world’s first cooking school at sea.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her role, she says, is knowing that after Oceania guests enjoy their gastronomic adventures on board, they return home with new skills — and often a new-found appreciation for food. “I don’t think there’s anything more gratifying than making a beautiful meal and sitting down and saying, ‘I made this,’” Kelly says. “Cooking doesn’t need to be exhausting — it should be liberating.”
Range Why sign up for a culinary class on a cruise?
Chef Kelly It’s wonderful to be able to teach a Greek cooking class while looking at the island of Mykonos. And it doesn’t get more authentic than picking up ingredients in the local market and using them in class. It gives more context to your cooking lessons, and more meaning to your travel.
R Which port markets are must-visits?
CK The market that I love the most is in the city that I love the most: Istanbul. For centuries, all the ingredients from the New World and the Silk Road came to this culinary nexus in the middle of the trade routes. There is a great, rich history there. Another market that I think is spectacular is Stockholm’s Hötorgshallen, because of the proximity of the fishermen. The markets in Stockholm,
Chef Kathryn Kelly
As executive chef and director of culinary enrichment for Oceania Cruises, Kathryn Kelly oversees a fleet of chef instructors, more than 100 culinary classes and a range of immersive Culinary Discovery Tours in destinations worldwide, from Alaska to Athens.
Seattle and Sydney are unbeatable for fish that’s local, sustainable and freshly caught.
R Why do you like touring fish markets?
CK People who eat fish tend to eat just four or five varieties, and there are dozens. One of the problems we get ourselves into is that we all end up liking swordfish or salmon, and then we fish it out of the ocean. At a fish market, I can do my part to inspire people to try something new and different.
R Is there a cooking trick that never fails to “wow” your guests?
CK Everybody loves to grill, but so often people miss a key step. If you take something out of the fridge and put it in a hot pan or on a hot grill, you’ll never get the result you want. You always want to bring your chicken, lamb or beef to room temperature first.
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INTERVIEWS
PHOTOS: OCEANIA CRUISES (CULINARY DISCOVERY TOUR IN BARCELONA; KATRHYN KELLY).
The sense of warmth and camaraderie from dedicated staff.
The thrill of becoming awestruck as you arrive at a fabled destination for the first time.
The joy of celebrating life, with indulgent cuisine.
It’s the personal experiences that will last a lifetime.
THE FINEST CUISINE AT SEA®
CURATED TRAVEL EXPERIENCES.
SMALL SHIP LUXURY. CONTACT YOUR ENSEMBLE
ADVISOR TO
TRAVEL
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Positano, Italy
Small Ships, Big Experiences
By Karen Robock
Azamara Cruises’ Captain Johannes Tysse shares his favorite ports, the upside of small ships and the shore excursion he never misses.
From a young age, Johannes Tysse seemed destined to become a captain. He grew up on an island near Bergen, Norway, and between frequent ferry trips to the mainland and stories of his grandfather sailing across the Atlantic by steamship, he felt drawn to the sea. At the age of 16, he joined the crew of a tanker and sailed around the world. After serving in the Royal Norwegian Navy, he worked on ferries and a series of cruise ships — anything to be on the water.
These days, he’s known to the guests and crew of Azamara Cruises as Captain Johannes (instead of the more formal Captain Tysse). It’s a reflection of the intimate vibe on board Azamara’s small ships, an aspect he relishes. “If it’s a guest’s milestone anniversary, I can go into the restaurant and wish them a happy anniversary in person,” he says. “Small ships are more flexible — there’s freedom.”
Range What do you find so freeing about small ships?
Captain Johannes We can get into ports that larger ships can’t, like sailing directly into Bangkok or Seville. Big ships put those destinations on their brochures, but don’t actually sail right to them. They will dock two to three hours away and then guests will take shuttles back and forth.
R Which ports are your favorite?
CJ In northern Norway, at Trollfjord, we sail right along the fjord for a nautical mile — it’s a 300-foot-wide channel, and the ship is about 95 feet wide. It’s always a highlight among our guests, and for me, too. And after arriving at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, we continue to sail five hours up the river. It’s something the big ships can’t do, and it makes for a whole different experience.
Captain Johannes Tysse
Johannes Tysse joined Azamara Cruises as a captain in 2010. In summer 2024, he’ll be sailing Azamara Quest through Northern Europe, stopping at destinations in Scotland, Ireland and Iceland, to name a few.
R Is there an onshore experience that stands out for you?
CJ We have an evening event at an amphitheatre in Ephesus, Turkey. That amphitheatre had been quiet for a few thousand years before we started to host exclusive guest experiences there. One time, members of the Izmir State Symphony Orchestra performed; another time it was a Turkish choir. There’s food and music and so much history –– it’s very special.
R Azamara sees a lot of repeat passengers. Why do you think this is?
CJ Guests book for the itinerary but come back for the crew. Being smaller makes for a more intimate experience: People stay in touch and passengers will book specific cruises to be on the same ship as friends they’ve made in the past, from waiters to bartenders, or other members of the crew.
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INTERVIEWS
PHOTOS: JENNA TAPLIN/AZAMARA CRUISES ( AZAMARA JOURNEY AT TROLLFJORD); TIM FAIRCLOTH/AZAMARA CRUISES (CAPTAIN JOHANNES).
The Responsible Explorer
By Courtney Shea
For Lindblad Expeditions founder and CEO Sven-Olof Lindblad, the privilege of sailing to the world’s most fragile ecosystems comes with a duty to protect.
Expedition cruises are booming, but it’s a name from the industry’s pioneering days that’s setting the standard for stewardship. Sven-Olof Lindblad, founder and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions, continues to sail his fleet to the remote regions his father introduced to curious cruisers in the 1960s, with a renewed emphasis on responsible travel. In partnership with National Geographic, Lindblad has invested in community development around the world, including the Galapagos Islands, where local artisans receive training to turn waste wine bottles into original glass art. That partnership has also enhanced the carbon-neutral company’s on-board programming, inspiring guests to take an active role in conservation efforts. “Sustainability is more than just a buzzword for us,” Lindblad says. “We believe that responsible exploration can have a positive impact on the planet.”
Range A few years back, you said you hoped expedition cruising would stay niche. What did you mean by that?
Sven-Olof Lindblad My concern about the growth isn’t about competition, it’s about competence. It’s hard seeing these amazing, fragile places become commodities. I never dreamed I’d see the day when there would be 60 or 70 ships in Antarctica, but here we are.
R What sustainability policies are you proudest of?
SOL More than 70 percent of the produce served on our Galapagos Islands cruises is sourced from the islands’ farmers, so the economics stay local; we don’t have to fly it in from Ecuador, and the food tastes fresher. We also serve seafood with a conservation approach, avoiding anything at risk of overfishing. We recently started offering lionfish
Sven-Olof Lindblad
More than 50 years ago, Sven-Olof Lindblad’s father, Lars-Eric, led the first tourist expeditions to Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands. Sven-Olof is building on that legacy with Lindblad Expeditions, a leader in sustainable and environmentally responsible exploration cruises.
on many of our Caribbean expeditions, which is an invasive species in that area.
R What’s new on the expedition front?
SOL For the first time since 1966, we’ll be flying people into Antarctica directly so you won’t have to spend up to four days at sea to get there. You’ll still have the same number of days in Antarctica, but on a much tighter schedule overall, and it’s all in accordance with the charter of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators — an environmental protection organization we co-founded.
R What’s your own favorite region to sail?
SOL I could go to Antarctica for a month and just look at icebergs. They’re the most magnificent sculptures in the world because man hasn’t messed them up.
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INTERVIEWS
PHOTOS: LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS (SVEN-OLOF LINDBLAD WITH SEA LIONS IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS; SVEN-OLOF LINDBLAD).
High Art on the High Seas
By Brett Walther
Sarah Hall Smith, art director for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, shares how she built a gallery on the water and where she finds the best art while in port.
The newest ship in Regent Seven Seas’ fleet enjoys an unusual claim to fame: Works of art outnumber guests more than two to one. A total of 1,600 paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures make Grandeur a gallery at sea, and like all galleries, the responsibility for choosing each piece, deciding on its placement and establishing the overall aesthetic lies with a curator.
Sarah Hall Smith, Regent’s art director, spent close to two years preparing the multi-million-dollar permanent art collection for Grandeur’s November 2023 launch. “The goal was to make it feel like it’s been curated over many years, like a residential collection would be,” Hall Smith says. “We’ve got bluechip artists like Rauschenberg, lithographs by Picasso and even a bespoke Fabergé egg. It’s a really eclectic collection, spread out across the entire ship.”
Range How do you decide what goes where?
Sarah Hall Smith It’s a big puzzle, honestly, but it’s driven by the venues themselves — what their intended use is, and the aesthetic that the architects have created in each space. We also want to install the more expensive feature pieces where they’re going to be seen and enjoyed most, so the atrium is home to a lot of the special commissions.
R Do you have a favorite special commission on board?
SHS For the entrance to the Pacific Rim restaurant, Savoy Studios crafted the bronze Bonsai Cherry Tree sculpture that’s covered in 1,200 hand-cast glass blossoms. Designing something like this from scratch — in tandem with the architects and executives — and having it exceed everybody’s expectations is something I’m particularly proud of.
Sarah Hall Smith
consultant for Norwegian Cruise Line in 2014. Six years later, she became the first-ever in-house art director for Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises, curating the art collections for all three brands.
R How are guests engaging with the art?
SHS Using the Regent mobile app, you can scan artwork with your phone, and it’ll pull up information about that particular piece, along with a documentary video about the artist. This is only available for certain pieces but will soon expand across the entire art collection. On other Regent ships, like Mariner, the cruise directors have run art scavenger hunts: They’ll come up with a certain theme, like birds, and the guests hunt for art depicting birds across the ship.
R Which are your go-to ports when you’re on the hunt for artistic inspiration?
SHS Amsterdam — you could spend days at the Rijksmuseum and not see it all. There are also some amazing smaller galleries in Venice, hidden gems that completely surprise you as you wander through the alleyways.
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INTERVIEWS
PHOTOS: NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE HOLDINGS LTD. ( BONSAI CHERRY TREE SCULPTURE; SARAH HALL SMITH).
CELEBRATE A NEW ERA OF LUXURY
SEVEN SEAS GRANDEUR ™
A Heritage of Perfection
and private luxury, inviting your clients to savor world-class experiences with the personalized care and attention of the finest crew on the water.
The arrival of Seven Seas Grandeur, marks the sixth magnificent addition to The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™. Built upon a heritage of perfection, this 732-guest, all-suite, all-balcony ship evolves the very art of luxury. Discover the epitome of sumptuous ocean living with unrivaled space, inspired culinary experiences and personalized service in the company of newfound friends and like-minded travelers.
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ENSEMBLE TRAVEL ADVISOR FOR MORE DETAILS
From Port to Plate
By Caitlin Stall-Paquet
With Masaharu Morimoto, Holland America Line reels in an Iron Chef.
In 2022, Holland America Line became the first cruise line to earn a Responsible Fisheries Management Certification by serving only sustainably caught local fish and seafood on voyages to Alaska. Now, it’s taking that approach worldwide via the Global Fresh Fish Program: a commitment to serve wild, fresh and responsibly sourced fish and seafood across its fleet.
With chef Masaharu Morimoto at the helm as the program’s ambassador and menu designer, Holland America Line guests can sample upscale seafood dishes in the ships’ dining rooms as well as in an exclusive popup restaurant. Among the innovative menu items are Fresh Tuna Pizza and Angry Lobster Pad Thai, both of which showcase classic Morimoto flavors with an international twist.
More than just a worthy initiative from a sustainability standpoint, Morimoto has
found the challenge of creating unique dishes around seasonal fresh fish creatively satisfying. “I’m always looking for new ways to push culinary boundaries in my work,” he says.
Range Which of the new dishes are you most proud of?
Chef Morimoto The Fresh Black Cod Yuzu with kimchi eggplant and the Fresh Halibut XO with Asian vegetables and scallop XO sauce. I’ve used these types of fish throughout my career, but I was still able to innovate with them when thinking up these dishes.
R How do you keep the menu itself feeling fresh and exciting?
CM The kind of fish that ends up on guests’ plates will always change based on the ship’s destination. There’s also the Savor My Catch program: Holland America Line guests can
Chef Masaharu Morimoto
After serving as executive chef at the first Nobu restaurant in New York, Masaharu Morimoto became a household name as one of the stars of the Food Network’s Iron Chef America. He’s now the Fresh Fish Ambassador for Holland America Line.
catch their own fish, which is then prepared by our onboard chefs.
R Any recommendations from the bar?
CM The drinks on our new Morimoto by Sea menu include the sparkling Morimoto Dream Brut Rosé made with 100-percent pinot noir grapes, and Sake Junmai Morimoto: two dry options that are easy to pair with.
R What’s the secret behind your sushi?
CM While sushi may be a familiar dish to most, what some may not know is how unique its smaller components are. From the variety of rice we use — which we polish by hand onboard — to the Japanese vinegar we season it with, crafting beautiful sushi dishes requires a complex network of suppliers who can source ingredients that are a perfect fit for my style and preparation standards.
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INTERVIEWS
PHOTOS: HOLLAND AMERICA LINE (FRESH BLACK COD YUZU; MASAHARU MORIMOTO).
Getting Back on the Water
By Courtney Shea
If anyone can restore Crystal’s luster, it’s travel industry titan Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio.
