Disney Cruise Line has two ships debuting later this year, and one of them has reached a major milestone in the construction process. Disney Destiny, which will be the seventh Disney vessel, was floated up at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany last week.

When a ship is “floated up,” it means that it’s touching water for the first time and that most of the exterior work has been completed. The float up process for Disney Destiny began when the building dock was filled with water from the Ems River in order to lift it from the floor of the chamber. The ship was then guided to another position in the building hall.

From there, the team will begin testing different systems onboard, including the main engines. In the coming months, the interior will be built out.

Disney Destiny is the third ship in Disney’s Wish class (also known as the Triton class) following Disney Wish and Disney Treasure. Set for a November debut, the vessel will feature a heroes and villains theme. Highlights of the ship will include a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed pub, ‘The Sanctum’ Dr. Strange-themed lounge, De Vil’s piano bar, a Lion King-themed main restaurant, and the returning Haunted Mansion Parlor bar.

Disney Destiny will sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, operating four and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and western Caribbean.

Another upcoming Disney Cruise Line ship, Disney Adventure, is also scheduled to debut this year. In December, the Singapore-based mega ship will launch, operating three and four-night cruises to nowhere.

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Avalon Waterways has announced that its Suite Ships will be getting a refresh, designed to enhance the style, comfort, and connectivity of river cruising. They’ll be renovated with new interiors, upgraded outdoor spaces, better internet connectivity, and more.

The top-to-bottom renovations will be taking place over the next two years on every Suite Ship in Europe except Avalon Alegria, Avalon View, and Avalon Envision. These three ships won’t be receiving the enhancements because they were already built in the enhanced style.

The refresh includes:

• Fresh décor in every public space, from flooring to furniture
• A second Starlink antenna for better high-speed internet
• A chic new look, and furniture, for the Sky Deck
• Enhanced comfort in the Observation Lounge
• Upgraded fitness rooms featuring Kinesis weight machines and an expanded selection of free weights
• 15 new bikes and four new e-bikes per ship

The renovations will be completed in phases. Last. year, Avalon Passion, Imagery II, Poetry II, Panorama, and Vista debuted the new updated design. This year, Avalon Artistry II, Impression, Illumination, Tapestry II, and Tranquility II are on the docket. In 2026, the refresh will conclude with renovations on Avalon Expression and Avalon Visionary.

“At Avalon, we believe the perfectly designed river cruise starts with a perfectly designed ship, inviting guests to explore the world in comfort and style” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. “With our fleet-wide refresh, we’re elevating details – from drapes on the widest-opening windows in river cruising and décor of our Panorama Lounges to fit-for-purpose fitness centers and fleet of new bikes – ensuring that our Suite Ships continue to set the standard for effortless, along the world’s waterways.”

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After two decades of sailing for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Navigator is headed for a new life as a residential ship. The vessel will be leaving the fleet in 2026, headed for a brand-new cruise line called Crescent Seas. The brand, which was introduced to the world today, was created by real estate developer Crescent Heights.

The 490-guest ship is set to be one of five scheduled cruise ships operating as luxury residences at sea, designed for travelers who are accustomed to the “private oasis of the yachting lifestyle,” according to Crescent Seas. It will undergo an extensive $50 million refurbishment, with three elite design firms on the project: Lissoni & Partners, Journey, and MAWD. Crescent plans to announce the four additional residential ships over the next five years.

Russell W. Galbut, a founding partner of Crescent Heights and a leader in the cruise industry, is spearheading the growth of Crescent Seas. “After spending so much time on the seas, we noticed that travelers yearned for more,” he said. “People on the ships kept telling us they wanted to live this luxurious lifestyle. So, we decided to select ships with the right configurations to convert to the most magnificent cruising yachts. With most of the earth’s surface covered by water, it only felt right to use our 50 years of development expertise on land, to create the most magical residences at sea.”

The vessel, which will be renamed simply Navigator, will feature 210 residences ranging in price from $750,000 to $8 million. All units will enjoy white-glove butler service and high-speed Starlink wireless internet.

