Tribes Super Travel Feed

Travel to Scotland and Ireland with Brendan Vacations and Save

Thu, 11 Jun 26 15:57:45 +0000

For a limited time, this Celtic travel-focused company is making booking your next trip to Ireland and Scotland even easier with hundreds of dollars in savings on 2026 and 2027 tours across all the company’s travel styles.

Book one of Brendan Vacations’ Ireland or Scotland trips, including Guided Vacations, Small Group Tours, and independent trip itineraries, and save during their summer promotion.

CONTACT US TODAY

AND

LET US HELP YOU FIND YOUR PERFECT CELTIC TRIP AND TRAVEL STYLE!

2027 Savings on Classic Guided Tours

Travelers can save 10% on select Signature and Premium Guided Tours in 2027, including a dedicated expert Travel Director, transportation, curated accommodations, and immersive sightseeing experiences.

The Early Booking Advantage offers travellers first access to the widest selection of 2027 departures with the best pricing and more flexibility to coordinate travel arrangements and runs through September 30, 2026. On-sale itineraries include:

Highlights of Ireland and Scotland (Signature): An 11-day tour from Dublin to Edinburgh covering the best of both countries, from the Giant's Causeway and the Ring of Kerry to the Scottish Highlands, historic castles, and scenic lochs.
Ireland's Icons (Premium): A 10-day round-trip journey from Dublin covering Ireland's most storied regions, including the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, and a “MAKE TRAVEL MATTER” Experience at Powerscourt Gardens.

Small Group Tours

On Brendan Vacations’ new Small Group Tours, travellers can save USD 500 per person ($650 CAD) on 2026 and 2027 departures limited to 18–24 guests.

This intimate style pairs premium accommodations, including select castle stays, with deep local connections and at least one “MAKE TRAVEL MATTER” Experience per itinerary. New itineraries include:

Scotland at Leisure: An eight-day journey from Edinburgh through the Scottish Highlands, combining sea crossings to Iona, the famous landscapes of Glencoe and the Isle of Skye, and immersive local experiences including whisky tasting and Harris Tweed craft.
Extraordinary Ireland: A 12-day circular journey tracing Ireland's story from Dublin's Georgian squares and Galway's cobbled streets to the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, the Giant's Causeway, and the walled city of Derry/Londonderry.

Flexible Travel Styles

For travelers seeking freedom to explore at their own pace, Brendan Vacations’ flexible independent travel options combine personalized planning with on-the-ground support and trusted local expertise:

Self-Drive & Rail Vacations:

Travelers save hundreds depending on the total price of your independent curated scenic itinerary by car or rail, with hand-picked accommodations and seamless logistical coordination.

Ireland Coast to Coast (Self-Drive): A fully flexible journey through Ireland's most iconic landscapes, from the medieval streets of Kilkenny and the Cliffs of Moher to the charm of Killarney and Dromoland Castle.
Scotland's Festive Adventure (Rail, NEW): A nine-day winter rail journey through Edinburgh, Inverness, and Glasgow, taking in Christmas markets, whisky experiences, snow-dusted Highlands, and Scotland's festive seasonal charm.

Private Driver & Luxury Self-Drive Vacations:

Travelers save hundreds depending on the total price of your independent itinerary, which can combine customized routing, accommodations from Catherine’s Collection, and expert support with private drivers or luxury vehicles.

Irish Cities, Landscapes & Castles (Private Driver): A fully flexible journey through Ireland's contrasts, from Dublin and the ancient monastic site of Glendalough to the Ring of Kerry and a stay at Dromoland Castle.
Scotland's Highlands and Hidden Roads (Luxury Self-Drive): A ten-day journey through Scotland's Highlands, sparkling lochs, and charming villages, with the freedom to explore independently in a premium vehicle with accommodations from Catherine's Collection.

Brendan’s Every Season Sale is valid on select 2026 and 2027 Small Group Tours and independent departures and must be booked by July 31, 2026.

The Early Booking Advantage is valid on select 2027 Guided Vacation departures and must be booked by September 30, 2026. All offers are subject to availability at the time of booking, so book early to get your choice of date and trip!

*** Images courtesy of Brendan Vacations

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary, pricing and date details.

30% Off Plus Pre-Cruise Hotel, Air Offers on Crystal Cruises

Thu, 11 Jun 26 15:57:45 +0000

Only until July 31: Ultra-luxury Crystal Cruises is extending its Exceptional Savings Offer of up to 30% off – and it’s combinable with Crystal’s ‘More in the Med’ hotel offer or their ‘Caribbean Included Air’ Offer!

ASK US HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE VALUE OF YOUR NEXT CRYSTAL CRUISE!

Book by July 31 to Save

Exceptional Savings Offer:

Save up to 30% off eligible 2026, 2027, and 2028 voyages

Featured itineraries included in this offer:

Lisbon – Barcelona, 7 Nights: Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 21, 2026 aboard Crystal Serenity
Barcelona - Civitavecchia (Rome), 9 Nights: Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026 aboard Crystal Serenity
Fusina (Venice) - Piraeus (Athens), 7 Nights: Sep 8, 2026 - Sep 15, 2026 aboard Crystal Serenity
Lisbon – Lisbon, 6 Nights: Oct 11, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026 aboard Crystal Serenity

For even more benefits, combine Exceptional Savings with other Crystal Cruises offers!

Caribbean Included Air

Get an air credit of up to $6,000 when you book your flights through Crystal, or up to $4,000 cruise credit if you arrange your own flight;
Available on select 2026 Americas & Caribbean voyages;
Guests booking Crystal air will receive up to USD $1,500/CAD $3,000 per person. Book your own air and receive an air credit of up to USD$1,000/CAD$2,000 per person, applied towards either your cruise booking or airport transfers.

Book by July 31, 2026.

More About Crystal

For more than three decades, Crystal has been synonymous with exceptional, award-winning voyages. In 2022, AKTG (Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group) acquired the Crystal brand and its two vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, ushering in a new era of being ‘Exceptional at Sea’ following a $170 million refurbishment of the two ships. The globally renowned cruise line offers discerning travelers industry-leading, authentic, and enriching experiences both onshore and at sea. Crystal’s pioneering partnership with Abercrombie & Kent provides guests with unparalleled access to the most sought-after experiences and destinations around the world. The reimagined ships boast larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes, and almost one crew member per guest.

With a legacy of unrivalled service and commitment to sophistication and elegance at every touchpoint, once onboard, guests feel as if they are perfectly at home.

Crystal is home to the first-ever Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea as part of an exclusive partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), and world-class dining includes Umi Uma, the only dining experience at sea by chef Nobu (Nobuyuki Matsuhisa), and the only Beefbar on the ocean, a collaboration with visionary restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi, and a specially curated Osteria d’Ovidio menu by three-time Michelin-starred Italian chef Massimiliano and celebrated restaurateur Raffaele Alajmo. The ships also feature cutting-edge wellness at the Aurōra Spa, and spectacular entertainment including Broadway-standard shows.

*** Images courtesy of Crystal Cruises

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary, date and pricing details

Gaudí at 100: Barcelona's Most Famous Architect "Raising the Roof" of the City

Thu, 11 Jun 26 15:57:45 +0000

One hundred years after his death, Antoni Gaudí remains impossible to separate from Barcelona.

The Catalan architect died on June 10, 1926, one of the most defining architects of any era, tragically struck down by a tram. A century later, his extraordinary buildings are not only the city's most recognizable landmarks, but they have also become symbols of Barcelona itself. For most travelers, a first visit to the Catalan regional capital is as much about discovering Gaudí as it is about experiencing Spain.

Celebrating the Centenary: Momentous Milestone for Sagrada Familia

Throughout 2026, Barcelona is hosting a year-long program of events commemorating the architect's life and legacy with exhibitions, concerts, cultural programs, special tours, and commemorative events across the city.

The centrepiece of the anniversary is a milestone in the long story of the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s masterpiece towering over Barcelona.

The basilica that is the greatest legacy of the architect is still being built. Construction on Sagrada Familia began in 1882. And although Sagrada Familia will not be fully completed until well into the next decade, it has already achieved UNESCO World Heritage designation.

In death, Gaudí remains with his life’s work. He is buried beneath the nave.

The 100th anniversary of his passing was commemorated on June 10, 2026, by the inauguration of the completed Tower of Jesus Christ, now the tallest church tower in the world.

It was a celebration for the ages, with Pope Leo XIV traveling to Barcelona, joining the King and Queen of Spain and other dignitaries for a commemorative Mass celebrating Antoni Gaudí, and inaugurating the Tower of Jesus Christ.

A cross that reaches the sky above Barcelona

The completion of the 172.5-meter (568-foot) tower fulfills one of Gaudí's most ambitious visions.

The Tower of Jesus Christ is the central tower of the Sagrada Família tower grouping, and the last one to be completed. It is surrounded by the four towers of the Evangelists and the tower of the Virgin Mary. It has 12 faces. The tower is topped with a three-dimensional four-armed cross, which itself is 17 meters (55 feet) tall and 13.5 meters (44 feet) wide.

Gaudí wanted the cross to shine both day and night. So it features white enameled ceramic and glass, two shiny materials that reflect the vivid Barcelona sun (and can also stand up to exposure to the elements). Spotlights will ensure the cross continues to be a beacon throughout the nights.

