Cunard unveils star-studded speaker lineup
Cunard has announced a bumper roster of guest speakers for its Insights programme, running across all four of its ships between August and December 2026. More than 800 speakers will feature fleet-wide, including 200 headline names spanning broadcasting, science, sport, literature and public life.
The speakers include broadcaster Clare Balding CBE, actress Celia Imrie CBE, AI expert Dame Wendy Hall, comedian Ruby Wax OBE and crime writer Peter James.
Queen Mary 2‘s Transatlantic Crossings bring appearances from Dame Floella Benjamin and “Miracle on the Hudson” pilot Jeff Skiles, while Queen Anne‘s Northern Europe and Mediterranean sailings welcome rugby great Will Carling.
Queen Victoria hosts journalist Jane Corbin and hypnotist Paul McKenna across the Mediterranean, and Queen Elizabeth’s Alaska and Caribbean season features NASA astronaut Susan Kilrain and Dallas star Patrick Duffy.
Cunard President Katie McAlister said the line-up reflects voices that “inform, inspire and entertain,” creating memories that last well beyond the voyage.
Oceania Cruises highlights longer voyages for slow travel
Oceania Cruises is highlighting its portfolio of longer voyages, including Grand Voyages and 180-day Around the World journeys, as demand grows for more immersive ways to explore multiple destinations in one trip.
The line offers access to more than 600 destinations worldwide, with longer itineraries allowing guests to explore regions including Asia, the Mediterranean and South America at a slower pace, without the need for repeated flights and hotel changes.
Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, said: “Longer voyages give guests the time to experience destinations differently. They can linger a little longer, venture farther and appreciate the character of each place without feeling rushed.”
The line said longer cruises combine exploration with the convenience of travelling between continents aboard a single ship, while guests can also make use of onboard enrichment and small-group excursions.
Oceania’s adults-only environment is positioned as a further fit for longer journeys, offering guests a quieter pace with leisure time at sea alongside the line’s dining and service offering.
Oceania Aurelia, described as the line’s ‘Ultimate Explorer’, will debut in late 2027 and will operate extended itineraries including the line’s 2028 and 2029 Around the World voyages. The ship will feature fewer than 250 suites and staterooms.
The 2028 Around the World voyage will sail for 180 days from Miami to New York, departing 18 January 2028, covering Mexico and Central America, Hawaii, the South Pacific, Australia, Asia and Europe.
The 2029 Around the World voyage will depart Los Angeles for New York on January 6, 2029, also lasting 180 days and visiting South America, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, Asia and Europe.
Other highlighted longer voyages include the 68-day Epic Reefs to Icy Glaciers from Sydney to Vancouver aboard Oceania Riviera, departing March 7, 2027, and the 39-day Asia to Alaska Majesty from Singapore to Vancouver, departing April 5, 2027.
VIVA Boutique announces 2027 Italy shore excursions
VIVA Boutique, part of VIVA Cruises, has revealed its shore excursion collection for its 2027 Italy season, which will see new ship VIVA UNIQUE sail the Venetian Lagoon and Po River from May.
The 104-guest vessel, the second ship in the VIVA Boutique brand, will operate three seven-night themed itineraries between May and October, focusing on cuisine, culture and art.
The Flavours of Italy sails roundtrip from Venice, calling at Mazzorbo, Taglio di Po, Polesella and Chioggia, while Timeless Journey Through the Lagoon also operates roundtrip from Venice, visiting Mazzorbo and Chioggia.
Discovering the Legacy of Italian Masters sails from Venice and calls at Mazzorbo, Taglio di Po, Polesella, Revere, Boretto and Cremona. A reverse itinerary, Discovering the Legacy of Italian Masters II, will also operate.
Excursions will range from shorter activities to half and full-day experiences, with options covering different activity levels and a focus on local culture, food and history.
Clients can also expect a 2.5-hour bike tour from Chioggia to Sottomarina, a full-day gastronomic tour of Bologna with a guided walk, traditional lunch and fresh pasta demonstration, as well as a half-day visit to Padua with a guided walking tour and free time.
In Venice, the three-hour On the Trail of Venice’s Power and Prestige experience starts at Piazza San Marco and visits the Marciana Library, Loggetta and Doge’s Palace.
Michelle Daniels, Director of Sales, UK and Ireland and Australia and New Zealand at VIVA Cruises, said the programme would allow guests to explore “historic cities and hidden gems” alongside regional food and active experiences.
VIVA Boutique ships feature more than 50% suite accommodation, with guests receiving an included signature shore excursion, three onboard restaurants and Michelin-star-inspired options at MOMENTS.
Suite guests also receive additional benefits including airport transfers, priority boarding, in-suite breakfast and a personal concierge.
The all-inclusive offering includes meals, flexible dining across up to three restaurants, premium drinks, High Tea once per voyage, a daily replenished minibar, Nespresso coffee, a welcome bottle of prosecco, Typology toiletries, Wi-Fi and gratuities.