Last year, Crystal Cruises relaunched with a new owner (A&K Travel Group), a new name (Crystal), and a new tagline (Exceptional at Sea). For returning passengers, this means even higher standards of luxury. For A&K Travel Group co-chairman and cruise industry veteran, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, it means getting back on the water — and back into the family business. (His father, Antonio, founded Silversea Cruises in 1994, and Manfredi would later serve as CEO.) Crystal’s not-new, but definitely improved Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity ships are once again gracing ports the world over, many of which are included on the latter’s 123-night, 31-country global adventure. Here, Lefebvre d’Ovidio shares his insights on the ever-evolving definition of high-end cruising and what guests can expect from the new Crystal experience.
Range What was your approach to renovating Crystal’s ships?
Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio These are beautifully built ships that are now further enhanced. We want to make sure that the style of the fleet, which was so loved by its passengers, is still the same, so we’re talking about improvements, not radical changes, in both the guest suites and public areas. If you’re going on a three- or four-month world cruise, you have higher expectations: more space in the cabins, bigger bathrooms, more dining options.
R What kind of dining options?
MLd Nobu is back! People all over the world flock to Nobu, and now Crystal cruise ships are the only ships where you will find it. We also have our Italian restaurant, Osteria d’Ovidio, named for my family, where you
Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio
In 2020, when he was CEO of Silversea Cruises, Manfredi company to Royal Caribbean for US$1.25 billion. Now co-chairman of Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) Travel Group, he recently acquired Crystal Cruises, which had declared bankruptcy in 2022.
will find the same authentic Italian food you’d get in Rome or Venice or Florence.
R How do you know returning guests will feel at home?
MLd One of the things I am really happy about is that we have retained 80 percent of the crew. These are former Crystal Cruises staffers who wanted to come back because they love the ships, they love the passengers. The ratio between crew and passengers is close to 1:1. Every suite and guest room will have a butler.
R That explains the new “Exceptional at Sea” tagline.
MLd Luxury, ultra-luxury — these standards are getting even higher. On our ships, people are going to recognize that we’re more than luxury. We’re exceptional.
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INTERVIEWS
PHOTOS: CRYSTAL (SUITE); TOM GRIFFITHS/CRYSTAL (MANFREDI LEFEBVRE D’OVIDIO).
Virtual Escapes
Here are eight immersive moments that will whisk you away to somewhere wonderful in the world — all you have to to do is press “play.”
Join the Adventure
Venture off the beaten path and explore some of the world’s most remote coastlines. Search for polar bears in the Arctic, kick up a jig at a kitchen party in Newfoundland, or wander amidst the stone walls of Scotland’s Neolithic Orkney. Feel the thrill of traveling to new places, where adventure awaits around every corner.
No One Does Fun Like Carnival
On a Carnival cruise, we do fun however you define it. Spa days that turn into karaoke nights? Check. Musical performances, magic shows and deck parties? On repeat. We’re inventing new ways to make unforgettable memories. Every day.
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VIRTUAL ESCAPES
Exceptional at Sea
Step aboard and be warmly welcomed into a world of comfort and sophistication, where the crew know you by name and your every wish is taken care of. Our newly refurbished ships are waiting to take you on cruises that have been designed for deep destination discovery.
The Paul Gauguin Cruises Experience
Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the award-winning luxury small-ship, the m/S Paul Gauguin, providing an exceptional cruise experience. Discover the difference of cruising with purpose and allow Les Gauguines — a local troupe of Tahitian hosts who live on the ship — to introduce you to authentic Polynesia.
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A Year of Adventure
It’s shaping up to be a monumental year for Royal Caribbean® with the debut of two of the largest ships ever to set sail. The game-changing, first-in-class Icon of the SeasSM takes family vacations to new heights, and the latest Oasis Class marvel, Utopia of the SeasSM promises to deliver the World’s Biggest Weekend.
Seven Seas Grandeur™ Christening Ceremony
The latest addition to The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™, Seven Seas Grandeur set sail in November 2023. Relive the best moments of the ship’s much-anticipated inauguration, which marked a major milestone in Regent’s three decades of expertise in luxury cruising.
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Star Clippers — A Unique Sailing Experience
Star Clippers proudly carries on the tall ships tradition with three magnificent clippers that combine modern comforts with the elegance of a bygone era. Sail to captivating historic, natural and culturally rich destinations in the Mediterranean, Central America and the Caribbean.
Discover All-inclusive Luxury on the Rivers
When you’re with Uniworld, you’ll never tire of being treated like royalty. Aboard the brand’s characteristic floating boutique hotels, you’ll be treated to an unparalleled degree of all-inclusive luxury: from fine dining and unlimited pours of premium drinks to exceptional service and exciting local experiences.
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Destinations
Starting each day with a new port of call to explore is one of the most thrilling aspects of any cruise. Here are three destinations where the shore excursions could prove to be the highlight of your voyage.
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PHOTO: STEPHEN FRINK/GETTY IMAGES.
Bora Bora and Beyond
Luxurious overwater bungalows are just the beginning of the tropical paradise that awaits on the islands of French Polynesia.
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COLLEEN SETO. PHOTOS: TEMANU/ADOBE STOCK (OUTRIGGER IN MO’OREA); TOMAS GONZALEZ DE ROSENZWEIG/UNSPLASH (SHARKS IN BORA BORA). DESTINATIONS
TEXT:
Although Bora Bora and Tahiti are French Polynesia’s most recognized isles, there are five archipelagos to be discovered. Spanning an area of the Pacific about the size of Europe, French Polynesia is made up of 118 atolls and islands. It’s home to stunning coral reefs, crystal-blue lagoons and pristine beaches, as well as an ancient and storied culture, and some of the best vanilla on Earth.
Central to Polynesian culture is the concept of mana — a spiritual energy, or life-force. You’ll feel it from the moment you come ashore, when you’re welcomed with a lei made from the islands’ intoxicatingly perfumed tiare flowers. It’s imbued in the performances of
traditional drumming and dancing, and in other experiences that have gone unchanged through the ages, like an exhilarating journey by outrigger canoe.
Delve into Polynesia’s captivating past by visiting ancient stone temples called marae Although many of these sites are now atmospheric ruins, Tahiti’s Arahurahu marae has been fully restored to provide a fascinating glimpse of pre-colonial Maohi culture. The impressive Taputapuātea marae in Raiatea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is more than a thousand years old, and played a key role in ceremonial rites, including coronations and the celebration of political alliances.
PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES
Go Off-roading on Bora Bora
Embrace Bora Bora’s pristine natural beauty in an exhilarating new way. This off-road excursion allows you to discover hidden gems only accessible via Land Rover.
LOCATION Bora Bora, French Polynesia
DURATION 3.5 hours
FITNESS LEVEL Moderate
GROUP SIZE 8
INCLUSIONS Driver/guide
HIGHLIGHTS Your driver will navigate the steep terrain and introduce you to the plants, trees and lifestyles of Bora Bora. You’ll drive through the small town of Vaitape on the shore of Pofai Bay, then ascend Pahonu Hill. Here, you’ll be treated to expansive views of Bora Bora’s natural harbor and Matira Beach. Additional highlights include World War II cannons still standing in their original locations and the lush valley of Fa’anui.
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MEG VON HAARTMAN/UNSPLASH (OVERWATER BUNGALOWS); MATHEW HAYWARD/GETTY IMAGES (POISSON CRU).
PHOTOS:
Seafood is, of course, a staple on the islands, but the addition of local ingredients gives it a distinctive — and delicious — twist. In traditional Polynesian cuisine, vanilla and coconut milk are frequently used to flavor both savory and sweet recipes. The islands’ signature dish, poisson cru au lait de coco, features fresh raw fish marinated in coconut milk with a splash of lime juice. Round out this refreshing main with po’e, a sweet-and-starchy baked dessert commonly made from mashed banana, tapioca flour, vanilla bean and sugar, served with freshly pressed coconut milk.
For something heartier, seek out dishes that have been slow-cooked in an ahima’a (earth oven). Choices include roast pork, fish, plantains and taro; they often make up the menu at a tama’ara’a, a traditional feast accompanied
by music and singing. Be sure to bring home a taste of the islands with a bottle of renowned Tahitian vanilla.
As spectacular as the glass floor in your overwater bungalow might be, nothing beats the view beneath the ocean’s surface. The waters of French Polynesia are a paradise for snorkelers, a natural aquarium teeming with dolphins, reef sharks and manta rays. In recognition of the islands’ remarkable biodiversity, several marine protection programs are in place, such as the UNESCO biosphere reserve in Fakarava.
For an underwater excursion that comes with the best goodie bag ever, join a pearl farm diving expedition where you can pluck your own Tahitian black pearl from the ocean. It might even trump that bottle of Tahitian vanilla as the perfect souvenir.
Join a Private Festival on Bora Bora
Windstar Exclusive: Guests on every Windstar French Polynesia itinerary are treated to a complimentary Destination Discovery Event on Bora Bora. Experience Tahitian culture in an immersive, authentic and very special way.
LOCATION Bora Bora, French Polynesia
DURATION 6 hours
FITNESS LEVEL Mild
GROUP SIZE All guests aboard; maximum 312
HIGHLIGHTS Windstar’s oneof-a-kind event kicks off with a catamaran journey to a lovely private motu (reef islet), where you’ll be greeted with a lei and tropical cocktails. You’ll then be treated to an extraordinary feast of local cuisine on the beach and a performance from Tahitian fire dancers who write messages to the gods against the night sky.
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WINDSTAR CRUISES
Northern Exposure
Raw and remote, the Arctic retains an air of the unknown that’ll spark your spirit of exploration.
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MINTY/ADVENTURE CANADA (NORTHWEST PASSAGE); OLEKSANDR UMANSKYI/ADOBESTOCK (ILULISSAT TOWN). DESTINATIONS
TEXT: COLLEEN SETO. PHOTOS: DENNIS
Surreal ice formations, jagged snowcapped peaks and deep blue fjords make up vast stretches of the Arctic wilderness. Yet in this harsh, unforgiving environment, where half the land masses are covered in glaciers, a rare and delicate ecosystem flourishes. Between the awe-inspiring sight of polar bears ambling through the tundra and the friendly chatter of beluga whales, one-of-a-kind encounters with the wildlife that’s adapted to these conditions make it an increasingly popular destination — accessible almost exclusively by cruise ship.
Cruise lines cater to aspiring Arctic explorers with itineraries to the Canadian High Arctic,
Greenland, the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, and — during a short summer window when minimal sea-ice makes it passable — the North Pole itself. Each itinerary presents its own take on an Arctic expedition, but all showcase the majestic icescapes and stark beauty of the region, and the chance to spot resilient species including muskoxen, arctic foxes, reindeer, seals, walruses and migratory birds.
An Arctic playground, Baffin Island is the biggest island in Canada and the fifth-largest in the world. Here, adventure-seekers can rock-climb the fjord walls of Clyde River and ski amidst the peaks of Auyuittuq National Park, marveling at
Take a Cruise Around Towering Icebergs
Experience the remarkable beauty of Ilulissat Icefjord, renowned for its enormous icebergs. Ilulissat means “iceberg” — an apt name for this site at the outlet of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ilulissat Icefjord is the source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic.
LOCATION Ilulissat, Greenland
DURATION A full day
FITNESS LEVEL Mild
HIGHLIGHTS Visit the world’s fastest-calving glacier, which spills thousands of icebergs into the spectacular Ilulissat Icefjord every year. Marvel at the enormous icebergs on a hike along the boardwalk or cruise amidst them. Explore the charming town and don’t miss the remarkable Ilulissat Icefjord Centre.
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ADVENTURE CANADA
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PHOTOS: HIMANSHU SARAF/UNSPLASH (SEABIRDS IN SVALBARD); DAVID MERRON PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES (BELUGA).
the west face of Mount Thor, which, at 4,100 feet, holds the record as the world’s highest vertical cliff. For an otherworldly experience, hike the rocky tundra on Baffin Bay’s Devon Island. This desolate destination has earned the moniker “Mars on Earth,” as its conditions so closely resemble that planet’s frigid surface.
The highlight of cruises along the west coast of Greenland is the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its soaring icebergs. This is where the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier — one of the world’s most active glaciers — “calves,” with massive chunks of ice detaching themselves from the glacier and crashing into the freezing waters as icebergs.
Between April and September, cruisers can also experience the Arctic phenomenon known
as the “midnight sun.” At extreme latitudes, daylight can last a full 24 hours owing to the tilt of the Earth’s axis, giving you ample time to take in picture-perfect views and go for late-night hikes or paddles.
And in winter, look for the aurora borealis, a.k.a. the Northern Lights, its dazzling green, purple and red ribbons dancing across the night sky. Winter nights just south of the Arctic Circle make for prime aurora-viewing because they’re long and dark, spared from the light pollution that makes simple stargazing a challenge in urban centers. Taking in the spectacular light show overhead, you can’t help but feel small next to nature — just one example of how the vastness of the Arctic somehow puts everything into perspective.
Discover the Secluded Splendors of the Arctic and Greenland
Cape Dyer is a remote wilderness lying at the southeast tip of Canada’s vast Baffin Island. It is located north of the Arctic Circle in the Canadian territory of Nunavut. Animals that roam these cold lands include arctic foxes, caribou and arctic hares.
LOCATION Cape Dyer, Nunavut, Canada
DURATION Approximately 4.5 hours
FITNESS LEVEL Moderate
GROUP SIZE Approximately 8 to 12 people per Zodiac
INCLUSIONS Life jacket, parka, backpack and water bottle are provided. Boots and waterproof pants are available to rent.
