Latest news with #luxurycruise
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I went on the Oceania's new foodie cruise ship with James Bond-like bars, 10am pasta and free TikTok classes
I CONFESS, I have never read a James Bond novel – but I do know that 007 and I have one thing in common. No, it's not a licence to kill, it's that we both take our martinis shaken, not stirred. 8 8 8 And that's exactly how mine is served on Oceania 's shiny, new 1,200-passenger ship, Allura. Freshly shaken at the table by a black-tie waiter and swirled into a frosted glass, just as I like it. It's perfecting tiny, personal details like this that Oceania prides itself on. And Allura is no exception. The 15-deck ship embarked on her maiden voyage just over a week ago, sailing around the sun-soaked Med. The luxury vessel is nothing if not elevated, home to an artist's lounge where novices can learn to paint, a cosy library that whiffs of leather and is crammed with more than 1,000 books, and five exceptional bars. Cooking at sea A dapper Bond certainly wouldn't look out of place, poised next to the pianist in my favourite of the ship's bars, Martinis. Three other ships in Oceania's seven-strong fleet also have identical Martinis bars — why change something if it works so well? And that was the cry from loyal passengers who called for the return of Oceania's much-loved Jacques restaurant. And Oceania listened. Ember, a more casual dining concept, was ditched and in its place an improved version of the French speciality joint, named after top chef Jacques Pépin, now graces Allura. Common myths about cruises debunked It's a decision I firmly agree with, after swallowing my punchy amuse-bouche of garlicky spinach and creamy feta cheese wrapped in a bite-sized case of buttery pastry. Here, dark wooden tables are dressed in a pressed white cloth adorned with polished silverware, and waiters in dicky-bows are preparing elegant plates of steak tartare tableside. The only giveaway that I'm not in a posh restaurant in some fancy district of Paris is my view of the ocean through the window next to me. I order a cheese soufflé to start, a dish for which Oceania is renowned, followed by lobster thermidor (would you wince if I told you that this was the third lobster I've devoured since being on board?). Even the side basket of warm bread has me salivating. But that's no surprise, really. Allura is one of the only ships in the world to bake fresh bread at sea every day. The doughy smell wafting from the galley — which is larger than that of any other cruise ship, I might add — is guaranteed to awaken your stomach in the mornings. With one chef per every eight guests, the cruise line can certainly lay claim to having the most food-focused fleet on the seas. And even if you do consider yourself a top home-chef, a cooking class at the on-board Culinary Center should still be on every passenger's list. It's not a crime to eat pasta at 10am, especially not in chef Kathryn Kelly's kitchen. Just avoid the faux-pas of putting oil in the pasta water. Kelly tells us that our spaghetti strands need to be starchy in order to soak up all the sauce which, in this instance, is a simple mixture of Parmesan, chilli and lemon, inspired by the location of this very sailing (around the boot of Italy). Having coined the first cooking school at sea, Kelly, who credits her youthful looks to her love of food, has evolved the on-board foodie experiences over her 14 years under the Oceania umbrella. Guests now have the choice of 60 different chef-led excursions in small groups of 18, while those who prefer less of a hands-on experience can slurp on wine from a bar stool in the Chef's Studio while Chef whips them up a sumptuous feast. 8 8 8 Of course, away from the food experiences and 12 dining venues, there's plenty more to keep cruisers entertained during days at sea. Allura is home to the second Oceania Lync Digital Centre, where you can get free lessons in subjects like smartphone photography and how to create a TikTok. For sun-seekers, the main pool is flanked by cushioned loungers and cabana beds, while the spa terrace offers a more relaxed space, where loungers are dotted between three bubbling Jacuzzis. On the upper decks, there are all manner of sports and games — croquet, cornhole, a padel court, mini-golf course and putting area. Then there's the evening entertainment, from the casino to the Allura Lounge showcasing nightly musical performances. And if it all gets too much, you won't feel like you're missing out just lounging in your stateroom — even the most basic of which is ultra-fancy, with marble-clad bathrooms (scan the QR code below for a detailed look). The gorgeous mattresses will ensure you get a good night's kip. And if that doesn't work, there's always Martinis for a quick cocktail nightcap. 8
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cunard introduces over 30 new excursions for travellers
