Crystal Endeavor, the groundbreaking luxury expedition yacht that debuted in July, has been named Best New Expedition Ship in The Points Guy’s (TPG) Editors’ Choice Awards.

The annual awards are presented based on the expert opinions of TPG editors who comprise some of the most seasoned and experienced writers and editors in the travel and hospitality industry. 

The luxury expedition yacht’s highly anticipated Antarctica season launches next week on Nov. 18 with the first of eight voyages round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, ranging from 11 to 19 nights. The sailings explore incredible wildlife within this remote icy wonderland, including the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and lands beyond the Antarctic Circle. Complimentary round-trip air fare between Ushuaia and Miami, along with luxury hotel stays in both cities, is also available.

Holland America Line has announced the kickoff of its Kids Cruise Free promotion, just in time for families to plan their end-of-year holiday getaways. The offer entitles kids ages 5 to 7 who are sailing as the third and fourth guests in the same stateroom to cruise for free.

If your family would prefer the warm waters of Mexico or the Caribbean to a chilly winter break spent a home, you’ll need to book by Nov. 18 to take advantage of this special offer. The promotion is good on select holiday sailings and other cruises scheduled through May 31, 2022, excluding Alaska cruise tours and Grand World Voyages. It’s also limited to two children sailing for free per eligible booking.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has unveiled the first images of its newest river ship, the S.S. Sphinx, the cruise line’s Egyptian river cruise ship.

The ship features 42 suites featuring French balconies, a swimming pool, two gourmet dining venues and more. S.S. Sphinx features Egyptian cuisine, locally produced wines and Egyptian-crafted artwork, fabrics and furnishings, immersing guests in Egyptian culture in a responsible way.

S.S. Sphinx first set sail on Sept. 23, 2021. It will continue to sail eight cruises through the end of this year on the "Splendors of Egypt & the Nile" itinerary, a 12-day round-trip cruise from Cairo.

Celebrity Cruises announced plans for three ships to return to Alaska for the 2023 summer season, with bookings now open to the general public.

Starting on May 3, 2023, Celebrity will begin visiting the majestic glaciers of the Inside Passage on every itinerary, while also offering passengers the chance to learn more about the culture and history of the Last Frontier, from the native Tinglit people to the gold rush days.

Cruise travel is slowly returning to normal, thanks to widespread vaccinations and a testing regimen that requires passengers to get a negative COVID-19 test result before they step on board the ship.

But it's not always easy to find a reliable, reputable testing service that meets industry standards and provides a fast turnaround time, given the requirement for tests to be conducted within 48 to 72 hours of embarkation.

Enter 1 Stop Test.

Oceania Cruises, known for its culinary-focused cruises, has opened its 2023 Europe and North America Collection of voyages for sale to the general public. Featuring seven ships sailing 179 itineraries, which call on more than 260 ports, this new collection is the line’s most expansive and diverse offering to date. 

Charting the coastlines of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Baltic & Scandinavia, Alaska, Canada and the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, each voyage will feature iconic cities, off-the-beaten-path villages, and dramatic, unspoiled natural wonders. 

 “These new voyages are ideal for discerning travelers seeking to re-discover the world,” Bob Binder, president & CEO of Oceania Cruises, said in a statement. “Whether they are retracing familiar paths or setting off to uncharted territories, they will find endearing smiles, enthralling cultural elements, and fascinating culinary experiences.” 

MIAMI, September 21, 2021 – Today Crystal announced that it will extend its vaccination requirement for all age-eligible guests (currently 12 and older) and all crew through 2022 for ocean ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony and the luxury expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor. All age-eligible guests (currently 12 and older) and all crew must be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine (with both doses, if recommended by manufacturer) at least 14 days prior to their embarkation date.

Crystal has been proactive in its response to COVID-19 with protocols based on the latest data and recommendations by health experts. The company was the first major cruise line to require a COVID-19 vaccine for both guests and crew in 2021 and now the first through 2022.

“Protecting the health and safety of our guests and crew is paramount to everything we do and extending our vaccination requirements through 2022 is the next important step to continue to safeguard their health and wellness,” said Jack Anderson, president of Crystal. “Our guests have overwhelmingly told us that vaccinations are critical for them to feel comfortable traveling. Announcing this extension now will give them the information and reassurance they require as they look to plan future voyages with us.”

