Cruise International June/July 2019

The more river cruises I take, the more I love this way of travelling. It’s leisurely but never dull, and it gives you the opportunity to get really close to the heart of a destination and experience different cultures. If you’ve never taken one before, check out our New to River Cruise guide on page 76. Something that always amazes me about the cruise industry is that they can take a ship and transform it in the time it would take most of us to redecorate a house. This issue we’ve been checking out the newly transformed Norwegian Joy and Celebrity Summit (page 31). One of my favourite places for a stay-and-cruise holiday is the US, because you can spend a few days exploring a fabulous city such as New Orleans, Miami…

The deep emerald-green waters of Anthony Quinn Bay make it one of the most scenic spots on the Greek island of Rhodes. Hollywood actor Anthony Quinn certainly showed impeccable taste when he bought some nearby land after falling in love with the bay while filming 1961 war epic The Guns of Navarone – and this explains how the bay got its name. As well as being a superb place for kayaking, the marine-rich waters are also well-suited to snorkelling while, on land, a shore of golden sand and pebbles backed by aromatic pine trees creates an idyllic place to relax. The bay is also situated nearby the quiet village of Kalithies, where centuries-old temples call to be explored. Other island highlights include the stunning hilltop monastery of Tsambika with it’s…

EXOTIC OCEANIA Oceania Cruises has unveiled its 2020/21 Tropics & Exotics Collection, with new ports of call including Cuba’s unspoiled Isla de La Juventud, the Japanese seaside town Miyako, and New Zealand’s remote port of Whangarei. “This new collection of itineraries unveils iconic ports of call and offers a wealth of opportunities to explore corners of the globe nearly untouched by tourism, and with the debut of our re-inspired fleet of ships, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination,” said Bob Binder, President and CEO Of Oceania Cruises. The Collection includes 85 itineraries, 69 of them entirely new, including 13 new voyages to Asia and Africa, eight new voyages to South America, seven new sailings to the South Pacific and Australia, seven new transoceanic journeys, and 30 new voyages to the…

Little can compare with the thrill of exploring the Galápagos Islands’ diverse natural riches and extraordinarily tame wildlife. To sail through this remote Pacific archipelago is a treat on any level, but the launch of Celebrity Cruises’ ground-breaking new ship, Celebrity Flora, promises to elevate the experience even further. More plush mega-yacht than expeditionary vessel, it is acclaimed as the first such craft to be specifically designed to sail around the Galápagos Islands. With 50 suites accommodating 100 passengers (the maximum limit permitted in the islands) Flora doesn’t shirk in the luxury stakes. Yet with a line-up of special features that include glamping on deck and a stargazing platform, it’s clear this is no run-of-the-mill ship. That rings true for its environmental credentials too, with a raft of state-of-the-art technical innovations that Celebrity…

NEW VIKING SHIP FOR EGYPT Following the news it is sponsoring the London leg of the Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh exhibition, Viking has announced the expansion of its Egypt programme for the 2020 season, which will include the launch of a new ship, Viking Osiris. “Egypt has inspired explorers for generations, and it remains a top destination for many of our guests,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “For more than two decades, we have led the river cruise industry with our fleet development and experiences that bring travellers closer to the cultures of the world. We remain committed to Egypt, and we look forward to introducing the historic treasures of the region to even more Viking guests.” Inspired by the Viking Longships and built specifically for the Nile, Viking Osiris…

IN THE SWIM We love the colours of this Frida Floral Tummy Control Swimsuit (£50, figleaves.com). POSH BAG Victoria Beckham’s leather clutch in this season’s hottest colour will add a splash of colour on formal nights (£750, net-a-porter.com). GIVE BACK 100% of the profits from the sale of the limited edition Bold is Beautiful 3D BROWtones Magenta will go to charities Refuge and Look Good Feel Better (£21.50, benefitcosmetics.com). BRIGHT EYES Containing specialised algae and targeted delivery systems, the new Ultra Smart Pro-Collagen Eye Treatment Duo delivers powerful results (£145, elemis.com). ECO COOL Ethical holiday brand Aspiga will remove a basket of plastic from a beach in Kenya for every pair of their pretty sandals they sell (from £58, aspiga.com). FAB LIPS We adore the Destination Fabulous collection by M.A.C, including this lipstick trio. Available from all major airports and downtown…