Inside, the church remains one of Europe's most phenomenal interiors. Gaudí designed the soaring columns to resemble a forest canopy, with stained glass creating an ever-changing play of light throughout the day.

The ceremonies were an exceptional tribute to the architect and his dream of building a temple conceived as a ‘great stone Bible,’ where art and architecture share with the world the values that inspired the basilica: faith, culture, nature, spirituality and the pursuit of beauty.

The Architect Who Became Barcelona

Gaudí's significance extends far beyond architecture. His work helped shape modern Catalan identity and became one of the defining expressions of Catalonia's artistic and cultural confidence at the turn of the twentieth century.

Inspired by nature, religion, geometry, and local craftsmanship, he rejected conventional architectural rules and created a style that remains instantly recognizable and completely unique today. Sagrada Familia is just one of seven of his works that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Many cities are known for their architecture. Barcelona is unusual because one architect's vision became inseparable from the city's identity. Gaudí buildings are often the first images travelers associate with Barcelona.

The Essential Gaudí Sites

For first-time visitors to Barcelona, four landmarks form the core of any Gaudí itinerary:

Sagrada Família — Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece and Barcelona's most visited attraction.
Park Güell — A whimsical landscape of colorful mosaics, organic forms, and panoramic city views.
Casa Batlló — The architect's fantasy-like reinterpretation of an urban townhouse.
Casa Milà (La Pedrera) — Famous for its flowing stone façade and sculptural rooftop chimneys.

Together, they showcase the architect's mature style and his extraordinary ability to blur the boundaries between architecture, art, fantasy and nature.

Why Gaudí Still Matters

The anniversary gives us the opportunity to celebrate Gaudí's greatest achievement - the extraordinary, unparalleled Sagrada Familia - AND that his legacy was not that single building. Many destinations have famous architects and landmark structures.

Gaudí created a visual language so distinctive and even other-worldly that it became the visual and cultural identity of an entire city.

Just one hundred years after his death, a 2000-year-old city can’t be imagined without the vision and cultural signature Gaudí imprinted on this Mediterranean coastal city.

START YOUR TRIP!

Top images from video courtesy of Sagrada Familia

Bottom Image and story: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

Scotland's Greatest Summer Spectacle: the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Thu, 11 Jun 26 15:57:45 +0000

Every August, something remarkable happens on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. The ancient fortress, perched atop the craggy remnants of a volcano in the center of Scotland’s capital city, becomes the backdrop for one of the world's most moving and evocative live performances: the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Not ‘That’ Kind of Tattoo

Don’t let the name fool you. There’s no ink involved! The word "tattoo" comes from a 17th-century Dutch military phrase “doe den tap toe,” meaning "turn off the taps"—a specific theme played by drummers in towns near barracks, signalling bartenders to stop serving and soldiers to abide by curfew. Scottish mercenaries took the term home, morphing it into referring tomilitary evening ceremonies with displays of music, marching, and pageantry of massed bands of bagpipes and drums played by Scots in full Highland military regalia.

Edinburgh turned the historic tradition of tattoos into an international phenomenon and spectacle that still today takes your breath away – and transports you to ancient Highland Scots culture.

I’ve always been moved by bagpipes and loved how the sight of a kilt or tartan reminded me of my Scottish ancestry.

But you don’t need even one drop of Scottish blood in your family tree to be pulled into another time, life and place at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Goosebumps

It’s the setting as much as the pipes and drums.

As the sun sets over Scotland's capital, the floodlit walls of Edinburgh Castle tower above tiered grandstands on the castle’s ramped esplanade, built specifically for the event. Massive torches flicker in the wind.

The castle isn't merely a backdrop; it's a character in the show, and a virtual time machine for everyone in attendance. Pipes echo off the stone ramparts, and kilts snap around knees. If you know your tartans, in your head, you start naming the clans and regiments represented.

Precision Scottish military bands aren’t the only ones marching across the parade ground. Every year, dancers, drummers, singers, and cultural performers from around the world are invited to Edinburgh to complement Scottish culture with dramatic international color. Think equestrian regiments from North Africa galloping in formation. Or precision rifle drill teams from elite American military units.

Alongside storied projection mapping, lighting effects, lasers, and fireworks that add contemporary showmanship without diminishing the Tattoo’s historic roots.

And just when you think there’s nothing more majestic than massed pipes and drums making the earth vibrate under your feet ….

The Tattoo draws to an end with a lone piper appearing on the battlements next to a single torch that extinguishes as the last note fades into the wind and the hair on the back of your neck rises.

Tattoo Tips for Travelers

The three-week Tattoo is perfectly timed for summer visitors to Scotland. It takes place during Edinburgh's famed August festival season, sharing the city with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, and a host of other cultural events.

By day, explore the medieval Old Town, Georgian New Town, museums, whisky bars, and literary landmarks. By night, join thousands of spectators climbing Castle Hill for the Tattoo.

Travel tips:

Book early. The best seats often sell months in advance. We were lucky to be cruising in Scotland, and the Tattoo was an included shore experience with VIP seating, so our seats had already been secured. A cruise line or a tour operator books blocks of often the best seats in advance; another reason to let someone else take care of your travel details!
Dress for Scottish weather, which can change dramatically even during a single performance! The Tattoo is famously a rain-or-shine event.

In a world overflowing with festivals, the Edinburgh Tattoo remains genuinely unique. Part concert, part military tradition, part deeply meaningful Scottish cultural touchstone, and part theatrical spectacle, it is one of those rare travel experiences that moves you to the point of goosebumps and remains at the top of your memory for years to come.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

The Natural Thrills of Costa Rica

Thu, 11 Jun 26 15:57:45 +0000

If you want the focus of your vacation to be an authentic immersion into raw nature, put Costa Rica on your list of outdoor adventure destinations. This Central American country is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. In a territory roughly the size of the state of Vermont, it contains nearly 6% of the world’s known species!

Even more amazing is that over 25% of Costa Rica – from its cloud forests and rainforests to volcanoes, mangroves, and coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea – is protected through a network of national parks, wildlife refuges, and conservation areas. A global model for conservation and sustainable tourism through decades of early vision and environmental leadership, including large-scale reforestation and ecotourism initiatives.

Embrace Your Wild Side

Immerse yourself in nature and push your physical limits in adrenaline-fueled expeditions like these:

White Water Rafting on the Pacuare River:

Often ranked among the world’s best rafting rivers, the Pacuare delivers 18 miles of heart-pounding rapids (Class III–IV) in just one day, through a lush, untouched rainforest. Also, with 52 rapids in a single day trip and sights like the towering Huacas waterfall, this is an unforgettable ride packed with natural beauty and pure excitement.

Catching Waves:

Witch’s Rock, located in Santa Rosa National Park, is famous for its powerful A-frame wave that breaks both left and right. Best accessed by boat, this remote surf spot offers consistent conditions, especially when southwest swells meet northeast winds. For those chasing one of the longest left-hand breaks in the world, Pavones is also a must. Tucked along the southern Pacific coast, it delivers legendary rides during Green Season swells.

Mountain Biking:

Explore the rugged beauty of Arenal’s rainforest on two wheels through trails deep within the jungle, zooming through farmlands, river crossings, and mud roads, while even getting to witness epic volcano views and the beautiful Lake Arenal. Whether you're up for short slope casual riding or tackling Arenal 1968's high-intensity downhill tracks with dramatic curves, this region offers challenging terrain and excitement.

Volcano and Cave Exploration:

Costa Rica's most active volcanic region offers a different kind of adrenaline. Hike through steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and volcanic landscapes before descending into lesser-known lava tube formations and caves created by past eruptions. The terrain combines geology, wildlife, and adventure, with opportunities for rugged backcountry trekking far from the country's more visited attractions.

Extreme Canyoning:

Canyoneering just outside La Fortuna is a full-body adventure through Costa Rica’s wild rainforest terrain. Rappel down waterfalls up to 200 feet in height, scramble up and down rocky cliffs, and leap into pristine deep canyon pools—some cliffs from as high as 40 feet. Prepare for a packed itinerary full of adrenaline-fueled experiences that blend challenges with panoramic scenic views.

Sea Kayaking and Bioluminescence Paddling:

For an adventure that unfolds after dark, paddle through mangrove channels and protected coastal waters in the Gulf of Nicoya, where microscopic organisms create glowing blue trails in the water with every stroke of your paddle. Night kayaking trips combine wildlife spotting, navigation by starlight, and the rare chance to witness one of nature's most remarkable phenomena.

TIP:

Look for reputable, accredited operators for the best advice and experienced guides that ensure you optimize the timing and safety of your adventure for the thrill of a lifetime.

As you’ll hear time and time again in Costa Rica: “Pura Vida!” or “Pure Life!” The unofficial national motto and mindset: the value of spending time outdoors, connecting with nature, prioritizing family and community, simplicity and a positive outlook.

It’s the perfect call to an adventure in the extraordinary embrace of Costa Rica.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Visit Costa Rica

Personalized Golf Cruises on Hapag-Lloyd

Thu, 11 Jun 26 15:57:45 +0000

Golf & Cruise voyages from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises combine international golf destinations with the comfort of the luxury ships and exclusive travel experiences, now with even more personalization.

