Wellness Wave and Slow Travel
Cunard has launched new research in collaboration with leading neuroscientist and broadcaster, Dr Jack Lewis into the benefits of slow travel.
The first of its kind research delved into the cognitive benefits of slow travel and found that just five days at sea can increase brain function on average by 26 per cent.
The study was conducted by Human Understanding Agency, Walnut and involved 40 guests from around the world embarking on the iconic Transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York on 18 October 2024.
The results showed cognitive abilities such as memory, spatial reasoning, logical thinking, and problem solving all significantly improved while out at sea.
Participants also experienced an incredible 158 per cent increase in perceived relaxation and overall emotional wellbeing.
Oceania Cruises Offers New Alaska Adventures
Leading culinary cruise line, Oceania Cruises is offering more than a dozen immersive explorations of Alaska this year.
The cruises will take travellers beyond typical tourist sights to discover the unique perspectives, local culture, soaring glaciers, and pristine wilderness of “The Last Frontier.”
The 1250-guest Riviera will sail her first season in Alaska for Oceania Cruises, making her the foremost and only cruise ship in the region designed for foodies, by foodies.
Travellers will enjoy the best of the 49th state, paired with Riviera’s luxurious small-ship ambience and myriads of unique gourmet culinary experiences.
The 2025 Alaska season takes place from May through September, offering a variety of itineraries ranging from seven to 12 days, departing from Seattle, Vancouver, and Whittier.
Itineraries feature both lesser-known and iconic ports such as Homer, Sitka and Juneau, giving travellers opportunities to engage with the destination on an entirely new level through Native tribe site visits, national park excursions and wildlife encounters.
Each sailing also features a naturalist on board to offer expert insights into the incredible biodiversity of Alaska, covering everything from whales to bears and seals.
Cruises include Alaska Reflections: 8 days from Vancouver to Whittier visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah and Sitka. Departs 13 May 2025.
Viking Expands its Ocean Itineraries in 2026 and 2027
Viking has launched 10 new ocean itineraries in the Mediterranean, United Kingdom, Ireland and Northern Europe that are now available for booking in 2026 and 2027.
The new itineraries range from eight to 22 days and feature 12 additional recurring ports that are new for Viking ocean voyages.
They include Fowey, England; Bordeaux, France; Limerick, Ireland; Riga, Latvia; Klaipeda, Lithuania; Londonderry, Northern Ireland; Haugesund, Norway; Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao, Spain; Fort William and Tobermory, Scotland; and Karlskrona, Sweden.
With a fleet of small sister ships, Viking offers more than 100 different itineraries across all five oceans. Viking’s new ocean voyages visit iconic cities—as well as lesser-known destinations—throughout Europe.
New for 2026 and 2027 include the Amalfi Coast, Africa & Iberia – 8 days between Rome and Barcelona and the Spain & Portugal Discovery – 8 days between Lisbon and Barcelona.
Standouts include the Scandinavian Discovery – 8 days between Oslo and Stockholm, visiting stunning fjords and bustling cities. Delve into nature in the lesser-known Åland Islands, an archipelago of 6,700 isles plus an overnight stay in Stockholm, allowing you to explore more of its Viking legacy and historic treasures.
Princess Launches the Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection
Fancy a Betty Buzz cocktail, a Kylie Minogue Rose, or a Lyre’s Cocktail?
Princess Cruises will debut its Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection in March.
The curated menu of premium non-alcoholic elixirs and spirits alternatives offers guests an innovative, sophisticated way to enjoy unforgettable moments at sea—without the alcohol.
The Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection sets a new standard for the cruise industry as the first standalone non-alcoholic bar menu from a major cruise brand.
The menu will feature an impressive array of 10–20 craft cocktails, developed in collaboration with the visionary team behind the world’s No. 1 bar Sips, Barcelona), Princess mixologists, and renowned cocktail artist Rob Floyd.
The menu also boasts an exclusive selection of imported and domestic craft non-alcoholic beers, along with white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines—all crafted to mirror the complexity and quality of traditional beverages.
Drinks within the Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection will be included in the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, which include unlimited beverages among other premium amenities.
The Tauck of the Town
Tauck, known for its upscale guided travel, has launched its 2026 itineraries, offering a variety of departures across small group land tours, river cruises, and small ship ocean voyages.
It is offering secure 2025 pricing for select 2026 departures available on bookings made before 28 February 2025 on more than 60 departures in 2026, spanning the globe.
The incentives apply to some of Tauck’s most popular European river cruising, small ship cruising and land tours.
European river cruising: European river cruises take guests along iconic rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Douro, and the French Waterways. Notable itineraries include The Blue Danube, Exploring the Douro, Lisbon & Madrid, Savouring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence, and Rendezvous on the Seine.
Land tours: Tauck’s land tours offer small group cultural immersion across all seven continents. Featured itineraries include Magic of Morocco, Essence of Japan, Kenya & Tanzania: A Classic Safari, and A Portrait of India.
Small ship cruises: Tauck’s small ship cruises, averaging less than 200 guests onboard. Popular itineraries include Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome, Treasures of Spain and Portugal, and the remote wonder of the Galapagos Islands.
Multigenerational journeys: several multigenerational land journeys and cruises are also included, offering something for every family member to enjoy across generations.
