Tauck Launches More Women’s Only Departures in 2027

Posted on 22 June, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Tauck Launches More Women’s Only Departures in 2027

Tauck has announced the opening of additional bookings for 2027 Women’s Only Departures, expanding from three itineraries to seven and extending the collection beyond Europe to include North America for the first time.

All 2027 Women’s Only Departures are now open for booking.

The expanded collection spans Italy, France, Portugal, Scandinavia, England and Canada, with departures running from June to October.

Every Women’s Only Departure operates as a small-group itinerary averaging 24 guests and is led by a female Tauck Director, with one upfront price covering airport transfers, accommodations, most meals, exclusive access experiences and expert local guides, the company said in a press release.

European Itineraries

“A Week In… Champagne & Alsace” is a new eight-day itinerary exploring two of France’s most renowned wine regions, from the Alsatian villages of Kaysersberg and Colmar to the Champagne capital of Reims.

“A Week In… Italy’s Hidden Wine Country” is an eight-day immersion in Italy’s slow-food heartland, combining truffle hunting in the Langhe hills, a guided tasting of the region’s celebrated Barolo and Barbaresco wines and an exclusive early-opening visit to La Venaria Reale.

“A Week In… Copenhagen & Oslo” is an eight-day journey through two of northern European capitals. Highlights include a private palace dinner at Copenhagen’s historic Odd Fellows Mansion.

“Tuscany, Cinque Terre & the Portofino Coast” traces the arc of northwestern Italy from Chianti to the Ligurian coastline, combining the art and gastronomy of Tuscany with Cinque Terre and Portofino.

“England and the West Country” explores the landscapes, country houses and cathedral cities of southwestern England, the storied countryside that inspired Jane Austen and generations of English writers.

“A Week In… Portugal” is an eight-day journey from Porto’s historic riverfront to Lisbon’s grand avenues, tracing Portugal’s wine traditions, UNESCO World Heritage sites and coastal character.

North American Itinerary

“Canada’s Capital Cities plus Niagara Falls” explores the cultural and natural breadth of eastern Canada, and the spectacle of Niagara Falls.

The itinerary offers a rich cross-section of Canadian heritage, architecture and landscape, with Tauck’s signature access and guided depth throughout.

Costa Cruises Marking Solar Eclipse with Special Med Voyage

Posted on 4 June, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Costa Cruises Marking Solar Eclipse with Special Med Voyage

Costa Cruises has unveiled a special itinerary centered around the solar eclipse that is returning to the Mediterranean in August after 20 years.

The cruise line said in a press release that there will be two departures for its eight-day Eclipse Cruise aboard the Costa Pacifica, one from Civitavecchia (Rome) on August 8 and the other from Savona on August 9.

“Experiencing a total solar eclipse from the path of totality at sea is truly an extraordinary event we’re thrilled to offer our guests,” said Priscilla Reyes, head of sales for Costa Cruises North America.

“Witnessing this awe-inspiring celestial event from the open water, surrounded by clear horizon views and the shared excitement of fellow travelers, transforms this natural phenomenon into a truly unforgettable moment.”

After visiting destinations such as St. Tropez, Palma and Valencia, the ship will reach the Balearic Sea on August 12, 2026.

At Costa’s eclipse-focused sea destination: “Balearic Sea – Solar Eclipse,” guests equipped with safety glasses will observe the phenomenon from the outer decks.

A subject-matter expert from the Astronomical Observatory of Genoa, Italy, will provide narration to make the experience complete.

The ship will then continue to Olbia and Aranci Gulf, before returning to Civitavecchia and Savona on August 15 and 16, respectively.

Holland America Reveals Post-Evolution Deployment for Oosterdam

Posted on 9 May, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Holland America Reveals Post-Evolution Deployment for Oosterdam

Holland America Line is now accepting bookings for the first post-refit season onboard the Oosterdam, the company said in a press release.

The Vista-class ship will be the first to undergo a major refurbishment as part of the Holland America Evolution, which is considered the largest fleet investment in the brand’s 153-year history.

After undergoing its drydock, the Oosterdam is set to offer eight itineraries and 15 departure dates across Europe, the Caribbean and North America starting in late 2027.

Holland America said that the sailings “give guests the earliest opportunity to experience Oosterdam’s onboard enhancements, paired with destination-rich itineraries.”

The company highlighted the multi-year refurbishment program, which was designed to modernize its fleet by bringing features from the newer Pinnacle Class to more ships.

Following the project, the Oosterdam will introduce new stateroom and suite categories, in addition to expanded access to signature venues.

“We’re excited about what Holland America Evolution represents for our fleet and for our guests,” said Michael Stendebach, senior vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line.

“We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard the elevated Oosterdam through these new voyages, where they’ll be among the first to experience what this transformation brings. From the first step on board, guests will feel a more refined and thoughtfully designed experience, with new spaces like the Grand Dutch Café providing a sense of comfort and welcome as their vacation begins,” he added.

Among the new features coming to the Oosterdam are Solo Verandah staterooms, which offer solo travelers a private balcony and dedicated workspace.

Guests seeking premium accommodations can also choose from newly introduced Bridgeview Suites that feature panoramic windows and living space, as well as Vista Suites, debuting on Oosterdam for the first time.

As part of its Evolution enhancements, the ship will also introduce the Grand Dutch Café, a European-inspired coffee shop that first debuted on Pinnacle class ships and builds on the company’s Dutch heritage.

Following its refurbishment, the Oosterdam will return to service in Europe in early December 2027, kicking off a seven-day itinerary in the Western Mediterranean.

The cruise features visits to destinations in Spain, Portugal and Morocco and will be followed by a 13-night trans-Atlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale.

The 2003-built vessel is then set to spend the 2027-28 season sailing from Port Everglades to the Caribbean, with 11- and 12-night itineraries that highlight destinations in the Southern Caribbean and the ABC Islands.

In spring 2028, the Oosterdam will transit the Panama Canal while repositioning north to the Pacific Coast.

Holland America said that the journey includes ports throughout Central America and Mexico, followed by scenic sailings along the U.S. West Coast before concluding in the Pacific Northwest.