In addition to the specially designed Golf & Cruise voyages, guests can add individual golf packages on all EUROPA and EUROPA 2 sailings. Options range from introductory lessons and advanced training programs to customized golf arrangements tailored to specific destinations and stages of a cruise. Onboard golf simulators allow guests to practice during sea days, while video analysis and year-round PGA professional support help players refine their technique.

Golf & Cruise: bookable on select cruises before departure

Selected Golf & Cruise voyages visit exceptional golf destinations around the world and are accompanied by renowned PGA professionals who assist guests both onboard and ashore. Destinations range from tropical rainforest courses to spectacular coastal fairways.

Alongside rounds on carefully selected courses, guests benefit from personalized coaching, simulator sessions, and training designed to improve their game.

Golf & Cruise package

The package includes PGA professional support, green fees, driving range warm-ups, transfers and logistics, trolleys or carts (subject to availability), presentations, training sessions with video analysis, luggage and club service, shoe cleaning, welcome events, golf gifts, and an exclusive dinner with the PGA professional.

Bespoke golf arrangements available on all cruises

Guests can also enjoy golf throughout any EUROPA or EUROPA 2 sailing with flexible options, including:

Golf taster package – introductory instruction for beginners (2 x 50-minute sessions, €169)
Golf training package – six coaching sessions designed to improve technique for all ability levels (€249 per person)
Golf à la carte – customized golf experiences including tee-time reservations, transfers, equipment logistics, and optional on-course coaching
Golf excursions ashore – small-group golf outings organized and led by the onboard PGA professional

Example Hapag-Lloyd Golf & Cruise voyages in 2027 and 2028

The charm of the Canary Islands meets oriental magic: golf pro Stefan Quirmbach

This 12-day voyage from Mallorca to Tenerife combines exceptional golf destinations in southern Spain and North Africa, concluding on the volcanic island of La Gomera. Accompanied by Stefan Quirmbach, President of the PGA of Germany, guests will enjoy play on carefully selected courses throughout the journey.

October 25– November 6, 2027

PLATINUM fare from €5,990 per person (double occupancy, early booking discount applies).

Golf package: Four courses, €1,890 per person.

A colorful start to the year on distant shores: golf pro André Sallmann

This 12-day sailing from Colombo to Singapore showcases premier golf destinations in Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Highlights include courses overlooking the Indian Ocean, rainforest fairways, and championship layouts designed by some of golf’s most respected names. The voyage is accompanied by André Sallmann, a former professional golfer and coach with Golf Team Germany.

PLATINUM fare from €5,020 per person (double occupancy, early booking discount applies).

Golf package: Three courses, €1,890 per person.

About Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the leading luxury and expedition cruise brand in German-speaking markets. Its five small ships are the only fleet worldwide awarded the highest five-star rating by Insight Guides 2025. Since 2020, the brand has been part of TUI Cruises GmbH, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

The entire fleet is now fully bilingual, offering all sailings in both English and German.

*** Image: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full itinerary, date and pricing details.

The Cruise Line Breeding “Super Coral” and Other Good News for World Oceans Day

Thu, 11 Jun 26 15:57:45 +0000

The private island for Explora Journeys and MSC Cruises, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, is at the forefront of a cruise-industry-wide drive to support and sustain the world’s oceans. World Oceans Day is the perfect time to share some of those stories as we reflect that nearly three-quarters of our Earth is covered in oceans. Whether you live on one of the world’s coastlines or cruise, oceans affect us all.

The water dominating the surface of our “Blue Planet,” helps regulate the entire world’s climate and weather by absorbing heat and storing carbon dioxide.

Did you know oceans produce half of the oxygen we breathe, through microscopic marine plants - phytoplankton? The heat and movement of oceans also affect weather patterns, rainfall, and temperatures that affect farming and freshwater supplies far beyond coastal regions.

As a cruise lover, I’m proud that cruising stands up for oceans and our Blue Planet.

The cruise industry has a collective goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), every new generation of cruise ship is 20% more energy-efficient than the previous class of ships. So new cruise ships are about more than new design, dining, and entertainment experiences!

If, like me, the more you cruise, the more you fall in love with and want to protect the oceans.

On World Oceans Day, we can learn more about how cruise lines are being part of the solution, the projects they are supporting and spearheading - some of which you, as a cruise guest, can participate in! - and what we as individuals can do to make a difference.

MSC Cruises / Explora Journeys / MSC Foundation

Super Coral Program – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Meet the marine biologist helping develop ‘Super Coral.’

The Super Coral Program is one of the cruise industry's most ambitious coral-restoration initiatives. Scientists are identifying and propagating heat-resistant strains of endangered coral to help reefs survive warming oceans. Guests visiting Ocean Cay can see coral nurseries and learn about ongoing restoration efforts.

Mission Blue Partnership

The Mission Blue Partnership is a multi-year collaboration supporting marine protected areas ("Hope Spots"), ocean literacy programs and seagrass restoration projects in the Mediterranean.

“Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation.”

To celebrate World Oceans Day this year, it has launched “Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation.” It’s a new onboard program for children and families combining learning, creativity and participation and helping nurture the next generation of ocean ambassadors.

The onboard program is designed around three pillars – celebrating the ocean on every cruise, placing children and families at the center of the experience, and fostering ocean literacy. It draws on the MSC Foundation’s years of collaboration with conservation and education partners, combining lessons from its restoration work at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas with the expertise of organizations such as Mission Blue and Marevivo to create immersive experiences.

Viking Expeditions

Science Lab Program

Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris were designed as working research vessels with onboard wet and dry laboratories. Scientists sail alongside guests conducting research in polar regions, the Great Lakes and other sensitive ecosystems.

Genomics at Sea Program (GASP)

In partnership with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the J. Craig Venter Institute, Viking supports onboard environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing to study marine biodiversity and monitor ecosystem health through its Genomics at Sea Program.

Fjord Phyto Citizen Science Program

Guests help collect phytoplankton samples for NASA-supported research. Phytoplankton produce roughly half of Earth's oxygen and are critical indicators of ocean health.

Great Lakes Research Partnerships

Viking's expedition ships support freshwater science, biodiversity monitoring and water-quality research throughout the Great Lakes—an important reminder that protecting waterways extends far beyond oceans.

WATCH VIDEO: Highlights of a Great Lakes Cruise on Viking with Scientists and Guest-included Research

HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions)

Citizen Science Program

Widely considered the gold standard in expedition cruise citizen science. Guests can participate in collecting water samples, recording wildlife sightings, monitoring marine debris and supporting climate research.

HX Foundation

Supports projects focused on marine biodiversity, plastic pollution reduction, conservation education and community initiatives in destinations visited by expedition ships.

Ponant

Ponant Science Foundation

Funds scientific research and biodiversity studies and brings researchers on board the fleet in remote marine environments including Antarctica, the Arctic and Pacific islands.

Ponant and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) recently unveiled new initiatives to protect polar environments. Their enhanced partnership introduces:

The Polar Ocean Image Collection: A collaboration with WHOI and The Ocean Agency, this open-access bank provides non-commercial, media-quality images to scientists, educators, and journalists to raise awareness about rapidly changing cryospheric regions.
AI-enabled Whale Spotter Cameras and autonomous sensors on board ships to study remote sea ice and protect marine wildlife from vessel strikes.

Adelie Penguins, Antarctica image: Alexandre Herbrecht, Studio PONANT / Ocean Image Bank

Royal Caribbean Group

WWF Global Ocean Conservation Partnership

Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, has a partnership with the renowned World Wildlife Fund supporting sustainable tourism, destination stewardship, responsible seafood sourcing, ocean conservation projects and environmental education.

World Wildlife at Sea

An onboard ocean education program, developed with WWF, helps guests better understand marine ecosystems and conservation challenges.

Celebrity Cruises

Galápagos Conservation Projects

Celebrity's Galápagos operations support a variety of conservation initiatives in partnership with the local community and the Galápagos National Park. Efforts have included giant tortoise restoration, invasive species management and habitat protection.

Cunard

ORCA Marine Mammal Monitoring Program

Passengers and trained volunteers help collect whale, dolphin and porpoise sighting data for the UK marine conservation charity ORCA. Decades of observations have contributed to marine mammal research and protection efforts.

Lindblad Expeditions/ Nat Geo

National Geographic-Lindblad Conservation Fund

Supports marine conservation, scientific research and habitat protection in destinations including Antarctica, Alaska and the Galápagos.

Research and Scientist-in-Residence Programs

Scientists frequently travel aboard Lindblad ships, conducting field research and engaging guests in ongoing conservation projects.

Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship

This program gives pre-K–12 educators the opportunity to sail on board ships to participate in field-based exploration, providing a transformative, real-world experience that teachers can bring back to their classrooms, schools, and communities, improving geographic literacy and awareness.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

Coral Reef and Mangrove Restoration Projects

Through destination partnerships and sustainability programs, Norwegian's brands—including Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises—have participated in coral reef, mangrove and coastal restoration initiatives in destinations throughout the Caribbean and elsewhere.

