Cruise Guides
News, reports and guides from the world of cruising.
362 articles

Régua and Pinhão: The Heart of the Douro Valley
Nestled among the enchanting landscapes of northern Portugal, Régua and Pinhão represent the soul of the Douro Valley, a region recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Steeped in history and natural beauty, these two towns are the birthplace of the renowned Port Wine and the beating heart of Portuguese wine culture. Régua, considered […]

Four Seasons Yachts: The New Frontier in Luxury Travel
In the world of high-end hospitality, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts have long stood unrivaled. Now, with its visionary new venture, Four Seasons Yachts, the brand is extending its exacting standards out to sea. Starting in 2026, Four Seasons will debut a fleet of mega-yachts designed to completely redefine ocean travel. Four Seasons Yachts elevates […]

Oceanwide Expeditions: The Power of Small Ships
The modern global traveler increasingly seeks immersive, nature-focused experiences, often venturing far from the beaten track. Expedition cruising has gained significant visibility in recent years, particularly with the rise of social media and online content sharing. But, not all expedition cruises offer the same experience. One key differentiator is ship size. Small-size expedition cruise ships

Oceania Cruises Brings the Nikkei Revolution On Board
The connection between travel and cuisine has always been central to the Oceania Cruises experience. Today, it takes on a bold new dimension: the cruise line has announced the introduction of 12 brand-new Nikkei dishes to the menu of its renowned Red Ginger restaurant, a benchmark for pan-Asian dining at sea. The choice is no […]

Hellesylt: A Peaceful destination with a Majestic Waterfall
Tucked away in the heart of Norway’s fjord country, Hellesylt is more than just a pit stop—it’s a place where nature takes the lead, enveloping every visitor in an atmosphere of serene grandeur. Though small in scale, this charming port at the head of Sunnylvsfjorden serves as a breathtaking introduction to Norway’s raw beauty, where […]

Albatros Expeditions: beyond the cruise
Albatros Expeditions, a company internationally recognized for its polar expedition cruises, offers an integrated experience model that goes beyond navigation, developing over a longer time frame: the pre-cruise programs, designed to accompany expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic. These are carefully planned stays, designed to gradually introduce passengers to the environment they are about t

Albatros Expeditions and the Green Initiative Program
In recent decades, growing awareness of the environmental damage caused by human activity has prompted many companies to rethink their practices and seek more ecological and sustainable solutions. Albatros Expeditions, a cruise company specializing in exploratory voyages to polar regions, has responded to this challenge with determination by launching its Green Initiative Program. This program [&h

Kayaking Among the Ice with Oceanwide
Kayaking among the polar ice is an experience that can truly shift one’s perspective on nature. It’s not just an outdoor activity—it’s an authentic encounter with the most untouched, and remote parts of our planet. Oceanwide Expeditions, a long-standing leader in Arctic and Antarctic exploration cruises, offers guests the opportunity to enjoy this moment in […]

Uruguay: The Hidden Gem of South America
In the heart of South America, nestled along the Atlantic coast between two giants—Brazil and Argentina—lies a small yet remarkable jewel that more and more travelers are beginning to discover: Uruguay. Often overlooked in traditional tourist itineraries, this country surprises visitors with its high quality of life, rich cultural heritage, authentic cuisine, and a laid-back […]

Riverside: Sensory Journeys Along Europe’s Rivers
In today’s travel landscape, clients are increasingly focused not just on the destination, but on the overall experience that a journey can provide. The growing demand for high-level, personalized offerings has made it essential for industry professionals to go beyond selling a simple trip—instead, they must offer a blend of emotions, exclusive services, and unique […]

Strategies and Innovation in the Luxury Cruise Sector: Interview with Gabriella Fonzo
We are delighted to invite Gabriella Fonzo, Senior Director of Sales EMEA for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, to share her insights through an in-depth interview focusing on the marketing strategies, brand positioning, and evolving consumer expectations in the luxury cruise sector. Given her unique experience across two of the industry’s most refined […]

Behind the Scenes of Cruise Ships Refitting
Keeping a cruise ship in peak operating condition—constantly updated with the latest technological advancements and equipped with cutting-edge guest attractions in public areas—is no small task. This is why cruise ships undergo periodic refits, which usually take place when the vessel is dry-docked. However, this isn’t always the case; when necessary, certain types of work […]