Cunard has unveiled more than 30 new shore experiences for guests. The luxury cruise line will offer the excursions as part of its Caribbean Iconic Collection, launching on board Queen Elizabeth during her maiden season from Miami. The experiences, designed to capture the spirit, flavours, and landscapes of the Caribbean, will be available on voyages departing from October 16, 2025. Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: "The Caribbean has long been a favourite destination for our guests, and we're pleased to offer a new way to experience these much-loved islands through our Iconic Collection. "These experiences go beyond the usual tourist spots – they're designed to create lasting memories and deeper connections with each place, all with the signature Cunard touch our guests expect." The curated collection features 32 experiences across 12 destinations, including St Lucia, St Maarten, and St Thomas. Highlights include a private catamaran cruise along Antigua's coastline with sushi and barbecue prepared by a Michelin-starred chef, an off-road 4x4 adventure in Barbados ending with a cheese and wine picnic, and a visit to a remote island in Anguilla. READ MORE: Southampton welcomes new SailGP innovation hub supporting elite global racing Cunard has teamed up with local guides to introduce guests to both well-known attractions and lesser-explored locations. Additional experiences include a private tour of Puerto Rico, a hands-on coffee journey in the Dominican Republic, a helicopter escape to Barbuda Belle in Antigua, and a luxury day pass at Scrub Island Resort in Tortola. This season marks the first time Cunard will base a ship in Miami for an entire season. Queen Elizabeth will operate a series of roundtrip Caribbean voyages lasting between 9 and 28 nights, visiting destinations such as Montego Bay, San Juan, and St John's. To book or learn more about Cunard voyages, go to The ship's inaugural Caribbean sailing from Miami departs on October 16. The 12-night roundtrip voyage will include stops at Bridgetown's UNESCO-listed Garrison and the markets of Castries, St Lucia. Fares start at £799 per person based on two sharing a Britannia Balcony stateroom.
Travel Weekly
15-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
How Silversea is streamlining its expedition cruise experience
Teri West Galapagos cruising got cushier this month for those sailing with Silversea's Silver Origin. The cruise line is now providing passengers with charter flights in Ecuador from Quito to San Cristobal Island, a two-hour trip that forgoes the previous layover in Guayaquil. It is becoming ever clearer that Silversea believes luxury in expedition requires eliminating, as much as possible, unpredictability and discomfort before and after the cruise. For Antarctica cruises, the line offers charter flights from Chile and will soon also host guests before their flight at a Silversea-built and owned hotel. In the expedition space, the trick in crafting the journey is leaving room for error, so Silversea's pre- and post-cruise services are a true value, said David Lauwers, a luxury cruise and expedition travel advisor at Q Cruise + Travel. "It's padding out an expedition," he said. "It isn't like going to Europe, where you can get on the next flight, there's loads of carriers and it's not a problem." Lauwers said he likes to direct clients toward Silversea because it eliminates so many of the logistical challenges involved in ensuring his customers are aboard the ship when it leaves the homeport. The services also differentiate Silversea from competitors, and once guests try the Silversea flights there is a high satisfaction rate, Lauwers said. They find the plane ride to be an exciting kickoff for the cruise itself, with Silversea-branded napkins and menus and the opportunity to commune with fellow passengers. "They love that they're all Silversea guests, because they can all chat and talk about the trip, especially on the return," he said. Silversea president Bert Hernandez said the company is focused on evolving. "This enhanced guest journey to the Galapagos reflects this dedication -- streamlining every touchpoint to make visiting this bucket list destination more accessible and seamless than ever," he said. "We always put the guest at the center of everything we do, creating opportunities for deeper connections to the destination, and this is one more way we're leveraging our deep expedition and destination expertise to further elevate the Silversea experience." Lauwers said he expects other cruise lines to take a wait-and-see approach in deciding whether to operate their own Galapagos charter flights, but those that might consider it would also be in the luxury space. "I think they've got quite a niche in the Galapagos," Lauwers said of Silversea. "I think that'll be a big differentiator for them."
