Oceania Cruises’ Reimagined Menus
The destination-focused cruise line, Oceania Cruises has created the next evolution of The Grand Dining room menus.
They will be launched on the cruise line’s newest 1200-guest ship, Allura in July 2025.
The reimagined menus will introduce more than 270 new recipes across all three meal services, distinguished by refined flavours, modern techniques and elegant presentations.
The open-seating Grand Dining Room is found aboard each of the line’s eight small, luxurious ships and forms the heart of the Oceania Cruises culinary experience.
New features include a Signature Eggs Benedict section in the breakfast menu and a lunch menu inspired by chic French bistro dishes.
The dinner menu showcases reimagined much-loved classics, such as Beef Wellington served with a Shiraz red wine sauce, sautéed spinach, and truffle mashed potatoes and chermoula butter-roasted Maine lobster with risotto primavera and bisque jus.
Culinary patriarch Jacques Pepin, was inspired by personal memories, such as his grandmother’s Mousse au Chocolat de Mamie Huguette.
A Parisian Bistro at Sea: La Brasserie Lunch Experience
At lunchtime, The Grand Dining Room will transform into La Brasserie, offering authentic French bistro-inspired dishes. This reimagined midday menu features a rotating vegetarian main course, an artisanal cheese plate, and a curated charcuterie platter.
Standout dishes include Blanquette De Veau à L’Ancienne, a veal stew simmered in a creamy sauce with vegetables and fragrant pilaf rice; and traditional Coq Au Vin, featuring chicken braised in red wine and paired with tagliatelle pasta.
For the evening meal service, The Grand Dining Room’s dinner menu features more than 200 new recipes, blending refined influences from global cuisines with a modern, balanced approach.
Coral Expeditions Expands Tasmanian Expedition Program
Coral Expeditions, Australia’s small ship expedition cruise line, has a new lineup of adventures at sea for the summer of 2026.
Several new cruises and a refreshed schedule will celebrate the company’s 10th year of expedition cruising onboard the yacht-like vessel, Coral Discoverer, in Tasmania’s wild and pristine coast.
Highlights include:
Sydney to Hobart: A Yachting Tradition – 7 night departs Sydney 26th December 2025
Experience the great yachting tradition of Australia’s Sydney to Hobart as the fleet sails through the Sydney Harbour heads through to the New Year celebrations at the Constellation docks in Hobart. Experts onboard will share their insights and tales and encounter the majestic and powerful coastlines.
Wild Escape Tasmania – 4 night departs Hobart 2nd January 2026
Combine the best of Tasmania on this active adventure voyage designed for a new generation of explorers. Kick start the new year with nature and luxury as you explore natural encounters on Maria Island, the Freycinet and Bruny Island. Enjoy morning walks and witness rare wildlife, sea kayak through the tranquil hidden bays and indulge with food and wine experiences that celebrate the tastes of Tasmania.
For release on sale March 1st 2025.
Scenic Walks of Tasmania – 7 night departs Hobart 6th January 2026
Step ashore in some of Tasmania’s most remote and iconic National Parks and wilderness regions to enjoy world class nature hikes. This voyage is for active explorers who love immersing themselves in the outdoors and enjoy health and fitness. Encounter unique flora and fauna and the magnificent coastal vistas of Tasmania and the powerful ocean surrounds as we take in the epic walks and sweeping views at Cape Huay, Bruny Island, Maria Island and summit Mt Beattie in the Bathurst Harbour world heritage area
On sale now.
Viking Introduces New Expedition Cruises
From the Arctic to Antarctica
Celebrate a voyage of extremes with Viking’s 87-day From the Arctic to Antarctica voyage from Nuuk to Ushuaia. Pricing starts from $115,195 pp in a Nordic Balcony with free business class flights. Plus, receive up to US $2,000 shipboard credit. Offer ends 31 March 2025.
