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Hamilton Spectator
18-07-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Cruising is more popular than ever. Here's your expert guide, from scoring a good deal to booking better shore excursions
Cruising has its avid fans, people who praise the simplicity of going from port to port without unpacking, or the ease of multi-generational travel when there's entertainment for all. And the cruise-curious are also getting on-board: According to the State of the Cruise Industry Report 2025 from the Cruise Lines International Association, the number of first-time cruisers is growing. Over the past two years, 31 per cent of cruisers have been new-to-cruise — up from 24 per cent in 2019. Read on for your practical guide to navigating these waters if you've never sailed before. Consider the ports. 'Choosing the right destination is crucial. When we cruised with another family, we chose a sailing out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, because of the fantastic itinerary: British and U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Barbados and Antigua. The stops offered a diversity of landscapes and activities, with the right amount of beach time and adventure for four teenagers between two families. For us, the ship's amenities were less important than the stops, but they could be a deciding factor for families with young children looking to engage littles on-board with kid's camps, a water park and nightly entertainment.' — Lisa Kadane , travel writer Choose a cruise line that suits your style. 'If you're a fan of luxury hotels, look at lines such as Explora Journeys , and ships launched by Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons . Accor, the group that operates Fairmont properties, is also putting a new ship, the Orient Express Corinthian , in the water next year. If you're a fan of theme parks or need a variety of things to do (multi-gen and family travel comes to mind), look at the ship-within-a-ship concepts of MSC's Yacht Club and the Haven by Norwegian Cruise Line. Both are like floating boutique hotels, with private areas, concierge and butler services, and dedicated dining. You still have the full-on vibe of a ship with thousands of people on vacation, but you can retreat to the peace of your exclusive getaway.' — Vivian Vassos, travel writer and editor-in-chief of Bold Traveller magazine Continue checking prices. 'Once you've booked your cruise, keep an eye out for sales and promotions, especially before your final payment is due. Many cruise lines, such as Celebrity , Royal Caribbean and Princess , have best-price guarantees that could result in cash back, cabin upgrades or on-board credits if the advertised cost of your cruise drops at a later date. Even if you see a deal after you've made your final payment, call the cruise line and see if they're willing to make an adjustment. It doesn't cost anything to ask.' — Lori Rackl , travel writer Go when the deals are good. 'If you're investment shy but still want to give cruising a try: 'Wave season,' the industry term for off-peak travel, offers the best deals. And with temperatures staying mild well into November in Europe, there are deals to be had, and fewer crowds to deal with. April, May and June offer great deals for the Caribbean.' — Vivian Vassos Do the math on add-ons. 'One thing I think first-time cruisers need to take into account are extras like drinks and excursions, which are not included on most larger-capacity ocean cruises and can really break the budget for a family. Though river cruises are generally pricier per person, they typically include excursions, plus wine and beer at lunch and dinner.' — Lisa Kadane Plan to arrive early. 'If you're a first-time cruiser, you may also be a first-time visitor to the embarkation and disembarkation cities. Many cruise lines (especially river cruises) offer a day or two early in port, and extended port visits at the end of a cruise. Take advantage of those offers, and regardless, always try to arrive in your embarkation city a day early. It's worth the time and the investment, and with all the flight delays these days, you'll be happy to get on-board without having to rush from the airport.' — Vivian Vassos Book your flights wisely. 'If you're thinking of an expedition cruise, where departures could be dependent on the weather, book your flights with the cruise line. If you're stuck, for example, in Antarctica with very limited flight choices, the cruise line will be responsible for getting you in or out and making sure you have a place to stay while you wait. Many cruise lines are offering to book flights as part of the package, and some even offer deep discounts or free flights.' — Vivian Vassos Don't be afraid of DIY shore excursions. 