HIGHLIGHTS If you’re lucky, you might spot one of the polar bears that populate the island.
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CRUISES
SILVERSEA
Dive into the Bahamas
With soft sand beaches and some of the world’s clearest ocean waters, the islands of the Bahamas are the ideal setting for your next escape.
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TEXT: COLLEEN SETO. PHOTOS: MICHELE WESTMORLAND/GETTY IMAGES (DIVING); MIGUEL DAVIS/UNSPLASH (ELEUTHERA, THE BAHAMAS). DESTINATIONS
Comprising 700 diverse islands (including 16 major ones) and 2,400 cays stretching across the West Atlantic, the Bahamas is known for its private coves, abundant wildlife and warm hospitality. One of the most popular Caribbean destinations and cruise stops — with good reason — the Bahamas offers endless experiences for sunseekers, nature enthusiasts and history buffs.
Home to the third-largest barrier reef on Earth and countless “blue holes” (marine sinkholes), the Bahamas is irresistible for divers and snorkelers. Andros, the largest island in the Bahamas, draws blue-hole enthusiasts, with more than 200 of the geological wonders
waiting to be explored. Shipwrecks abound too, with the island of New Providence boasting scenic wrecks off the Nassau coast at depths accessible to novice divers.
Just over 300 years ago, these waters were teeming with pirates, a fascinating chapter in the islands’ rich nautical history that lives on in landmark forts, maritime monuments and lighthouses. In the Abacos island chain, renowned as the boating capital of the Bahamas, you’ll find the Elbow Reef Lighthouse. Erected in 1864, the 89-foot tower remains the only active and manned light station in the world that has not been electrified, and its image appears on the Bahamian $10 bill.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
On the southernmost tip of the island of Eleuthera, a vibrant retreat awaits, nestled in a one-of-a-kind location where the deep blue Atlantic Ocean meets the turquoise waters of the Bahamas. Disney Cruise Line is excited to introduce a brand-new tropical escape for summer 2024: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Here, guests will be immersed in the natural beauty and tranquility of the Bahamas, inspired by its rich culture, traditions and stories, and delighted by the magic of Disney.
LOCATION Eleuthera, the Bahamas
DURATION All-day
FITNESS LEVEL Mild to moderate HIGHLIGHTS Kids will have the opportunity to spend the day in their own special space — complete with a water play area inspired by The Little Mermaid, games and more — all supervised by trained Disney Cruise Line youth counselors. And serenity awaits adults as they relax and unwind in their own exclusive space, featuring a tranquil white-sand beach, bar and dining area.
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IN THE
PHOTOS: MARC FANELLI ISLA/UNSPLASH (PARLIAMENT SQUARE IN NASSAU); DUSHAWN JOVIC/UNSPLASH (FLAMINGOS
BAHAMAS).
On Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, music plays to the beat of Junkanoo, a dynamic Bahamian street parade bursting with rhythmic drumming and dance. You can get a taste of it year-round at the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo in Nassau, which invites visitors to join in the celebration.
For something a little more subdued, find a shady spot on a secluded beach, such as the aptly named Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island, to sip icy rum cocktails and nibble on conch fritters. If it’s an endless stretch of postcard-perfect shoreline you’re after, head to Tropic of Cancer Beach in the Exuma chain. Cruise passengers may also have access to exclusive beaches on islands owned (or leased) by the cruise line they’re sailing with. Shore excursions to these private retreats are often a highlight on Caribbean cruise itineraries, with
guests enjoying privileged use of beautifully maintained beaches, as well as restaurants and shopping.
The Bahamas’ robust national park system beckons nature lovers with the promise of pristine ecosystems, unique geological formations and abundant wildlife. Among the most popular is Lucayan National Park, which protects one of the world’s longest charted underwater cave systems. As many as 70 types of butterflies and 330 bird species can be spotted on the islands, including the spectacular hot-pink flamingo — the national bird of the Bahamas. On the water, keep an eye out for dolphins, and even the occasional swimming pig in the Exuma cays.
With endless sun, surf and sand, plus recreation ranging from hopping nightlife to idyllic solitude, the ports of the Bahamas are always worth coming ashore for.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
A Day Unlike Any Other
Conquer the tallest waterslide in North America. Grab a drink at the swim-up bar and soak up the scene in the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas. Or get a taste of Bora Bora with your own Overwater Cabana. This is Perfect Day® at CocoCay® — only on Royal Caribbean®.
LOCATION Perfect Day® at CocoCay®, the Bahamas
DURATION All day
FITNESS LEVEL Mild to moderate
HIGHLIGHTS Thrill Waterpark® puts adventure in the fast lane with shriek-inducing slides and rushing tides. Soar up to 450 feet in a helium balloon for island views in every direction and get your adrenaline fix ziplining across the sunny blue sky. Adults can let loose at the ultimate beach party on the new Hideaway Beach™. Fuel up in between adventures with Caribbean-style bites at Chill Grill or Grilled Bahamian Lobster at Coco Beach Club®.
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Ship Profiles
PHOTO: DOUGLAS BAGG/UNSPLASH.
From an intimate expedition yacht that prides itself on afternoon tea to a Caribbean mega-ship that boasts the first roller coaster at sea, there’s a sailing to suit every type of traveler. Consult our handy directory to find the ship that’s best for you.
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AMAWATERWAYS
Family-owned and -operated for more than 20 years, AmaWaterways is a luxury river cruise line offering unforgettable experiences with 28 custom-designed ships sailing iconic rivers throughout Europe, Vietnam, Cambodia, Africa, Egypt and Colombia.
At a Glance
THE SHIP AmaMagna
LAUNCHED 2019
RENOVATION 2022
THE VOYAGES Danube River
GUESTS 196
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO 1 to 2.8
CRUISE TYPE River
CRUISE STYLE Adventure, family, luxury, small-ship
Features
DINING — Choose from the Al Fresco Restaurant with its refreshing outdoor space and vegetarian-friendly menu, Jimmy’s family-style restaurant, The Chef’s Table and the main dining room.
SHORE EXCURSIONS — With a complimentary fleet of bicycles on board, guests can explore each new destination on guided bike tours or discover a new path all on their own. Guided hiking tours also offer active ways to see grand cities and charming villages from a fresh perspective.
BARS — Unwind and connect with kindred cruisers at the complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT — Whether it’s traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or contemporary piano favorites, enjoy an eclectic schedule of onboard entertainment.
KIDS & TEENS — With a variety of family-friendly amenities, AmaMagna is designed to help you pass on your passion for travel.
ACCOMMODATION — AmaWaterways was the first to offer twin-balcony staterooms, featuring both a French balcony and a full outside balcony.
SPA & FITNESS — Stay active in the fitness center. Take a relaxing dip in the whirlpool or sun-deck pool, complete with swim-up bar.
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SHIP PROFILES
Enjoy a complimentary land package on select 2024 and 2025 sailings for a limited time and receive $300 onboard credit per stateroom on select river journeys! Please contact your Ensemble travel advisor for more details. For a limited time, when you reserve select 2024 and 2025 Europe river cruises, you will receive a complimentary 2-, 3- or 4-night land package! Explore an incredible city where your river cruise begins or ends. Alternatively, venture into a fascinating new destination, such as Lake Como, Italy or Spain’s Basque Country. RECEIVE A Complimentary Land Package Join us, stay awhile.
WINDSTAR CRUISES
Carrying only 312 guests, Star Breeze allows to you slip past crowds to discover small ports and local culture in private-yacht style.
At a Glance
THE SHIP Star Breeze
LAUNCHED 2015
REFURBISHED 2020
THE VOYAGE French Polynesia
GUESTS 312
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO 1 to 1.5
CRUISE TYPE Ocean
CRUISE STYLE Luxury, small-ship
Features
DINING — Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso for tapas, Star Grill by Stephen Raichlen for global barbeque, Candles for steaks and seafood, and Amphora for James Beard Foundation options.
SHORE EXCURSIONS — Small-group excursions, often led by local experts, ensure a rewarding deep dive into local cultures and hidden gems.
BARS — The sophisticated Compass Rose is a guest favorite for live evening entertainment, while the elegant Yacht Club Cafe is a lovely daytime observation point.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT — Local interactions in port continue onboard, with performers and destinationsavvy speakers helping guests form authentic connections with each stop on their itinerary.
KIDS & TEENS — Children ages eight years and older are welcome aboard Windstar yachts.
ACCOMMODATION — All-suite yacht with appointed ocean-view accommodations from 277 square feet.
SPA & FITNESS — Guests enjoy complimentary access to World Spa by Windstar, featuring wellness treatments using locally sourced ingredients.
OTHER — An all-inclusive fare option covers unlimited alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi and all gratuities.
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SHIP PROFILES
It’s our mission to elevate each experience beyond ordinary. We do that by creating degrees of di erence, both big and small, during every voyage to Europe, Tahiti, the Caribbean, Costa Rica & Panama Canal, Latin America, and more. From our small ships and curated excursions to learn more about local life to the thoughtful details from our welcoming crew, Windstar puts more into every voyage.
Please contact your Ensemble travel advisor for more details.
U S , T U R K E Y
EPHES
AVALON WATERWAYS
As the newest addition to Avalon’s fleet of suite ships, the Avalon View certainly lives up to its name. With the youngest fleet of ships offering the widest views on Europe’s waterways, the View continues Avalon’s outstanding commitment to relaxed luxury.
At a Glance
THE SHIP Avalon View
LAUNCHED 2020
THE VOYAGES Danube River, Rhine River
GUESTS 166
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO 1 to 3
CRUISE TYPE River
CRUISE STYLE Premium, contemporary, luxury, small-ship
Features
DINING — Versatile FlexDining venues include the casual Panorama Bistro, al fresco Sky Grill and elegant glass-walled Dining Room.
SHORE EXCURSIONS — Three types of daily guided excursions cater to diverse interests: Discovery (painting classes, for example), Active (hiking and biking) and Classic (city sightseeing).
BARS — The well-stocked bar in the Panorama Lounge offers a variety of wines, beers and spirits, as well as a happy hour with select inclusions.
ENTERTAINMENT — Guests will enjoy nightly onboard entertainment including, on select evenings, performances from local entertainers.
KIDS & TEENS — The minimum age for guests on Avalon Waterways is 8 years old.
ACCOMMODATION — Choose from 16 deluxe staterooms (172 sq. ft.), 65 Panorama suites (200 sq. ft.) and two Royal Suites (300 sq. ft.).
SPA & FITNESS — Hit up the onboard fitness center for free weights, treadmills and stationary bikes, or consult the designated Adventure Host for further heart-pumping options. In port, take advantage of Active excursions and soak up the sights from a bicycle or kayak.
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AN IMMERSIVE CRUISE EXPERIENCE
With Active & Discovery river cruises, Avalon offers activities for travelers with varying interests and for all energy and fitness levels. From action-packed experiences and interactive discoveries, to traditional sightseeing, you can tailor a vacation to suit your interests and pace. Immerse yourself in the history and culture at each port with excursions to historic castles, a guided canoe tour, or a beer tasting. Every port gives you a world of possibilities as you interact with locals and choose the dynamic, interactive activities that appeal to you most.
ACTIVE & DISCOVERY ON THE DANUBE
8 days
Vilshofen to Budapest (and reverse)
ACTIVE & DISCOVERY ON THE RHINE
8 days
Basel to Amsterdam (and reverse)
ACTIVE & DISCOVERY ON THE MOSELLE
8 days
Remich to Frankfurt
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ENSEMBLE TRAVEL ADVISOR FOR MORE DETAILS.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
Welcome to Carnival Jubilee™. The ship that’s following in the fun footsteps of Mardi Gras® and Carnival Celebration® has some big flip-flops to fill, and you can count on Carnival Jubilee™ to take things to the next level.
At a Glance Features
THE SHIP Carnival Jubilee
LAUNCHED December 2023
THE VOYAGE Western Caribbean
GUESTS 5,374
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO 1 to 3.1
CRUISE TYPE Ocean
CRUISE STYLE Family, all-inclusive, contemporary, mega-ship
DINING — Carnival Jubilee’s chefs aim to delight from mealtime to snack time to pizza time (that’s ‘til 4 a.m.). Discover exciting new culinary experiences like Emeril’s Bistro 717 and fan favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, Cucina del Capitano®, Big Chicken and more.
SHORE EXCURSIONS — Whether you’re embarking on thrilling adventures or indulging in luxurious relaxation, you’ll make the most of every moment in port.
BARS — Dive into Dr.Inks, Ph.D.™ and The Golden Mermaid™, where you can enjoy tasty drinks in a world of sunken cities and fantastical flavors.
ENTERTAINMENT — At Center Stage + Playlist Productions, multitalented performers fill the stage with song, dance and superstar attitude.
KIDS & TEENS — BOLT ®, the first roller coaster at sea; the largest Carnival WaterWorks™; plus kids’ and teens’ clubs.
ACCOMMODATION — Enjoy all the comforts of home in a wide range of staterooms designed to fit you, your family and your style of cruising.
SPA & FITNESS — Cloud 9 Spa™ is an oasis for relaxation, featuring thermal suites and soothing treatments including massages, facials and body wraps.
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CRYSTAL
Step aboard and be warmly welcomed into a world of comfort and sophistication on Crystal’s reimagined ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, where the crew know you by name and your every nuanced wish is taken care of. Together with Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal gets you closer to the unseen side of each destination and creates memories guaranteed to last a lifetime.