The Evolution of Cruise Ship Dining
Cruise ship dining has undergone a profound transformation over the past century, evolving from a mere logistical necessity to a central element of the onboard experience, often considered one of the defining features of a cruise holiday. This journey mirrors broader cultural, technological, and socio-economic changes, and today, the culinary offerings on cruise ships are […]

Gambling on board Cruise Ships
Over the past decades, cruise ships have transformed into true floating cities, capable of offering increasingly sophisticated entertainment experiences. Among these, onboard casinos have become one of the key elements behind the financial success of the cruise industry. But how did these activities become such an essential part of the cruise business? The answer lies […]

Zurich: Between Culture, Nature, and Swiss Chocolate
German-speaking Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the major financial and cultural hub of central Europe. It is considered one of the world’s most livable cities because of its booming economy, beautiful old town and natural setting, and variety of cultural attractions. English is spoken everywhere. It is a pleasure to wander around […]

MS Europa: K. Fehling Brings Haute Cuisine to the Seas
The MS Europa, a Hapag-lloyd cruises ship, continues to amaze its guests not only with exclusive itineraries and impeccable service but also with top-tier culinary experiences. At the heart of this exceptional gastronomic offering is The Globe, the onboard restaurant curated by three-star Michelin chef Kevin Fehling—one of the most creative and revolutionary minds in […]

Passau: The City of the Three Navigable Rivers
Passau is a German city, also known as the city of the three navigable rivers. Here, the Danube meets the Ilz and Inn rivers. The Inn River originates in the Swiss Alps, west of St. Moritz, in the Engadin region. It flows through Switzerland, Austria, and Germany for 517 km, flowing into the Danube right […]

Orient Express: Fine Dining with Chef Alléno
Aboard the Orient Express Corinthian, the very concept of travel finds a new expression. The renowned Orient Express brand, a symbol of elegance and adventure since 1883, extends its horizon to the sea, ushering in a new era of itinerant luxury with the launch of their grand sailing vessel. 140 years after the first exceptional […]

From Carnival to Belmond: A Career that Began at Sea
Over the years of publishing Cruising Journal, we have always aimed to dedicate space to interviews with women involved in the cruise industry, whether in onboard roles or in key positions within cruise line corporations or other companies connected to the cruise sector. However, I am particularly convinced that experience in this industry—especially when gained […]

Avignon, the Pearl of the Rhône
In the heart of Provence, gently overlooking the banks of the Rhône and protected by the majestic Rocher des Doms, lies a city that encapsulates all the beauty, culture, and charm of the most authentic France: Avignon. With just over 90,000 inhabitants, Avignon retains a serene and relaxed pace of life, while at the same […]

Riverside Cruises: Multigenerational River Cruising
In today’s family vacation landscape, where the quest for authentic, personalized experiences is stronger than eve, Riverside Luxury Cruises stands out as the ideal solution for travelers of all ages. In a sector traditionally geared toward adults, this river cruise line redefines European river travel by offering an experience designed to meet the needs of […]

Scenic: River Cruises between Comfort and Flavor
When thinking of a luxury cruise, our minds often drift to massive ocean liners, grand spas, gourmet dining, and sophisticated settings. However, the concept of exclusive travel is quickly evolving in the river cruise sector as well, thanks to companies like Scenic, which have redefined hospitality along the world’s most iconic waterways. Scenic’s river cruises—aboard […]

Albatros Expeditions: Soul, Style and Sustainability
In a world where travel is often reduced to a simple destination, Albatros Expeditions stands out as a transformative experience, a return to the true spirit of exploration. Part of the Danish group Albatros Travel, founded in 1986 by biologist and explorer Søren Rasmussen, Albatros Expeditions embodies the essence of mindful travel, sustainable adventure, and […]

Porto, the authentic city that gave Portugal its name
Porto, the city that lent its name to Portugal, attracts millions of tourists each year with its beauty, the charm of its attractions, and its rich history. It serves as a gateway and starting point for journeys through the diverse landscapes and cultures of Portugal. Increasingly, Porto is becoming a key stop on river cruise […]
