AIDA to Host Charity Concert in Hamburg

Posted on 29 June, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

AIDA to Host Charity Concert in Hamburg

AIDA Cruises is hosting an exclusive concert at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg on October 28, 2026, called “AIDA & Friends.”

“Our concert is a thank you to our guests and partners,” said Alexander Ewig, senior vice president of marketing and sales at AIDA Cruises.

“We thank our loyal fans and friends for their support on our 30-year journey and are hosting a concert that will be remembered for a long time and is the perfect end to our celebrations,” added Ewig.

The event will feature live acts and social engagement, with performances by Mark Forster, LEA and Revolverheld.

AIDA said in a press release that the proceeds and potential donations will be used to finance three new schools. For every ticket sold, 30 euros go directly into new educational projects.

“‘AIDA & Friends’ combines what is important to us: exceptional experiences and social engagement,” the company said.

“Together with guests and artists, we are committed to the educational opportunities of children,” said Felix Eichhorn, president of AIDA Cruises.

According to the press release, AIDA Cruise & Help has funded 100 schools worldwide and has focused on educational projects since its inception in 2019.

The goal is to open up long-term perspectives for children through education.

Tickets for the concert are now open for booking.

In addition, AIDA Cruises is giving away four pairs of tickets to the charity concert. Applicants can enter here.

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.

Noordam on Holland America’s 28-Night Cruise to Alaska

Posted on 22 June, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Noordam on Holland America’s 28-Night Cruise to Alaska

The Noordam sailed from Seattle earlier this month to kick off Holland America Line’s 28-night Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice Voyage.

As one of the company’s longest cruises in the region, the monthlong itinerary includes visits to a wide range of destinations across Alaska and British Columbia.

After departing from its homeport in Washington, the Noordam sailed to Ketchikan, Sitka and Icy Strait Point.

The 2006-built vessel then visited Valdez before calling at two of Alaska’s less-visited destinations: Dutch Harbor and Nome.

Holland America is the only large cruise line visiting the latter through 2027, with a second visit scheduled for the Noordam next summer.

Continuing its cruise, the Noordam is now scheduled to visit Kodiak ahead of an overnight stay in Anchorage. Other ports of call include Haines, Juneau and Wrangell, as well as Prince Rupert.

The itinerary also features scenic cruising near Hubbard Glacier, the Inside Passage and Endicott Arm Fjord. Concluding the legendary voyage, the Noordam is scheduled to return to Seattle on July 5, 2026.

The 1,900-passenger ship will then offer Holland America’s Alaska Explorer itinerary, which sails to Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria over seven nights.

In early September, the vessel will offer another monthlong legendary voyage: the 27-night Glaciers & Volcanoes cruise.

It also sails roundtrip from Seattle, combining destinations in Alaska and Hawaii, including Anchorage, Sitka, Dutch Harbor, Honolulu, Kahului and Hilo.

Later this year, the Noordam repositions to Australia via a 34-night legendary voyage that will sail from Seattle to Sydney.

The vessel is scheduled to spend the 2026-27 winter season sailing to destinations in the South Pacific from Sydney and Auckland.