At a Glance
THE SHIP Crystal Serenity
LAUNCHED 2003
REFURBISHED July 2023
THE VOYAGE South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand, Asia, Africa & Indian Ocean, Europe & Mediterranean, North America & Caribbean, South America, Baltic & Northern Europe
GUESTS 740
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO Nearly 1 to 1
CRUISE TYPE Ocean
CRUISE STYLE Adventure, family, all-inclusive, luxury, mid-size ship
Features
DINING — Savor award-winning fare at nine complimentary dining venues, plus Umi Uma, the only Nobu restaurant at sea.
SHORE EXCURSIONS — Onshore experiences are curated by Abercrombie & Kent, leaders in global travel for more than 60 years.
BARS — Whether it’s a soirée on the pool deck or Crystal’s famous White Party, great music, delicious cocktails and good times are guaranteed.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT — From Broadway shows and comedy to live music and lectures, a full roster of evening entertainment caters to every interest. Catch the latest flicks at the Hollywood Theater cinema or a cabaret performance at the Stardust Club.
ACCOMMODATION — Spacious suites and guest rooms pair comfort with exceptionally elegant design. Elevated details, contemporary craftsmanship and artisanal finishing embody modern refinement.
SPA & FITNESS — Aurōra Spa offers sauna and steam rooms accompanied by a broad range of treatments, while the Technogym® fitness center comes with a full-time instructor available for personalized sessions.
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SHIP PROFILES
CELEBRITY CRUISES
Celebrity Flora is Ecuador’s only Forbes Travel Guide four-star-rated resort at sea and the first of its kind designed and built specifically for the Galapagos. Each space features Celebrity’s innovative outward-facing concept, so the destination is the center of attention at every turn.
At a Glance
THE SHIP Celebrity Flora
LAUNCHED 2019
RENOVATION 2023
THE VOYAGE Galapagos Islands
GUESTS 100
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO 1 to 1.3
CRUISE TYPE Expedition, yacht
CRUISE STYLE Adventure, all-inclusive, premium, luxury, small-ship
Features
DINING — Seaside Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering Celebrity Signature dishes as well as Ecuadorian-inspired cuisine.
ONBOARD EXPERIENCE — Celebrity has collaborated with Miami’s Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science to design educational videos that are part of Flora’s immersive Galapagos experience.
SHORE EXCURSIONS — Sailings include twice-daily shore excursions, each the adventure of a lifetime. Certified Galapagos National Park naturalists lead small groups of guests ashore.
ACCOMMODATION — All-suites with outward design, comfy bedding and cozy extras that transform each stateroom into your personal getaway at sea.
KIDS & TEENS — In partnership with EarthEcho International, a nonprofit organization founded by Philippe Cousteau Jr., Celebrity has introduced a comprehensive and customized youth program designed to empower a new generation of environmental advocates.
EXTRAS — Beyond Flora’s eco-friendly focus, Celebrity also works closely with local organizations to create programs designed to improve the quality of life for the residents of the Galapagos Islands.
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CELEBRITY CRUISES SETS SAIL FOR SUSTAINABLE LUXURY IN THE GALAPAGOS
In the heart of the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands, Celebrity Cruises is more than a mere explorer; it is a committed steward of its preservation. Partnering with world-renowned scientists, passionate environmentalists, and acclaimed marine researchers, our goal is to offer experiences that are enlightening, authentic, and distinctive.
SCALESIA REFORESTATION PROJECT
Since 2014 , we’ve been fervently dedicated to preserving the Galapagos environment. In collaboration with the Galapagos National Park, over 70,000 endemic seedlings have been planted by our guests, supporting the Scalesia reforestation effort. Celebrity Cruises is the exclusive partner undertaking this effort and provides the necessary resources to maintain over 55 acres, ensuring the longevity of these efforts. Witness the magic unfold as restored areas now host sightings of endangered bird species, including the vibrant vermillion flycatchers.
THE GALAPAGOS FUND
In 2006, we, together with the Galapagos Conservancy, established the Galapagos Celebrity Fund. Over $1.5 million contributed by Celebrity guests has fueled projects benefiting both marine and terrestrial flora and fauna. This fund has supported over 60 community initiatives that link the security of the local economy with the protection of archipelago. From supporting an art gallery for special needs children empowering women’s entrepreneurship, every dollar has left a lasting impact on the region.
CELEBRITY FLORA
AN ECO-LUXURY PIONEER IN THE GALAPAGOS
Celebrity Flora, the first ship of its size designed specifically for the Galapagos Islands, embodies our commitment to sustainability. Her advanced propulsion system and hull design contribute to a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and air emissions; Each suite features a water filtration system, eliminating single-use plastics; Reverse osmosis processes seawater for the ship’s water needs. Through its advanced design, careful use of materials and reduction of waste, this ship is one of the most environmentally friendly in the world today.
Please contact your Ensemble travel advisor for more details. ©2024 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Holland America Line’s newest ship, Rotterdam, delivers exquisite cuisine, award-winning service, superbly appointed staterooms and suites, and world-class entertainment.
At a Glance
THE SHIP Rotterdam
LAUNCHED 2021
THE VOYAGES The Caribbean and Europe
GUESTS 2,666
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO 1 to 2.5
CRUISE TYPE Ocean
CRUISE STYLE Family, premium, mid-size ship
Features
DINING — Discover modern twists on traditional French dishes and seafood at Rudi’s Sea de Mer, pan-Asian flavors at Tamarind and fine dining at Pinnacle Grill.
BARS — Featuring panoramic views, Crow’s Nest is the perfect place to enjoy cocktails and sunsets. Whiskey aficionados will gravitate to Notes, a true whiskey wonderland with more than 120 labels on display.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT — Dance the night away at B.B. King’s Blues Club or relive your favorite rock classics at Rolling Stone Lounge.
KIDS & TEENS — Kids Club offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3–17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They’ll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.
ACCOMMODATION — All suites and staterooms feature the cruise line’s signature Mariner’s Dream™ beds with plush Euro-top mattresses.
SPA & FITNESS — Few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches.
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HURTIGRUTEN
Freshly refurbished in 2023, MS Trollfjord is an homage to both Norwegian nature and Hurtigruten’s 130-year heritage sailing the Norwegian coast. Locally sourced wood and stone feature prominently throughout the ship’s interiors, reflecting the natural beauty of the fjords it sails.
At a Glance
THE SHIP MS Trollfjord
LAUNCHED 2002
REFURBISHED 2023
THE VOYAGE Coastal Norway and Svalbard
GUESTS 500
CRUISE TYPE Coastal
CRUISE STYLE Family, premium, contemporary, small-ship
Features
DINING — The dining options aboard exquisitely designed MS Trollfjord proudly present Norwegian cuisine at its finest, most classic, and most sustainable.
SHORE EXCURSIONS — Hurtigruten offers more than 60 exclusive optional excursions, revealing Norway’s rich nature, culture and history in depth.
BARS — Located in the two-story panoramic lounge, the 1893 Bar has an impressive selection of Norwegian aquavit and Nordic-themed cocktails.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT — The Onboard Experience Team organizes a range of onboard activities, including lectures, film nights, arts and crafts workshops, and food tastings.
ACCOMMODATION — After a day exploring the Norwegian coast, guests will find comfort and style in the cabins and suites.
FITNESS — MS Trollfjord offers a panoramic sauna and fitness room. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to relax while admiring the spectacular scenery.
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NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Introducing the all-new Norwegian Aqua™, the latest evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line’s innovative Prima Class. It is thoughtfully designed for each new experience to flow into the next, from gazing at the endless horizon from an infinity pool to feeling the rush on the thrilling SlideCoaster.
At a Glance
THE SHIP Norwegian Aqua™
LAUNCHES Spring 2025
THE VOYAGE Bermuda, Caribbean
GUESTS 3,571
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO 1 to 2.24
CRUISE TYPE Ocean
CRUISE STYLE Family, contemporary, mega-ship
Features
DINING — Expect fine dining in the main restaurants, along with the return of popular specialty dining restaurants like Cagney’s and Palomar.
SHORE EXCURSIONS — Zipline across a blue lagoon or indulge in a beachside villa in Harvest Caye, Belize, the Caribbean’s premier resort-style destination.
BARS — Popular bars from Norwegian Prima and Viva, The Belvedere and The Metropolitan, will get a new design and additional seating.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT — Aside from Broadway-style shows, you can also enjoy stand-up comedy performances and live tribute bands.
KIDS & TEENS — Between the Splash Academy and the Entourage, your kids and teens will have a myriad of special programming to enjoy.
ACCOMMODATION — Stretch out and enjoy the most spacious accommodations in Norwegian’s fleet, from balcony suites to solo cabins and The Haven.
SPA & FITNESS — Rejuvenate from the outside-in at the adults-only Thermal Suite, featuring multiple saunas, vitality pools and therapeutic rooms.
EXTRAS — Norwegian Aqua™ provides the highest staffing levels of any cruise ship, meaning more friendly staff to deliver a second-to-none experience.
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SHIP PROFILES
Specialty Dining Balcony Stateroom CONTACT YOUR ENSEMBLE VACATION CONSULTANT TO BOOK YOUR NCL VACATION TODAY. Norwegian Viva *Free At Sea choice(s) must be selected at least 24 hours prior to sailing and cannot be changed on board. Offer is capacity controlled, subject to change, and can be canceled and withdrawn at any time. Components included in this offer have no monetary value and are non-refundable and non-transferable. 20% Gratuities Apply on: Free Unlimited Open Bar; Free Specialty Dining. Free 3rd & 4th Guests on select cruises. Restrictions apply. Air Offer: ^Buy Air for 1st Guest and receive 2nd Guest for free from select Air Gateways/ Cities for All Categories except Sailaway categories for All Open for Sale 7 night or longer sailings. ©2024 NCL Corporation Ltd. Ship’s Registry: Bahamas and United States of America. 989212 01/24 EXPERIENCE A DIFFERENT TOMORROW Choose from over 400 destinations around the world with Norwegian Cruise Line ® 20 AWARD WINNING SHIPS | WORLD’S LEADING CRUISE LINE When you holiday with NCL, every day is a new day. New places. New experiences. New memories to be made. Wherever the sea breeze takes you in Europe, Alaska, The Caribbean or beyond, you’ll unpack once and wake up in a new destination nearly every morning. So come aboard and experience a different tomorrow with Norwegian Cruise Line. ALWAYS INCLUDED Unrivalled dining experiences, Award-winning entertainment, Youth programmes, Aqua Parks, sports facilities and more It’s all included in your cruise fare UNLIMITED OPEN BAR SPECIALTY DINING WI-FI 3 RD & 4TH GUESTS ON SELECT SAILINGS EXCURSION DISCOUNTS
PRINCESS CRUISES ®
Welcome aboard Sun Princess®, “The Love Boat” line’s newest, largest and most innovative ship yet with over 30 restaurants and bars.
At a Glance
THE SHIP Sun Princess®
LAUNCHED February 2024
THE VOYAGE Mediterranean, Caribbean
GUESTS 4,300
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO 1 to 3.74
CRUISE TYPE Ocean
CRUISE STYLE Family, all-inclusive, premium
Features
DINING — The three-story Horizons Dining Room elevates the traditional main dining experience with stunning wake views. Specialty dining includes Umai Teppanyaki, a feast for the senses, offering a fusion of top cuisine and showmanship.
BARS — Enjoy a pint along with live music at O’Malley’s Irish Pub, or raise a toast with the finest bubbly at Bellini’s Cocktail Bar.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT — The Dome — a glass-enclosed multipurpose venue — serves as a pool by day and a stage for world-class shows by night. Don’t miss awe-inspiring acrobatic performances created in partnership with the renowned Cirque Éloize, and the impressive casino, which boasts more than 200 slot machines and 13 live tables.
KIDS & TEENS — Activity spaces cater to three distinct age groups: Firefly Park Kids Club, Neon Grove Tweens Club and the Underground Teen Lounge.
ACCOMMODATION — A total of 2,157 staterooms provide a wide range of options, including 50 suites and 100 connecting rooms.
SPA & FITNESS — Take advantage of the salt room and aromatic steam room at the two-story Lotus Spa®
EXTRAS — The Princess MedallionClass® experience puts service-on-demand at your fingertips. Use the quartersized Medallion to instantly order drinks, snacks and more.
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Sun Princess ® and Star Princess ®
What were we thinking of when we designed our next generation of ships?
You. You love sweeping views, so we built our Piazza in a sphere of glass. You want immersive entertainment, so our Princess Arena shapeshifts to put you in the middle of the action. See the world in a whole new light in 2024 aboard Sun Princess®️ and in August 2025 when Star Princess®️ debuts in the Mediterranean!
The Dome
Inspired by the terraces of Santorini, this multilevel, glass-enclosed dome features a pool by sunlight, shows by starlight.
Spellbound by the Magic Castle
Blending magic and the art of mixology, Spellbound invites guests to immerse themselves in this one-of-a-kind experience inspired by the world-famous Magic Castle™.
Park19
Soar like a bird 19 decks above the waves on the Sea Breeze Rollglider®️. That’s just a taste of what this brandnew wonderland has to offer.
Save over 50% on the things you’re gonna do anyway: Wi-Fi, crew gratuity, drinks + more! It Pays to Plus®️. *Legal restrictions apply. ©2024, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Princess®, MedallionClass®, and the Princess logo are trademarks of Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Ships of Bermudan and British registry. Please contact your Ensemble travel advisor for more details.
Talk about exciting and new
RIVIERA RIVER CRUISES
With Riviera River Cruises, guests can expect outstanding itineraries, authentic experiences with local experts and an honest pricing policy.
