MSC Cruises has launched an Alaska fly-cruise package for the first time, which is taking bookings for summer 2026.
Guests can enjoy Alaska’s beauty by combining flights, a two-night pre-cruise stay and a spectacular seven-night cruise aboard MSC Poesia.
This exclusive offer is available to book until December 31, 2025.
Setting sail from Seattle, MSC Poesia will offer round-trip itineraries into the heart of Alaska, with weekly departures from May 11 through to September, with guests exploring destinations including Ketchikan, Icy Strait Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau and Victoria.
Starting from £1,899pp, the package includes: return flights from London Heathrow to Seattle with Virgin Atlantic, including baggage and transfers; a two-night pre-cruise stay at the Courtyard Seattle Downtown by Marriott (or similar); a Seattle CityPASS for every guest that includes entry to city attractions such as the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, and others; and a ‘Grab and Go’ breakfast to maximise time exploring the city
Antonio Paradiso, Vice President of International Sales at MSC Cruises, commented: “This launch presents an excellent opportunity for our valued travel agent partners to offer something truly unique to their clients, with the added advantage of a complete, hassle-free package that’s highly compelling and delivers exceptional value.”
Star Princess will add a sprinkle of magic
Princess Cruises has unveiled the next evolution of Spellbound by Magic Castle, its speakeasy experience born from a collaboration with Hollywood’s The Magic Castle®.
Reimagined for the brand-new Star Princess, which is currently under final construction at Fincantieri, and building on its debut aboard Sun Princess, this immersive venue will invite guests into a world of illusion, sleight-of-hand, and storytelling at sea.
The venue pays homage to the golden age of magic, with a special nod to one of its most iconic figures: Richard Valentine Pitchford, better known as Cardini. A master of sleight-of-hand and theatrical illusion, Cardini captivated audiences with elegance and mystery. His legacy lives on through his great-nephew, Randy Pitchford, owner of the Magic Castle, and now echoes through this enchanting experience aboard Star Princess.
As part of its transformation, Spellbound on Star Princess will introduce an exclusive new cocktail menu featuring handcrafted drinks available only at the Cardini Bar.
“Spellbound has quickly become one of the most talked-about experiences at sea, and we’re thrilled to take it to the next level aboard Star Princess,” said Lorna Warren, Princess Cruises Vice President Hotel Operations and Guest Experiences.
“By bringing to life the spirit and setting of the original Magic Castle in Hollywood, our reimagined speakeasy will deliver a one-of-a-kind venue where every guest can feel like they’ve stepped into a world of true magic.”
Spellbound by Magic Castle will be open to all guests aboard Star Princess with several showtimes nightly. Admission is $45 per guest and includes two signature cocktails along with a magic show. Tickets may be purchased in advance at princess.com or onboard.
The 4,300-guest Star Princess will feature 1,500 balcony staterooms, 30 dining and bar venues and elevated entertainment offerings.
The ship will debut with an inaugural season featuring sailings to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Alaska.
Seabourn takes luxury offering to all corners
Ultra-luxury and expedition travel cruise line has announced its 2027 summer ocean and 2027–2028 expedition itineraries, featuring destinations that include Alaska, Japan, Canada and New England, and immersive adventures across Antarctica, the Arctic, and the South Pacific.
Operated by Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn Venture, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Quest, and Seabourn Ovation, the collection includes 111 departures, 72 unique itineraries, and visits to 369 destinations across 71 countries and all seven continents.
Headliners for the season include the line’s first ‘Pole-to-Pole: Grand Expedition‘, a 94-day adventure sailing from the High Arctic to Antarctica; a new 11-day Baltic voyage visiting capitals and remote ports in Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, and Latvia; and a 14-day solar eclipse voyage offering front-row views of this celestial event in August 2027.
Guests can also enjoy Seabourn Signature Events in select destinations, maiden and notable calls throughout Europe and Asia, and countless opportunities to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Complimentary Signature Events in Antarctica include a Polar Plunge from the Zodiacs, and Caviar on the Ice with Champagne and caviar served on deck or on floating ice surrounded by glittering glaciers.
Sky’s the limit for Holland America in 2026
Holland America Line is adding astronomy experts to its three 2026 solar eclipse cruises.
A total solar eclipse will be visible on August 12 and guests aboard Nieuw Statendam, Oosterdam and Zuiderdam will have exclusive access to lectures, presentations and tips on how to make the most of their eclipse viewing.
Boston University Professor Meers Oppenheim will be aboard Zuiderdam’s 18-day ‘Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse’ cruise; University of California San Diego Professor Adam Burgasser will join guests on Oosterdam for the 13-day ‘Mediterranean Solar Eclipse’ cruise; and Tom Vassos, former professor at University of Toronto, will be aboard Nieuw Statendam’s 28-day ‘Legendary Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland’ cruise.
The experts will provide guests with exclusive insight, offering lectures, a special Q&A session and real-time commentary as the three ships position in the path of totality during the eclipse.
Joe Chantry, Vice President of Entertainment and Enrichment for Holland America Line, said: “We are consistently striving to curate extraordinary moments for our guests, and the upcoming solar eclipse cruises are no exception.
“By welcoming three distinguished astronomy experts aboard, we’re offering our guests not only front-row views to a rare phenomenon, but also the opportunity to deepen their understanding in an enriching setting.”
Safety glasses for protective viewing will be provided throughout the day of the solar eclipse, as well as themed activities and culinary offerings.
Trafalgar joins CLIA ahead of 2026 river cruise debut
Trafalgar has joined Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland as a river cruise operator member, marking a significant step in the brand’s expansion into river cruising.
From April 2026, Trafalgar will launch its first two river ships, Trafalgar Reverie and Trafalgar Verity, each carrying 128 guests on immersive itineraries along the Rhine and Danube, bringing Trafalgar’s signature guided touring style to the waterways of Europe.
Kelly Jackson, TTC Tour Brands EMEA managing director, said: “We’re thrilled to be joining CLIA and to work closely with their outstanding network of travel agents across the UK and Ireland. Our move into river cruising is an exciting new chapter for Trafalgar, and CLIA’s training, resources and events will be invaluable in sharing this with the trade.”
Membership gives Trafalgar access to CLIA’s UK and Ireland trade network, along with specialist resources, training and events focused on river cruising. This includes webinars, podcasts, marketing materials and participation in flagship events such as the annual CLIA Conference and CLIA RiverView Conference.