Cruise travel is a choice and a privilege, and we hope cruise travelers will support cruise lines and projects that make a difference to preserve, sustain, and protect the vast oceans that inspire us to travel and sustain the planet.

START YOUR CRUISE TRIP!

Videos and story: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

Images courtesy of respective cruise lines or as noted

Early Booking Savings Up to 18% on 2027 Riverside Luxury Cruises

Thu, 11 Jun 26 15:57:45 +0000

Europe’s newest and most luxurious river cruise line is offering bonuses for advance booking of its distinctive vacations on the Rhine, Rhône, Danube, Moselle, and Main rivers in 2027.

The earlier you book next year’s cruise, the more you save!

Early Booking Discounts for Riverside Luxury Cruises Departing in 2027:

18% discount for all bookings made by June 30, 2026
15% discount for all bookings made between July 1, 2026 and February 28, 2027
10% discount for all bookings made between March 1 and May 31, 2027

Inclusive Luxury on Europe’s Rivers

Riverside Luxury Cruises has been recognized as the top luxury river cruise line, and for multiple years in a row, for Best Dining on river cruises.

The all-suites Riverside Mozart, Riverside Ravel, and Riverside Debussy offer the largest average river cruise suite size, all with king-size beds, the highest staff-to-guest ratio, and up to five onboard restaurants.

Enjoy butler service in every suite; gourmet cuisine made with high-quality, fresh ingredients prepared a la minute; included premium wines and spirits; complimentary StarLink broadband Wi-Fi; unlimited shore excursions to immerse in Europe’s history, cultures and landmarks; prepaid gratuities; and complimentary ground transfers.

Guests can choose active tours from a menu of Riverside Choice excursions; take out a pedal- or e-bike, stored on board, for self-guided exploration; and bask in a rejuvenating treatment in the onboard FEHI Spa.

On all itineraries, the ships stay late or overnight in some of Europe’s most captivating towns and cities, so guests can immerse themselves in authentic cultures and the destination’s social life.

Throughout, every member of Riverside’s exceptional staff and crew delivers intuitive and personalized service for an all-inclusive and luxurious experience.

Flexible / Modular Itinerary Schedules: Build Your Own Cruise!

While many river cruise lines structure itineraries in fixed weekly or 7-day blocks on busy Saturday-Saturday schedules, Riverside offers sailings of three, four and five nights that can easily be added to other vacation plans along with the classic seven-night itineraries. Longer sailings are also available, ranging from 10 all the way to 23 nights.

This flexible, modular structure allows guests to tailor their river cruise to their travel plans, choosing the sailing length, departure days and embarkation cities that best suit their itinerary. This unique arrangement makes it easy for guests to combine their land vacations with an amazing luxury sojourn on some of Europe’s best rivers.

The approach also opens a wider range of embarkation and debarkation possibilities – and flexible flight dates - along Europe’s rivers.

***Images: Riverside Luxury Cruises

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary, date and pricing details.

Personalized Golf Cruises on Hapag-Lloyd

Thu, 11 Jun 26 14:13:18 +0000

Golf & Cruise voyages from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises combine international golf destinations with the comfort of the luxury ships and exclusive travel experiences, now with even more personalization.

Golf & Cruise: bookable on select cruises before departure

Alongside rounds on carefully selected courses, guests benefit from personalized coaching, simulator sessions, and training designed to improve their game.

Golf & Cruise package

Bespoke golf arrangements available on all cruises

Guests can also enjoy golf throughout any EUROPA or EUROPA 2 sailing with flexible options, including:

Golf taster package – introductory instruction for beginners (2 x 50-minute sessions, €169)
Golf training package – six coaching sessions designed to improve technique for all ability levels (€249 per person)
Golf à la carte – customized golf experiences including tee-time reservations, transfers, equipment logistics, and optional on-course coaching
Golf excursions ashore – small-group golf outings organized and led by the onboard PGA professional

Example Hapag-Lloyd Golf & Cruise voyages in 2027 and 2028

The charm of the Canary Islands meets oriental magic: golf pro Stefan Quirmbach

October 25– November 6, 2027

PLATINUM fare from €5,990 per person (double occupancy, early booking discount applies).

Golf package: Four courses, €1,890 per person.

A colorful start to the year on distant shores: golf pro André Sallmann

PLATINUM fare from €5,020 per person (double occupancy, early booking discount applies).

Golf package: Three courses, €1,890 per person.

About Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

The entire fleet is now fully bilingual, offering all sailings in both English and German.

*** Image: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full itinerary, date and pricing details.

Early Booking Savings Up to 18% on 2027 Riverside Luxury Cruises

Thu, 11 Jun 26 13:52:44 +0000

Europe’s newest and most luxurious river cruise line is offering bonuses for advance booking of its distinctive vacations on the Rhine, Rhône, Danube, Moselle, and Main rivers in 2027.

The earlier you book next year’s cruise, the more you save!

Early Booking Discounts for Riverside Luxury Cruises Departing in 2027:

18% discount for all bookings made by June 30, 2026
15% discount for all bookings made between July 1, 2026 and February 28, 2027
10% discount for all bookings made between March 1 and May 31, 2027

Inclusive Luxury on Europe’s Rivers

Riverside Luxury Cruises has been recognized as the top luxury river cruise line, and for multiple years in a row, for Best Dining on river cruises.

Throughout, every member of Riverside’s exceptional staff and crew delivers intuitive and personalized service for an all-inclusive and luxurious experience.

Flexible / Modular Itinerary Schedules: Build Your Own Cruise!

The approach also opens a wider range of embarkation and debarkation possibilities – and flexible flight dates - along Europe’s rivers.

***Images: Riverside Luxury Cruises

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary, date and pricing details.

Travel to Scotland and Ireland with Brendan Vacations and Save

Thu, 11 Jun 26 13:32:27 +0000

Book one of Brendan Vacations’ Ireland or Scotland trips, including Guided Vacations, Small Group Tours, and independent trip itineraries, and save during their summer promotion.

CONTACT US TODAY

AND

LET US HELP YOU FIND YOUR PERFECT CELTIC TRIP AND TRAVEL STYLE!

2027 Savings on Classic Guided Tours

Highlights of Ireland and Scotland (Signature): An 11-day tour from Dublin to Edinburgh covering the best of both countries, from the Giant's Causeway and the Ring of Kerry to the Scottish Highlands, historic castles, and scenic lochs.
Ireland's Icons (Premium): A 10-day round-trip journey from Dublin covering Ireland's most storied regions, including the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, and a “MAKE TRAVEL MATTER” Experience at Powerscourt Gardens.

Small Group Tours

On Brendan Vacations’ new Small Group Tours, travellers can save USD 500 per person ($650 CAD) on 2026 and 2027 departures limited to 18–24 guests.

Scotland at Leisure: An eight-day journey from Edinburgh through the Scottish Highlands, combining sea crossings to Iona, the famous landscapes of Glencoe and the Isle of Skye, and immersive local experiences including whisky tasting and Harris Tweed craft.
Extraordinary Ireland: A 12-day circular journey tracing Ireland's story from Dublin's Georgian squares and Galway's cobbled streets to the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, the Giant's Causeway, and the walled city of Derry/Londonderry.

Flexible Travel Styles

Self-Drive & Rail Vacations:

Travelers save hundreds depending on the total price of your independent curated scenic itinerary by car or rail, with hand-picked accommodations and seamless logistical coordination.

Ireland Coast to Coast (Self-Drive): A fully flexible journey through Ireland's most iconic landscapes, from the medieval streets of Kilkenny and the Cliffs of Moher to the charm of Killarney and Dromoland Castle.
Scotland's Festive Adventure (Rail, NEW): A nine-day winter rail journey through Edinburgh, Inverness, and Glasgow, taking in Christmas markets, whisky experiences, snow-dusted Highlands, and Scotland's festive seasonal charm.

Private Driver & Luxury Self-Drive Vacations:

Irish Cities, Landscapes & Castles (Private Driver): A fully flexible journey through Ireland's contrasts, from Dublin and the ancient monastic site of Glendalough to the Ring of Kerry and a stay at Dromoland Castle.
Scotland's Highlands and Hidden Roads (Luxury Self-Drive): A ten-day journey through Scotland's Highlands, sparkling lochs, and charming villages, with the freedom to explore independently in a premium vehicle with accommodations from Catherine's Collection.

Brendan’s Every Season Sale is valid on select 2026 and 2027 Small Group Tours and independent departures and must be booked by July 31, 2026.

*** Images courtesy of Brendan Vacations

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary, pricing and date details.

30% Off Plus Pre-Cruise Hotel, Air Offers on Crystal Cruises

Thu, 11 Jun 26 12:49:55 +0000

ASK US HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE VALUE OF YOUR NEXT CRYSTAL CRUISE!

Book by July 31 to Save

Exceptional Savings Offer:

Save up to 30% off eligible 2026, 2027, and 2028 voyages

Featured itineraries included in this offer:

Lisbon – Barcelona, 7 Nights: Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 21, 2026 aboard Crystal Serenity
Barcelona - Civitavecchia (Rome), 9 Nights: Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026 aboard Crystal Serenity
Fusina (Venice) - Piraeus (Athens), 7 Nights: Sep 8, 2026 - Sep 15, 2026 aboard Crystal Serenity
Lisbon – Lisbon, 6 Nights: Oct 11, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026 aboard Crystal Serenity

For even more benefits, combine Exceptional Savings with other Crystal Cruises offers!