At a Glance
THE SHIP MS Oscar Wilde LAUNCHED 2017
THE VOYAGES Danube River, Rhine River and Dutch waterways
GUESTS 167
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO 1 to 4
CRUISE TYPE River
CRUISE STYLE Contemporary, luxury
Features
DINING — Following each day’s buffet breakfast and lunch is a splendid four-course dinner in the ambience of a first-class restaurant. The exceptional cuisine includes regional dishes made with ingredients hand-picked from port markets.
SHORE EXCURSIONS — Experienced local guides provide informative and entertaining daily tours at each port.
BARS — Relax in a beautifully appointed bar area and take advantage of the free superior drinks package that’s now offered on all sailings.
ENTERTAINMENT — Put your knowledge to the test on quiz nights or take in a song, dance or piano performance.
KIDS & TEENS — Guests on Riviera River Cruises must be at least 12 years of age.
ACCOMMODATION — MS Oscar Wilde’s cabins and suites are among the most spacious you’ll find on European waterways, ranging from 172 to 269 square feet. All middleand upper-deck cabins boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony.
SPA & FITNESS — The wellness area includes a sauna, steam room and fitness equipment.
EXTRAS — Enjoy free Wi-Fi and unlimited alcoholic beverages (with some conditions) on all European river cruises departing in 2024.
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Five-star ships Spacious cabins and suites Daily excursions & visits All meals included In room coffee and tea making facilities, plus Superior drinks package** Cruise Director and concierge† Evening entertainment Free Wi-Fi UNBEATABLE VALUE which always includes... Visit our website for full terms and conditions. *Middle and upper deck cabins only. Book by 31 March 2024. Correct at time of print. Riviera River Cruises, 1515 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825. CST 2130254-50. **Unlimited quantity of drinks at lunch and from 6pm to midnight while on board (selected drinks available). †No concierge on Douro cruises. Please contact your Ensemble travel advisor for more details Riviera is celebrating 40 YEARS OF TR AVEL 2025NOWSALE!!ON The Blue Danube 8 days from $2,209PP | April to October 2025 Rhine Cruise to Switzerland 8 days from $2,249PP | May to October 2025 The Douro, Porto & Salamanca 8 days from $2,359PP | April to October 2025 Contact your travel professional for the latest Riviera offers
SEABOURN
Specially designed for diverse environments, Seabourn Pursuit represents the ultimate expedition cruise. Two submarines, 24 Zodiacs, 8 double sea kayaks and a 24-person expert Expedition Team enable guests to engage in up-close wildlife encounters and off-the-beaten path excursions in a fully inclusive yacht-like experience.
At a Glance
THE SHIP Seabourn Pursuit
LAUNCHED 2023
THE VOYAGE Artic, Antarctica, Amazon, South America, South Pacific, Easter Island, Papua New Guinea, Australia, the Kimberley
GUESTS 264
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO 1 to 1
CRUISE TYPE Expedition
CRUISE STYLE Adventure, all-inclusive, luxury, small-ship
Features
DINING — A variety of all-included restaurants: Sushi Bar at The Club, The Colonnade, Earth & Ocean at The Patio.
SHORE EXCURSIONS — Join Pursuit’s dedicated team of expedition leaders for daily guided hikes, kayaking, Zodiac exploration and more.
BARS — Enjoy an open bar with panoramic views in the Constellation Lounge. The Club, Bow Lounge and Expedition Lounge provide the perfect settings to catch up with fellow guests over a friendly cocktail.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT — The cruise director and expedition guides deliver presentations and learning series while guest performers offer exceptional live music.
ACCOMMODATION — Starting at 350 sq. ft., oceanfacing veranda suites all feature a walk-in closet, double-sink vanity, soaker tub and walk-in glass shower.
SPA & FITNESS — Serene spaces include a picturewindow sauna designed by renowned interior designer Adam D. Tihany, and integrative wellness programming curated by Dr. Andrew Weil.
EXTRAS — An Open Bridge Policy provides guests with access to the ship’s command center and the officers navigating the journey. All guests receive a complimentary Helly Hansen expedition parka, wet bag and winter hat.
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Cunard® introduces the next in a fine line, Queen Anne®. Her breathtaking interiors take inspiration from Cunard’s past to define a striking new design direction for the cruise line’s future. Come on board and discover exciting, novel experiences, alongside much-loved signature venues.
At a Glance
THE SHIP Queen Anne®
LAUNCHES May 3, 2024
THE VOYAGE Europe, World Voyage
GUESTS 3,089
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO 1 to 2
CRUISE TYPE Ocean
CRUISE STYLE Luxury
Features
DINING — Select from a range of alternative restaurants specializing in global cuisine, including Aranya (Indian), Tramonto (Mediterranean) and Aji Wa (Japanese), as well as Sir Samuel’s steakhouse and pub fare at the Golden Lion Pub™
SHORE EXCURSIONS — A host of bespoke Shore Excursions are available to mark the maiden season.
BARS — There’s no shortage of exciting bars on board, where mixology and food pairings take center stage.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT — Bright Lights Society, the latest addition to the existing lineup, is an exhilarating show bar with a design inspired by vintage electric-light installations. Enjoy live performances in this intimate, shimmering venue.
KIDS & TEENS — Cunard is the only luxury brand to offer fun and educational children’s activity centers tailored to three different age groups.
ACCOMMODATION — Cunard boasts some of the most spacious staterooms at sea, from well-appointed Britannia to Britannia Club staterooms, and refined Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites.
SPA & FITNESS — The Mareel ® spa includes a new wellness pavilion serving healthy dining options.
OTHER — Cunard’s first female captain, Inger Klein Thorhauge, will join Queen Anne from her previous posting on Queen Elizabeth® .
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CUNARD ®
RENDER
WELLNESS STUDIO RENDER SHIP PROFILES
QUEEN ANNE
QUEEN ANNE
SILVERSEA
Sailing to both poles, Silver Endeavour redefines the meaning of ultra-luxury expedition cruising. Her PC6 ice-class rating is among the highest in the industry, while her state-of-the-art equipment and exploration technology offer one of the most advanced expedition experiences ever.
At a Glance
THE SHIP Silver Endeavour
LAUNCHED 2022
THE VOYAGE Antarctica, Arctic and Greenland, Northern Europe and the British Isles, South America
GUESTS 220
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO 1 to 1
CRUISE TYPE Expedition
CRUISE STYLE Adventure, all-inclusive, premium, contemporary, luxury, small-ship
Features
DINING — From authentic Italian cuisine at Il Terrazzino and fine French gastronomy at La Dame to regional specialties and timeless classics at The Restaurant and The Grill, guests will enjoy dining at a variety of venues — offering magnificent views — while exploring the world’s most remote regions.
SHORE EXCURSIONS — The technology and amenities on this extraordinary vessel afford uncommon access and intimate exploration of glaciers and fascinating wildlife.
BARS — Silver Endeavour’s outward design features exceptional viewing platforms and outside deck space for superior wildlife and wilderness views.
ACCOMMODATION — Offered in nine categories, all 110 suites feature a private balcony and floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
SPA & FITNESS — Otium Spa is where you can relax and unwind, but also where you can enjoy world-class treatments that make you look as good as you feel.
OTHER — For a 270-degree view of your awe-inspiring surroundings, head to the Observation Lounge at the top of the ship. It’s the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea, an enrichment presentation, or pre-dinner cocktails by night.
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PHOTOS: SILVERSEA ( SILVER ENDEAVOUR ; ZODIAC CRUISING AMONG ICEBERGS IN ANTARCTICA; OBSERVATION LOUNGE).
The Arctic and Greenland
UNLOCK THE TOP OF THE WORLD
Welcome to one of the most remote places on Earth: a dramatic region of breathtaking scenery, frozen oceans, and rugged features. Encompassing the entire northernmost area of the planet, it stretches across a wide range of geographies, nations, and cultures: such as Svalbard, Iceland, Greenland, and the Canadian High Arctic — lands of skyscraper-sized icebergs, awe-inspiring polar bears, whales and walruses, and welcoming Inuit communities. When the wonders of the far north beckon, Silversea has the perfect expedition for you. Experience the authentic beauty of the Arctic and Greenland!
CONTACT YOUR ENSEMBLE TRAVEL ADVISOR FOR DETAILS
ON 2024-2025 ARCTIC AND GREENLAND ITINERARIES.
VIKING
Hosting a maximum of 190 guests, Viking Longships® provide an intimate environment for exploration with all the amenities of an elegant boutique hotel, including an unparalleled choice of all-outside staterooms, expansive views from floor-to-ceiling windows and al fresco dining.
At a Glance
THE SHIPS Viking Longships
THE VOYAGES Europe’s rivers
GUESTS 190
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO 1 to 3.58
CRUISE TYPE River
CRUISE STYLE Luxury, small-ship
Features
DINING — Choose between the main dining room, The Restaurant — the ideal setting for impeccable service and casual elegance — and the indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace.
SHORE EXCURSIONS — The Viking Way® delivers the expected and iconic delights each European port has to offer. Dig deeper with specialized excursions (Local Life, Working World) that reveal the rhythm of daily life in a destination, and enjoy exclusive access to rare cultural treasures with Privileged Access® experiences.
ENTERTAINMENT — Take in fascinating guest lecturers, port talks, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, craft demonstrations and performances from classical and regional musicians.
KIDS & TEENS — Cruises on Viking Longships are adultsonly (ages 18 and up).
ACCOMMODATION — All-outside staterooms — including full-size verandas — ensure guests won’t miss a moment of the stunning scenery.
OTHER — The Viking Inclusive Value fare covers just about everything — port charges, Wi-Fi, meals, lectures, onboard activities, shore excursions and more.
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Onwards.
Oceans #1 Rivers #1 Expeditions Please contact your Ensemble travel advisor for more details.
#1
VIRGIN VOYAGES
With exclusively adult, superyacht-inspired ships featuring signature red hammocks on every balcony and a focus on exceptional service, Virgin Voyages’ unique vision has been making jaws drop since it first hit the water.
At a Glance
THE SHIP Scarlet Lady
LAUNCHED 2021
THE VOYAGE Caribbean
GUESTS 2,770
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO 1 to 4
CRUISE TYPE Ocean
CRUISE STYLE Adventure, all-inclusive, premium, luxury, mid-size ship
Features
DINING — In lieu of buffets, Scarlet Lady offers a selection of more than 20 eateries, from The Wake’s steak and seafood to Pink Agave’s red-hot Mexican cuisine.
SHORE EXCURSIONS — Not your average “stock tour” experiences, Virgin Voyages’ Shore Things excursions provide access to paths less traveled at each destination, connecting guests with local culture.
BARS — Challenge mixologists to craft a spirited masterpiece at the On the Rocks cocktail bar. There’s also the champagne lounge, Sip, beers on tap at Draught Haus, and even a nautically themed dive bar in The Loose Cannon, among several others.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT — Choose from a festivallike lineup of modern and immersive entertainment options.
ACCOMMODATION — Ranging from Insider to RockStar Quarters, the cabins’ modern yacht-inspired aesthetic, clever technology and elevated comfort make for more than just a place to sleep.
SPA & FITNESS — Decked out with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, B-Complex is a multipurpose fitness studio where guests can join Training Camp group workouts. The Redemption spa — the first to offer a quartz bed at sea — includes a mud room, salt room, sauna, steam room, and hot and cold plunge pools.
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Exclusively adult, award-winning cruises from Virgin.
Whether you’re fantasizing about basking in the Caribbean sun, sailing along the stunning Mediterranean coast, or exploring all that the South Pacific has to offer, Virgin Voyages’ epic itineraries make those dreams a reality. Over $1000 in Always Included Luxury means that 20+ unique eateries, essential drinks, WiFi, gratuities, and unlimited group fitness classes come with the cost of the voyage. Now, let’s cross some items off of that bucket list of yours.
Come experience for yourself the voyages that have been awarded Cruise Critic’s Best Overall Cruise Line, Best Cabins, Best Dining, and Best Service (to name just a few!).
Marseille
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ENSEMBLE TRAVEL ADVISOR FOR MORE DETAILS. Best Overall Cruise Line Best Dining Best Cabins Best Service Best ValueFor-Money
©2023. Travel + Leisure® is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Holdco, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Destinations, Inc. Travel + Leisure® World’s Best Awards is used under license. Travel + Leisure® is published by TI Inc. Affluent Media Group, a Dotdash Meredith company, which is not affiliated with Wyndham Destinations, Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Now we’re
Following The Sun
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES WORLD VOYAGER ™
What’s your travel style? For intrepid explorers, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Polar Expeditions reach remote corners of the Arctic, Greenland and Antarctica. For enthusiasts of art, history and local communities, Cultural Expeditions go to South America, the Caribbean and Northern Europe.
For culinary and wine connoisseurs, Epicurean Expeditions explore the Mediterranean.
At a Glance
THE YACHT World Voyager™
LAUNCHED November 2023
THE VOYAGE Antarctica, Patagonia and the Falklands, South America, Caribbean, Transoceanic, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland, the Arctic
GUESTS 198
CREW-TO-GUEST RATIO Nearly 1 to 1
CRUISE TYPE Expedition
CRUISE STYLE Adventure, all-inclusive, luxury, small-ship
Features
DINING — Globally inspired cuisine takes guests on a journey from savory regional dishes to leisurely afternoon tea.
SHORE EXCURSIONS — With Atlas Ashore™, there’s an adventure for every explorer, whether it’s a sherry discovery in Spain or a gaucho experience in Uruguay.