Passengers will witness stunning vistas, unique wildlife and diverse cultures as you journey on a memorable voyage from the Earth’s far north to the extreme south. Admire Nuuk’s rugged beauty and the icy wilderness of the Canadian High Arctic. Pass through the scenic Canadian Maritimes, sail along the famed St. Lawrence Seaway and visit historic cities along the East Coast. Navigate the striking Chilean Fjords before exploring the icy realm of Antarctica. There will be Destination Performances from local musicians, enriching lectures from Viking Resident Historians, and time to relax in the Nordic-inspired spa after your time ashore.
There’s also a new Amalfi Coast, Africa and Iberia 8 day cruise from Rome to Barcelona. Pricing starts from $5,995 pp in a Veranda Stateroom with free airfare for your companion valued up to $2,400 per booking. Plus, receive $500 shipboard credit. Offer ends 31 March 2025.
Explora’s New Spring Journeys
Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, is offering a new spring collection of exclusive Mediterranean journeys. Sailing aboard EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, guests will experience unparalleled elegance, curated cultural encounters, and family-friendly Easter festivities set against the backdrop of Europe’s most captivating coastal destinations.
Guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Mediterranean, from vibrant towns brimming with architectural marvels to sun-kissed shores and crystal-clear waters. Designed to evoke the intimacy of a private yacht, each voyage seamlessly blends adventure with relaxation, offering an authentic and immersive exploration of this enchanting region.
For those seeking deeper cultural immersion, Explora Journeys presents the Rituals & Traditions series, featuring an enriching Seder Passover feast. With insights from a historian, guests will embark on a culinary journey that unveils the historical significance of each dish, elevating both the mind and the palate.
The Easter itineraries on board EXPLORA I offer guests an extraordinary blend of history, culture, and natural beauty with highlights including:
Barcelona to Barcelona: An Extended Journey to Hidden Histories and Flavourful Andalusia
14 April – 4 May 2025 | 20 nights | EXPLORA I
From Barcelona to Alicante’s sun-drenched Costa Blanca, this itinerary offers beachside yoga, lively sundowners in Ibiza and Sardinia, and explorations of Tunisia, Sicily, Naples, Casablanca, Gibraltar, and Motril.
Barcelona to Santa Cruz de Tenerife: A Journey of Spanish Charms & Moroccan Wonders
3 – 9 April 2025 | 6 nights | EXPLORA II
The mystical power of the sea carries guests to Spain’s sun-drenched Costa Tropical and the enchanting port of Motril. Navigating the Strait of Gibraltar, the journey unveils the legendary resting place of Hercules in Tangier before continuing to Casablanca, home to the historic Old Medina and Africa’s largest mosque. The voyage concludes amid the volcanic splendour of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
MSC Offers New Extra Comfort for Guests
MSC Cruises offers four distinct experiences, Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and the MSC Yacht Club designed to provide the ultimate comfort for all guests.
Guests can book an interior cabin along with the Bella Experience for maximum value or opt for a luxury experience with the 104 square metre Owner’s Suite in the cruise line’s exclusive MSC Yacht Club.
Now the cruise line is rolling out additional advantages for guests booking a suite with an Aurea Experience across its fleet.
On top of the existing benefits of the Aurea Experience including premium services, My Choice dining flexibility, wellness-focused amenities and access to the luxurious MSC Aurea Spa thermal area, it now brings additional benefits to help create an unforgettable cruise holiday.
From their embarkation throughout their entire journey on board, Aurea Experience suite guests will be immersed in a unique zen experience from being welcomed with a bottle of prosecco, then heading to the MSC Aurea Spa to enjoy the thermal area before returning to their suite, where plush wellness amenities await them, along with luxurious bedding and a pillow menu to fit their needs for a restful sleep.
Newly introduced benefits for guests booking a suite with the Aurea Experience also now includes: priority disembarkation and tender boat access, one mini bar access, an in-suite Nespresso coffee machine, Venchi daily turndown of chocolates and elevated insuite amenities. It also includes two complimentary ironing services per stay.
These additional benefits apply to all suites with an Aurea Experience booked for sailings commencing from 1 July 2025.