Travel Weekly
08-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Atlas Ocean Voyages hires Kristian Anderson to lead sales
Atlas Ocean Voyages has named Kristian Anderson executive vice president of global sales. Anderson had led Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's global sales since 2021. Kristian Anderson Anderson has extensive experience in luxury cruising. He previously worked at Silversea Cruises, and his time at Ritz-Carlton was during the brand's launch. There, he was senior vice president of global sales. He has also worked in aviation and river cruising at Qatar Airways and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. Atlas CEO James Rodriguez called Anderson a "welcome addition" with a "leadership position in the trade community." Atlas debuted in 2021 and operates three expedition ships, each accommodating about 200 passengers.
Telegraph
07-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Five things to know before you board a Silversea ship
When Silversea launched in 1994, it brought unprecedented luxury and a true all-inclusive offering to cruise passengers. It was the first to include alcohol in the fare, introduce suite butlers and offer a complimentary in-room mini-bar. Three decades on, the line continues to meet the exacting standards demanded by its loyal clientele. The brand doesn't try to 'be' anything other than a luxurious hotel at sea offering grade-A service. Carpets bounce, décor is quietly elegant and easy-on-the-eye, and guest rooms have pillow menus, marble bathrooms, rain showers and walk-in wardrobes. Newer ships have ushered in a contemporary feel, with relaxed al-fresco dining areas and lots of exterior glass designed to let the ocean in. It's an 'all-suite' line, which means every guest room has a window-facing lounge area that can be partitioned off from the bedroom. Although it typically attracts an older demographic, Silversea doesn't rest on its laurels, and is constantly reinventing its shore experiences, dining offerings and destination portfolio. In the 2026-7 season, passengers can choose from 230 new cruises. Last year, the line announced plans to build a 150-room hotel in the Chilean city of Puerto Williams to accommodate guests transiting to Antarctica. Rooms will have views across the Beagle Channel to the snow-capped Patagonian mountains. A focus on quality ingredients and non-buffet dining has been a mainstay for the line. Foodies will appreciate the well-executed Salt (sea and land taste) food programme that explores a destination through food-focused excursions and interactive open-kitchen dinners on board. These are sometimes led by an accomplished local chef. The cruise fare includes 24-hour butler-in-tux service for every guest; round-the-clock in-suite dining; premium drinks in suite and throughout the ship; and private transfers and flights. There is a supplement for certain restaurants. Beyond that are three fare types: door to door (everything is included and transport organised from the minute you close the front door); port to port (transfers and air fare aren't included), and essential (transfers, air fare and excursions aren't included). Silversea's fleet consists of 12 ships, six of which have joined since 2020. Four are expedition vessels, including a ship that sails solely in the Galapagos. Headquartered in Miami, Silversea is one of five brands owned by the Royal Caribbean Group. 1. Where does Silversea cruise? Worldwide, including all seven continents. The 2026/2027 cruise portfolio features 131 expedition voyages, while ocean ships will visit more than 85 countries. A handful of cruises sail the British Isles from Portsmouth and Southampton in the spring, and there are cruises from Southampton and Belfast to Copenhagen in June. Expedition cruises visit some of the world's most remote regions, including the Arctic and Greenland, the Antarctic, South America, French Polynesia and the Pacific, the Galapagos and the Kimberley in north-west Australia. Each January, passengers can join a world cruise – which can be taken in its entirety or in sections. In 2028, a 132-day cruise from Miami to Nice will visit 58 destinations on five continents. For those who prefer to cross the Atlantic by ship, rather than plane, Silversea has 'transoceanic' crossings from Southampton and Belfast to New York, and from Lisbon to Barbados. Itineraries often dovetail with festivals, high-profile sporting events and seasonal highlights such as cherry blossom season in Japan, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and the F1 Grand Prix in Monaco. 