Tag Archives: travel

Three New Cruise Lines to Alaska in 2026

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Three cruise lines are adding cruises to Alaska to their schedule in the summer of 2026: Azamara, MSC, and Virgin.

Returning to the destination after a seven-year hiatus, Azamara will offer a series of ten- to 13-night cruises in Alaska and Canada starting in May 2026.

Sailing in the region for the first time, the Azamara Pursuit will operate open-jaw itineraries that sail between Whittier and Vancouver.

According to Azamara, the voyages were created to prioritize unspoiled destinations, visiting locations such as Kodiak, Dutch Harbor and Icy Strait Point.

The deployment will also include excursions aimed at bringing guests closer to natural beauty, unparalleled wildlife and authentic culture, Azamara said.

MSC Cruises will debut for the first time in Alaska in 2026, with the MSC Poesia offering a series of seven-night cruises from Seattle.

The season runs from early May to late September and includes a regular itinerary that visits Ketchikan, Icy Strait Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau and Victoria.

In a press release, MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said that the new operation in Alaska and Canada further expands the company’s global offerings by sailing to a must-see region.

Virgin Voyages is also debuting in Alaska in 2026 with the new Brilliant Lady. After entering service in late 2025, the ship is scheduled to spend its first summer season in the region.

From May to September, the Brilliant Lady offers 17 voyages to 12 destinations in Alaska, including Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

Ranging from seven to 12 nights, Virgin’s itineraries sail from Seattle and Vancouver and also include destinations in Canada, such as Prince Rupert and Victoria.

According to the company, the cruises will give guests opportunities to experience Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes while taking part in activities that include salmon fishing, glacier trekking, lumberjack shows and dog sledding.

As one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, Alaska accounted for nearly five per cent of the industry’s market share this year, according to data from the 2024 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

Virgin Voyages Launches $120,000 Annual Pass

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This past Travel Tuesday, Virgin Voyages launched the Annual Pass, offering unlimited access to its fleet of ships for an entire year, starting in 2025.

The industry-first program allows guests to choose any voyage, departing from any location, with access to various destinations and itineraries.

The company also said that it now accepts cryptocurrency, providing the option to purchase the pass with Bitcoin.

Richard Branson, Virgin Group founder, said: “I’ve always been a big believer in the power of travel and adventure to spark creativity and bring clarity. What started as a sought-after ‘work from sea’ concept with our Season Pass has evolved into something even more special. Now, Sailors can jump aboard any of our ships, across an endless variety of exciting destinations for an entire year. We’re offering unlimited opportunities for adventure in a way that has never been done in cruising before.”

With the Annual Pass, travellers can sail on any ship in the fleet, including the upcoming Brilliant Lady, set to launch in September 2025. Starting from January 2025, the pass provides a year of unlimited sailings from any departure port. Pass holders will enjoy Sea Terrace cabins with balcony views, in addition to exclusive perks like priority boarding, complimentary laundry, unlimited premium WiFi and a $100 Bar Tab credit per voyage. Additionally, guests have the option to add a plus one to their cabin.

The Annual Pass costs $120,000, excluding taxes and fees, and is available for booking through March 31, 2025. Travel advisors who sell the pass will earn a commission of $10,000.

Norwegian Encore Arrives at Damen for Refit

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The Norwegian Encore arrived in France this week for a major refurbishment at the Damen shipyard in Brest.

Over the next two weeks, the Norwegian Cruise Line vessel is scheduled to undergo significant work on its public areas and staterooms.

According to the company, the project follows guest feedback and will include the creation of new features, as well as the addition of more cabins.

One of the main changes coming to the Norwegian Encore is the debut of Spice H2O. The adults-only complimentary sun deck will be created in the area currently occupied by the ship’s laser tag arena.

The enhancements will also include the expansion of two of Norwegian’s popular speciality dining venues, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki.

Both restaurants will offer greater capacity by taking over the footprint of Los Lobos and Coco’s, respectively.

The Norwegian Encore is also seeing the addition of 24 new balcony cabins, which will take over a part of the ship’s Observation Lounge.

Other changes include updates to Haven’s Premier Owner’s Suites. The two staterooms will be expanded to include a new bedroom, a fully renovated living room, and a new separate dining room.

In addition, work on the vessel’s technical side includes planned routine maintenance, class inspections, and upgrades to various systems.

Following the shipyard stay, the Norwegian Encore is scheduled to resume revenue service on December 3, 2024.

The 2019-built vessel welcomes guests back for a 12-night trans-Atlantic crossing that sails from Southampton, England, to Miami, Florida.

During the 2024-25 winter season, the Encore is scheduled to offer a series of seven-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean and the Bahamas, departing from PortMiami.

The itineraries feature a visit to Norwegian’s private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay, as well as St. Thomas, Tortola and more.