The ship will meander around the world, visiting destinations for two or three days at a time. The schedule will include all seven continents, with exotic port calls in places like French Polynesia, the Faroe Islands, and Madagascar.

“We are delighted to announce that Navigator will continue to sail the ocean with Crescent Seas. While we know Navigator is a favorite to many guests, with our two new Prestige Class ships on order, this agreement allows us to optimize our fleet while ensuring Navigator continues creating unforgettable memories at sea,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Crescent Seas is being launched through GFO Investments, Galbut’s global family office and a major investor in Crescent Heights. As Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Crescent Heights, Galbut has an exemplary track record of developing urban projects in gateway cities across the country including Ten Thousand Santa Monica Blvd and The Remington in Los Angeles, Forma Miami, and the redevelopment of 25 Broad Street in New York City into the most desired homes and residences. Galbut’s development expertise, coupled with his over 23-year tenure in the cruise industry, gives Galbut a unique vantage point to meet the current market demands and drive the success of Crescent Seas.

Residence sales for Navigator will open to the public on April 9th. A sales gallery is located in Miami for prospective buyers. The vessel’s maiden voyage with Crescent Seas is scheduled for December 2026.

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Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship Norwegian Aqua has officially welcomed its first guests in Europe. The ship is hosting over 2,000 invited guests to experience the vessel and its many offerings, embarking on a voyage from Lisbon to Southampton.

This is the first of a five-part inaugural series, which will conclude in Miami. The official christening voyage will take place next month. As the first ship in the Prima Plus Class, Norwegian Aqua builds on the legacy of the Prima Class.

“This is a milestone moment for Norwegian Cruise Line as we set sail aboard Norwegian Aqua, a ship designed to offer our guests MORE – more wide-open space, more thrills, more culinary experiences, and more immersive entertainment,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “During this inaugural season, we look forward to welcoming our travel partners from around the world and to give them the exclusivity of being the first to experience our newest product and to fully understand how guests can ‘Experience More at Sea’ with us.”

One highlight of Norwegian Aqua is the thrilling Aqua Slidecoaster — a hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide. Passengers can also enjoy the cutting-edge Glow Court, a digital sports complex featuring an interactive LED floor that adapts for different games throughout the day and transforms to a club at night. The Aqua Game Zone reimagines NCL’s Galaxy Pavilion, offering a mix of retro arcade games, virtual reality challenges, and interactive gaming experiences.

Entertainment aboard Norwegian Aqua includes “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” and “Elements: The World Expanded,” which is an enhanced version of NCL’s top-rated “Elements” show.

Among the ship’s 17 new and returning restaurants is Sukhothai, Norwegian Cruise Line’s first Thai specialty restaurant, and Planterie, the line’s debut plant-based eatery at Indulge Food Hall.

Following her inaugural voyage, Norwegian Aqua will embark on a transatlantic cruise to Miami, where she will be christened on April 13th by actor Eric Stonestreet, who is serving as the vessel’s godfather. Aqua will then homeport in Miami, Port Canaveral, and New York City, offering Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda cruises until March 2027.

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Viking is celebrating the beginning of spring with the start of something else exciting: its 2025 European river cruise season!

This season, Viking is introducing seven new sister ships, which all hold 190 guests or under and are designed specifically for European rivers. From March through December, the line is operating three new itineraries on the Rhine, Main, and Seine rivers — alongside many other popular and exciting itineraries.

New Itineraries

Rhine & Main Explorer — 11 days between Nuremberg and Basel

Discover the hidden gems of southern Germany, Switzerland, and France. Visit Basel, Switzerland’s capital of culture, explore Frankfurt’s vibrant cityscape, and admire the charming medieval towns of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Turreted castles, rolling vineyards, and a fascinating blend of old and new await.

Christmas on the Rhine & Main — 11 days between Nuremberg and Basel

Experience the magic of Europe’s Christmas markets along the Rhine and Main rivers. Browse festive stalls in Basel and Karlsruhe, discover Strasbourg’s Alsatian traditions, and wander through Nuremberg’s world-famous Christkindlesmarkt while savoring mulled wine and handcrafted holiday treats.