For travelers considering a respite from the pressures of work, life or the ongoing pandemic, Playa Hotels & Resorts' Hyatt Zilara offers an adults-only, all-inclusive brand that promises a relaxing and eventful vacation for any couple, friend group or destination wedding party.

Hyatt Zilara has resorts in Montego Bay, Jamaica; Cap Cana, Dominican Republic and in Cancun, Mexico, allowing guests to explore everything from nearby jungles to colonial cities and beach paradises.

All of them feature an all-inclusive concept, which means that access to all dining areas is included with a stay, in addition to all drinks, room service and more. All entertainment, events and activities are also included, except for spa and salon treatments.

Today luxury river cruise line Crystal River Cruises marked the resumption of European river cruise operations and its return to Europe’s rivers as Crystal Ravel sailed from Vilshofen on a seven-night Danube itinerary featuring calls in Germany, Austria and Hungary, shipboard overnights in Vienna and Budapest, and cruising of the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. In Vilshofen, the officers and crew welcomed guests back to Crystal Ravel after a nearly 18-month pause in operations. 

On Aug. 30, sister ship Crystal Debussy is set to cruise from Basel on a seven-night Rhine itinerary with calls in Switzerland, France, Germany and Netherlands and overnight calls in Koblenz and Amsterdam.

“After months of planning and preparation we are excited to welcome our guests back on board to experience the attentive service and personalized care of our devoted staff on cruises to the best-loved destinations of Europe’s scenic rivers and waterways,” said Walter Littlejohn, Crystal River Cruises’ senior vice president and managing director.

Courtesy of Crystal CruisesThe Palm Court lounge on Crystal Ravel. 

The ships’ staff have been prepping the vessels, refreshing their training, and implementing new Crystal Clean+ procedures that address the unique challenges of COVID-19 with stringent health protocols in place to provide guests a safe and enjoyable experience. Crystal River Cruises requires all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated as part of Crystal Clean+, which due to the mandatory vaccination requirement, allows guests to explore ashore independently.

The line’s spacious all-suite river ships allow for ample social distancing, accommodating just half as many guests as similarly sized vessels and offering a la carte restaurants, open-seating dining and an abundance of tables for two.  

Crystal Expedition Cruises has announced its newest ship, Crystal Endeavor, will feature a new itinerary in the Caribbean this October and November as part of its inaugural season.

The luxurious yacht will sail from Miami on Oct. 25 on a nine-night itinerary called "Expedition Yachting: Caribbean Mystique," visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico; Great Exuma, Man of War Bay and Inagua Island in the Bahamas; White Bay and Great Harbor on Jost Van Dyke; Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands; Gustavia, St. Barts; and Saba, Netherlands before returning to Puerto Rico.

It began its first season in Iceland, circumnavigating the island. It will begin sailing the Norwegian fjords this September before sailing on an itinerary from London to Lisbon, Portugal, at the end of September.

MSC Cruises marked its return to U.S. cruising with a four-night sailing out of Miami aboard MSC Meraviglia that departed Tuesday evening.

The ship will operate on three- and four-night itineraries from PortMiami. On Sept. 18, it will begin sailing on seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Four-night cruises will visit Nassau and MSC’s private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, for an overnight. Three-night itineraries make calls at Ocean Cay. Seven-night sailings will visit Ocean Cay, Nassau and Ocho Rios, Jamaica; the cruises will make a second call at Ocean Cay before returning to Miami.

Viking announced today the official restart of its popular river itineraries in France, marking the latest milestone as the company resumes operations in Europe. Guests are now embarking journeys on the Seine and Rhône rivers for the Paris & the Heart of Normandy, Lyon & Provence and France’s Finest itineraries. Viking’s voyage in Bordeaux, Chateaux, Rivers and Wine, will resume in August.

Along with restarting river operations in France, Viking has launched four new Viking Longships that are purpose-built specifically to navigate the Seine River. Hosting 168 guests in 84 staterooms, Viking Kari, Viking Radgrid, Viking Skaga and Viking Fjorgyn dock at Viking’s exclusive docking location in the center of Paris, just a short walking distance from the Eiffel Tower.