GPH Launches Network-Wide Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

Posted on 2 September, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

GPH Launches Network-Wide Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

Global Ports Holding (GPH) has announced the launch of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program across its network of 35 global cruise ports.

According to a press release, the symbol helps people with non-visible disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses indicate that they may need additional time, understanding or support.

This follows the introduction of the Sunflower at Nassau Cruise Port last year, the first port within the GPH network to adopt the program.

Mehmet Kutman, chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, said: “At Global Ports Holding, we believe every guest should feel welcome at our ports. Accessibility and inclusion are an important part of the passenger experience we provide. Introducing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower across our entire global network is another meaningful step in making our ports more welcoming and accessible for everyone.”

As part of the program, teams across the network have received dedicated training to recognize the Sunflower symbol and better understand how to support guests with a wide range of non-visible disabilities and conditions.

The Sunflower is recognized in more than 95 countries and is used by organizations across the travel, tourism, transport, retail and public sectors worldwide.

Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, added: “Following a successful pilot of the Sunflower at Nassau Cruise Port, we are thrilled at the announcement of global launch across 35 ports.

“This is an outstanding achievement by GPH, who recognizes the benefits of inclusive travel and how the Sunflower supports that. They have committed to training teams, which is an essential part of the Sunflower’s success and ensures that every passenger feels seen, valued and heard.”

NCL reveals spa and dining offerings on newest ship

Posted on 28 August, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

NCL reveals spa and dining offerings on newest ship

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed details of the dining and spa facilities on its latest ship Norwegian Aura, which launches next May.

The Prima Plus Class vessel is the line’s largest ship and will be able to host 3,880 passengers in 1,970 cabins.

It boasts the industry’s “most expansive” thermal suite, featuring 15 wellness experiences, and NCL’s first specialty restaurant dedicated to Indian cuisine, called Tamara.

The Panorama Room on deck six features LED displays, synchronised lighting and visuals that evolve throughout the day and evening, “transporting guests through ever-changing landscapes, artwork and scenic environments as they dine”.

Other restaurants, bars and lounges have been redesigned and repositioned to create more space.

Gary Anslow, vice-president for the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa, said: “Norwegian Aura is all about giving guests more of what they love, with spaces and experiences that make vacations feel even easier.

“From Tamara, our new Indian specialty restaurant, which expands the already guest-favourite eatery in Indulge to an elevated culinary offering; to The Panorama Room’s immersive dining experience and our most expansive Thermal Suite to date, every addition has been purposefully designed to give guests more freedom, choice and opportunities to relax, recharge and enjoy their vacation their way, without compromise.”

The Mandara Spa, which includes the thermal suite, also offers a sensory rain pool, said to be the first of its kind at sea.

The 360-degree experience transforms from calm waters to a tropical rainfall and eventually a dramatic thunderstorm, with simulated lightning effects and the sounds of rolling thunder.

The culinary programme includes 22 food and beverage options spanning more than 10 distinct cuisines.

Norwegian Aura will also feature Ocean Heights, an activity zone for parents and kids.

It will offer six slides, the 82-foot Aura Ropes Course, a multi-level obstacle course, Moon Climber, and Aura Midway featuring carnival-style games and a nine-hole mini golf course.

The ship will first set sail in Europe with a seven-day Mediterranean voyage from Trieste to Barcelona on May 21, 2027, followed by a 13-day transatlantic voyage to Miami.

In the summer of 2027 as well as the summer of 2028, Norwegian Aura will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyages. During winter 2027-28, Norwegian Aura will offer week-long Western Caribbean voyages.

Disney Cruise Line to return to New York in 2027-28 programme

Posted on 28 August, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Disney Cruise Line to return to New York in 2027-28 programme

Disney Treasure in New York

Disney Cruise Line will return to New York for the first time in four years as part of its autumn 2027 and spring 2028 programme.

Disney Wish will sail seven four to seven-night cruises from the city from September 2027, featuring New England and Canada’s Atlantic Coast, with ports of call including Boston, Saint John and Halifax.

Five of the sailings will also call at Bermuda, with three offering an extra day in port.

The season features expanded sailings to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic including the port on selected itineraries.

Three Wish Class ships will homeport from Port Canaveral from November 2027, including newest vessel Disney Destiny, alongside Disney Wish and Disney Treasure.

Disney Destiny will initially sail three to five-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale in autumn 2027, before homeporting from Port Canaveral for the first time to offer three to seven-night sailings to the Bahamas and western Caribbean.

Disney Wish will offer three and four-night voyages to the Bahamas following its New York season, while Disney Treasure will operate seven-night sailings to the eastern and western Caribbean.

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also join the Port Canaveral line-up from November 2027.

On the US West Coast, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will sail from San Diego through to early November 2027, offering three to seven-night Baja and Mexican Riviera itineraries.

Disney Magic will complete two Panama Canal repositioning cruises: a 14-night eastbound sailing to Galveston in November 2027 – featuring a maiden call at Fuerte Amador for Panama City – and a westbound voyage from San Diego in March 2028 with a maiden call at Colon, Panama.

The ship will also operate a series of seven-night cruises from Galveston.

In Asia, Disney Adventure will continue operating three and four-night itineraries from Singapore, including a maiden port call at Langkawi, Malaysia.

Early bookings for Castaway Club members open on August 31, ahead of general sale on September 8.

Tracy Wilson, senior vice-president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line operations, said: “Disney Cruise Line is proud to be a leader in family cruising, helping our guests create lasting memories in even more destinations.

“We are delighted to return to a guest-favourite port in New York, introduce maiden calls in Panama and continue visiting destinations throughout the Caribbean and beyond with our growing fleet.”