'Cruise lines make a lot of money from shore excursions, which often involve a big flock of passengers following a guide with a flag. It's often more intimate and less expensive to book your own tours and experiences. Cruise lines will try to scare you away from making independent arrangements, warning that the ship will leave without you if you're not back on time. That's why some companies, such as ToursByLocals , guarantee you won't miss the boat. Their 'No One Left Behind' promise says in the unlikely event that you're not back by sail away, they'll provide overnight accommodation and transportation to the next port of call. (The website notes they've sold more than 150,000 shore excursions and only had to activate this policy twice.) Booking sites, such as Viator and Shore Excursions Group , make it easy to search for your own tours. Cruise schedules are subject to change, so it's a good idea to book an excursion with a flexible refund policy.' — Lori Rackl Read the room and the official trip advice. 'Cruises, depending on the line, can be dressy. Before my first, I paid careful attention to the cruise line's packing advice, including details on theme nights. I was glad I did. People really do go all out, and I was relieved I had appropriate evening wear. I went on a Club Med ship filled with cruisers from France, who looked smart (ironed shorts!) every time they stepped out of their cabins. Though we were cruising in North American waters, the vibe was decidedly European.' — Jody Robbins , travel writer Ask an insider. 'Definitely speak to either a travel agent, or an agent with the cruise lines you're considering. Looking for romance? There's a cruise for that. Wine and food? There are itineraries that can bring you up-close-and-personal to some of the best vineyards in Europe. Looking to do South Asia or Egypt but nervous about not speaking the language? Experience them from the rivers with vetted local guides. No question is a stupid question; speaking with a cruise expert and booking the right cruise could make or break your trip.' — Vivian Vassos
The Advertiser
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Camping in Antarctica: the coldest, strangest night you'll ever brag about
After a stream of hotel brands expanded into cruising, luxury train operators are on track to follow. Belmond was first to launch barges in France's canals. Orient Express is next in line with the world's largest sailing yacht set to debut in the Mediterranean next year. The 54-suite, 220-metre Orient Express Corinthian will unveil its revolutionary masts that rotate and tilt while supporting 4500 square metres of rigid sails, reducing the use of fuel. This pioneering project is a collaboration between Accor and LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The World's Largest Sailing Yacht Just Hit the Water for the First Time
The world's largest sailing yacht just made a mighty splash in France. The Orient Express Corinthian completed her all-important float-out in Saint Nazaire on June 16, following four and a half months of assembly at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard. The 722-footer was moved from the construction dock to the water for the first time, with tugs then guiding it along a set course to the outfitting dockyard. The vessel will now undergo final outfitting, systems integration, and finishing. More from Robb Report LeBron James Collabed With Richard Mille on a Limited-Edition Lakers-Inspired Watch Jim Beam Just Unveiled a New Little Book Whiskey Blend That Includes Brown Rice Bourbon This $3.2 Million Brooklyn Brownstone Honors Its Past While Embracing Modern Design Orient Express, which has been a part of the Accor Group since 2022, first announced it was expanding beyond luxury trains and into high-end sailing in January 2023. (Hospitality titans such as Ritz-Carlton, Belmond, Aman, and Four Seasons have also ventured into the marine industry.) It enlisted noted French yachtmaker Chantiers de l'Atlantique to build two cruise liners, with Orient Express Corinthian and Orient Express Olympian expected to set sail in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Orient Express Corinthian is not only the world's largest sailing yacht by length, but it is also equipped with three towering masts that stand at approximately 328 feet and support over 16,000 square feet of rigid sails. It is also the first sailing yacht to be equipped with the SolidSail propulsion system. This nifty setup enables the masts to be tilted and rotated to maximize the wind, thereby reducing fuel consumption, lowering operating costs, and increasing efficiency. Corinthian can cruise silently on the seas using sails alone, but the engines will kick in if more grunt is required. The hybrid propulsion system will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which produces fewer emissions than standard marine diesel. Corinthian will allow guests to cruise the seas in the lap of luxury, too. The yacht features a lavish interior designed by Orient