BARS — Mingle and connect at Atlas Lounge, The Dome Observation Lounge, 7AFT Pool Bar and Zephyr Lounge.
ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT — Expedition talks and workshops from experts in their fields to the yachtsman cookoff enhance the onboard experience.
KIDS & TEENS — Epicurean Expeditions have a minimum age requirement of 12 months; guests on Polar Expeditions must be at least 8 years of age.
ACCOMMODATION — All suites and staterooms include either a balcony or panoramic window views.
SPA & FITNESS — Home to SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE , plus a well-equipped Fitness Studio and top-deck running track.
INCLUDED — Cultural immersion on every expedition, unlimited beverages including fine wines, spirits and craft beers, 24-hour bars and lounges, stocked in-room minibar, 24-hour room service, butler service in suites.
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Shore Stays
Exclusive perks — from early check-in and daily breakfast to room upgrades and hotel credits — await at some of our favorite properties in Amsterdam, Orlando and beyond.
Conservatorium Hotel
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Located in the Museum Square district, this architectural masterpiece combines a landmark heritage building with graceful, contemporary style. Designed for a new generation of travelers who expect a hotel to not only offer exceptional service and exemplary facilities, but also to provide an entrée to the social and cultural life of a destination.
Fairmont Hotel
Vancouver
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Discover the Castle in the City, located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, celebrating 85 years of unparalleled luxury. Awarded in Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s coveted annual Gold List, it’s the only Canadian hotel to receive this prestigious honor in 2024.
Orlando World Center Marriott
ORLANDO, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES
Experience the magic at Orlando World Center Marriott, the best off-site hotel near Walt Disney World ®. Enjoy cool pools, seven thrilling water slides, a 575-foot-long lazy river and poolside cabanas. Play championship golf and rejuvenate in our resort spa, plus enjoy 10 unique dining outlets.
Ensemble Exclusives
Complimentary one-way transfer to or from river-cruise terminal
Daily breakfast
In-room Wi-Fi
Early check-in and late check-out*
Upgrade to next category*
US$100 hotel credit per stay*
Ensemble Exclusives
Complimentary luxury transfers within the downtown core
In-room Wi-Fi
Daily breakfast in Notch8 Restaurant
Early check-in and late check-out*
Upgrade to next room category*
US$100 hotel credit per stay*
Ensemble Exclusives
Welcome amenity
Daily breakfast for two
Early check-in and late check-out*
Upgrade to next category*
US$100 hotel credit per stay*
*Subject to availability
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HOTELS
Ensemble Hosted Cruises
Trust our Ensemble Hosted Cruise program to make your experience at sea even more enjoyable. And because we’ve partnered with many of the world’s finest cruise lines, you’ve got hundreds of opportunities to enhance your voyage.
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HOLLAND AMERICA LINE.
PHOTO:
Cruise the World with VIP Privileges and Personal Attention!
Enjoy the exclusive perks of an Ensemble Hosted Cruise on your next voyage, including the services of a designated host, a complimentary shore event and a pre-excursion get-together.
Meet your designated Ensemble Host at a private cocktail party, mingle with fellow travelers, then enjoy a complimentary Ensemble Experience shore event in select company. It might involve privileged access to a seldom-seen collection, an unforgettable live performance in an exclusive venue, or after-hours admission to an iconic attraction. Our customized shore events offer an enriching deep dive into local culture, cuisine, nature and history. And whether you favor glittering yachts
or grand mega-ships, thrilling expedition voyages or laidback island-hopping, there’s an Ensemble Hosted Cruise that’s right for you.
In addition to the 300-plus Ensemble Hosted Cruises you’ll find in these listings are thousands of Ensemble Amenity Cruises, which offer guests an added-value amenity such as shipboard credit or prepaid gratuities.
We look forward to helping you plan your journey — talk to your Ensemble travel advisor today.
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HOSTED
PHOTO:
WINIKER/GETTY IMAGES.
BARRY
AmaWaterways
AmaLucia
AmaDante
Cunard
Queen
91 ENSEMBLE RANGE BY SEA Ship Date DayS embark DiSembark enSemble experience / excluSive
2024-04-17 7 Budapest Vilshofen Pre-paid gratuities
AmaSonata
2024-06-13 7 Amsterdam Basel Pre-paid gratuities
2024-08-17 7 Paris Le Havre Pre-paid gratuities
2024-08-25 7 Vilshofen Budapest Pre-paid gratuities AmaDara 2024-10-07 7 Kampong Cham Ho Chi Minh City Pre-paid gratuities AmaMora 2024-11-04 7 Amsterdam Basel Pre-paid gratuities
2024-12-21 7 Nuremberg Budapest Pre-paid gratuities Ship Date DayS embark DiSembark enSemble experience / excluSive
Elizabeth 2024-04-07 19 Tokyo Tokyo Kobe
Mary 2 2024-04-07 28 Dubai New York Cadiz
Victoria 2024-04-12 16 Cape Town Southampton Funchal, Madeira Queen Elizabeth 2024-05-05 19 Tokyo Tokyo Busan Queen Anne 2024-05-24 14 Southampton Southampton Belfast Queen Mary 2 2024-06-15 8 New York Southampton Up to US$225 onboard credit per person
Elizabeth 2024-06-21 10 Vancouver Vancouver Juneau
Victoria 2024-07-01 7 Trieste Rome (Civitavecchia) Valletta
Elizabeth 2024-08-10 10 Vancouver Vancouver Juneau
AmaMagna
AmaViola
Queen
Queen
Queen
Queen
Queen
Queen
Mary 2 2024-09-15 7 Southampton New York Up to US$225 onboard credit per person
Victoria 2024-09-23 14 Trieste Istanbul Valletta
Anne 2024-10-15 12 Southampton Southampton Alesund Queen Elizabeth 2024-12-23 18 Sydney Sydney Dunedin Queen Anne 2025-01-09 107 Southampton Southampton Aruba, Auckland, Manila, Muscat Queen Anne 2025-01-18 17 New York San Francisco Aruba Queen Anne 2025-01-18 98 New York Southampton Aruba, Auckland, Manila, Muscat Queen Anne 2025-02-04 23 San Francisco Sydney Auckland
Anne 2025-02-04 81 San Francisco Southampton Auckland, Manila, Muscat
Victoria 2025-02-06 19 Rio de Janeiro Santiago Punta Arenas, Chile Queen Anne 2025-02-28 25 Sydney Singapore Manila Queen Anne 2025-03-25 33 Singapore Southampton Muscat Queen Mary 2 2025-04-06 7 Southampton Southampton Alesund Queen Elizabeth 2025-05-14 10 Kushiro Hakodate Busan Queen Anne 2025-05-18 14 Southampton Southampton Invergordon Queen Victoria 2025-05-19 14 Istanbul Trieste To be determined Queen Elizabeth 2025-06-12 11 Seattle Seattle To be determined
Queen
Queen
Queen
Queen
HOSTED
Queen
Queen
Queen
Queen
Explora Journeys
92 RANGE BY SEA ENSEMBLE Queen Victoria 2025-06-16 14 Barcelona Trieste To be determined Queen Elizabeth 2025-07-03 7 Seattle Seattle To be determined
Mary 2 2025-07-08 31 New York New York Southampton
Elizabeth 2025-07-31 11 Seattle Seattle To be determined
Anne 2025-08-03 14 Southampton Southampton Reykjavik
Victoria 2025-08-11 14 Rome (Civitavecchia) Trieste To be determined
Anne 2025-08-17 14 Southampton Southampton Cartagena
Mary 2 2025-09-03 30 New York New York Southampton Queen Elizabeth 2025-09-08 10 Seattle Seattle To be determined Queen Victoria 2025-09-15 14 Rome (Civitavecchia) Barcelona To be determined Queen Anne 2025-10-12 14 Southampton Southampton Palma de Mallorca
Mary 2 2025-10-31 26 New York New York Southampton
Mary 2 2025-11-26 12 New York New York Barbados Ship Date DayS embark DiSembark enSemble experience / excluSive Explora I 2024-05-12 12 Los Angeles Panama City (Amador) Puntarenas, Costa Rica Explora I 2024-06-27 8 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Istanbul Explora I 2024-07-19 7 Athens (Piraeus) Istanbul Thessaloniki Explora I 2024-07-26 7 Istanbul Athens (Piraeus) Rhodes Explora I 2024-08-16 7 Athens (Piraeus) Istanbul Thessaloniki Explora I 2024-08-23 7 Istanbul Athens (Piraeus) Rhodes Explora II 2024-09-02 7 Rome (Civitavecchia) Barcelona Mahon (Menorca) Explora I 2024-09-13 7 Athens (Piraeus) Istanbul Thessaloniki Explora I 2024-10-05 9 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Kotor Explora I 2024-11-10 10 Barcelona Barcelona To be determined Explora II 2024-12-06 7 Miami Barbados St. Thomas Explora I 2024-12-16 7 Miami Miami To be determined Explora II 2025-01-14 10 Miami Miami Cozumel Explora I 2025-02-14 7 Miami Miami To be determined Explora II 2025-02-14 7 Miami San Juan Guadeloupe (Deshaies) Explora I 2025-03-15 8 Miami Miami To be determined Explora II 2025-04-23 11 Rome (Civitavecchia) Barcelona To be determined Explora I 2025-05-05 10 Istanbul Venice To be determined Explora II 2025-05-26 7 Monte Carlo Barcelona To be determined Explora I 2025-06-07 7 Athens (Piraeus) Venice To be determined
Queen
Queen
Queen
Queen
HOSTED
Holland America Line
93 ENSEMBLE RANGE BY SEA Explora II 2025-06-23 7 Rome (Civitavecchia) Barcelona To be determined Explora I 2025-07-05 7 Athens (Piraeus) Venice To be determined Explora I 2025-07-26 7 Istanbul Athens (Piraeus) To be determined
II 2025-08-04 7 Rome (Civitavecchia) Barcelona To be determined Explora I 2025-08-16 7 Athens (Piraeus) Istanbul To be determined Explora I 2025-09-06 7 Venice Athens (Piraeus) To be determined Explora II 2025-09-29 7 Rome (Civitavecchia) Barcelona To be determined Explora I 2025-10-08 10 Istanbul Venice To be determined Explora II 2025-10-22 11 Barcelona Barcelona To be determined Explora II 2025-11-28 7 Miami Miami To be determined Explora II 2026-01-15 10 Miami Miami To be determined Explora II 2026-02-14 10 Miami Miami To be determined Explora I 2026-03-03 10 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) To be determined Explora II 2026-03-03 7 San Juan Miami To be determined Explora I 2026-03-23 10 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) To be determined Ship Date DayS embark DiSembark enSemble experience / excluSive Zuiderdam 2024-04-05 36 Dubai Fort Lauderdale US$500 shore excursion credit per person Westerdam 2024-04-13 14 Tokyo Tokyo Kobe Volendam 2024-04-21 13 Fort Lauderdale Montreal Halifax Westerdam 2024-05-12 7 Seattle Seattle Sitka Oosterdam 2024-05-21 11 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Dubrovnik Koningsdam 2024-05-25 7 Vancouver Vancouver Skagway Rotterdam 2024-06-08 14 Rotterdam Rotterdam Honningsvag Koningsdam 2024-06-15 7 Vancouver Vancouver Skagway Koningsdam 2024-06-29 7 Vancouver Vancouver Skagway Volendam 2024-06-29 7 Montreal Boston Sydney, NS Nieuw Statendam 2024-07-10 10 Reykjavik Copenhagen Kirkwall Eurodam 2024-07-13 7 Seattle Seattle Sitka Nieuw Statendam 2024-07-20 14 Amsterdam Amsterdam Akureyri Volendam 2024-07-20 7 Boston Boston Halifax Rotterdam 2024-08-03 14 Rotterdam Rotterdam Invergordon Eurodam 2024-08-10 7 Seattle Seattle Sitka Koningsdam 2024-08-17 7 Vancouver Vancouver Skagway Zaandam 2024-09-11 7 Vancouver Vancouver Skagway
