SeaView Cruises

26/01/2025

SeaDream Yacht Club has become the first cruise line to allow payment for voyages using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

Guests can now book their voyages to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Norway, and Northern Europe using any of more than 200 of the most frequently used cryptocurrencies.

The leading cryptocurrency payment platform Coinbase Commerce will be used to ensure secure, reliable and efficient payment processing.

“This underscores our commitment to staying ahead of emerging trends. For us, crypto is the natural next step forward,” said Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club.

SeaDream will also be implementing a digital payment solution for cryptocurrency on its website seadream.com over the coming weeks.

SeaDream Yacht Club becomes the first cruise line to allow payment by cryptocurrencies

21/01/2025

Holland America Line is to invest $70m in a multi-year expansion of its Denali Lodge in Alaska to provide expanded guest capacity and improved facilities.

Work will start in this year, with additional enhancements taking place in 2026 and 2027.

The expansion comprises:

2025: Enhancements to the riverside interpretive trail with scenic viewpoints, improved on-site wayfinding, refined menu offerings for restaurants and public space improvements for the Cottonwood and Canyon Lodge guest room buildings.

2026: 48 remodelled rooms in the Holland America Denali Lodge, a new coffee shop and a remodelled Karstens Public House with expanded indoor and outdoor seating.
2027: A new guestroom building with 120 suite and standard rooms and a main lodge renovation that will include a new restaurant concept, a new lobby bar and an enhanced coffee experience.

HAL president Beth Bodensteiner said: “This investment is a win for Alaska, our guests and Holland America Line. Enhancing and expanding Denali Lodge will help meet the growing interest in combined land and sea Cruisetours for our 49th state and further support the Alaska tourism industry.”

Each itinerary includes a scenic ride on the glass-domed McKinley Explorer train and select itineraries visit Dawson and rides through the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad from Skagway.

Holland America Line to invest $70m on expansion of its Denali Lodge in Alaska's wilderness

04/01/2025

Robbie Williams is to perform an exclusive open-air concert for 15,000 guests at the christening of TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff Relax in Malaga in April.

The bad news for fans of the international superstar is that the event, and the cruise, is already a sell-out.

Guests on on Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 7 will also be sailing in so that their guests can enjoy the party.

Williams is already a feel-good ambassador of Mein Schiff Relax.

Image courtesy of TUI Cruises

Robbie Williams to perform exclusive open-air concert for 15,000 guests a christening of TUI Cruises' Mein Schiff Relax in April.

21/12/2024

Make your spirits bright this festive season with Ambassador Cruise Line's Shiploads of Savings campaign.

Until 12 February you can delve into a Tsackful of great deals on sailings across the 2025, 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Offers include half price Premium Drinks Packages on selected sailings in the 25/26 season and Buy One, Get One Half Price on all 26/27 sailings plus 20% off the Expedition Drinks Package when booking the Ambassador Fare.

They are available for both ships in the Ambassador fleet, with Ambience operating from her home port of London Cruise Terminal and Ambition sailing from seven additional regional ports including Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol, Falmouth and Portsmouth.

For full details visit the Ambassador website

No-fly cruise line Ambassador launches its Shiploads of Savings campaign,

30/10/2024

How will Alaska authorities view MSC's first ever summer season to the region in 2026 as the guest numbers continue to pile up?

As Alaska battles to contain the impact of cruise tourism, the announcement that MSC Cruises will be sailing there for the first time in summer 2026 will hardly cheer them up.

Cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian signed have already signed an agreement with Juneau tourism officials to help manage the thousands of passengers getting off the boats at the same time and visiting the area.

It is difficult to see how this can be achieved without some kind of ticket ashore lottery.

It is understood that numbers of visitors will be capped at 16,000 from Sunday to Friday, reduced to 12,000 on Saturdays.

That still sounds like a hell of a lot of people to me.

When I visited Alaska onboard Silver Shadow in 2008, cruising as we know it today was pretty much in its infancy, which meant our experience left us with memories to last a lifetime. Sledding with huskies, white water rafting. We and out shipmates almost had the place to ourselves

By the time we visited Santorini with Ponant a few years later, the cruise crush was starting the gather speed.

