Cruise International October/November 2019

One of the best things about this job is being involved in an industry that is always innovating; just when you think they have thought of everything, along comes a raft of new ships offering increasingly enticing ways to discover the world. On page 30 you’ll find the latest reviews plus a preview of what’s coming next year: from ships with their own helicopters, submarines and rollercoasters to intimate vessels made for exploring the Scottish isles, there is something for everyone. And what’s really heartening is to know that so many cruise lines are now considering how their ships can impact the environment, particularly in vulnerable regions, and trying to minimise this in every way they can. The cruise industry employs nearly 90,000 people in the UK alone, it’s worth over…

When you think of Japan, sushi, shrines and sumo are more likely to spring to mind than the Yaeyama Islands of the Okinawa Prefecture. But one look at the glittering turquoise waters, bone-white sands and lush landscapes and you’ll be wondering how this dreamy destination has escaped your attention for so long. The most southwestern part of Japan, the Yaeyama Islands are closer to Taiwan than to Tokyo and, with their laid-back, rural lifestyle, gorgeous beaches and superb diving, are in complete contrast to the frenetic capital. Made up of a dozen or so islands and a scattering of islets, the archipelago offers beach days aplenty, and is not only home to Japan’s last intact subtropical rainforest, but also the world’s highest percentage of centenarians. >> Turn to page 88 to…

SCENIC ECLIPSE SETS SAIL Scenic Eclipse, the hotly awaited luxury expedition yacht from Scenic, has now set sail and will be christened on 10 September in New York by Dame Helen Mirren. Turn to page 29 to read more about this exciting new ship as well as others that will be launching in the year ahead. REGENT ON TV Regent Seven Seas’ ultra-luxury cruise ship Seven Seas Explorer is being showcased in a new four-part TV documentary showing on Channel 5. “We are incredibly excited about this documentary,” said Graham Sadler, Managing Director, EMEA, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Seven Seas Explorer was christened by Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco in July 2016 and features extravagantly designed theatres and lounges, opulent suites, and five gourmet restaurants. The Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built is on Channel…

COLOUR STORY Gold and green (olive, guacamole, chartreuse, forest and ‘eden’, if you want to get really specific) are big trends this autumn/winter. Expect to see these luscious hues on everything, including accessories (from clockwise, top left: greenbirds purse, £40, saramiller.london; butterfly brooch, £18, joebrowns.com; 19-degree case, £855, tumi.com; special edition box bag, £29.99, zara.com; Emma gloves, £49, hobbs.com). We love… HELEN MIRREN Dame Helen has been named godmother to new ship Scenic Eclipse (see feature, page 40) and is on our screens as Catherine the Great in Sky Atlantic’s new drama this autumn. Indulge your inner empress with a pair of fabulous statement earrings and make an entrance on formal night. splurge: gold-tone, crystal and faux pearl earrings by Oscar de la Renta, £439, net-a-porter.com; steal: cerise drop earrings, £22, riverisland.com). TAKE COVER Benefit’s…

SCENIC SANCTUARY We cannot WAIT to sail on Scenic’s brand new luxury discovery yacht, Scenic Eclipse; one of the highlights on board is the exclusive Spa Sanctuary, which offers Scandinavian-inspired plunge pools, women’s and men’s saunas, a yoga and pilates studio, and a fully-equipped gym. Plus there's a range of ESPA treatments, including the new Natural Facelift Facial, featuring cutting edge Tri-ActiveTM Advanced ProBiome technology to support resilience, boost hydration and increase the feelings of firmness and elasticity. You can buy ESPA products, which care for your whole wellbeing, worldwide, too (espaskincare.com). COUTURE TOUCH One of our favourite ways to relax on a cruise is with an indulgent Elemis treatment, and when we’re not at sea, we pop into the House of Elemis in London’s Mayfair for a facial or massage. Our newest…

MEDITERRANEAN VEGETABLE RICE SERVES 4 | 45 MINUTES Bombs of green pesto, olive tapenade, creamy mozzarella & basil INGREDIENTS 300g basmati rice1 small red onion1 courgette4 ripe mixed-colour tomatoes4 tablespoons green pesto olive oil8 black olives (stone in)White wine vinegarExtra virgin olive oil4 sprigs of fresh basil½ x 125g ball of mozzarella cheese METHOD • Preheat the grill to high. Tip the rice into a 25cm x 35cm roasting tray (or use a large round shallow ovenproof pan or tray, if you have one), pour over 650ml of boiling salted water and cook over a medium heat for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, then turn off the heat. Meanwhile, peel the red onion, then very finely slice with the courgette, or use a mandolin (use the guard!). Finely slice the tomatoes into rounds. • Randomly bomb the pesto…