At the beginning of March, Panache Cruises’ Sales and Operations Director Clare Cruise was invited on board Emerald Cruises’ brand-new superyacht, Emerald Azzurra, on her inaugural cruise out of Aqaba, Jordan.

As it happens, Clare was the very first guest to step on board Azzurra – an absolute honour and an unforgettable experience!

Last weekend James and Neil were fortunate enough to be invited on board Silversea’s newest ship, Silver Dawn, for a 3-night sailing from Lisbon down to the Algarve, before her inaugural sailing over to Barcelona. Both having been on many ships, this was right up there in terms luxury, service, and indulgence.

Here’s how they got on…

It's official! Silversea Cruises are debuting their first ever 100% sustainable cruise ship, and the first in their 'Nova' fleet, in summer 2023!

Ultra-luxury travel brand Silversea Cruises^® has announced the name of its first ship, Silver Nova^SM, developed as part of its innovative newbuild project known as Project Evolution. The revolutionary vessel, set for delivery in summer 2023, will be the first hybrid, luxury cruise ship free of local emissions at port, positioning Silversea at the forefront of sustainable cruising for years to come.

The other week, Panache Cruises' General Manager Clare Cruise was invited on board Regent Seven Seas' newest ship, Seven Seas Splendor. Clare spent a few days sailing along the south coast of England and was blessed with beautiful sunshine throughout. Here's what she said about Splendor when she came back...

Exciting news!! Emerald Cruises has announced plans to build a second superyacht which will join its fleet in 2023.

Emerald’s current superyacht, Azzurra, is custom-designed to allow closer access to the ports and harbours in itineraries, places only small yachts can reach. The new addition, Sakara, will be identical in its design and join its sister-yacht in sailing the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red Sea, and Black Sea.

The other week, my colleague Catherine and I were fortunate enough to be invited on board Silversea’s newest ship, the Silver Moon, for a sailing around the Greek Isles. The whole experience was absolutely incredible. It was my first ever cruise and I certainly started at the top! We were on board for six nights (the actual cruise was 10 nights, but we got on board a few days in).

Seabourn Venture will now be sailing on their inaugural itinerary from the UK! Sailing from 10th April 2022, the very first expedition cruise will be around the picturesque British Isles. Stroll through Tresco’s subtropical Abbey Gardens, explore Dublin – a UNESCO City of Literature – and sample a “wee dram” at one of Islay’s whisky distilleries. Take a Zodiac cruise to Staffa Island with its otherworldly Fingal’s Cave, view Iona’s 6^th-century abbey ruins, and visit vast seabird colonies on Lunga – aka, “Puffin island” – and Copinsay.

One of the best experiences for any keen traveller is a river cruise through Europe. Gliding along the Rhine, Danube, Douro, or Seine is a truly magical experience, and at A-Rosa, they are proud to be taking the extra step in sustainability.

In 2022, A-Rosa plans to launch their new ship, Sena, featuring a hybrid diesel and electric propulsion system. The aim is to switch to electric, battery-powered motor when the ship approaches towns and cities, so as to save fuel whilst also keeping the waterways around the cities clean.

Year on year luxury expedition cruising has grown exponentially and over the next decade it is set to become a forerunner in the industry, especially in light of the pandemic and a growing demand for long-haul, ‘bucket list’ trips.

When ships set sail again, it's likely that cruisers will want to book life-changing voyages offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It's expected that regions like the Arctic, Antarctica, and the Galapagos Islands will become the next expedition hotspots, and we can see why.