Five ships spilling many thousands of its guests into this pretty town made it virtually impossible to move a muscle once ashore. For me, it was a nightmare never to be forgotten.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said this week: “By introducing sailings to Alaska we’re further extending our global offering and giving our guests the opportunity to experience this must-see region."

He is right. Alaska is a must-see region, but unless strict number controls are introduced, the guest experience will be further eroded.

17/10/2024

The days of cruising being the preserve of seniors with plenty of lolly has been well and truly turned around.

A recent survey by cruise specialist cruise.co.uk discovered that the age of cruisers has plunged by 11 years to just 55 in the last five years.

Almost 500,000 passengers took part, and bookings made so far in 2024 showed an average age of 55 compared with 66 in 2019.

The big fall is put down to the growing trend for multi-generational travel and cruising's growing appeal to younger audiences, driven by new ships featuring family-friendly attractions and itineraries showcasing destinations worldwide.

Tony Andrews, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “These findings are clear evidence of cruise’s growing appeal to a wider audience.

"As new ships and itineraries emerge, passengers of all ages are discovering that a holiday at sea offers a host of one-of-a-kind experiences, both onboard and ashore, with activities designed to appeal to all tastes."

www.cruise.co.uk or call 0330 303 8478

Average age of cruisers plunges by 11 years since 2019, according to new research.

10/10/2024

Carnival has become the first cruise operator to embark seven million guests from New Orleans.

After 30 years cruising from Port NOLA, Carnival Valor's Captain, Antonio Modaffari, and some of his team welcomed the Litteral family onboard, pictured, on Monday (30 September) with an impromptu celebration to mark the occasion.

Carnival takes on 400,000 guests from Port NOLA each year, with Carnival Valor and Carnival Liberty currently sailing year-round from the port, with itineraries to the Bahamas, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Next year, Carnival Liberty will sail nine voyages from New Orleans that will visit Celebration Key, the cruise line’s new exclusive destination on the island of Grand Bahama, opening in July.

Note from SeaView editor: If you have enough time in New Orleans, be sure to visit the must-see National WWII museum.

Carnival Cruise Line becomes the first cruise line to embark seven million guests from New Orleans.

23/09/2024

If you like classical music and travel, then here's smothing not to be missed.

Classic FM has teamed up with Sue Perkins, one of the nation’s best loved broadcasters, comedians and travel presenters, to host a new four-part series Race to Antarctica with HX – Hurtigruten Expeditions.

In the programme, which launched on Friday, Sue takes everyone on a fascinating musical expedition from the UK to Antarctica, exploring cities, countries and continents, while discovering classical music connections along the way.

And for the next three Friday evenings, listeners will continue travel with Sue through iconic destinations – many visited on HX’s voyages, from the British Isles and Europe, Greenland, the Northwest Passage, Alaska, the USA, South America and, finally, the magical and other worldly destination of Antarctica.

As Sue ventures south, she delves into the rich cultural heritage of each region, discovering classical masterpieces that originated in or were inspired by these truly breathtaking destinations, such as Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture (Fingal’s Cave), Danzon No.2 by Mexican-born Arturo Marquez and Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No.7 (Sinfonia Antarctica).

She said: “I am thrilled to be part of the Classic FM family and embark on this new series which perfectly combines two of my great passions – classical music and travel. I look forward to joining with Classic FM’s well-travelled audience as we embark on this musical voyage together.”

Suzanne Hall, European Marketing Director at HX, said: “Sue’s spirit of curiosity and adventure aligns perfectly with our values at HX, making this collaboration a natural fit. This series is the perfect way to take listeners on the musical version of our expeditions.”

Race to Antarctica with HX – Hurtigruten Expeditions is broadcast every Friday at 9pm on Classic FM.

Classic FM teams up with broadcaster and travel presenter Sue Perkins to host a four-part series Race to Antarctica with HX - Hurtigruten Expeditions

23/09/2024

Here's what Norwegian Cruise Line's next evolution of its Prima Plus Class will look when the all-new Norwegian Luna takes a bow in April 2026.

