Cruise News

From zero-waste cruising to a rise in sailing solo, here’s what’s making waves.

By Aimi Mayne

TREND

Go Nolo

According to a recent survey by Avalon Waterways, 13 percent of cruisers are planning to travel solo on their next river booking — and the cruise line is catering to this growing trend. Avalon Waterways does not charge single supplements on select staterooms for most departures in Europe and Southeast Asia, and president Pam Hoffee is spreading the word about river cruising’s opportunities for “nolo” (on your own but never alone) experiences: “From small-group, passion-packed excursions to on-your-own exploration with the AvalonGo app, our guests are invited to not only uncover new discoveries, but to learn new things about themselves, every day, along the way.”

SUSTAINABILITY

Cruising Toward Zero Food Waste

Hurtigruten’s full circle “farm-tofleet-to-farm” initiative is fighting food waste. Dishes on board the cruise line’s signature Coastal Express voyage not only feature local Norwegian produce, but any edible leftovers are sorted by the kitchen and converted to compost when they reach port in Stamsund. It doesn’t stop there: The compost is then delivered to a nearby farm, which supplies fresh vegetables and herbs back to the ship.

RAIL × SAIL

Where the Ocean Meets the Tracks

Thanks to new hybrid experiences, you can ride the rails and sail the seas in one go. Hop a train to your Princess Cruises ship with its Rail & Sail program, a partnership with rail service Brightline that offers transit from five Florida train terminals to two departing cruise ports. In November, Crystal’s Crystal Ports & Vintage Rail of Europe itinerary will sail passengers from Rome to Venice before they board the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Paris. And on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, the immersive dining experience Royal Railway – Utopia Station takes you on a virtual train trip courtesy of LED screens in the faux railcars’ windows.

HACK

Magnetic Hooks

Did you know stateroom walls are metal? Take advantage of this cruise-ship quirk by packing a few magnetic hooks. The small-but-mighty accessories are perfect for hanging everything from room-key lanyards, hats and totes to still damp towels and bathing suits.