BON VOYAGE

Sustainably minded river-cruising line Avalon Waterways now offsets every passenger’s carbon footprint with donations to Trees4Travel. Cruisers can offset flights and other segments of their trips via a link on Avalon’s website.

From left: Previews of Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud,

Ocean Victory, Explora I’s

indoor pool, and a suite on

the Viking Mississippi.

MAKING WAVES

Details about the first luxury cruise line to debut in years are still pretty hush-hush, but Explora Journeys has teased a few highlights of the first of its four ships, the 900-passenger Explora I. Oceanfront suites will start at a spacious 377 square feet, while residences reach up to 3,014 square feet. Cruisers can expect four pools (one with a retractable glass roof), nine restaurants, and an indooroutdoor spa. Explora I will launch in 2023 with eight-day voyages designed around unconventional arrival and departure times for more hours ashore, as well as overnight stays. Inaugural departure to be announced.

THE VIKINGS ARE COMING

This summer, Viking river cruises stakes a claim to North America’s most iconic waterway. The new 386-passenger Viking Mississippi embraces the European line’s Scandinavian design with staterooms that include verandas, king beds, complimentary minibars, and bathrooms with heated floors. Aquavit Terrace is the spot for alfresco dining with a grill and carving station, while the River Café features gumbo and other regional favorites. Inaugural departure: August 27; from $4,899.