And if you don't want to miss out on what this extraordinary ship has to offer, then her round-trip Caribbean cruises from Miami have already opened for sale.

Norwegian Luna will kick off her inaugural Caribbean season with two western itineraries to Roatan Island, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize, the Brand’s resort-style destination.

The ship will then sail seven-day cruises with calls to the beautiful Eastern Caribbean destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, which will feature a brand-new pier by late 2025.

At 1,056 feet long, 156,300 gross tons, and accommodating approximately 3,550 guests at double occupancy, Norwegian Luna will boast an overall 10 per cent size and capacity increase from Prima Class ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.

Her celestial hull art, named La Luna, will showcase a vibrant dreamscape by ELLE, the highly acclaimed street artist from Napa, California, who has partnered with popular brand names such as Nike, Reebok and Ralph Lauren.

www.ncl.com

Marking the company’s 21st ship, Norwegian Luna may not be setting sail until 4 April 2026 but her Caribbean cruises are already on sale

23/09/2024

Windstar Cruises is offering a significant expansion of its year-round itineraries in the South Pacific on Star Breeze from 2026.

You'll be able to soak up new experiences in Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands, in addition to existing sailings in Tahiti and the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, and the Marquesas.

Windstar has sailed in Tahiti for more than 36 years so it's fair to say knows what it is doing ,and Windstar President Christopher Prelog says: “These new additions are a natural progression for us, as these faraway South Pacific islands exemplify the heart of Polynesian culture."

“We can go to places like Tonga and Taveuni without overwhelming the destination from a tourism, ecological, and cultural perspective, due to our small size and the great relationships we have built while sailing in the region over decades.”

If you book a 2026 South Pacific cruise by 31 October 2024 you'll enjoy a complimentary all-Inclusive experience (worth $89/day per guest) featuring Wi-Fi; unlimited wine, beer and cocktails; and all gratuities – plus a $100 onboard credit per stateroom.

Windstar offers a significant expansion of its year-round itineraries in the South Pacific on Star Breeze from 2026

29/04/2024

Two-time Grammy Award-winning superstar Gloria Gaynor is going to sing the house down on Crystal Serenity in October.

She will perform with her 10-piece band on on 26 October during the 14 night Québec City to Fort Lauderdale cruise, belting out a selection of her greatest hits.

And if that isn't good enough, guests will be able to get up close and personal during an intimate Q&A session.

Known worldwide for her timeless hits like I Will Survive and Never Can Say Goodbye, Ms Gaynor has been a trailblazer in the music industry for decades, captivating audiences across the globe.

“I am overjoyed to join Crystal Serenity for what promises to be an unforgettable voyage,” said Gaynor. “Music has the power to bring people together, and I am honoured to share my passion with the discerning guests of Crystal.”

19/04/2024

Queen Anne officially joined Cunard’s iconic fleet in Italy today (19 April) marking the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service.

The 3,000-guest ship was handed over during a traditional ceremony at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice ahead of her seven-day maiden voyage which departs Southampton on 3 May.

Queen Anne is the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag.

Weighing in at 114,000-tons and spanning 14 decks, she will offer travellers several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than any other previous Cunard ship.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “We are so excited to welcome Queen Anne to our fleet as she completes a remarkable quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria – marking the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service.

“We are now fully focused on readying her to welcome guests for her maiden voyage on 3 May before she embarks on an historic British Isles Festival Voyage, including a momentous Naming Ceremony in Cunard’s spiritual home of Liverpool on 3 June.”

www.cunard.com

Queen Anne officially joins Cunard’s iconic fleet in Venice marking the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships sailing together

28/03/2024

For those of an unsound disposition, DON'T READ THIS.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is selling its mid-bogglingsuite on Seven Seas Splendor's 2027 world cruise for the record-breaking sum of - WAIT FOR IT - £1.3m.

OK, it is for two people, and the lucky sailors will be indulging themselves for 140 nights in the mansion-sized Regent Suite.

