Explora III Arrives in Northern Europe During Maiden Season

Posted on 7 September, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Explora III Arrives in Northern Europe During Maiden Season

Explora Journeys’ newest ship, the Explora III, recently arrived in Northern Europe during its maiden season.

The vessel is now offering a series of cruises to the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia and the British Isles, having welcomed its first guests in early August.

The Explora III kicked off its schedule in the region a few weeks later, following a repositioning voyage that started in Lisbon, Portugal.

The 15-night itinerary included visits to destinations in Spain, England, France and Norway before ending in Copenhagen, Denmark.

For its debut in the region, the ship is now offering a cruise in the Baltic that sails to Estonia, Sweden and Latvia.

The eight-night itinerary is highlighted by stops in Tallinn, Riga, Visby and Ronne, in addition to an overnight call in Stockholm.

The ship will offer additional itineraries to Scandinavia, the British Isles and Iceland before repositioning to North America.

In late September, the Explora III will cross the Atlantic for the first time ahead of a fall season in Canada and New England.

The vessel will then reposition to the Caribbean in late October, offering itineraries departing from Miami, Puerto Rico and Barbados.

Built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Italy, the Explora III was delivered to Explora Journeys in late July.

As the third ship in a series that began with the Explora I in 2023, the 922-passenger vessel is the first in the company’s fleet to be powered by LNG.

The 70,000-ton vessel is also slightly larger than its predecessors, offering additional public areas and more suites.

Before arriving in Northern Europe, the ship offered itineraries in the Mediterranean, Iberia and the Atlantic.

Explora is now preparing to welcome the Explora IV and the Explora V to its fleet in 2027, with the Explora VI following suit in 2028.

MSC Showcases 2025 Status of Coral Reefs of the World Report

Posted on 2 September, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Showcases 2025 Status of Coral Reefs of the World Report

MSC Cruises has announced that an MSC Foundation-supported report, drawing on more than 21 million observations, warns that marine heatwaves are reducing the time reefs have to recover.

The report is the largest global assessment of coral reef condition ever produced by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN).

It reveals the scale of the declining coral reef cover worldwide and highlights the importance of science-based conservation and long-term monitoring to help reefs recover and build resilience.

“We are proud to have contributed to this extraordinary global scientific effort,” said Daniela Picco, executive director of the MSC Foundation.

“Coral reefs are sending us a clear message: these vital ecosystems are under increasing pressure worldwide. Yet the report also shows that where local stressors are managed effectively, reefs can recover,” added Picco.

“This is why we strongly believe in the importance of investing in research and monitoring, which helps inform restoration locally.”

“This report provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of the status of the world’s coral reefs,” said Dr Manuel Gonzalez Rivero, lead author of the report.

“The strongest pathway to safeguard coral reefs is rapid emissions reductions, effective action on local pressures and sustained long-term monitoring so action is targeted where it matters most,” added Rivero.

According to MSC, coral reefs cover only 0.2 percent of the ocean floor, but they are home to more than 25 percent of all marine species. The report shows a relative decline of 9.5 percent compared to the baseline average for 1980-2009, with the steepest losses following mass bleaching events driven by marine heatwaves.

Despite the global decline, several regions show that reefs can recover when local threats are managed effectively. This provides an important message for policymakers and reef managers: well-designed local action can make a measurable difference.

MSC said in a press release that the report shows the Caribbean has shown a strong decline in coral cover, especially following strong marine heatwaves and disease outbreaks.

The 2025 GCRMN assessment draws on 40 years of global data, bringing together 21,1 million observations from 36,886 reef sites, more than 10 times the number included in the 2020 report. More than 600 partners worldwide collated the data across many reef monitoring networks.

The full report is available here.

Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady gets a refresh: 7 upgrades travel agents need to know

Posted on 2 September, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady gets a refresh: 7 upgrades travel agents need to know

Stepping onboard Valiant Lady following its May dry dock, returning passengers would be forgiven for overlooking the ship’s spring revamp.

Virgin Voyages’ second vessel is back after undergoing a number of tweaks, all of which aim to maximise previously underused areas and improve dining and entertainment offerings.

From renovated communal spaces to brand new restaurants, here’s everything agents need to know about Valiant Lady’s refreshed look.

The Roundabout

The Roundabout on Valiant Lady has been given a soft makeover in the hope that it will attract more guests during the day and early evening.

Loud colours have been swapped for plummy tones, and furniture has been reorganised to encourage groups to gather and solos to unwind. Expect clusters of cushy seating, discreet nooks and laptop-friendly tables.

In the space, Roots Reggaeton can be heard and lots of plants add to the relaxed aesthetic.

On The Rocks

On The Rocks, Virgin Voyage’s glitzy cocktail lounge, has also had a few tweaks.

The layout has been updated to improve the quality of its live entertainment, with the removal of a partition wall making it easier to view the bandstand while also creating space for extra seating.

The Grounds Club

Espresso martini lovers rejoice – The Grounds Club is officially open for nightcaps.

Virgin Voyages’ Chicago-inspired cafe is now a day-to-night venue, transforming every afternoon into a full-service cocktail bar.

Warm lounge seating, woven pillars and wooden stools complete the nocturnal makeover.

Ariya by Razzle Dazzle

Taking over Razzle Dazzle every evening, Ariya marks Virgin Voyages’ first ever restaurant dedicated to Indian cuisine.

The menu features dishes like Eggplant Saag Napoleon and Lamb Shank Biryani, as well as spice-infused cocktails and cheesecake filled with gulab jamun.

Razzle Dazzle, which is best known for its plant-based fare, will continue to operate a breakfast and brunch service.

The Red Room

Though the Red Room’s architecture remains the same, its programming has undergone a major shake-up.

The ship’s scarlet-hued theatre will host a number of new experiences, including Sink ‘Oar’ Swim, an energetic game show and an interactive unboxing contest called Nice Box!

The Manor

Virgin Voyages was widely praised when it launched in 2021 for its electric nightlife – and it looks like that energy isn’t going anywhere.

The line has made significant structural changes to its nightclub, The Manor, removing the raised seating area and rear wall to create an expanded dance floor.

The result is a single level venue with improved sight lines along with additional capacity, giving guests even more room to show off their best moves.

Empty nightclub with low lighting on cruise ship — The Manor

Fitness and wellness

The Athletic Club has been refreshed with shaded daybed clusters, upgraded lounge seating and enhanced pool access. Walkways have also been widened via the removal of certain gym equipment, allowing for easier transitions between circuits.

Other improvements include The Runway Racetrack, which has been given new customer signage and high visibility vinyls to prevent joggers and walkers from colliding along the 255-metre-long route.

As for new classes, VHS Volume 2: The Great British Burn Off serves as the successor to the fleet’s 1980s aerobic sessions. Expect 90s Britpop, upbeat choreography and accessible routines.