Caribbean Included Air

Get an air credit of up to $6,000 when you book your flights through Crystal, or up to $4,000 cruise credit if you arrange your own flight;
Available on select 2026 Americas & Caribbean voyages;
Guests booking Crystal air will receive up to USD $1,500/CAD $3,000 per person. Book your own air and receive an air credit of up to USD$1,000/CAD$2,000 per person, applied towards either your cruise booking or airport transfers.

Book by July 31, 2026.

More About Crystal

With a legacy of unrivalled service and commitment to sophistication and elegance at every touchpoint, once onboard, guests feel as if they are perfectly at home.

*** Images courtesy of Crystal Cruises

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary, date and pricing details

Gaudí at 100: Barcelona's Most Famous Architect "Raising the Roof" of the City

Thu, 11 Jun 26 00:20:10 +0000

One hundred years after his death, Antoni Gaudí remains impossible to separate from Barcelona.

Celebrating the Centenary: Momentous Milestone for Sagrada Familia

The centrepiece of the anniversary is a milestone in the long story of the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s masterpiece towering over Barcelona.

In death, Gaudí remains with his life’s work. He is buried beneath the nave.

The 100th anniversary of his passing was commemorated on June 10, 2026, by the inauguration of the completed Tower of Jesus Christ, now the tallest church tower in the world.

A cross that reaches the sky above Barcelona

The completion of the 172.5-meter (568-foot) tower fulfills one of Gaudí's most ambitious visions.

The Architect Who Became Barcelona

The Essential Gaudí Sites

For first-time visitors to Barcelona, four landmarks form the core of any Gaudí itinerary:

Sagrada Família — Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece and Barcelona's most visited attraction.
Park Güell — A whimsical landscape of colorful mosaics, organic forms, and panoramic city views.
Casa Batlló — The architect's fantasy-like reinterpretation of an urban townhouse.
Casa Milà (La Pedrera) — Famous for its flowing stone façade and sculptural rooftop chimneys.

Together, they showcase the architect's mature style and his extraordinary ability to blur the boundaries between architecture, art, fantasy and nature.

Why Gaudí Still Matters

Gaudí created a visual language so distinctive and even other-worldly that it became the visual and cultural identity of an entire city.

Just one hundred years after his death, a 2000-year-old city can’t be imagined without the vision and cultural signature Gaudí imprinted on this Mediterranean coastal city.

START YOUR TRIP!

Top images from video courtesy of Sagrada Familia

Bottom Image and story: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

The Natural Thrills of Costa Rica

Wed, 10 Jun 26 13:12:26 +0000

Embrace Your Wild Side

Immerse yourself in nature and push your physical limits in adrenaline-fueled expeditions like these:

White Water Rafting on the Pacuare River:

Catching Waves:

Mountain Biking:

Volcano and Cave Exploration:

Extreme Canyoning:

Sea Kayaking and Bioluminescence Paddling:

TIP:

Look for reputable, accredited operators for the best advice and experienced guides that ensure you optimize the timing and safety of your adventure for the thrill of a lifetime.

It’s the perfect call to an adventure in the extraordinary embrace of Costa Rica.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Visit Costa Rica

Scotland's Greatest Summer Spectacle: the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Wed, 10 Jun 26 12:46:26 +0000

Not ‘That’ Kind of Tattoo

Edinburgh turned the historic tradition of tattoos into an international phenomenon and spectacle that still today takes your breath away – and transports you to ancient Highland Scots culture.

I’ve always been moved by bagpipes and loved how the sight of a kilt or tartan reminded me of my Scottish ancestry.

But you don’t need even one drop of Scottish blood in your family tree to be pulled into another time, life and place at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Goosebumps

It’s the setting as much as the pipes and drums.

Alongside storied projection mapping, lighting effects, lasers, and fireworks that add contemporary showmanship without diminishing the Tattoo’s historic roots.

And just when you think there’s nothing more majestic than massed pipes and drums making the earth vibrate under your feet ….

The Tattoo draws to an end with a lone piper appearing on the battlements next to a single torch that extinguishes as the last note fades into the wind and the hair on the back of your neck rises.

Tattoo Tips for Travelers

By day, explore the medieval Old Town, Georgian New Town, museums, whisky bars, and literary landmarks. By night, join thousands of spectators climbing Castle Hill for the Tattoo.

Travel tips:

Book early. The best seats often sell months in advance. We were lucky to be cruising in Scotland, and the Tattoo was an included shore experience with VIP seating, so our seats had already been secured. A cruise line or a tour operator books blocks of often the best seats in advance; another reason to let someone else take care of your travel details!
Dress for Scottish weather, which can change dramatically even during a single performance! The Tattoo is famously a rain-or-shine event.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

The Cruise Line Breeding “Super Coral” and Other Good News for World Oceans Day

Tue, 09 Jun 26 16:15:51 +0000

The water dominating the surface of our “Blue Planet,” helps regulate the entire world’s climate and weather by absorbing heat and storing carbon dioxide.

As a cruise lover, I’m proud that cruising stands up for oceans and our Blue Planet.

If, like me, the more you cruise, the more you fall in love with and want to protect the oceans.

MSC Cruises / Explora Journeys / MSC Foundation

Super Coral Program – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Meet the marine biologist helping develop ‘Super Coral.’

Mission Blue Partnership

The Mission Blue Partnership is a multi-year collaboration supporting marine protected areas ("Hope Spots"), ocean literacy programs and seagrass restoration projects in the Mediterranean.

“Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation.”

Viking Expeditions

Science Lab Program

Genomics at Sea Program (GASP)

Fjord Phyto Citizen Science Program

Guests help collect phytoplankton samples for NASA-supported research. Phytoplankton produce roughly half of Earth's oxygen and are critical indicators of ocean health.

Great Lakes Research Partnerships

WATCH VIDEO: Highlights of a Great Lakes Cruise on Viking with Scientists and Guest-included Research

HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions)

Citizen Science Program

HX Foundation

Supports projects focused on marine biodiversity, plastic pollution reduction, conservation education and community initiatives in destinations visited by expedition ships.

Ponant

Ponant Science Foundation

Funds scientific research and biodiversity studies and brings researchers on board the fleet in remote marine environments including Antarctica, the Arctic and Pacific islands.

Ponant and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) recently unveiled new initiatives to protect polar environments. Their enhanced partnership introduces:

The Polar Ocean Image Collection: A collaboration with WHOI and The Ocean Agency, this open-access bank provides non-commercial, media-quality images to scientists, educators, and journalists to raise awareness about rapidly changing cryospheric regions.
AI-enabled Whale Spotter Cameras and autonomous sensors on board ships to study remote sea ice and protect marine wildlife from vessel strikes.

Adelie Penguins, Antarctica image: Alexandre Herbrecht, Studio PONANT / Ocean Image Bank

Royal Caribbean Group

WWF Global Ocean Conservation Partnership

World Wildlife at Sea

An onboard ocean education program, developed with WWF, helps guests better understand marine ecosystems and conservation challenges.

Celebrity Cruises

Galápagos Conservation Projects

Cunard

ORCA Marine Mammal Monitoring Program

Lindblad Expeditions/ Nat Geo

National Geographic-Lindblad Conservation Fund

Supports marine conservation, scientific research and habitat protection in destinations including Antarctica, Alaska and the Galápagos.

Research and Scientist-in-Residence Programs

Scientists frequently travel aboard Lindblad ships, conducting field research and engaging guests in ongoing conservation projects.

Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

Coral Reef and Mangrove Restoration Projects

START YOUR CRUISE TRIP!

Videos and story: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

Images courtesy of respective cruise lines or as noted

Paul Gauguin Tahiti and Ponant Global Expedition Cruises: 30% Early Booking Savings!

Thu, 28 May 26 17:23:48 +0000

From paradise in the South Pacific to the wonders of the world from pole to pole, book a Paul Gauguin Cruise or a Ponant expedition voyage early, and save up to 30%. Give yourself the treat of anticipation as well as savings!

Paul Gauguin Cruises: Save up to 30%

Explore paradise with French Polynesia’s destination expert and enjoy Bonus Savings of up to 30% on the widest variety of all-inclusive journeys in the region when you book now.

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a luxury cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of French Polynesia and the South Pacific. The islands have been home for the Paul Gauguin for more than 25 years, and the line’s expertise in revealing them with artful authenticity is unmatched.

In 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises joined PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, a designer of inspiring voyages on board small exploration ships. 

Ponant: Save up to 30%

As the world leader in small-ship exploration, Ponant invites travelers to embark on all-inclusive journeys to breathtaking destinations, from the icy wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula and the majestic glaciers of Spitsbergen to the sun-kissed Greek Islands and serene Norwegian fjords.

By booking early, you can benefit from the best rates thanks to the PONANT Bonus: up to a 30% discount on the advertised rate of your stateroom or suite. This promotion decreases with occupancy, so the earlier you book, the more you save!