Express artistic director Maxime d'Angeac. The decor pays homage to the golden age of rail travel and legendary ocean liners, such as Normandie, while incorporating chic contemporary design. The layout includes 54 suites, ranging from 485 to 2,476 feet. Each one showcases expansive picture windows or a private terrace. The vessel will also have five restaurants and private dining spaces, all of which will be helmed by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. There will also be eight bars, including a 1930s speakeasy and a Parisian-style cabaret hall inspired by iconic spots like the Moulin Rouge Orient Express Corinthian is scheduled to set sail in June 2026, cruising in the Mediterranean and Adriatic in the summer, before heading to the Caribbean. Orient Express Olympian is expected to hit the seas in the summer of 2027. To book, visit the Orient Express website. Book your journey today: Best of Robb Report The 2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: Everything We Know About the Powerful Mid-Engine Beast The World's Best Superyacht Shipyards The ABCs of Chartering a Yacht Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Monaco: Spring Pop-Up at the Yacht Club, United Towards Sustainable Transition
MONACO, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sustainable transition, energy-efficient refits, and environmental classification of recreational vessels were the key themes of the 2025 Spring Pop-Up organized by the Cluster 'Yachting Monaco' on May 15th at the Yacht Club de Monaco. The event brought together the entire Monegasque yachting ecosystem – shipyards, yacht owners, designers, suppliers, and port authorities – around a common goal: to act proactively in guiding the sector toward sustainable growth, already aligned with evolving European regulations. Three roundtables animated the discussion. The first, chaired by Vincent Huens de Brouwer, examined the contributions of related sectors. Vianney Vautier, Chief Operating Officer of Orient Express (Accor Group), presented the 'Orient Express Corinthian' project, the largest sailing yacht in the world (220m): 'The best fuel is the one that doesn't combust'. Equipped with 6,000 sensors and a digital twin, the vessel allows them to 'simulate each itinerary to identify gaps in consumption and correct them'. Victor Gibon, Project Manager at JIFMAR GROUP Canopée, shared the experience of the first hybrid cargo ship powered by rigid sails: 'We recorded an average 20% reduction in fuel consumption across the Atlantic. Under optimal conditions, this can reach 50%, or even 100% in sail-only mode'. Victor Collazos, Decarbonisation Program Manager at offered a regulatory overview: 'Yachting today accounts for 0.3% of global maritime emissions. It may seem small, but regulation is inevitable', he said, referring to the new requirement for ships operating in Europe to have an energy label from A to E. The second roundtable, moderated by naval architect Espen Øino, gave a voice to yacht owners. Laurent Reiss (M/Y Asteria) shared his family's experience navigating remote areas, highlighting the importance of 'autonomy, robustness, and onboard equipment'. Frank Binder, owner of M/Y XEIA, criticized the 'uniformity of design', while Heigo Paartalu, Managing Director and co-founder of YachtWay – M/Y 'Vanquish VQ55 & VQ58', emphasized that 'every square meter must be multifunctional—for example, a sun deck should be able to turn into an outdoor kitchen for entertaining'. All participants pointed out challenges in managing crews. Reiss stated: 'The rotation system sounds like a good idea, but in practice it's more convenient for the crew member than for the owner'. The third and final session, moderated by David Seal, focused on sustainable refitting. Robin Savigny, Energy Efficiency Project Manager at SMEG / SMART+, showed that a 24% saving in electricity consumption on a 60-meter yacht, equivalent to €48,000 per year, is achievable. Arthur Bohr, Monaco Site Director and Key Account Director at Monaco Marine, noted that '70% of the global fleet is over ten years old', and that by simply replacing 520 halogen bulbs with LEDs on a 50-meter yacht, 'up to 57,000 liters of fuel per year can be saved'. Natalie Quévert, General Secretary and SEA Index Project Manager, stressed the importance of measurement: 'Our certification allows owners to position their yacht on an energy intensity scale'. She added: 'Some older boats, if well-designed and well-balanced, achieve excellent scores. Conversely, some recent or hybrid yachts can be surprisingly impactful'. With 100 member companies and €567 million generated in 2022 (equal to 3% of the Principality's GDP), the Cluster 'Yachting Monaco' confirms its role as a key player in guiding the sector toward real and measurable sustainability. Real and measurable. For more information:- A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
