Scenic Group’s newest vessel, Scenic Ikon, will join its fleet in April 2028 with the promise that it will elevate expedition cruising in both polar and warm-water destinations.
The luxury yacht will carry up to 270 guests across 135 all-verandah suites. Purpose-built with Polar Code 6 and Ice Class 1A Super capabilities, Scenic Ikon will operate from the Mediterranean to Antarctica, equipped with two Airbus helicopters, a Triton AVA submersible, Zodiacs and superyacht tenders.
Scenic Ikon’s sold-out maiden voyage will depart Venice in April 2028, launching a season that spans to March 2029 with 110 ports across 21 countries, including the Mediterranean, Aegean, Egypt, Cape Verde, Antarctica, the Falklands and the Chilean Fjords.
Guests can expect 15 dining venues, a 1,700sqm two-level Senses Spa, with immersive excursions, exclusive events and entertainment included. Complimentary helicopter experiences will be offered for select suite categories and loyalty guests, with new helicopter landing experiences unveiled at prestigious cultural and leisure sites.
A limited number of pre-release fares are available for early bookers.
AmaWaterways brings music to guests’ ears on new vessel
AmaWaterways has launched AmaMelodia, its second luxury river ship in Colombia, sailing on the Magdalena River.
The new vessel follows the debut of AmaMagdalena earlier this year and signals the line’s growing confidence in Colombia as an emerging river cruise destination. Designed for 64 guests, AmaMelodia features spacious staterooms with twin balconies, locally inspired cuisine, live entertainment, and a whirlpool on the Sun Deck overlooking the river’s vibrant scenery.
The ship will operate two seven-night itineraries — Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia — offering guests cultural immersion and wildlife encounters across the Magdalena River Valley. Experiences include a private Barranquilla Carnival performance, a jazz event in Mompox, and a visit to Palenque, the first “free town” in the Americas.
The programme has been supported by ProColombia, with president Carmen Caballero praising the project as a model for “responsible, inclusive, and transformative” tourism.
With AmaMelodia joining AmaMagdalena, AmaWaterways strengthens its foothold in South America as the first major river cruise operator on the Magdalena River.
£1,000 off upgrades on new Great Rail Journeys tour and cruise trips
Great Rail Journeys is expanding its portfolio with the launch of a new Tour and Ocean Cruise collection, debuting in 2027 in partnership with Azamara. The programme will pair the operator’s escorted rail tours with luxury small-ship cruising.
Travellers booking before December 15, 2025 can receive £1,000 off upgrades to Veranda, Veranda Plus or Continental Suites.
The itineraries blend expert-led rail journeys on land with Azamara’s immersive cruising style at sea. Guests will be accompanied by a dedicated Tour Manager before boarding Azamara’s vessels, which accommodate around 700 passengers and provide extended destination time, AzAmazing cultural experiences, ocean-view accommodation and high crew-to-guest ratios.
Itineraries include:
A 17-day Glacier Express Tour and Italy, France, Spain Cruise, priced from £4,999pp
The 16-day Lake Garda Tour and Venice, Sicily, Amalfi Cruise, from £4,999pp
The 18- or 20-day Rocky Mountaineer Tour and Icy Strait, Ketchikan Cruise, priced from £8,499pp.
The collection adds to Great Rail Journeys’ growing offer for its core 55-plus market and follows the success of its river cruise programme, now accounting for one-fifth of its business. The move comes as the company continues to diversify, having recently introduced walking tours.
No-flys on new Leger mini cruises
Leger Holidays has unveiled a new range of no-fly breaks, combining overnight mini-cruises from Newcastle with escorted European coach tours.
The five-day Mini-Cruise and Tour itineraries pair sailings to Ijmuiden, North Holland, with a choice of battlefield history or Amsterdam-focused trips. Guests travel by coach from regional joining points – or opt for a Door-to-Door service – before boarding the overnight ferry, where included cabins, buffet meals, bars and live entertainment await.
Three of the new programmes explore WW1 and WW2 sites across Northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, led by specialist battlefield guides. Two further itineraries focus on Amsterdam and the surrounding region, including Keukenhof Gardens, Volendam and Haarlem.
All tours include two nights on board with meals, two nights in 3-star hotels, and escorted excursions.
Tour highlights include:
WW2 Arnhem and Rhineland – from £939pp
Siegfried Line and Battle of the Bulge – from £729pp
Dutch Bulbfields and Amsterdam – from £749pp
Amsterdam Mini-Cruise and Tour (Luxuria coach) – from £849pp
WW1 Flanders to the Somme – from £799pp.
MSC sister ships to undergo major enhancement
MSC Cruises has begun a significant refurbishment of MSC Magnifica, marking the start of a major enhancement programme across its fleet.
The Musica-class ship, in service since 2010, has entered dry dock at Palumbo Malta Shipyard and is the first of two sister vessels to undergo a transformation. Works will see the addition of the MSC Yacht Club, featuring 63 new suites, two specialty restaurants (Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and Kaito Sushi Bar), and a revamped MSC Aurea Spa and Technogym fitness centre, complete with gentleman’s barber, studio spaces and outdoor relaxation area.
The refurbishment is scheduled to finish in December, with the full Yacht Club experience debuting for guests in summer 2026, when MSC Magnifica begins Northern Europe itineraries.
Sister ship MSC Poesia will follow into dry dock in February 2026, adding a 69-suite Yacht Club, All-Stars Sports Bar, specialty dining, and upgraded spa and gym facilities ahead of her Alaska debut in May 2026.
MSC Magnifica will sail from Warnemünde from May 2026 before switching to Mediterranean itineraries and then embarking on the 2027 MSC World Cruise. MSC Poesia will operate seven-night cruises from Seattle in summer 2026 and Caribbean sailings from Miami in winter 2026/27.
Suites for the upgraded MSC Yacht Club on both ships are now on sale.