Explora
HOSTED
94 RANGE BY SEA ENSEMBLE Zuiderdam 2024-09-14 7 Quebec City Boston Halifax Nieuw Statendam 2024-09-21 14 Rome (Civitavecchia) Athens (Piraeus) Rhodes Koningsdam 2024-09-28 7 Vancouver Vancouver Skagway Zuiderdam 2024-10-05 7 Boston Quebec City Halifax Oosterdam 2024-10-10 10 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Rhodes Noordam 2024-10-13 14 Yokohama Yokohama Kagoshima Rotterdam 2024-10-27 12 Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale Cartagena, Columbia Volendam 2024-11-09 42 Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale Catania, Sicily Oosterdam 2024-11-14 17 Fort Lauderdale Santiago Fuerte Amador Westerdam 2024-12-22 14 Sydney Sydney Dunedin Eurodam 2024-12-30 9 Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale Aruba Zuiderdam 2025-01-04 37 Fort Lauderdale Sydney US$750 onboard credit per person Zuiderdam 2025-01-04 55 Fort Lauderdale Singapore US$750 onboard credit per person Zuiderdam 2025-01-04 124 Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale US$1000 onboard credit per person Volendam 2025-01-25 133 Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale US$1000 onboard credit per person Zuiderdam 2025-02-11 42 Sydney Cape Town US$750 onboard credit per person Koningsdam 2025-02-15 35 San Diego San Diego Papeete Zuiderdam 2025-03-01 49 Singapore Athens (Piraeus) US$750 onboard credit per person Oosterdam 2025-03-05 14 Buenos Aires San Antonio Punta Arenas, Chile Eurodam 2025-03-12 10 Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale Falmouth Westerdam 2025-03-16 14 Auckland Sydney Dunedin Zuiderdam 2025-03-25 45 Cape Town Fort Lauderdale US$750 onboard credit per person Noordam 2025-04-13 14 Yokohama Yokohama Kobe Zuiderdam 2025-04-19 20 Athens (Piraeus) Fort Lauderdale US$250 onboard credit per person Eurodam 2025-05-03 7 Seattle Seattle Sitka Nieuw Amsterdam 2025-05-04 14 Vancouver Vancouver Juneau Koningsdam 2025-05-10 7 Vancouver Vancouver Skagway Oosterdam 2025-05-29 10 Rome (Civitavecchia) Athens (Piraeus) To be determined Koningsdam 2025-05-31 7 Vancouver Vancouver Skagway Rotterdam 2025-06-14 7 Reykjavik Rotterdam To be determined Koningsdam 2025-06-28 7 Vancouver Vancouver Skagway Rotterdam 2025-06-28 7 Rotterdam Rotterdam To be determined Oosterdam 2025-07-30 10 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) To be determined Rotterdam 2025-08-16 14 Rotterdam Rotterdam To be determined Oosterdam 2025-09-10 11 Barcelona Venice (Trieste) To be determined Koningsdam 2025-09-13 7 Vancouver Vancouver Ketchikan HOSTED
Oceania Cruises
Marina
Vista
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
95 ENSEMBLE RANGE BY SEA Rotterdam 2025-09-13 7 Rotterdam Rotterdam To be determined Noordam 2025-09-14 14 Vancouver Vancouver Skagway Zaandam 2025-09-24 7 Vancouver Vancouver Skagway Oosterdam 2025-10-01 11 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) To be determined Oosterdam 2025-10-22 11 Athens (Piraeus) Barcelona To be determined Ship Date DayS embark DiSembark enSemble experience / excluSive Regatta 2024-04-20 11 Los Angeles Los Angeles Puerto Vallarta Sirena 2024-05-03 12 Southampton Barcelona Bordeaux Vista 2024-06-19 10 Istanbul Venice Corfu Regatta 2024-06-28 11 Seattle Seattle Juneau Nautica 2024-07-04 9 Amsterdam Paris Belfast
2024-08-14 10 Venice Monte Carlo Taormina
Vista
2024-08-20 9 Reykjavik Southampton Glasgow
2024-09-01 7 New York New York Hamilton, Bermuda
2024-09-23 10 Lisbon Barcelona Casablanca
2024-10-16 10 Valletta Venice Corfu Regatta 2024-10-29 16 Tokyo Singapore Keelung (Taipei) Sirena 2024-12-21 14 Miami Barbados Cartagena, Columbia Sirena 2025-01-22 7 Barbados Barbados St. Lucia Nautica 2025-02-05 10 Papeete Papeete Bora Bora Vista 2025-03-02 7 Miami Miami Cozumel
Insignia
Vista
Marina
2025-03-20 7 Miami Miami Cozumel
Ship Date DayS embark DiSembark enSemble experience / excluSive Seven Seas Navigator 2024-04-05 20 Bangkok Abu Dhabi Phuket Seven Seas Voyager 2024-04-26 12 Athens (Piraeus) Istanbul Corfu Seven Seas Grandeur 2024-05-08 12 Barcelona Venice Livorno Seven Seas Navigator 2024-05-14 10 Athens (Piraeus) Trieste Dubrovnik Seven Seas Splendor 2024-05-16 14 Monte Carlo Southampton Lisbon Seven Seas Explorer 2024-05-29 7 Vancouver Seward Skagway Seven Seas Grandeur 2024-06-11 10 Istanbul Athens (Piraeus) Kusadasi Seven Seas Mariner 2024-06-20 15 Reykjavik Southampton Liverpool Seven Seas Explorer 2024-06-26 7 Vancouver Seward Skagway HOSTED
96 RANGE BY SEA ENSEMBLE Seven Seas Grandeur 2024-07-01 10 Rome (Civitavecchia) Monte Carlo Valletta Seven Seas Navigator 2024-07-12 14 Stockholm Amsterdam Tallin Seven Seas Voyager 2024-07-21 15 Belfast Barcelona Bordeaux Seven Seas Grandeur 2024-07-22 9 Barcelona Rome (Civitavecchia) Marseille Seven Seas Explorer 2024-07-24 7 Vancouver Seward Skagway Seven Seas Splendor 2024-07-25 18 Reykjavik Southampton Bergen Seven Seas Voyager 2024-08-22 9 Istanbul Haifa Rhodes Seven Seas Mariner 2024-08-24 12 Barcelona Rome (Civitavecchia) Marseille Seven Seas Explorer 2024-08-28 7 Seward Vancouver Skagway Seven Seas Navigator 2024-09-04 14 Southampton Barcelona Bordeaux Seven Seas Mariner 2024-09-22 10 Monte Carlo Lisbon Malaga Seven Seas Voyager 2024-10-05 10 Trieste Athens (Piraeus) Corfu Seven Seas Grandeur 2024-10-12 11 Montreal New York Halifax Seven Seas Explorer 2024-10-18 11 Tokyo Tokyo Kobe Seven Seas Navigator 2024-10-22 14 Haifa Istanbul Rhodes Seven Seas Grandeur 2024-10-23 15 New York Miami Barbados Seven Seas Mariner 2024-10-27 7 Lisbon Barcelona Seville Seven Seas Splendor 2024-10-31 12 Athens (Piraeus) Lisbon Marseille Seven Seas Navigator 2024-11-05 10 Istanbul Rome (Civitavecchia) Naples Seven Seas Explorer 2024-12-20 14 Sydney Auckland Dunedin Seven Seas Splendor 2024-12-21 15 Cape Town Cape Town Durban Seven Seas Mariner 2024-12-28 10 Miami Miami Cozumel Seven Seas Grandeur 2025-01-24 10 Miami Miami Antigua Seven Seas Voyager 2025-01-28 14 Sydney Auckland Dunedin Seven Seas Navigator 2025-02-06 11 Barbados Miami Antigua Seven Seas Splendor 2025-02-12 19 Puerto Central Buenos Aires Punta Arenas, Chile Seven Seas Explorer 2025-02-19 14 Hong Kong Tokyo Busan Seven Seas Grandeur 2025-03-05 14 Miami Miami Curacao Seven Seas Voyager 2025-03-08 17 Papeete Auckland Bora Bora Seven Seas Voyager 2025-03-25 18 Auckland Benoa Cairns Seven Seas Explorer 2025-03-31 14 Tokyo Tokyo Kobe Seven Seas Grandeur 2025-04-02 14 Barcelona Istanbul Rhodes Seven Seas Voyager 2025-04-12 14 Benoa Bangkok Ho Chi Minh City Seven Seas Splendor 2025-04-20 10 Barcelona Athens (Piraeus) Kusadasi Seven Seas Grandeur 2025-04-28 11 Venice Rome (Civitavecchia) Catania, Sicily Seven Seas Splendor 2025-05-07 13 Istanbul Haifa Heraklion (Crete) HOSTED
Seven
Seven
Seven
Seven
Seven
97 ENSEMBLE RANGE BY SEA Seven Seas Explorer 2025-05-14 7 Vancouver Seward Skagway
Seas Voyager 2025-06-03 10 Athens (Piraeus) Venice (Fusina) Corfu
Seven
Seas Voyager 2025-06-13 12 Venice (Fusina) Barcelona Catania, Sicily
Seas Mariner 2025-06-24 16 Miami New York Curacao
Seas Explorer 2025-07-02 7 Seward Vancouver Skagway
Seas Splendor 2025-07-02 10 Rome (Civitavecchia) Venice Corfu
Seas Grandeur 2025-07-17 10 Reykjavik Reykjavik Akureyi Seven Seas Splendor 2025-07-22 10 Barcelona Rome (Civitavecchia) Palma de Mallorca
Seas Explorer 2025-07-23 7 Vancouver Seward Skagway
Seas Mariner 2025-07-28 15 Reykjavik Le Havre Belfast
Seven
Seven
Seven
Seas Mariner 2025-08-12 18 Le Havre Oslo Riga (Latvia)
Seas Grandeur 2025-09-25 10 Barcelona Athens (Piraeus) Valletta Seven Seas Mariner 2025-10-01 12 Barcelona Istanbul Salerno Seven Seas Navigator 2025-10-05 14 Haifa Istanbul Kotor Seven Seas Grandeur 2025-10-15 10 Venice Rome (Civitavecchia) Valletta Seven Seas Voyager 2025-10-17 14 Istanbul Venice (Fusina) Kusadasi
Seas Splendor 2025-10-22 11 Montreal New York Halifax
Seas Voyager 2025-11-14 12 Rome (Civitavecchia) Barcelona Toulon
Seas Navigator 2025-11-25 19 Cape Town Doha Muscat Seven Seas Explorer 2025-12-12 16 Benoa Sydney Darwin Seven Seas Splendor 2025-12-28 17 Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Punta Arenas, Chile Seven Seas Mariner 2026-01-10 21 Miami Honolulu Puntarenas, Costa Rica Seven Seas Explorer 2026-01-27 18 Sydney Singapore Perth (Fremantle) Seven Seas Voyager 2026-01-27 16 Cape Town Port Louis Maputo
Seas Mariner 2026-02-01 14 Honolulu Papeete Bora Bora Seven Seas Voyager 2026-02-12 16 Port Louis Cape Town Toliara Seven Seas Splendor 2026-02-17 24 Buenos Aires Miami Santos Seven Seas Explorer 2026-02-28 14 Hong Kong Tokyo Shanghai Seven Seas Navigator 2026-03-04 10 Papeete Papeete Bora Bora Seven Seas Mariner 2026-03-06 18 Auckland Benoa Sydney Seven Seas Explorer 2026-03-14 11 Tokyo Tokyo Busan Seven Seas Navigator 2026-03-31 18 Auckland Benoa Perth (Fremantle) Seven Seas Mariner 2026-04-09 30 Singapore Cape Town Cochin Seven Seas Explorer 2026-05-03 18 Tokyo Vancouver Ketchikan Seven Seas Splendor 2026-05-03 12 Venice (Fusina) Athens (Piraeus) To be determined Seven Seas Navigator 2026-05-22 19 Doha Athens (Piraeus) Muscat HOSTED
Seven
Seven
Seven
Seven
Seven
Seabourn
98 RANGE BY SEA ENSEMBLE Ship Date DayS embark DiSembark enSemble experience / excluSive Odyssey 2024-04-18 23 Kobe Vancouver To be determined Ovation 2024-04-26 12 Lisbon Lisbon Santa Cruz de la Palma Ovation 2024-04-26 22 Lisbon London (Dover) Santa Cruz de la Palma Quest 2024-04-26 16 Barcelona Athens (Piraeus) Alexandria Quest 2024-04-26 26 Barcelona Venice Alexandria Quest 2024-04-26 46 Barcelona Lisbon Alexandria Quest 2024-04-26 79 Barcelona London (Greenwich) Alexandria & Dubrovnik Quest 2024-04-26 103 Barcelona New York Alexandria & Dubrovnik Sojourn 2024-05-02 34 Singapore Athens (Piraeus) Colombo Encore 2024-05-05 14 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Antalya Encore 2024-05-05 21 Athens (Piraeus) Istanbul Antalya Encore 2024-05-12 7 Haifa Athens (Piraeus) Antalya Encore 2024-05-12 14 Haifa Istanbul Antalya Encore 2024-05-12 21 Haifa Athens (Piraeus) Antalya Quest 2024-05-12 20 Athens (Piraeus) Rome (Civitavecchia) Dubrovnik Quest 2024-05-22 10 Venice Rome (Civitavecchia) Dubrovnik Quest 2024-05-22 20 Venice Lisbon Dubrovnik Encore 2024-05-26 7 Istanbul Athens (Piraeus) Rhodes
