Tag Archives: travelling

Royal Caribbean Adds Extra Port to Upcoming Cruise

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Royal Caribbean Adds Extra Port to Upcoming Cruise

Royal Caribbean International is adding an extra port to the July 4, 2026, sailing onboard the Rhapsody of the Seas.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the itinerary will now feature an additional visit to La Romana in the Dominican Republic.

Part of a seven-night cruise to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean from Puerto Rico, the new call replaces a day at sea.

“While planning our upcoming adventure, we want to make sure you are aware of a slight change to your itinerary,” Royal Caribbean told passengers.

The company said that the visit to La Romana was added as part of its routine review of upcoming cruise itineraries.

“From time to time, updates are necessary as we finalize scheduling port arrangements and operational details,” the company added.

Royal Caribbean added that the new call will enhance guests’ experience, giving them a full day to explore an additional port.

A selection of shore excursions for the new destination will be available for guests soon, the company noted.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to setting sail with you,” Royal Caribbean added.

In addition to the newly added visit to La Romana, Rhapsody’s July 4, 2026, itinerary sails to other destinations in the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sailing roundtrip from San Juan, the Vision-class ship is scheduled to visit Tortola, Philipsburg, St. John’s, Basseterre and St. Croix.

The Rhapsody of the Seas is currently offering a series of seven-night cruises from Puerto Rico that sail to destinations in the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.

Extending through 2026 and early 2027, the deployment will be followed by the ship’s return to Europe, with a summer season in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Viking Yi Dun Departs Shanghai, Concludes Its Chinese-Flag Era

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Viking Yi Dun Departs Shanghai, Concludes Its Chinese-Flag Era

The Viking Yi Dun slipped her moorings at Shanghai’s North Bund International Cruise Terminal on June 5, beginning a roughly 60-day positioning voyage across the South China Sea.

The ship will sail past Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, around the Cape of Good Hope and into the Mediterranean, with a scheduled arrival in Barcelona, Spain, in early August.

Viking said in a press release that the departure also marked the formal launch of what it has promoted as its first Chinese-language transcontinental itinerary, the “60-Day Afro-Euro-Asian Discovery Journey.”

At an onboard ceremony earlier in the day, Brendan Tansey, managing director of Viking China, said the voyage will cross the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans, calling at 27 destinations across 16 countries including Singapore, Phuket, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, South Africa, Namibia and Morocco before reaching Tarragona.

Tansey added that the company is marking its 10th anniversary in the Chinese market and framed the sailing as a milestone: Viking’s first all-Chinese-service (long) ocean voyage, designed around a familiar, senior-focused onboard environment (Mandarin-speaking hotel team, Chinese menus and signage, as well as no casino), and the bridge to a regular Chinese-language Mediterranean season starting August 3 in Barcelona.

The departure also closes the book on the vessel’s time as China’s first “five-star-flag” oceangoing cruise ship.

Built as the Viking Sun and later acquired by the China Merchants and Viking joint venture, she was reflagged to the Chinese register and renamed the Zhao Shang Yi Dun.

In recent months, however, that joint venture structure unwound; the hull was repainted and the name formalized as the Viking Yi Dun, and the flag changed to Norwegian.

Four Seasons II Revealed with New Yacht Residential Suites

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Four Seasons II Revealed with New Yacht Residential Suites

Four Seasons Yachts has introduced the Four Seasons II, which showcases a new caliber of accommodation through its Yacht Residential Suites. The ship will start sailing in 2028, debuting in April in the Eastern Mediterranean following its delivery from Fincantieri.

“Following an exceptional launch for this new venture, we are thoughtfully expanding our fleet in a way that continues to elevate the experience,” said Ben Trodd, CEO, Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd., joint owner/operator of Four Seasons Yachts.

“The Four Seasons II builds on this foundation, introducing new offerings on the water while deepening personalization and expanding access through the introduction of residential-scale suites,” added Trodd.

“Every detail has been considered to ensure guests feel an effortless sense of home, wherever they are sailing.”

The new yacht will feature 79 expansive suites, including a new collection of Yacht Residential Suites alongside a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio.

“Four Seasons has always been defined by the quality of experience we create and the genuine care with which we deliver it,” said Alejandro Reynal, president and CEO of Four Seasons.

“Our first vessel has shown how naturally this extends to sea. With the Four Seasons II, we will continue to build on that foundation, creating experiences that feel deeply personal, thoughtfully designed, and unmistakably Four Seasons,” added Reynal.

Debuting in 2028, the Four Seasons II will mirror the intimate scale and design-forward philosophy of the first vessel, while introducing the new and expansive Yacht Residential Suites.

Designed for those seeking the ultimate in space, privacy and flexibility, the suites offer a residential-scale experience at sea, complete with open-concept living, private terraces and bespoke service tailored to each guest.

Ranging from two- to four-bedroom suites and positioned across the upper decks, the Yacht Residential Suites are ideal for extended stays, group travel and multi-generational journeys.

Features include integrated lifestyle kitchens and dining spaces, dedicated entertainment areas, and, in select suites, private splash pools, outdoor showers and wellness-focused amenities.

A dedicated concierge ensures every detail, from personalized dining to curated Shore and Sea Experiences, is arranged.

Voyages for the inaugural season are now open for booking.