Ponant Explores the French Riviera
Ponant Explorations has a new itinerary along the Côte d’Azur, aboard its iconic three-master, Le Ponant.
From May 2026, the first Relais & Châteaux labelled sailing yacht, will offer 32 guests a unique travel experience.
The new itinerary unveils the charms of legendary ports of call and hidden harbours.
The petite Le Ponant can access intimate ports and secluded coves along the French Riviera, because of its compact size.
Guests can enjoy excursions from scenic hikes to enriching cultural visits and activities, far from the usual busy circuits.
Le Ponant is equipped with facilities that prioritise environmental sustainability. When conditions allow, the marina is deployed at anchor for watersports, offering guests the chance to swim, explore the coastline on a paddleboard, or observe marine flora and fauna from a glass-bottomed kayak.
Zodiac trips also provide a unique perspective on the region’s sun-drenched coves.
In line with the finest Relais & Châteaux properties, gastronomy is a highlight with a dedicated chef crafting menus inspired by local produce and the vibrant flavours of the South of France.
The French Riviera under Le Ponant’s sails from Nice return departs 7 and 23 May 2026, for 7 nights.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises adds the S S Emilie
The S S Emilie, a new build and unique addition to the Uniworld fleet, will make its debut next year.
Uniworld will also celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, ushering in a lineup of offerings to celebrate the milestone, including a 50-night Rivers of the World sailing, three new mystery cruises and a new family-friendly Generations Collection offering.
The S S Emilie will debut on the Danube River across eight itineraries throughout Europe.
The 154-passenger ship is the brand’s first new build since 2021, with a design inspired by renowned Austrian painter Gustav Klimt and named after his life partner and muse, Emilie Floge.
The new river ship is a first of its kind and will feature Klimt’s signature style woven throughout the ship’s design, showcasing dramatic hues of green, blue and yellow, striking gold accents, and art nouveau touches.
In addition to a one-of-a-kind onboard restaurant, lounge and bar, the S S Emilie will allow guests to book a spacious two-bedroom suite when reserving a Grand Suite with the adjoining Deluxe French Balcony stateroom.
Silversea Antarctica Business Flight Special
Antarctica is known as a trip of a lifetime with about 120,000 travellers cruising there annually. It is about 99.98 per cent fewer passengers compared to the Mediterranean.
As an incentive to see the dream destination, Silversea, a leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, is offering business class upgrades for $5998 per person roundtrip on a select number of voyages for a limited time.
The offer is available on 10 voyages, ranging from six to 21 days.
For those who prefer to bypass the Drake Passage, known as the Drake Shake on wild weather days or on calmer days, the Drake Lake, you can fly in.
Silversea’s six-day Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise is an ideal choice, with three voyages included in the selection.
Three 10-day voyages are available for travellers with more time and a desire to experience the passage and earn their badge of honour.
For those interested in a deeper exploration of the region, various 18 and 21-day expeditions provide an extended journey, including stops in the Falklands and South Georgia, a dream for wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs.
Silversea’s ships are small, intimate, and designed for exploration.
Itineraries include Buenos Aires to Puerto Williams from 5–26 October 2025, 21 days on Silver Wind and King George Island to King George Island from 1–7 November 2025, 6 days on Silver Endeavour.
Seabourn’s Northern Europe Itineraries for the Summer Cruise Season
Seabourn, known for its ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, is offering an excellent line-up of Northern Europe itineraries for the summer 2025 cruise season.
From May to August 2025, Seabourn Sojourn will embark on a series of captivating voyages across the British Isles, Norwegian Fjords and Iceland Coast.
Seabourn Sojourn will visit more than 40 destinations in 12 countries on nine itineraries ranging from seven to 24 days.
With departures from Dover (London), England; Reykjavik, Iceland; and Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland, guests can explore the mystical lochs of Scotland, chase the midnight sun in Norway’s northern reaches, and experience Iceland’s breathtaking scenery and quaint villages.
The ultra-luxury ship will cap her season with the 24-Day Route of The Vikings, following the historic seafarers’ route from Dover to Montreal, Quebec.
British Isles
Featured ports include Fishguard, Wales – a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers plus a rich history and charming architecture that offer a glimpse into Wales’ cultural heritage.
In Oban, Scotland, grey seals can be spotted swimming in the harbor or resting along the shore. A featured shore excursion is Scotland’s Mountains & Gondola Ride which travels along Scotland’s beautiful coastlines and windswept, heather-covered hills to view stunning scenery including Loch Linnhe, and Glen Nevis.
Norway and Iceland
Norway and Iceland offer a taste of Viking culture with small gothic villages, warm Norwegian hospitality and the unique natural wonders that inspired Viking and Nordic folklore. Featured ports include Reykjavik, Iceland, known for its bustling city scene and highlights such as the famed Blue Lagoon.
Tromsø, Norway is within the land of the midnight sun during summer months and the elusive northern lights in winter.
Avalon Waterways’ 2025 Author Cruise
Best-selling author Christopher Moore will host his second Storyteller cruise with Avalon Waterways in October 2025.
Expanding its popular Storyteller Series into its fourth year, Avalon Waterways’ new celebrity-hosted itinerary – Illuminations on the Danube: A Storyteller Cruise with Christopher Moore – will cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest.
This 10-day Illuminations on the Danube departure sails through the legendary setting of the Danube River: a waterway that’s inspired empires, dynasties, winemakers and waltzes. Moore’s newest novel, Anima Rising, will be published on May 13, 2025.
Moore’s fans can celebrate his new book with him, while exploring some of the most dramatic chapters in time, uncovering scenic ports, riveting plots and the richest banks of history on vacation.
“My newest book, Anima Rising, is set in Vienna in 1911,” Moore says.
“I first visited Vienna on an Avalon Waterways cruise a few years ago and I was so taken with the city, I knew I wanted to set a book there.”
Fans interested in joining Moore on the Danube River, where rieslings and pilsners flow, will experience two full days in Vienna – the setting for Moore’s book. There will also be music, art, and coffee house experiences.
This is Avalon Waterways 11th celebrity-hosted cruise since the series’ launch. Past Storyteller hosts have included Diana Gabaldon, Cheryl Strayed, Gillian Flynn and Candace Bushnell.