Ponant’s “Explore to Inspire” mission is centered around exploration to better understand, learn, share and protect. The cruise line has been committed to responsible tourism and purposeful voyages of exploration for over 35 years. Aboard a fleet of 14 French-flagged small ships, fitted with the latest environmental technologies, the journey of exploration is always elegant, authentic, and inspiring.

Ponant ships embody French sophistication in refined exploration, infused with the vibrant art de vivre of the company’s French heritage. Guests enjoy elegantly appointed staterooms and suites with private balconies, wellness centers, complimentary Wi-Fi, and gourmet dining curated by Ponant’s chefs in collaboration with Ducasse Conseil, blending flavors from local destinations with timeless favorites.

Ask for a complete list of applicable sailings aboard Paul Gauguin Cruises and Ponant.

Act now to secure your top choice of itineraries and dates!

*** Top Image courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

Bottom image: Ponant's Commandant Charcot in Quebec, Canada, by Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary and pricing details.

Star Clippers’ 'Celebrate the Holiday Season at Sea' Special Offer

Thu, 28 May 26 17:23:48 +0000

Discover the romance of tall ship sailing with Star Clippers for memorable Christmas and New Year's holidays. Trade winter weather for warm breezes, uncrowded natural beauty and the romance of true tall ship sailing with Star Clippers’ collection of holiday sailings for the 2026-2027 winter season. From Caribbean island hopping to tropical escapes along the coastlines of Costa Rica and Panama, Star Clippers offers a relaxed and intimate way to spend Christmas and ring in the New Year aboard authentic sailing vessels.

The company’s three true clipper ships – Royal Clipper, Star Clipper and Star Flyer – will sail a variety of festive itineraries throughout December and early January, combining beachside celebrations, local holiday traditions and the unique atmosphere that only a sailing ship can provide. Guests can expect open-air deck parties, holiday dinners, island excursions, and the unforgettable sight of giant white sails unfurled against warm Caribbean skies.

Special Offer Details

Book by June 30, 2026, and
Get a USD 400 / CAD 500 per stateroom air or cruise fare credit and a bottle of Champagne!
Applies to select Christmas and New Year’s 2026-2027 Star Clippers sailings

Featured Holiday Sailings

7-night Windward Islands Christmas Cruise aboard 227-guest Royal Clipper, departing round-trip from Barbados on December 19, 2026.

Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest five-masted full-rigged sailing ship in service, the Royal Clipper will call on ports throughout the Grenadines and Windward Islands. On December 21, the charming four-masted Star Flyer joins the Royal Clipper to sail alongside each other towards Cabrits, where guests can visit orchid-festooned rainforests, waterfalls, and a bubbling lake. In St. Lucia, travelers can enjoy peaceful beaches, water sports, or cultural discoveries. A morning visit to St. Kitts allows guests to shop in colorful Basseterre, play golf, and tour old plantation houses. Guests can celebrate Christmas Day surrounded by the turquoise waters of Martinique while enjoying the spacious teak decks and elegant onboard atmosphere that define the Star Clippers experience.

Rates begin at $2,080 (CAD $2,560) per person, double occupancy.

7-night Leeward Islands Christmas Cruise offers a festive Caribbean escape departing round-trip from St. Maarten on December 19, 2026.

Carrying just 166 guests, Star Flyer recreates the golden age of sailing while offering modern comforts and relaxed luxury. The itinerary includes stops in St. Barts, Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Martinique, blending French Caribbean charm with secluded beaches and colorful island culture. Chic boutiques and waterfront cafes lure the guests in St. Barts’ Gustavia while Antigua’s Falmouth Harbor evokes the ancient presence of Admiral Nelson, with marinas, old inns, venerable pubs and convivial crowds of sun-tanned yacht crews - the epicenter of the Caribbean yachting world. Evenings onboard feature sunset cocktails beneath the ship’s towering sails.

Fares start at $2,010 (CAD $2,480).

7-night Panama-to-Costa Rica Christmas sailing departs on December 19, 2026.

Guests aboard the 166-passenger Star Clipper will visit destinations such as Isla Tortuga and the Pearl Islands, areas known for their lush rainforests, quiet beaches, and wildlife-rich waters. In Costa Rica’s Isla Tortuga, travelers can kayak through calm bays, snorkel among tropical fish or unwind on white-sand beaches shaded by palms. In Panama’s Pearl Islands, considered among the best deep-sea fishing grounds in the world, guests may spot dolphins and exotic birdlife while exploring secluded coves and untouched shorelines.

Prices start at $2,010 (CAD $2,480).

In addition to holiday-specific departures, Star Clippers will also offer the same sailings for New Year’s:

Royal Clipper’s Grenadine Islands New Year’s Cruise sails round-trip from Barbados on December 26, 2026 (US $2,280 / CAD $2,760);
Star Flyer’s Treasure Islands New Year’s Cruise departs from St. Maarten the same day (US $2,210 / CAD $2,680); and
Star Clipper sails out of Panama on December 26 for a Central American New Year’s (US $2,210 / CAD $2,680).

All itineraries feature festive onboard celebrations, island beach gatherings and relaxed sailing through some of the Caribbean’s most picturesque waters.

More About Star Clippers

For more than 35 years, Star Clippers has been introducing travelers to the thrill of modern tall-ship sailing to remote ports in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Central America. Its fleet of three authentic clipper ships—Star Clipper, Star Flyer, and Royal Clipper—offers a unique alternative to conventional cruising, combining the romance of the golden age of sailing with modern amenities and exceptional service. Carrying just 166 to 227 guests, the ships feature expansive teak decks, open-air dining, and a relaxed onboard atmosphere.

Unlike traditional mega-ships, Star Clippers vessels are designed to deliver an authentic sailing experience with fewer passengers, open bridge policies, and itineraries focused on smaller ports and hidden harbors. Guests can climb the mast platform, help raise the sails, enjoy complimentary watersports directly from the marina platform, and experience the simple pleasures of sailing powered by the wind whenever possible.

*** Images courtesy of Star Clippers

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary, date, and pricing details.

Cunard Unveils Historic ‘Four Queens’ Voyages and Limited Time Savings

Thu, 28 May 26 17:23:48 +0000

Plus, with Cunard's new Signature Packages, bundle wifi, drinks, specialty dining, and save more!

Cunard’s 2028 program of sailings presents 190 extraordinary voyages in 36 countries, including a historic Four Queens Celebration in May 2028 with 2 unique ways to experience all four Cunard ‘Queens’ ships!

BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN – PLUS SAVINGS!

Book by June 30, 2026, and get a 10% discount on these new voyages
Book by September 9, 2026, to get up to USD 600 onboard credit

Cunard's New Signature Packages: Bundle and Save!

Cunard is now offering two new packages bundling amenities. Ask us for pricing for Cunard’s:

Signature Package and
Premium Signature Package

Bundling essential extras with savings of up to 30% compared to on-board pricing.

Both packages include:

Wi-Fi,
drinks and
dining credit for specialty restaurants,

Creating an effortless way for you to make the most of your time at sea. 

4 QUEENS, 2 WAYS

Reunion at Sea

A landmark moment will take place in Liverpool in Spring 2028. In an historic first, all four Cunard Queens meet in Liverpool on May 16, 2028, offering guests the rare opportunity to be part of history during one of the Four Queens Celebration voyages.

4 Queens Cruise

Cunard is debuting another all-time first: experience the elegance of all four Cunard Queens in one single journey. Cunard's ‘Queen-to-Queen’ voyages, a collection of back-to-back sailings, allow guests to combine voyages on board two, three or four Queens in one extended luxury adventure.

The four-Queen 40-night voyage from Southampton to Civitavecchia (for Rome), from April 16, 2028, to May 26, 2028, takes in the Norwegian Fjords, explores Europe's best ports, and joins the landmark Four Queens Celebration in Liverpool.

Additional program highlights include iconic Transatlantic Crossings, Independence Day celebrations in Boston, a variety of itineraries to Europe from Southampton, and four fleet maiden calls for Queen Victoria, including Aberdeen in Scotland, Olbia and Taranto in Italy, and Måløy in Norway.

Queen Mary 2

The world's only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, offers her signature Cunard experience on iconic Transatlantic Crossings, including her first-ever eastbound crossing from New York to Liverpool for the Four Queens Celebration.

Beyond the Atlantic, Cunard's flagship will offer voyages around the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean.

Highlights include an overnight stay in Boston for Independence Day celebrations, a return to Gaspé, Canada, for the first time in 11 years, a North Cape voyage in Norway, and an overnight stay in Tromsø, Norway, during a Northern Lights voyage.

Queen Victoria

Sailing round-trip from Southampton, Queen Victoria's 2028 program focuses on immersive European itineraries.

Travel north to Scandinavia and Northern Europe, where overnight stays in Stockholm, Reykjavík, Oslo, and Copenhagen provide extended time ashore, while late evening departures within the Arctic Circle offer exceptional opportunities to witness the spectacular Northern Lights.

For warmer escapes, Queen Victoria will call at Mediterranean destinations for the first time in more than a decade, including Albania, Cyprus, Turkey, and Tunisia, alongside maiden fleet visits to Olbia and Taranto in Italy.

