Tag Archives: travelling

MSC Adjusts Last Alaska Itinerary of the Season

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MSC Cruises informed guests that it’s adjusting the itinerary of one of its upcoming cruises to Alaska and British Columbia onboard the MSC Poesia.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the September 21, 2026, voyage will no longer include scenic cruising through Endicott Arm.

“We understand this is an experience many guests look forward to, and we sincerely regret that this portion of the itinerary will not be possible,” the company said, noting that the change was caused by seasonal operational considerations.

“However, we are pleased to inform you that this adjustment will allow the MSC Poesia to arrive in Juneau at 8:00 AM instead of 2:00 PM, allowing you six additional hours to experience this remarkable destination,” MSC continued.

Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, the MSC Poesia is scheduled to offer a seven-night cruise to Alaska and British Columbia on September 21, 2026. In addition to Juneau, the itinerary features visits to Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria.

According to guest reports, MSC will offer a $50 onboard credit per person as compensation for the change.

The credits are reportedly being applied directly to guests’ accounts, with a limit of up to $100 per stateroom.

The adjusted sailing will close out MSC’s inaugural summer season in Alaska, which started in May and included a series of seven-night cruises from Seattle.

Following the cruise, the MSC Poesia kicks off a repositioning voyage to PortMiami via the Panama Canal ahead of a winter season in the Caribbean.

After departing from Seattle, the 19-night cruise includes visits to destinations in California, Mexico and Central America.

Before returning to Alaska for a second season in 2027, the MSC Poesia offers five- and 11-night cruises to the Caribbean during the 2026-27 winter.

The itineraries sail from PortMiami and include visits to destinations in the Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean.

Explora III Arrives in Northern Europe During Maiden Season

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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.

New Oceania class of ship floated out

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New Oceania class of ship floated out

A new ship for Oceania Cruises has been floated out at a shipyard in Italy ahead of planned entry into service in a year’s time.

The 695-cabin Oceania Sonata is the first of five ships planned for the line’s new Sonata Class.

It will be followed by sister ship Oceania Arietta in 2029, with three additional vessels due for delivery in 2032, 2035 and 2037.

At approximately 86,000 gross tons, Oceania Sonata will be nearly 30% larger than Oceania Allura – launched last year – yet will feature only 90 additional cabins.

Suites will make up a third of the accommodation including four Owner’s Suites featuring two bedrooms – a first for Oceania Cruises. 

Two new suite categories are also being introduced. 

Horizon Suites will offer more than 600 square feet of space, with separate living and bedroom areas, a walk-through closet and an oversized balcony.

The 488-square-foot Penthouse Deluxe Suite will feature an expanded layout and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors to frame the ocean views.

Oceania Sonata will include 13 dining venues, including two new culinary concepts – La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and Nikkei Kitchen – as well as The Grand Dining Room and specialty restaurants Jacques, Red Ginger, Polo Grill and Toscana.

Oceania Sonata will embark on its inaugural season from August 2027 through to April 2028, visiting more than 90 destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, and Central and South America. 

The vessel was floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, moving from dry dock to a fitting-out berth, where work will continue on the interiors.

Chief luxury officer Jason Montague said: “The float out of Oceania Sonata is an incredibly exciting moment as we move one step closer to welcoming our first guests aboard next August.

“We are tremendously grateful to our partners at Fincantieri whose expertise and craftsmanship are bringing Oceania Sonata to life.

“As the first ship in our new Sonata Class, she represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the brand and a defining milestone in the continued evolution of Oceania Cruises.”