Christmastime in Paris & Normandy — 8 days roundtrip from Paris

Celebrate the holiday season in the “City of Light” before setting sail through the serene landscapes of Normandy. Visit the charming riverside town of Rouen, soak in the festive atmosphere of Christmas markets, and return to Paris to enjoy its world-famous holiday illuminations.

Returning Favorites

Rhine Getaway — 8 days between Basel and Amsterdam

Explore one of Europe’s best-loved rivers. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and stunning scenery of the Middle Rhine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste the region’s renowned white wines, the roots of its terraced vineyards reaching back to Roman times. Savor the various culinary traditions of Alsace. With calls in Amsterdam, Cologne and Basel, this journey reveals a rich landscape of beauty and culture.

Danube Waltz — 8 days between Budapest and Passau

Soak up soothing steam at a Budapest thermal bath. Learn to waltz at a Viennese dance school. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine in Vienna and Budapest. Admire the Wachau Valley’s beauty. Explore lesser-known Central European cities like Bratislava and Passau. Witness daily monastic life on an exclusive visit to Göttweig Abbey. This eight-day itinerary reveals the best of these places while cruising leisurely through spectacular scenery.

Romantic Danube — 8 days between Budapest and Regensburg

Visit Budapest’s Castle District and cross the famous Chain Bridge. Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centers, and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots. Visit historic Salzburg. Spend two days in Vienna and celebrate the city’s musical heritage at a concert featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. With medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery, this eight-day journey on the “Blue Danube” is one you are sure to love.

Paris & the Heart of Normandy — 8 days roundtrip from Paris

Dock in the heart of Paris, admiring views of the Eiffel Tower and a replica of the Statue of Liberty from your ship. Experience history firsthand at the Normandy beaches and delight in Rouen’s Gothic architecture. Explore Giverny and the charming house and gardens where Claude Monet lived and worked, the setting inspiring many of his masterpieces. This voyage celebrates history, art, food and customs in France’s most alluring urban and pastoral settings.

Grand European Tour — 15 days between Amsterdam and Budapest

Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the culinary delights of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz, visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and delve into Nuremberg’s World War II history. Indulge your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe, tracing the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.

Portugal’s River of Gold — 10 days between Lisbon and Porto

Experience the renaissance of Lisbon, newly invigorated with trending galleries and restaurants. Explore two of Iberia’s oldest university towns: Coimbra, Portugal and Salamanca, Spain. Roam the port warehouses of Porto. Enjoy traditional cuisine, wine and fado singing. Cruise the Douro River Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region and a UNESCO Site. Our 10-day cruisetour includes a hotel stay in Lisbon and the added bonus of a visit to Spain.

2026 European River Season

Looking ahead to the 2026 season in Europe, Viking will add four more sister ships to its Viking Longships fleet. Also starting next year, the line will add new pre and post-cruise extensions. The fully-guided three or four-night tours will feature Privileged Access to museums, local cuisine for lunches and dinners, vineyard visits, cooking classes, and exploration of the region by scenic train travel — as well as more time to personalize the journey with optional excursions.

The new extensions include:

Best of Holland

Discover Holland’s rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty and iconic sights. Explore Delft’s Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory and Gouda’s historic sites, and partake in a stroopwafel workshop. See The Hague’s landmarks and admire the masterpieces on display at the Mauritshuis Museum and Rijksmuseum.

Best of Belgium

Experience the rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture of Belgium during visits to three of its most captivating cities. Immerse yourself in the picturesque UNESCO-listed charms of Brussels and medieval Bruges, and explore bustling Antwerp, Europe’s renowned diamond capital.

Reims & Champagne

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Champagne region. Stroll through lush vineyards, savor a taste of champagne and exquisite cuisine, and visit the grave of Dom Pérignon. Admire the grandeur of Reims Cathedral and see the Châteaux de Vaux-le-Vicomte, an inspiration for Versailles.

