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 Credit: Windstar Cruises (Press Release) MIAMI, FL, February 19, 2025 – Today Windstar Cruises unveils its 2026 Southeast Asia program for its newest yacht, Star Seeker, which debuts December 2025. The line is offering two core itineraries combinable in 17 different variations including inland pre- and post-Cruise Tour programs.
Star Seeker's Southeast Asia program offers an in-depth exploration of the cultures, cuisine and history of Thailand and Vietnam, improving on the typical cruise experience in the region. Unlike most cruises that start and end in Singapore or Hong Kong, make stops at industrial ports far from key attractions, and spend just two or three days in each country, Windstar will take advantage of Star Seeker’s small size to offer a more immersive experience.
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 MSC World America (Credit Chantiers de l'Atlantique) (Press Release) Geneva, Switzerland – February 19, 2025 - MSC Cruises’ latest flagship, MSC World America has successfully completed the deep-water intensive systems tests during a final sea trial in the Atlantic Ocean.
MSC World America will become MSC Cruises’ 23rd ship and represents an evolution for the cruise line’s successful World Class platform with re-imagined venues and concepts tailored specifically to the U.S. market, combining European style with American comfort.  Credit: Virgin Voyages (Press Release) For a limited time only, the Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard®† unlocks even more adventures with an enhanced Boarding Bonus of 60,000 Virgin Points.
Customers who apply for the card between 18 February and 31 March 2025 will earn a whopping 60,000 bonus Virgin Points (compared to the usual 40,000 points) when they spend $3,000 in the first 90 days of opening their account*. That’s 50% more points and a whole lot of adventures waiting to happen.  Carnival Sunshine (Carnival) (Press Release) NORFOLK, Va., Feb. 11, 2025 – As the popularity of cruising continues to grow, Carnival Cruise Line is bringing more fun to Norfolk by launching year-round cruising with Carnival Sunshine’s inaugural sailing today. The new year-round deployment transforms Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise Center from a seasonal port to a permanent cruise hub that will sail 150,000 guests annually – the highest volume in the city’s history. Video from today’s event can be seen here, and video of the ship’s arrival in Norfolk is available here.
 Catherine Powell (Press Release) Calabasas, CA, February 11, 2025 – AmaWaterways, a leading luxury river cruise line, has announced an exciting update to its executive leadership team, positioning the company for its next phase of growth. Effective February 17th, 2025, Catherine Powell will join AmaWaterways as President, working alongside co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst. This strategic move represents a significant milestone in AmaWaterways' journey, as the company continues to build upon its strong foundation and impressive growth trajectory. Powell, with her extensive experience and innovative outlook, has been chosen to complement the existing leadership team and contribute to the company's future success.
 Credit: Holland America (Press Release) Seattle, Wash., Feb. 11, 2025 — After recently completing a two-week dry dock in the Bahamas, Holland America Line’s Zaandam departed Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, on its 27-day “Amazon Explorer” Legendary Voyage with several upgrades to public areas throughout the ship.
The new enhancements include expansions to the ship’s library and activity areas, upgrades to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, Photo Gallery and Photo Studio, as well as refurbishments to the Neptune Lounge.  Credit: Virgin Voyages (Press Release) MIAMI, FL - Feb. 10 2025 - Our ships are red, the sea is blue, and this Valentine’s week, Virgin Voyages is announcing major updates – it’s true! From enchanting Caribbean itineraries, savory new menu items at Extra Virgin and Gunbae and Brilliant new shows – including the second run of the brand’s hilarious Comedy Fest – Virgin Voyages is heralding in a new era of excitement, even kicking off the festive season with Scarlet’s Valen-tunes Spotify playlist.
 Basil + Bamboo (Windstar) (Press Release) MIAMI, FL – February 10, 2025 – In keeping with its commitment to providing exceptional culinary experiences, leading yacht-style cruise line Windstar Cruises is thrilled to announce the addition of Basil + Bamboo™, a new complimentary specialty restaurant aboardStar Seeker, Windstar’s newest yacht launching December 2025. This innovative dining venue offers a captivating blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, creating a memorable culinary experience for guests.
 (Press Release) Miami, FL – (10 February 2025) – F&B@Sea, the premier food and beverage trade show for the cruise industry, is thrilled to celebrate its return for the second year at Mana Wynwood Convention Center in Miami. Taking place from 09–10 April 2025, this year’s event is set to be an unmissable occasion, doubling in size from the 2024 show and unveiling an array of exciting new highlights, awards, and experiences tailored to the cruise industry.
 By GERRY BARKER
"Where are the crowds?" That's a question we heard over and over during our European travels in late January. For example, at Pompeii, our guide told us we had it all to ourselves, versus "a river of people" during the summer months. That's the beauty of off-season travel, and what better way to experience it than a cruise? To that end, we took a flight to Venice to board Windstar's Star Legend for its nine-day "Winter Italy and Dalmatian Coast" cruise, with planned stops in Zadar and Dubrovnik, Croatia, Messina in Sicily, Naples and Rome. READ MORE. |
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