New River Ship for Viking Brand Takes Delivery of Newest River Ship in Europe - Viking Nerthus Viking® (www.viking.com) has announced it has taken delivery of the Viking Nerthus, thecompany’s newest Viking Longship®. The delivery took place when the ship was presented at Meyer’s Neptun Werft shipyard in Rockstock-Warnemuende, Germany. The 168-guest Viking Nerthusjoins the company’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art sister ships on the Seine River and will sail Viking’s popular 8-day itinerary, Paris & the Heart of Normandy, and the new 8-day Christmastime in Paris & Normandy itinerary ..read more

Marella Cruises Excursions - Your Questions Answered Tour buses If you are planning a Marella Cruise you may be tempted to take one of their organised excursions. Whilst it isn’t the only way to explore new destinations, it is convenient and has the advantage of protection should you return late to the ship. I won’t be looking at individual excursions in this article, as there are so many different destinations. However here are the answers to some general questions you may have. Do Marella excursions include comfort breaks/toilet stops? Marella excursions include comfort breaks I’m asked th ..read more

Cunard Unveils Refreshed Queen Elizabeth Ahead of Miami and Alaska Seasons Revitalised Queens Room on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth - Photo: Cunard Cunard, the world’s most iconic luxury cruise line, has revealed a revitalised Queen Elizabeth following an extensive three-week transformation at Seatrium’s Admiralty Yard in Singapore. The elegant 2,000-guest ship is now set to embark on her debut season sailing from Miami and her first-ever Alaska voyages from Seattle. Queen Elizabeth’s highly anticipated Alaska season launches on 12 June from Seattle, while her inaugural Caribbean voyage from Miami ..read more

Exploring Santorini On Your Own From your cruise ship Santorini - Exploring Independently From Your Cruise Ship A visit to the beautiful island of Santorini tops many people’s bucket list, inspired by photographs of iconic blue domed churches and whitewashed houses perched on the caldera (cliff). Cruise ships will offer excursions, but is it possible to explore the island independently? Santorini is one of the most iconic Greek islands, known for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and stunning sunsets. It’s a popular cruise destination, offering breathtaking views, rich history, and ..read more

Explore & Preserve - Celebrity Flora’s 2027 Galápagos Expeditions Now Open Celebrity Flora. Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises Every guest sailing aboard Celebrity Flora can participate in the cruise line’s unique Rewilding Galápagos conservation project, now marking its 10th anniversary. The Galápagos Islands have long been a dream destination for nature lovers, offering a rare glimpse into an untouched world of extraordinary wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Now, Celebrity Cruises is giving travellers an exclusive opportunity to explore these legendary islands in 2027 a ..read more

Eccleston Yards - Belgravia’s Best-Kept Secret I have lived in or around London my whole life and never knew this place existed until I stumbled across it recently. This is EcclestonYards, a secret gem in the heart of Belgravia, London, just a stone’s throw from Victoria Rail & Coach stations. Deckchairs at Eccleston Yards, London. Photo: Kathy Taylor, London Lowdown Tucked away behind the grand facades of Belgravia, just moments from Victoria Station, lies one of London’s most delightful hidden gems: Eccleston Yards. A former industrial courtyard transformed into a vibrant hub of indepen ..read more

The Ultimate Guide to Mediterranean Cruising Map of Mediterranean Sea. Image: Google Maps A Mediterranean cruise offers the perfect mix of stunning coastlines, rich history, delicious cuisine, and cultural experiences. From the sun-soaked Greek Isles to the architectural wonders of Spain and Italy, the Mediterranean is a bucket-list destination for travelers. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Mediterranean adventure. Why Choose To Cruise the Mediterranean? A Mediterranean cruise offers an unparalleled mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re sipping wine in Tus ..read more

Six Hours in Rotterdam: What to See and Do My Article Featured in Sail Away Magazine Rotterdam is on the river Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse) Rotterdam may not be the first city that springs to mind for a city break, and as a cruise port, it might initially seem underwhelming. However, it’s time to rethink! On a recent visit, I was struck by how much there was to see and do in this vibrant city—far too much to cram into the six hours I had in port. Here’s a guide to making the most of your brief visit. Location Rotterdam is a major port city in the Netherlands, located in the province of South Holla ..read more

Windstar Cruises Unveils Basil + Bamboo™ – A Mediterranean-Asian Culinary Fusion at Sea New Dining option for Windstar Cruises - introducing Basil + Bamboo™ Luxury cruise enthusiasts and food lovers, take note – Windstar Cruises is elevating its culinary offering with an exciting new dining experience. Basil + Bamboo™, a brand-new complimentary specialty restaurant, will debut aboard Star Seeker, Windstar’s newest yacht, launching in December 2025. This innovative venue promises an exquisite blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, offering an intimate dining experience for guests seeking so ..read more

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Awarded Good Housekeeping’s Reader Recommended Accreditation FOCL receives Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended accreditation Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has been recognised with Good Housekeeping’s coveted Reader Recommended accreditation, celebrating its ‘unique and memorable’ itineraries. This prestigious recognition follows in-depth research conducted by the Good Housekeeping Institute, gathering insights from its members and past Fred. Olsen cruisers on key aspects such as port selection, overall cruise experience, and likelihood of recommendation. What Makes Fred ..read more