St. Moritz, Lombardy & Alpine Train

Board the Bernina Express for a stunning rail journey along a UNESCO World Heritage Site route through the majestic Alps and Northern Italy. Explore the old town of Chur and admire striking views from atop Muottas Muragl in Saint Moritz. Experience Milan, the cultural center of Northern Italy.

Swiss Alps & Scenic Train

Journey through the Swiss Alps and visit picturesque alpine villages and towns, traveling by train on the scenic GoldenPass railway. Enjoy a stay amid scenic vistas by Lake Geneva’s shores, discover the serene beauty of Switzerland’s famed mountain range and explore the beautiful Jungfrau region.

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Earlier this week, premium cruise line Viking announced that it has taken delivery of its newest European longship Viking Nerthus. The vessel was presented to the line at Meyer Werft shipyard in Rockstock-Warnemuende, Germany.

The 168-guest Viking Nerthus will join the line’s fleet of vessels on the Seine River, and will sail Viking’s popular eight-day itinerary Paris & the Heart of Normandy and the new eight-day Christmastime in Paris & Normandy itineraries.

“We are proud to welcome the Viking Nerthus to our growing fleet of award-winning Viking Longships,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “France continues to be a destination of great interest for our guests, and with the arrival of our newest ship on the Seine River, we look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the region’s rich history and cultural treasures in ‘the Viking way.’”

Viking Nerthus features 68 guest staterooms, featuring the line’s signature Scandinavian design that guests know and love. An identical sister ship to Viking Kari, Viking Radgrid, Viking Skaga, and Viking Fjorgyn, Viking Nerthus features familiar aspects such as a distinctive square bow, an Aquavit Terrace, and a variety of stateroom choices.

The vessels feature a hybrid propulsion system with batteries and exhaust gas aftertreatment, and they’re equipped for shore power to reduce fuel consumption while in port.

With two itineraries and sailings dates from March through December, Viking Nerthus will sail roundtrip from Paris, stopping in ports along the Seine. In Paris, Viking’s ships dock in an exclusive location at Port du Grenelle, a short walk from the Eiffel Tower.

Paris & the Heart of Normandy

Guests dock in the heart of Paris, with the ability to easily view the Eiffel Tower and a replica of the Statue of Liberty from the ship. Visits to the Normandy beaches and the ability to admire Rouen’s Gothic architecture bring history alive. Passengers are also able to explore Giverny and the house and gardens where Claude Monet lived and worked — the setting inspiring many of his masterpieces. Viking says that this itinerary “celebrates history, art, food and customs in France’s most alluring urban and pastoral settings.”

Christmastime in Paris & Normandy

This new itinerary allows guests to celebrate the sights of Paris and sail through beautiful seasonal landscapes of Normandy. Passengers can admire scenes of fairytale-esque villages and call at Rouen, the region’s vibrant cultural capital. The voyage meanders along the Seine, passing elegant residences and charming riverside cafés, returning to Paris to explore its iconic treasures.

Based on Viking’s committed orderbook, it expects to take delivery of 25 more river ships by 2028 and nine more ocean ships by 2030. With these orders, Viking will have 109 river ships in 2028 and 21 ocean and expedition ships in 2030.

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MSC Cruises’ ship MSC Virtuosa will have a refreshed lineup of entertainment starting this summer, just in time for sailings to destinations including Norway, the Canary Islands, Europe’s Atlantic coast, and more.

Dirty Dancing: In Concert

The headlining act for MSC Virtuosa’s new entertainment roster is “Dirty Dancing: In Concert.” The live-to-film concert experience takes the beloved film to a new level, combining a live band, singers, and dancers to bring the iconic movie to life.

Debuting on July 10th, the ship will be the only place in Europe to see the production, as it will also be featured on MSC World America sailing from Florida to the Caribbean.

Guests will have multiple chances to enjoy “Dirty Dancing: In Concert” during each cruise, including a matinee on sea days. The 90-minute concert features the band, singers, and dancers performing in sync with the movie. The production culminates with a high-energy finale, where guests will be invited to join the celebration and sing along at a Dirty Dancing-themed afterparty.

In addition to Dirty Dancing, passengers can expect two other shows in the main theater: “Songbook Abba” featuring ABBA’s greatest hits and “Starwalker,” highlighting the classic music of Michael Jackson with iconic songs and memorable dance moves.

More New Entertainment

Other new entertainment that will be featured on MSC Virtuosa this summer include “Hall of Fame,” which will first be debuting on MSC World America. The thrilling live concert will celebrate pop legends with iconic music and moments that will lift spirits and create lasting memories.

The Carousel Lounge on the ship will feature two brand-new cirque aerial shows for MSC — one launching in June and the other this fall. Production is underway, with the official names still being decided by families and kids on board.

Delivering surprise pop-up performances, the MSC Street Theatre will entertain guests around the ship including poolside and at bars, restaurants, and on the promenade. A number of new sports, games, and other daytime activities will also debut aboard MSC Virtuosa this year.

The ship will also offer new LEGO experiences for kids and families, such as the LEGO Family Game Show where parents and kids come together to compete in a timed team challenge using LEGO bricks. A LEGO Family Parade featuring LEGO walkabouts that will march through various locations across the ship will also be a hit with families.

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When you have kids, everyone tells you that your “vacation” days are over. From now on, you can go someplace else — but you’ll just be parenting with a change of scenery. There is some truth to this, especially when your kids are little. On our first family vacations, my husband made a point of smirking and mouthing “this is the fun of being a parent” every time we would be up at the crack of dawn with a wide-awake child, in our room mid-afternoon for his nap, at a restaurant we wouldn’t normally choose because they had a good kids’ menu, or in bed at 8 pm with the lights out coaxing him to sleep on our vacations. His taunting continued for years. 

My son turned five last May, and I recently took him on his first Disney cruise aboard Disney Cruise Line’s 2,700-passenger Disney Magic. (My teenage stepsons said “hard pass” to a ship filled with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers — their personal nightmares.) So it was just the three of us, and the trip was an eye opener in so many ways. On one hand, it enabled my husband and I to have more of a “break” on vacation than we ever have at hotels, resorts or AirBnBs. But we also learned a different way of cruising than the trips we took before our little guy was born, and picked up a lot of helpful insights along the way.

I’ve Been on More than 100 Cruises — And This Is What I Learned from My Son’s First Disney Cruise

Family-friendly ships are designed for kids. 

If you’ve traveled without children, like I did for many years, your first cruise on a ship like Disney Magic with kids is an eye opener. The ship is designed for children. As an adult, you are not the target audience. (Though, all Disney cruise ships do have adult-friendly options including everything from a spa, bars, and specialty restaurants for those traveling without little ones.)

My son’s favorite thing is Marvel and, walking into the Oceaneer Club for the first time for a tour, his little eyes lit up. Sure, there’s Andy’s Room, a multi-level play area that celebrates the “Toy Story” movies with a Slinky Dog slide, and Pixie Hollow, a crafting area themed to Tinker Bell’s forest. They looked pretty cool to me. But his eyes focused right in on the Marvel Super Hero Academy.

A counselor walked over and showed him how to play the Marvel virtual reality game that’s only available on this ship. He jumped up and down, punching the air to fend off the bad guys, delighting in watching his character mirror his movements on the giant video projection. Then he turned to face me with a grin, “Can I stay while you and Daddy tour the ship?” He was all in. And the best part is that all of these activities are included in the cruise fare.

Most playrooms at sea don’t allow parents inside. 

As was the case on Disney Magic, the playrooms for kids — with different rooms based on their ages — are just for the little ones. Grown-ups are not allowed in outside of open houses. So, whether your child is a Marvel devotee or a Disney princess aficionado, the programming in there is just for them.

Kids are given wristbands that are scanned in when they come and go to track them. Both parents and kids can pull the plug on playtime whenever they like: parents can just show up and take them to other parts of the ship, and kids can ask for their parents to pick them up whenever they like. But as long as the little ones are enjoying their playtime, that’s not family time – it’s just for them. 

Disney ships create magical vacations for every member of the family … but not always together. 

From that first moment, the Marvel Super Hero Academy was like a magnet, pulling my son back into the Oceaneer Club whenever possible. I had explained to him that pre-pandemic the ship’s camp counselors would come to the dining rooms mid-way through dinner, scoop up the little ones that had finished their chicken fingers or burger or buttered pasta, and bring them up to the playroom so that parents could finish their meal alone — and maybe even get a cocktail afterward.

Disney Cruise Line temporarily discontinued this program in 2020. (However, the cruise line recently brought the “Dine & Play” program back in February 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited.)

Halfway through our dinner on the first night, my son looked me straight in the eye and said “So, they don’t pick up kids in the dining room anymore? But you or Daddy could take me up to the playroom and drop me off and then finish your dinner. It’s a great plan for everyone!” I looked at him sadly – he really didn’t want to have dinner with us? Nope, not with that amazing Marvel Super Hero Academy just upstairs. He wanted to take advantage of as many minutes as he could get up there, where he was able to not only play video games but have unlimited screen time, too. (Two things we don’t allow at home.)

My husband and I tried to enjoy getting to eat our desserts — and his, too — in peace and quiet, but there was an air of rejection between us. It feels different when a couple with kids finally gets time alone … but it’s because, for the first time, their kid has someplace else they’d rather be. 

Activities for kids extend past the Oceaneer Club. 

On one day of my Disney Magic sailing, the schedule of events included meet-and-greets with various Marvel super heroes, offered in sequence in a lounge from morning until just past lunchtime. He met with Spiderman, Black Panther, Captain America, and Thor. With the meet-and-greets an hour apart, everyone in line could meet their hero, have a quick chat, and take a few soon-to-be-cherished photos. My son was no exception – you only need to see the look of delight on his face in the picture when he’s standing next to Spider-Man to know how much the moment means to him.

These meet-and-greets took up the better half of our day, and were followed by a class in making your own hammer, led by Thor himself. My husband and I took turns shuttling my son around to these events, all of which felt, well, mandatory. Would I really be a good mom if I told my son, who seems sometimes to actually think he is an Avenger himself, that we were going to skip some of these moments and all go hang out at the pool together instead? It didn’t feel like it. And so we brought him to every event that was on the schedule. 

The crew can make magic happen. 

Of course, when you go on a Disney cruise, you fully expect the Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles on the buffet line and the chocolate-dipped Mouse head ice cream popsicles served at dessert. You even expect moments of great service, such as when our cabin steward noticed that my son loved the grapes on our welcome cheese tray and brought him more.

But a couple nights into our sailing, our cabin steward – who had noticed my son’s tendency to wear Marvel clothing and even Avenger costumes throughout our sailing — changed the sheets on his bed to Marvel sheets. He returned from dinner that night and squealed in delight. Honestly, this cruise could not have been a bigger hit with him. 

Themed cruises are a true gift on these ships. 

My son’s second favorite thing to Marvel? That would be Halloween. And our sailing, which took place in mid-September, was the first of the season’s “Halloween on the High Seas” themed cruises. The ship was already decked out with everything from pumpkins on the big tree in the foyer to jack-o’-lantern decals on portholes.

We took a “challenge accepted” attitude, and I packed The Incredibles family costumes for the first night and Star Wars family costumes for the second night, when we would take Joshua around the buffet area for a trick-or-treat experience set up by the crew. 

Everything, from mealtimes to on-deck celebrations, are kid-oriented.

Disney Cruise Line has an ingenious rotational dining program in which families dine in each of the restaurants onboard for different nights, with the same table numbers and wait staff in each one. The result? After the first night, our waiter and waitress had our drinks waiting on the table when we arrived (diet coke for my husband, iced tea for me, and chocolate milk — with just a smidge of chocolate — for the little one). They had even placed the order for my son’s preferred meal of a cheeseburger with chicken fingers and fruit on the side — hold the French fries, hold the veggies, don’t bother with dessert.

Some of the dining rooms also had dinner theater-style shows incorporated into the mealtime experience. Fun as they were, my son was still out of there as soon as he could be. He’s no fool. He knew his beloved virtual reality game would be most empty at dinnertime, when he wouldn’t have to take turns. 

And the signature DCL on-deck celebration? That would be a pirate-themed stage show complete with fireworks. Kids are given red bandanas and eye patches to wear – for many, that meant along with their Disney costume of choice. It was fun to watch the fleet of superheroes and princesses dance along to the pop music. The crew was also passing bubble wands out on deck, so even before the fireworks started the audience was filled with bubbles that made the moment feel extra celebratory.

Of course, keeping your preschooler up until 10 pm to see fireworks comes with its own built-in punishments, but it appeared most families were willing to make the necessary sacrifices of overtired bedtimes and cranky morning sleepy heads. 

Private islands are a welcome family experience. 

On our sailing, we stopped at the new Lookout Cay at Lighhouse Point, a Bahamian “private island” resort space that Disney Cruise Line had just unveiled at the beginning of the summer. It was, in so many ways, an ideal family beach day. Picture a long pink strand that was so beautiful my husband assumed Disney had trucked in the palm trees and blush-hued sand to create a gorgeous Insta-worthy setting. (Nope, it’s naturally that spectacular.)

When we were ready for a break, there were plenty of buffets serving kid-friendly items along with the nods to Bahamian fare, which included curry, spiced rotisserie chicken, racks of ribs, pigeon peas and rice, plantains, and fried okra. There were also plenty of other little children to make sandcastles with when jumping waves with Mom and Dad got tiresome. It was a perfect beach day for all of us – and that family vacation moment I suspect I’ll hang on to for years. 

Ready to make more memories, I’ll be sailing on Disney Dream with my little one soon. And he can’t wait to go into warp speed in the playroom’s Millennium Falcon.

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Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced that its November 2026 to March 2027 expeditions to Antarctica have opened for booking.

Marking the fifth season in Antarctica, World Navigator and World Traveller will operate 23 departures, as World Voyager is under full charter.

“Over the past five seasons, Atlas Ocean Voyage’s talented expedition team has had the privilege of connecting travelers to one of the most sought-after ‘bucket list’ destinations in the world – Antarctica,” said Atlas Ocean Voyages President and CEO James Rodriguez. “We look forward to exploring the region, providing a variety of itinerary and activity options, and discovering Antarctica with under 200 guests onboard.”

Itineraries

The line’s 2026-2027 Antarctica season features six itinerary options:

Antarctic Discovery

The “Antarctic Discovery” nine-night roundtrip from Ushuaia includes up to four immersive days at the Antarctica Peninsula. Guests will enjoy multiple landing opportunities and Zodiac safari experiences when weather and safety conditions allow.  Departures are Nov. 8, 28, Dec. 27, 2026, and  Feb. 1, 5, 10, March 8 and 19, 2027.

Antarctic & Falklands Adventure

Two “Antarctic & Falklands Adventure” itineraries include a 16-night Buenos Aires to Ushuaia expedition to dive into the diverse wildlife of two continents featuring Gentoo penguins and black-browed albatrosses. Guided adventures include kayaking, shore landings, Zodiac safaris, and more. Departures are Nov. 12, 2026, and March 13, 2027.

Exploring the Last Continent

Two 11-night expeditions titled “Exploring the Last Continent” will embark from Ushuaia, framing the summer season on the continent. Passengers can expect to witness stunning landscapes featuring snowy mountains and sea ice. The trips are scheduled to depart on November 17, 2026, and March 2, 2027, offering extraordinary sights of nesting penguins and feeding whales.

Drake Express

The nine-night “Drake Express” King George Island roundtrip is a comprehensive exploration of Antarctica, flying over the Drake Passage at the beginning and end of the expedition. All Drake Express Expeditions offer the experience of also sailing the Drake Passage one way and then a private charter flight back to Punta Arenas. All Drake Express expeditions conclude in Punta Arenas with a post-expedition hotel night stay. Departures Nov. 28, Dec. 7, 14, 2026.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle

The “Crossing the Antarctic Circle” expedition sails 11 nights roundtrip from Ushuaia and features up to six days at the Antarctica Peninsula, including multiple Captain’s Choice landings and Zodiac safari experiences. Departures Dec. 16, 23, 2026, Jan. 21, Feb. 14, 19, 25, 2027.

Grand Antarctica & Beyond

An 18-night “Grand Antarctica & Beyond” expedition from Ushuaia showcases the pristine landscapes of Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This comprehensive and immersive itinerary by Atlas Ocean Voyages explores diverse and breathtaking environments. Departure Jan. 3, 2027.

Inclusions

Atlas Ocean Voyages has a number of amenities that are included in the price of the fare. These include:

• Wine, beer, spirits, and specialty coffees
• Gratuities for onboard staff and shore landings
• Sightseeing safaris by Zodiac

Expeditions to Antarctica also include a pre-expedition hotel night in either Buenos Aires or Punta Arenas. Charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia or from Punta Arenas to King George Island are included in “Fly the Drake” expeditions. Before the expedition begins, guests can also enjoy an Atlas Immersive Experience in either Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

Booking Offer

Those who book by June 30, 2025 will receive a complimentary stateroom or suite category upgrade and save up to $10,400 with a bonus savings of up to 20 percent per cabin.

Comments

Would you be interested in taking an expedition cruise to Antarctica? If money was no object, which of these six itineraries would you most like to sail? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!

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The post Atlas Ocean Voyages Opens Bookings For 2026-27 Antarctica Season appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Late last month, popular cruise ship captain and social media star Kate McCue announced she was leaving Celebrity Cruises after nearly a decade of working for the line. Now, we know which cruise brand she’ll be working for next: Four Seasons Yachts.

The luxury cruise line, which hasn’t even launched yet, will welcome Captain Kate as the captain of its very first vessel, Four Seasons I.

In a reel shared to social media on March 18th, McCue announced the news to her followers, saying “It’s time for a new season! I’m thrilled to join an amazing team, introducing a new category of luxury and excellence to our guests at sea. A new build vessel is one thing. A start-up with an incredible prototype vessel is a whole new opportunity to grow with an iconic brand like Four Seasons!”

On March 19th, she posted another reel — this time a video of her joyful reaction to seeing her new home at sea, Four Seasons I, for the first time.

Four Seasons Yachts also shared the news on their website in an article titled “Meet Captain Kate McCue.”

“As a teenager growing up in San Francisco, she was enamoured by life at sea—so much so that after a family trip to The Bahamas, she told everyone she’d become a cruise director. Her father’s response changed everything: ‘You can do anything you want, including drive the thing.'” the article said. “That spark lit the path for a maritime career that would see her break records, cultivate fresh voices on the bridge, and eventually helm Four Seasons I as its inaugural Captain.”

The piece continued, “Following nearly a decade with Celebrity Cruises—where she captained the award-winning Celebrity Beyond and championed female representation on ship bridges—she arrives at Four Seasons Yachts with a vision shaped by decades of experience.”

Four Seasons Yachts is a new venture for the Toronto-based Four Seasons brand, which includes luxury hotels and private jet experiences. The brand’s first cruise vessel will feature all-suite, residential-style guest accommodations — with 95 suites in total. The aft will feature a 66-foot saltwater pool, as well as a marina that serves as a platform for watersports. Four Seasons I will also include extensive spa and wellness offerings, as well as 11 restaurants and lounges. Personal service will be a hallmark of the brand, with a guest to staff ratio of 1:1.

Four Seasons I is scheduled to debut in January 2026. In its debut year, the vessel is expected to operate 52 sailings on 32 itineraries, visiting over 30 countries and territories in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mediterranean.

Comments

Have you ever sailed with Captain Kate on Celebrity? What are your thoughts on her move to Four Seasons Yachts? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!

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The post Captain Kate McCue Named Captain of Four Seasons Yachts’ First Vessel appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.