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth will spend summer 2028 exploring the Mediterranean. From Croatia and Montenegro to Greece, guests can discover sun-washed coastlines, turquoise waters, and cultures shaped by centuries of history, cuisine, and tradition.

Highlights include a maiden visit to Bari, the capital of Puglia, Italy, and an overnight stay in Istanbul, with a chance to see the city's historic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia illuminated after dark.

Queen Anne

Cunard's newest ship, Queen Anne, will begin her 2028 season in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including a spectacular overnight stay in Liverpool for the Four Queens Celebration.

Sailing from Southampton, she will offer a variety of seven-night round-trip voyages alternating between Norway's dramatic fjords and sunlit escapes to France, Spain and Portugal, including a maiden call to Le Verdon, the gateway to Bordeaux's renowned wine region.

Guests can enjoy overnight stays in Oslo, Copenhagen and Lisbon, as well as late-evening departures from La Palma and La Rochelle. Longer voyages include Arctic explorations and extended Canary Islands itineraries.

More About Cunard

Cunard is a luxury British cruise line renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840.

The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment, and outstanding White Star service. From a partnership with a two-Michelin-starred chef to inspiring guest speakers to world-class theatre productions, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys and round-the-world voyages, destinations sailed to also include Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Far East, and Australia.

There are currently four Cunard ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and the new ship, Queen Anne, which entered service in May 2024.

*** Images courtesy of Cunard

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask for full offer, itinerary, date and pricing details.

Keeping Time: Why a Timepiece is Still the Best Souvenir of Switzerland

Thu, 28 May 26 17:23:48 +0000

For more than 400 years, Switzerland has been the world’s watchmaking and time-keeping capital. And unlike many luxury industries in other countries that outsourced production decades ago, the most respected Swiss watch brands are still made in Switzerland — often by hand, often in the same valleys and communities where the craft was born.

That makes a Swiss watch or clock not only an investment in precision timekeeping and prestigious personal style, but also a truly authentic and heirloom-quality memento of a visit to Switzerland.

Now, when it comes to souvenir shopping, I'm firmly in the ‘consumables’ camp: something you can eat or drink or share when you get home. But something useful that also represents timeless craftsmanship and will last forever? That is the kind of souvenir I can get behind. Especially when it's wearable every day!

I know we are bombarded with opportunities to treat ourselves to luxurious Swiss timepieces at every turn: from chic boutiques in shopping centers, on cruise ships, and in airports, to online. But here’s why: actually going to Switzerland and immersing yourself in its horological history and culture – then buying that statement watch from the source! – will give you a lot more satisfaction – and something to talk about! - than a simple store transaction.

The Birth of a ‘Quiet’ Luxury Industry

The story of Swiss watchmaking began almost accidentally in the 16th century. Mechanical clocks and then portable timepieces had been developed in the late mediaeval period in other European countries.

It was when Protestant reformer John Calvin banned the display of jewelry and luxurious ‘excess’ in Geneva that local goldsmiths and jewelers quickly pivoted to an alternative product to save their businesses. Useful and practical watches were the perfect workaround to the restrictions.

Inadvertently, Calvin’s ‘sumptuary laws’ ended up launching Switzerland as the grandfather of the industrialization, precision, artistry, and global standardization of watchmaking. And set the country on the road towards being the undisputed home of the most luxurious and prestigious timekeeping brands.

By the 1700s, watchmaking had spread into the Swiss Jura Mountains, where long winters kept farming families indoors for months at a time. Tiny workshops producing gears, springs, enamel dials, and cases emerged across western Switzerland. Entire villages specialized in microscopic components assembled elsewhere into finished timepieces.

The geography mattered. Swiss watchmaking evolved in relative isolation, encouraging highly specialized expertise and obsessive precision. By the 19th century, Swiss makers dominated international exhibitions and world timing competitions. Railroads, shipping, science, and later aviation and sporting events all required increasingly accurate timekeeping — and Switzerland set the global benchmark.

Watch This!

Made-in-Switzerland marques remain global cultural touchpoints and symbols of success, as much as luxury products such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, Breitling, and TAG Heuer. Even disruptor Swatch has populist Swiss chic.

A trip to Switzerland lets you actually see how mechanical watches are still made in ‘factory towns’ that are pilgrimage sites for timekeeping fans.

In Switzerland’s ‘Watch Valley’ — the informal name for Switzerland’s watchmaking corridor — you’ll find factory tours and museum experiences tied to legendary brands. Don’t miss the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva that traces five centuries of horology. Or the UNESCO-listed town of La Chaux-de-Fonds, where urban planning itself reflects the watch industry, with streets and workshops designed to maximize natural light for microscopic watch assembly.

Time Travel

In an era when luxury branding and souvenirs are often disconnected from manufacturing reality, Swiss watches remain the real deal. A ‘Swiss Made’ label carries strict requirements including movement manufacturing, assembly, and inspection inside Switzerland.

You know that treating yourself to a Swiss mechanical watch is not about telling time in an era when your phone has taken over that role. Instead, Swiss watches purchased at their source represent an indelible sense of place alongside engineering, heritage, craftsmanship, and increasingly, permanence in a disposable age.

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Image: Getty

Holland America Launching Year-Round Cruises in Europe

Thu, 28 May 26 17:23:48 +0000

The seasons for cruise and travel are changing – even disappearing altogether! Holland America Line has become the latest cruise line to expand to year-round sailing in Europe, joining the likes of Viking and Windstar to make the coasts of the Mediterranean and beyond a destination for all seasons.

From festive Scandinavian cities to European Christmas markets, Lapland and a more relaxed Mediterranean, new Holland America Line winter voyages bring the season to life with an extended 2027-2028 season sailing through early spring. These itineraries showcase Europe at a different pace, with access to seasonal experiences, regional traditions and a greater mix of destinations across the region With more overnights and late-night stays, the new deployment offers deeper, more immersive ways to explore throughout the year.

The expanded season includes a dozen cruises aboard Nieuw Statendam across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The new itineraries add more than 70 additional port days year-over-year, giving guests more time in port along with extended stays and fewer crowds.

The deployment also includes two additional voyages aboard Zuiderdam, further expanding options for guests exploring Europe during the winter season.

Christmas Market Cruises Bring Europe’s Holiday Traditions to Life

Nieuw Statendam’s holiday sailings are designed to immerse guests in Europe at one of its most atmospheric times of year, when city squares glow with lights, markets fill with local artisans and the pace of travel invites deeper exploration. With overnights and extended stays built into each itinerary, guests have the time to experience the traditions, cuisine and rhythms that define the season.

A 13-day Baltic and Scandinavian Christmas Markets: Stockholm cruise sails roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover, calling at Kiel, the gateway to Hamburg’s well-known Christmas markets, as well as Tallinn and Copenhagen. Overnight stays in Helsinki and Stockholm give guests time to explore festive city centers after dark, when markets and cultural traditions are in full swing. The Helsinki call also offers access to Lapland in the Arctic Circle, referred to by many as the home of Santa Claus.
A second 15-day holiday sailing spans the Christmas season, featuring overnights in Hamburg and Copenhagen. The itinerary also includes a call to Aarhus and scenic cruising of the Elbe River, along with exploration of southern Norway, with calls to Oslo, Kristiansand, Bergen and Stavanger.

Mediterranean Voyages Offer a More Relaxed Way to Explore

Beyond the holiday season, Nieuw Statendam’s winter and early spring sailings shift south to the Mediterranean, where guests can experience the region at a slower pace. With mild temperatures and a rich mix of seasonal experiences, destinations feel local and approachable, offering a fresh perspective on some of Europe’s most-visited cities.

The itineraries span the Western and Eastern Mediterranean as well as the Canary Islands, connecting cultural capitals and coastal towns across Spain, France, Italy and Greece. Voyages include ports such as Valencia, Marseille and Livorno, and Naples for access to Pompeii. Farther east, sailings explore destinations including Mykonos, Rhodes and Kusadasi, along with overnight calls in sought-after destinations allowing for more time ashore.

With a mix of seven- to 14-day voyages, guests can choose shorter, region-focused sailings or combine itineraries for a more expansive journey.

Longer Collectors’ Voyages span up to 24 days and can also be sailed back-to-back, allowing guests to experience a broader mix of the region. Sailings highlight the Mediterranean in a season when the pace is slower, the atmosphere is more intimate and each destination offers a more authentic connection.

Whether you want to escape hot weather, avoid crowds during school holidays, or enjoy seasonal local holiday celebrations, formerly ‘off season’ cruises are increasingly the perfect solution. With all the benefits of cruising: packing once and having your floating hotel bring you into the heart of multiple destinations, and having all the details looked after so all you have to do is be on vacation!

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Images: Holland America Line

Do You Know Your Mediterranean A, B… Seas?

Thu, 28 May 26 17:23:48 +0000

When is the Med… not just the Med? The Mediterranean Sea and its iconic coastal towns, yacht harbors, fishing villages, beaches, cliffs, and cultural touchpoints are on nearly everyone’s list of favorite escapes. But – pop quiz - did you know that the Mediterranean isn’t just one sea?