2. Who does Silversea appeal to? With a high proportion of longer cruises and the inclusion of big-ticket events, Silversea appeals to a well-heeled, largely American crowd that favours 'enrichment' (learning experiences) – and that wants to travel in comfort. Every effort goes into ensuring that passengers get the best experience from the destinations they're visiting – whether that's at a fine-dining experience onboard or during a shore experience. Although the demographic is generally older, and there are no children's clubs on board, families are welcome too. The minimum age for children on ocean-going ships is six months. The following age limits also apply: 12 months on Silver Cloud; five years on Silver Origin. Children younger than five cannot board zodiacs on Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud and Silver Wind. Under-18s must be accompanied in the same or connecting suite by a parent or responsible adult aged 21-plus. Solo travellers pay 25 per cent of the full fare on selected voyages. An October cruise to Antarctica costs £11,150 instead of £12,900, and a Bridgetown to Lisbon cruise costs £3,150, down from £4,900. 3. Silversea's fleet Ocean Silver Ray (728 passengers) Launched in 2024, Ray is the identical sister ship to Silver Nova. The 13 room categories include new, corner master suites with 270-degree views. There are eight restaurants, four bars and lounges, an Otium Spa, plus a sea-facing gym and beauty salon. Powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), Silver Ray is the most energy-efficient ship in the fleet. She has plug-in capability and is hydrogen fuel-cell ready. Silver Nova (728 passengers) Launched in 2023, Nova introduced the 'Nova' class of ship, featuring an asymmetrical design aimed at connecting guests with the water, wherever they are on board. It also introduced a buzzing all-day dining hangout, The Marquee. The deck 10 pool has 'floating' cabanas and a decent swimming length. Corner Otium Suites feature a private Jacuzzi and 270-degree views. Silver Dawn (596 passengers) Silver Dawn launched in 2022 and was the first to feature the brand's top-tier Otium spa. Otium wellness services are also available in-suite – that could be a massage, butler-drawn bath or a 'food and chill' evening. Silver Muse and Silver Moon (596 passengers) Built in 2020, Moon introduced Silversea's immersive culinary programme, Salt. Three dedicated venues include the Salt Kitchen, Salt Lab and Salt Bar, where dinners, demonstrations and drinks are tailored to regionally inspired menus. A signature French restaurant, the Japanese Kaiseki and Asian-inspired Indochine are among the eight restaurants. Built in 2017, Silver Muse shares the same restaurants as Moon, and both ships have the Zagara spa and beauty salon and a casino. Shows and films are held in the Venetian Lounge. Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper (392 passengers) The décor and layout of these two ships is classic rather than stylish. However, both offer a more intimate atmosphere and the same attention to detail when it comes to dining and service. Both ships have four restaurants, a show lounge, a card room, a library and a spa. Whisper was built in 2001 and last refurbished in 2024; Shadow was built in 2000 and last refurbished in 2019. Silver Spirit (608 passengers) Silver Spirit made headlines in 2018 when she was 'stretched' at a shipyard in Palermo. She left the yard 49ft longer, following a complex lengthening and extensive refurbishment. The result was roomier public areas and suites, an enlarged pool deck and a refreshed dining offering. The ship has an Arts Café, Observation Library, Zagara Spa and the chic Dolce Vita lounge. Expedition Silver Endeavour (220 passengers) Purpose-built for the polar regions, Silver Endeavour launched in 2022. She carries kayaks, zodiacs and a remote camera system that can capture high-quality images from over three miles away. Spread over eight decks, the all-suite ship has multiple restaurants, bars and lounges; a spa; a two-storey solarium with a pool and whirlpool; and several indoor and outdoor observation areas. Silver Wind (274 passengers) Refurbished in 2021 with an ice-strengthened hull, Silver Wind is a crossover ship, visiting polar and non-polar destinations. The nine-deck ship carries 24 zodiacs and has a show lounge, fitness centre and spa, observation library and jogging track. Her décor is more traditional. Silver Cloud (254 passengers on non-polar cruises; 200 in polar regions) Silver Cloud underwent a $40 million refurbishment and conversion to an ice-class ship in 2017. She carries 20 zodiacs and 10 kayaks and sails with a large team of expedition experts. The ship has four restaurants and a photo studio, and photography masterclasses are offered. Silver Origin (100 passengers) A stylish ship with sleek yacht lines, Origin was built for the Galápagos. Passengers travel with a team of Ecuadorian guides and a fleet of eight zodiacs. All suites have balconies and butler service, and an in-suite water purification system. The meeting point for zodiacs, the 'Basecamp', doubles as an information source for the islands. 4. Loyalty scheme Membership of the Venetian Society commences with the first voyage. Members accumulate Venetian Society Days on each voyage (one VS day per day sailed). 5. Access for guests with disabilities Suites can accommodate wheelchairs, scooters and other equipment. Dining and bar venues and other public areas offer wheelchair seating. Wheelchair accessible excursions are offered mainly in Europe and the US, and low-activity tours are available at almost every port. The 'View Deck Plan' tab on each ship page indicates accessible suites (