And then, of courses there's the

:: Personal car and driver in every port
:: Original work by Picasso adorning the walls
:: A custom Steinway Grand Maroque Piano by Dakota Jackson
:: And the comfort of a hand-crafted Hästens Vividus mattress and bed set-up, worth over $200,000

Hardly surprising Regent are marketing ther suite as the most exclusive residence at sea, also featuring unobstructed views over the ship’s bow from the 1,300 square-foot wraparound veranda and, at 4,443 total square feet.

It is home to an in-suite spa retreat with a personal sauna, steam room, and whirlpool bath. And Regent Suite guests will also have:

Setting sail on 11 January 2027 from Miami to New York, the all-inclusive cruise will visit 71 ports of call in the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Africa and Europe.

Time to get your cheque book out.

www.rssc.com

Regent offers ultimate world cruise package for an eye-watering £1.3m

26/03/2024

How's this for a cool deal? HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) are knocking up to 25% off sailings between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 .

And if you book and then later find the same cabin for a lower price, HX will refund the difference as part of the HX Price Promise.

The offers cover a wide range of destinations from Antarctica to Alaska and Galápagos to Greenland, and are valid on bookings made before 30 June.

This follows the recent news that HX will be introducing ‘all-inclusive’ cruising as standard across the whole fleet from November 2024.

www.hurtigruten.com

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) offer an early booking discount of up to 25% off sailings between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 when booked before 30 June

26/03/2024

More and more families are finding multi-generational cruising right up their street.

A survey of 700 customers by cruise specialist cruise.co.uk found:

69% of grandparents are now more likely to sail with their children and grand-children compared to five years ago.

34% said their primary motivation was to create lasting memories
28% stated it was the value for money of a cruise
27% said it was the variety of on-board activities and entertainment

The survey also put the Mediterranean firm destination favourite for a multi-generational cruisers (63%), followed by the Caribbean (18%) and Northern Europe (10%).

Image courtesy of Holland America Line

www.cruise.co.uk

11/03/2024

If you want to head off on a cruise without any idea where you’re heading for then Windstar Cruises has the answer.

Its first-ever “President’s Mystery Cruise” will be setting sail from Athens in April next year with guests only knowing that they will be back there in eight days.

Star Legend’s unannounced destinations will be kept a secret from guests until 24 hours ahead of arrival at each port.

“The team is keeping the itinerary secret even from me," said Windstar’s President Christopher Prelog.

“It’s sort of awakening the sense of adventure again, which is what travel should always do. It’s something different, something really interesting. It’s a cruise for guests who like adventure and who don’t want to plan everything out.”]

Prelog will be on board as the cruise will be doubling as the company’s annual popular President’s Cruise, when guests get a chance to learn about the leadership of this personal, small cruise line.

www.windstarcruises.com

Star Legend's unannounced destinations will be kept a secret from guests until 24 hours ahead of arrival at each port.

04/03/2024

You can't get enough of a good thing, especially when it comes to SeaDream cruising the Greek Isles.

It has added two more voyages to an already extensive series of Greek Isles cruises in 2025, the most epic being a 14-night in-depth yachting adventure exploring 13 different Greek ports on SeaDream I.

Immerse yourself in a blend of culture and scenic beauty, and unwind with opportunities for hiking, beachcombing and exploring charming local villages.

“We have been exploring the Greek Isles for more than 20 years, and it strikes us how there is always something new to see,” said SeaDream Yacht Club’s Andreas Brynestad.

“With this in mind, we have created what we believe to be our most exceptional Greek itineraries to date.”

The two newly added seven-day Yachting the Greek Isles voyages in June and July 2025 feature a carefully curated selection of ports and experiences.

Both SeaDream I and SeaDream II are sailing to the Greek Isles in 2024, as well as later in the 2025 season. They will also return in 2026.

For full details visit www.seadream.com

SeaDream Yacht Club has added two more voyages to an already extensive series of Greek Isles cruises in 2025.

22/02/2024

What's absolutely unforgivable on a cruise? We lay out the 7 Deadly Sins of cruising -- and what well-behaved passengers should do instead.