In reality, it’s a collection of smaller seas that developed independently and were named before the full region was charted by ancient navigators. Ultimately, they were stitched together by ancient trade routes, empire-building, mythology, culture, cuisines, and coastlines. Travel across the Med, and you’re not cruising a single body of water. You’re crossing distinct maritime worlds, each with its own personality, history - even color palette and weather!

How many Mediterranean ‘seas within a sea’ can you name? How many could you point out on a map? There are at least a dozen! Here are the 5 most famous and noteworthy:

1. The Adriatic Sea

Tucked between Italy and the Balkan coast, the Adriatic Sea may be the Mediterranean’s most elegant subsea. Venetian merchants once ruled these waters, leaving behind a trail of bell towers, marble squares and fortified ports from Venice to Dubrovnik. The Adriatic is narrower and calmer than the rest of the Mediterranean, making it ideal for yacht cruising and smaller-ship itineraries. Its eastern coastline, especially along Croatia and Montenegro, is deeply indented with coves, islands, and medieval stone towns.

(Venice Image: Lynn Elmhirst)

2. The Aegean Sea

South and to the east: the unmistakably Greek Aegean Sea (pictured, top, Getty Images). By cruise ship, yacht or ferry, go island-hopping and discover civilizations that shaped the Western world. The Aegean is scattered with thousands of islands, though only a fraction are inhabited. Santorini is the one everyone pictures first, but smaller islands reveal how diverse the Aegean really is. The sea itself tends toward striking cobalt blues against the stark whites of villages under blazing sun.

3. The Ligurian Sea

South of France, another “sea within the Mediterranean Sea” has a glamorous reputation more famous than its name. Did you know the Italian Riviera and the Côte d’Azur are technically on the Ligurian Sea? This is the heart of the chic ‘Mediterranean’ lifestyle, where villages evolved into playgrounds for aristocrats, artists and billionaires. Portofino, Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez all front these waters. Behind the polished marinas, the Ligurian coast is breathtakingly vertical, with rocky cliffs, terraced hillsides, fishing villages and some of Europe’s most dramatic coastal rail routes. This is also where Mediterranean beach culture as we know it was born.

(Monaco Image: Lynn Elmhirst)

4. The Tyrrhenian Sea

The Tyrrhenian Sea, off Italy’s western coast, is the heart of the cinematic Mediterranean. Rome, Naples, Capri, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Amalfi Coast all face the sea where ancient Greeks and Romans battled. Volcanoes still shape the horizon, and underwater archaeology continues to uncover shipwrecks from empires that once dominated the known world. Travelers crossing the Tyrrhenian quickly understand how deeply Italy’s identity is tied to the sea — from seafood markets in Naples to Stromboli’s volcanic silhouette rising from the water at night.

(Sardinia Image: Getty)

5. The Balearic Sea

Then there’s the Balearic Sea around the Spanish islands of Mallorca/ Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Your first thoughts may go to Ibiza’s famous party culture, but explore beyond: Menorca preserves quiet coves and prehistoric stone sites; Mallorca combines mountain villages with sophisticated food culture; Ibiza, despite its nightlife fame, has become a serious wellness and luxury destination. All infused with Spanish island culture.

(Mallorca Image: Getty)

Remembering the mosaic of the Mediterranean’s seas is the clue to why we love to return to its shores again and again. From the Straits of Gibraltar on its Western gateway, to Biblical shores at the Eastern end, the Mediterranean reveals worlds of travel appeal.

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By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Images as noted

When Your Overwater Bungalow Sails with You in Tahiti: Paul Gauguin Cruises' Room Tour

Thu, 28 May 26 17:23:48 +0000

It’s a tropical vacation fantasy: staying in an overwater bungalow over breathtaking, warm, turquoise waters in the legendary and romantic South Pacific. But what if your overwater bungalow floats with you to a new, incredible destination every day?

That’s one of the best reasons to experience the Islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia with Paul Gauguin Cruises.

The Paul Gauguin IS your floating overwater bungalow in the fabled South Seas. With mesmerizing early morning sail-ins and romantic sunset sailaways from the emerald green cliffs and picturesque lagoons of places you’ve visited in your dreams: Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and beyond.

From an overwater bungalow, you gaze out onto the incredible seas of Polynesia. From your veranda aboard the Paul Gauguin, you gaze onto the thatched roofs, palm-dappled untouched beaches, steep jungles, and vivid colors of the islands and their surrounding seas.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Room Tour aboard the Paul Gauguin.

For over a quarter of a century, the Paul Gauguin has called French Polynesia home. Designed in every respect specifically to sail into the quiet coves and shallow lagoons of the islands of the South Pacific, she is part of the seascape and culture of Tahiti and French Polynesian travel.

Like a cherished heritage inn, she has undergone frequent refurbishments that have maintained her jewel-box charms and quality appointments, with tasteful nods to modern tastes and comforts.

A voyage aboard feels like you’ve traveled not only to the other side of the Pacific, but also to another time: of gracious, slow travel, of voyages of discovery in pristine places, of having time and space and silence to think and appreciate the company of the people you’re traveling with.

It’s a haven of escapism, tropical nature, French Polynesian history, culture, and nautical heritage.

Is there any more evocative holiday that celebrates the romance of exotic travel more than a vacation in an overwater bungalow in the South Pacific? Having sailed aboard the Paul Gauguin in my own, floating overwater bungalow… I think there is.

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By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

HX Expeditions’ 130th Anniversary ‘Summer of Celebrations:’ Up to 25% Off and More

Thu, 28 May 26 17:23:48 +0000

HX Expeditions is marking 130 years of pioneering expedition cruising with a “Summer of Celebrations” bringing together special anniversary offers. Celebrate HX’s legacy as the original expedition cruise company, founded in 1896, and experience the destinations it has explored for more than a century!

2 HX Expedition Offers

130th Anniversary Offer (through Aug 31, 2026): Up to 25% off or complimentary suite upgrade on select 2026–2028 sailings
Antarctica Air Credit (May 11–June 30, 2026): Up to $1,000 off round-trip Premium Economy and Business Class flights

In addition to special offers, guests sailing in 2026 can expect a series of limited-edition onboard experiences, from anniversary cocktails and curated dining to surprise moments and commemorative keepsakes, all designed to mark the milestone year.

130th Anniversary Offer Details:

Up to 25% Off or Free Suite Upgrade
Available for new bookings made May 1 – August 31, 2026; valid on select departures from 2026-2028
Available on new bookings made between May 1 and August 31, 2026, the campaign applies to select departures from 2026 through early 2028 across Alaska, Antarctica, Galápagos, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, Norway, and Svalbard (discounts vary by destination).

The offer includes a range of standout voyages, including:

Antarctica (Cabins from USD $9,561 | Suites from $13,613) – Includes HX’s top-selling 12-day Highlights of Antarctica itinerary. As the #1 operator in Antarctica, more travelers trust HX with their Antarctic journey than any other company.
Alaska (Cabins from $5,299 | Suites from $8,285) – Showcasing two new itineraries launching this summer: Alaska’s Inside Passage: Fjords of the Great Land and Alaska’s Inside Passage: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea, both designed to go deeper into the region with inaugural calls to Klawock and Valdez.
Greenland (Cabins from $8,392 | Suites from $11,936) – Featuring summer sailings such as Grand Greenland – Mythical Lands of the North, with highlights including HX’s Culinary Ambassador program and the new Tide to Table experience, connecting guests with local fishing traditions and community life in Ilulissat.

Additional sailings span Svalbard, the Northwest Passage, the Galápagos Islands, and more.

Designed to give travelers added flexibility and value, the anniversary offer reinforces HX’s focus on immersive, small-ship expeditions.

Antarctica Air Credit Offer Details

Available for new bookings made May 11 – June 30, 2026

Get up to USD 1,000 per person in air credit on round-trip Premium Economy and Business Class flights for all Antarctica departures. The offer applies to new bookings and is available on routes from all major gateway cities in the United States and Canada.

More About HX Expeditions

HX Expeditions, the world's first and longest-running expedition cruise company, has been guiding curious travelers on mindful adventures since 1896. With headquarters in London and a global team of just under 1,000 professionals, HX operates a fleet of five modern ships, offering voyages to over 250 destinations across more than 30 countries. Renowned for its pole-to-pole expeditions, HX combines sustainability, science, and education to create transformative travel experiences.

Pioneering in sustainability, HX was the first cruise company to eliminate heavy fuel oils, ban single-use unnecessary plastics in its operations, and launch hybrid expedition ships. The company also supports scientific research by donating over 1,900 free cabin nights to onboard scientists and runs the HX Foundation, which provides grants to community projects focused on education and marine conservation.

***Antarctica Image by Ted Gatlin, courtesy of HX Expeditions:

***Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, date, itinerary, and pricing details.

When Your Overwater Bungalow Sails with You in Tahiti: Paul Gauguin Cruises' Room Tour

Thu, 28 May 26 15:53:33 +0000

That’s one of the best reasons to experience the Islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia with Paul Gauguin Cruises.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Room Tour aboard the Paul Gauguin.

Like a cherished heritage inn, she has undergone frequent refurbishments that have maintained her jewel-box charms and quality appointments, with tasteful nods to modern tastes and comforts.

It’s a haven of escapism, tropical nature, French Polynesian history, culture, and nautical heritage.

START YOUR TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert