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.

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.

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.”