2024-05-26 14 Istanbul Athens (Piraeus) Rhodes Quest 2024-06-01 21 Rome (Civitavecchia) Amsterdam Dubrovnik Quest 2024-06-11 11 Lisbon Amsterdam Bilbao (Spain) Quest 2024-06-11 22 Lisbon Stockholm Bilbao (Spain) Quest 2024-06-11 57 Lisbon New York Bilbao (Spain) Odyssey 2024-06-17 11 Vancouver Vancouver Juneau Ovation 2024-06-22 20 Lisbon Barcelona Valletta Ovation 2024-06-22 30 Lisbon Rome (Civitavecchia) Valletta Quest 2024-06-22 22 Amsterdam London (Greenwich) Newcastle-upon-Tyne Odyssey 2024-06-28 14 Vancouver Vancouver Wrangell Ovation 2024-07-02 10 Monte Carlo Barcelona Valletta Ovation 2024-07-02 20 Monte Carlo Rome (Civitavecchia) Valletta Ovation 2024-07-02 30 Monte Carlo Barcelona Valletta Quest 2024-07-03 11 Stockholm London (Greenwich) Newcastle-upon-Tyne Odyssey 2024-07-05 7 Juneau Vancouver Wrangell Sojourn 2024-07-13 14 London (Dover) London (Dover) Belfast Sojourn 2024-07-13 21 London (Dover) Reykjavik Belfast
Encore
HOSTED
Encore
Encore
Encore
Encore
Encore
Ovation
Encore
Encore
Encore
Odyssey
Odyssey
Ovation
99 ENSEMBLE RANGE BY SEA
2024-07-21 7 Athens (Piraeus) Venice Dubrovnik
2024-07-21 14 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Dubrovnik
2024-07-21 21 Athens (Piraeus) Athens
Dubrovnik
(Piraeus)
2024-07-28 14 Venice Athens (Piraeus) Bodrum
2024-07-28 21 Venice Athens (Piraeus) Bodrum
2024-08-01 20 Barcelona Monte Carlo Portoferraio (Elba)
2024-08-01 30 Barcelona Barcelona Portoferraio (Elba)
Ovation
2024-08-04 7 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Bodrum
2024-08-04 14 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Bodrum
2024-08-04 21 Athens (Piraeus) Istanbul Bodrum
2024-08-09 7 Vancouver Juneau Sitka
2024-08-09 14 Vancouver Vancouver Sitka
2024-08-11 10 Barcelona Monte Carlo Portoferraio (Elba)
2024-08-11 20 Barcelona Barcelona Portoferraio (Elba)
2024-08-11 30 Barcelona Monte Carlo Portoferraio (Elba) Quest 2024-08-19 12 Montreal New York Halifax
2024-09-02 22 Seward Yokohama To be determined
2024-09-22 7 Athens (Piraeus) Haifa Izmir Encore 2024-09-22 14 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Izmir Encore 2024-09-22 21 Athens (Piraeus) Venice Izmir Ovation 2024-09-29 21 Rome (Civitavecchia) Barcelona Casablanca Ovation 2024-09-29 31 Rome (Civitavecchia) Rome (Civitavecchia) Casablanca Ovation 2024-10-10 10 Barcelona Barcelona Casablanca Ovation 2024-10-10 20 Barcelona Rome (Civitavecchia) Casablanca Ovation 2024-10-10 30 Barcelona Barcelona Casablanca Quest 2024-10-18 14 Montreal Miami Halifax Encore 2024-10-20 7 Athens (Piraeus) Istanbul Kusadasi Encore 2024-10-20 14 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Kusadasi Encore 2024-10-20 32 Athens (Piraeus) Dubai Kusadasi Sojourn 2024-11-02 14 Barcelona Lisbon Casablanca Sojourn 2024-11-02 21 Barcelona Barcelona Casablanca Sojourn 2024-11-23 7 Barcelona Barcelona Ajaccio Sojourn 2024-11-30 28 Barcelona Seychelles To be determined Sojourn 2024-11-30 90 Barcelona Barcelona Durban Sojourn 2024-12-28 24 Seychelles Cape Town Durban Sojourn 2025-01-21 29 Cape Town Las Palmas Walvis Bay HOSTED
Ovation
Ovation
Odyssey
Encore
100 RANGE BY SEA ENSEMBLE Sojourn 2025-01-21 38 Cape Town Barcelona Walvis Bay Quest 2025-02-14 16 Sydney Benoa Darwin Quest 2025-02-14 30 Sydney Hong Kong Darwin Encore 2025-04-13 7 Venice (Fusina) Athens (Piraeus) Corfu Encore 2025-04-13 14 Venice (Fusina) Athens (Piraeus) Corfu Encore 2025-04-13 21 Venice (Fusina) Haifa Corfu Ovation 2025-04-15 20 Barcelona Barcelona Valletta Ovation 2025-04-15 30 Barcelona Rome (Civitavecchia) Valletta Ovation 2025-04-25 10 Monte Carlo Barcelona Valletta Ovation 2025-04-25 20 Monte Carlo Rome (Civitavecchia) Valletta Ovation 2025-04-25 30 Monte Carlo Barcelona Valletta Encore 2025-05-04 7 Haifa Athens (Piraeus) Antalya Encore 2025-05-04 14 Haifa Athens (Piraeus) Antalya Encore 2025-05-04 21 Haifa Dubrovnik Antalya Sojourn 2025-05-17 14 Barcelona London (Dover) Bordeaux Ovation 2025-05-25 10 Barcelona Barcelona Cartagena Ovation 2025-05-25 20 Barcelona Rome (Civitavecchia) Cartagena Quest 2025-05-30 7 Vancouver Juneau Ketchikan Quest 2025-05-30 14 Vancouver Vancouver Ketchikan Encore 2025-06-01 7 Dubrovnik Athens (Piraeus) Gallipoli Encore 2025-06-01 14 Dubrovnik Istanbul Gallipoli Encore 2025-06-01 21 Dubrovnik Athens (Piraeus) Gallipoli Quest 2025-06-27 7 Vancouver Juneau Ketchikan Quest 2025-06-27 14 Vancouver Vancouver Ketchikan Encore 2025-06-29 7 Venice (Fusina) Athens (Piraeus) Corfu Encore 2025-06-29 14 Venice (Fusina) Athens (Piraeus) Corfu Encore 2025-06-29 21 Venice (Fusina) Athens (Piraeus) Corfu Encore 2025-07-27 7 Istanbul Athens (Piraeus) Rhodes Encore 2025-07-27 14 Istanbul Venice (Fusina) Rhodes Encore 2025-07-27 21 Istanbul Athens (Piraeus) Rhodes Ovation 2025-07-31 10 Barcelona Rome (Civitavecchia) Toulon Ovation 2025-07-31 20 Barcelona Barcelona Toulon Ovation 2025-07-31 30 Barcelona Monte Carlo Toulon Quest 2025-08-08 7 Vancouver Juneau Ketchikan Quest 2025-08-08 14 Vancouver Vancouver Ketchikan Quest 2025-08-29 7 Juneau Vancouver Prince Rupert (BC) HOSTED
Ovation 2025-08-30
Ovation 2025-08-30
Ovation 2025-09-09
Ovation 2025-09-19
Monte Carlo Monte Carlo Valletta
Valletta
Monte Carlo Barcelona Valletta
Ovation 2025-09-19 20 Monte Carlo Monte Carlo Valletta
Encore 2025-09-21
Encore 2025-09-21
Encore 2025-09-21
Encore 2025-10-12
Encore 2025-10-12
Encore 2025-10-12
Cloud 2024-04-04
Athens (Piraeus) Istanbul Mykonos
Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Mykonos
Venice (Fusina) Istanbul Corfu
Venice (Fusina) Athens (Piraeus) Corfu
Silversea
Moon
Nova
Dawn 2024-05-14
Muse 2024-05-16
Moon 2024-06-09
Nova
Ray
Muse
Dawn
Ray
101 ENSEMBLE RANGE BY SEA
10
Monte Carlo Barcelona Valletta
20
20 Barcelona Barcelona
10
7
14
21
Athens (Piraeus) Venice (Fusina) Mykonos
7
Venice (Fusina) Athens (Piraeus) Corfu
14
21
12
Port Elizabeth Maputo US$250 onboard credit per person
13 Athens
Athens
Istanbul
2024-04-14 21 Manaus Dakar US$250 onboard credit per person Ship Date DayS embark DiSembark enSemble experience / excluSive Whisper 2024-04-29 10 Ashdod Venice Corfu
Spirit 2024-04-11
(Piraeus)
(Piraeus)
Wind
2024-05-05 18 Singapore Mumbai Phuket
7 Vancouver Seward Skagway
2024-05-09
10
Southampton Southampton Dublin
11 Seward
Vancouver Juneau
11 Athens
(Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Istanbul
7 Seward Vancouver Juneau
2024-06-13
2024-06-15 12 Lisbon Rome (Civitavecchia) Valencia
2024-06-27 11 Rome (Civitavecchia) Venice Valletta
2024-06-29 16 Reykjavik Churchill US$250 onboard credit per person
2024-07-08 11 Venice Athens (Piraeus) Corfu
2024-07-09 10 Broome Darwin US$250 onboard credit per person
2024-07-12 12 New York Quebec City Halifax
Ray
Endeavour
Ray
Cloud
Shadow
2024-07-15 10 Vancouver Seward Juneau
2024-07-16 7 Stockholm Copenhagen Tallin
2024-07-19 11 Athens (Piraeus) Venice Kotor
2024-07-26 11 Venice Rome (Civitavecchia) Valletta Spirit 2024-07-26 12 Southampton Southampton Belfast Whisper 2024-08-01 11 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Istanbul
Moon
HOSTED
102 RANGE BY SEA ENSEMBLE Endeavour 2024-08-18 16 Pond Inlet Reykjavik US$250 onboard credit per person Muse 2024-08-22 11 Seward Vancouver Juneau Ray 2024-08-25 11 Athens (Piraeus) Venice Dubrovnik Spirit 2024-08-29 9 Reykjavik Reykjavik Akureyri Muse 2024-09-02 10 Vancouver Seward Juneau Dawn 2024-09-05 14 Copenhagen Copenhagen Tallin Nova 2024-09-05 7 Seward Vancouver Skagway Ray 2024-09-05 7 Venice Venice Dubrovnik Moon 2024-10-01 10 Rome (Civitavecchia) Barcelona Marseille Dawn 2024-10-03 14 Copenhagen Copenhagen Tromso Spirit 2024-10-04 11 Lisbon Rome (Civitavecchia) Valencia Shadow 2024-10-08 10 New York Quebec City Halifax Spirit 2024-10-15 10 Rome (Civitavecchia) Venice Valletta Whisper 2024-10-15 12 Lisbon Athens (Piraeus) Malaga Moon 2024-10-18 15 Lisbon Lisbon Santa Cruz de la Palma Muse 2024-10-21 17 Singapore Brisbane Cairns Shadow 2024-10-28 15 New York Fort Lauderdale Curacao Moon 2024-11-02 20 Lisbon Lisbon Valletta Cloud 2024-11-07 12 Valparaiso Puerto Williams US$250 onboard credit per person Whisper 2024-11-07 11 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Haifa Ray 2024-11-12 11 Rome (Civitavecchia) Barcelona Valletta Dawn 2024-11-17 17 Athens (Piraeus) Doha Sharm el Sheik Wind 2024-11-18 20 Valparaiso Puerto Williams US$250 onboard credit per person Cloud 2024-11-19 10 Puerto Williams Puerto Williams US$250 onboard credit per person Endeavour 2024-11-19 6 King George Island King George Island US$250 onboard credit per person Moon 2024-11-22 14 Lisbon Fort Lauderdale Santa Cruz de la Palma Muse 2024-11-22 14 Sydney Auckland Dunedin Dawn 2024-12-04 18 Doha Singapore Mumbai Wind 2024-12-08 10 Puerto Williams Puerto Williams US$250 onboard credit per person Ray 2024-12-19 16 Fort Lauderdale Callao Cartagena, Columbia Nova 2024-12-20 16 Auckland Sydney US$250 onboard credit per person Whisper 2025-01-07 14 Singapore Hong Kong Ho Chi Minh City Dawn 2025-01-13 14 Tokyo Hong Kong Hiroshima Dawn 2025-01-27 11 Hong Kong Singapore Ho Chi Minh City Dawn 2025-02-07 17 Singapore Mumbai Colombo Spirit 2025-02-07 15 Cape Town Cape Town Walvis Bay HOSTED
Shadow 2025-02-19
Dawn 2025-02-24 20 Mumbai Istanbul Aqaba
Nova 2025-02-24 14 Singapore Hong Kong Ho Chi Minh City
Muse 2025-03-06 16 Singapore Tokyo Shanghai
Cloud 2025-03-09 22 Puerto Williams Valparaiso US$250 onboard credit per person
Dawn 2025-03-16 9 Istanbul Naples Thessaloniki
Moon 2025-03-21
Dawn 2025-03-25
Barbados Fort Lauderdale Antigua
Naples Lisbon Cadiz
Moon 2025-04-01 18 Fort Lauderdale Los Angeles Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Ray 2025-04-01 14 Fort Lauderdale Lisbon Hamilton, Bermuda
Dawn 2025-04-03 9 Lisbon Southampton Bordeaux
Shadow 2025-04-06 11 Papeete Papeete Bora Bora
Spirit 2025-04-10 17 Doha Athens (Piraeus) Sharm el Sheik
Dawn 2025-04-12 18 Southampton Stockholm Amsterdam
Moon 2025-04-19 19 Los Angeles Vancouver Lahaina
Nova 2025-04-23
Dawn 2025-04-30
Dawn 2025-05-13
Windstar Cruises
Tokyo Seward Kushiro
Stockholm Reykjavik Bergen
103 ENSEMBLE RANGE BY SEA
11
Papeete Papeete Bora Bora
11
9
16
13
16
New
Ship Date DayS embark DiSembark enSemble experience / excluSive Star Breeze 2024-06-27 7 Papeete Papeete Bora Bora Star Pride 2024-07-12 7 Reykjavik Reykjavik Akureyri Wind Star 2024-07-27 7 Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) Santorini Wind Surf 2024-09-13 8 Venice Rome (Civitavecchia) Dubrovnik Star Breeze 2024-10-31 7 Papeete Papeete Bora Bora Wind Surf 2025-01-25 7 St. Maarten St. Maarten To be determined Star Legend 2025-02-02 8 Dubai Muscat To be determined Star Breeze 2025-03-13 7 Papeete Papeete To be determined Wind Surf 2025-03-22 7 St. Maarten St. Maarten To be determined Star Pride 2025-07-28 7 Reykjavik Reykjavik To be determined
Reykjavik
York St. John’s (Newfoundland)
HOSTED
Elevate your next experience at sea with the Ensemble Hosted Cruise program.
Enjoy VIP privileges, dedicated on-board hosts and exclusive excursions — available only through your Ensemble travel advisor.