Empress Travel and Cruises Feed

Spotlight on Northern Italy featuring Venice, Verona & the Dolomites

Sat, 23 May 26 04:00:19 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Get to know the romantic city of Verona.
Cruise the waters around Venice and dive into the island city.
Enjoy an up-close look at the Dolomites, one of the most beautiful mountain chains in the world.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Step back in time at a festive farewell dinner in a Venetian villa.
Master a few tips from an Italian nonna (grandmother) and try your hand at making traditional pasta.
Tour a winery in the Prosecco hills and sample this delectable sparkling wine.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Discover the lively center of hilltop Asolo, awarded the title of Italy’s Most Beautiful Village.
Marvel at the skill of the glassblowing artists in Venice, who still work the glass using century-old techniques.
Experience local life in Bassano, the hometown of Italy’s renowned schnapps called grappa.

HOTELS

Hotel Carlton, Treviso

INCLUDED

Stay:

9 Days
8 Nights

Meals:

7 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
3 Dinners

Old World Sicily & Malta

Sat, 23 May 26 04:00:19 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Explore Valletta (UNESCO), the capital of the Knights of Malta, a city “built by gentlemen for gentlemen.”
Pass by Baroque architecture and wrought iron balconies on a winding walking tour of Ragusa (UNESCO).
Spend 3 nights in Taormina (UNESCO) and explore its iconic Greek theatre.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Pause for a Sicilian cappuccino and pastry breakfast at a local “bar.”
Explore the flavors of Maltese cuisine during a family-style dinner at a local band club.
Visit a family-owned organic herb farm and enjoy a lunch flavored with delicious aromatic plants.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Ascend the sides of Mount Etna (UNESCO) in off-road vehicles.
Soak up the island ambiance of Malta with a 4-night stay in Sliema.
Delve into Maltese culture during a tour of a traditional limestone village.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

12 Days
11 Nights

Meals:

10 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
3 Dinners

Countryside of the Emerald Isle

Sat, 23 May 26 04:00:19 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Take in scenic views from Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Cruise beneath the iconic Cliffs of Moher.
Explore Dingle and the spectacular scenery of the Dingle Peninsula.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Explore the Old Midleton Distillery, home of Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Enjoy a cheese tasting at an award-winning goat farm.
Savor traditional Irish cuisine at a popular local pub.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Overnight on the enchanting Aran Islands and jump head-first into Irish culture.
See Irish sheepdogs in action as they work on a Dingle farm.
Discover how one man’s love of beer resulted in a successful local brewery.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

11 Days
10 Nights

Meals:

9 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
4 Dinners

Spotlight on the French Riviera

Sat, 23 May 26 04:00:19 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Tour Nice, the sunny playground of the rich and famous.
Discover the hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence and its beautiful vistas.
Explore Monaco and see its iconic sites.
Travel to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the "Crown Jewel of the French Riviera."

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Savor the Riviera’s Mediterranean cuisine during dinner in Vieux Nice.
Discover Nice with a local foodie on an interactive city tour.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Explore Saint-Honorat Island, belonging to the monks of Lérins Abbey.
Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop.

HOTELS

Hotel Radisson Blu, Nice

INCLUDED

Stay:

9 Days
8 Nights

Meals:

7 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
4 Dinners

British Landscapes featuring England, Scotland and Wales

Sat, 23 May 26 04:00:19 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide.
Explore the wonderous York Minster.
Discover Edinburgh’s fascinating history with a local guide and visit Edinburgh Castle.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Experience a traditional afternoon tea in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Enjoy London’s culinary renaissance at a dinner highlighting contemporary British cuisine.
Taste the best of modern Scottish fare in a traditional local restaurant.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Travel like a local on a high-speed commuter train from Edinburgh to York.
Connect with the literature and birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

10 Days
9 Nights

Meals:

8 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
3 Dinners

Best of Italy

Sat, 23 May 26 04:00:19 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Embark on a walking tour featuring Florence's artistic gems.
Discover the long-lost Etruscan civilization during a visit to hilltop Orvieto.
Discover the heart of Rome as you explore the timeless charm of Trastevere and the historic grandeur of Piazza Navona.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Taste traditionally-made Parmigiano cheese and balsamic vinegar in the Food Valley.
Enjoy a food tour in Rome in the liveliest area of the city.
Discover how tagliatelle pasta is made and enjoy a farm-to-table dinner and wine pairing.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Be dazzled by medieval mosaics in Ravenna that gave inspiration to the poetry of Lord Byron and to Cole Porter’s romantic song, Night and Day.
Discover the craftsmanship behind the creation of Venetian gondolas and Murano glass.
Unleash your creativity in a Venetian mask-making workshop, guided by expert artisans in the heart of Venice.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

12 Days
11 Nights

Meals:

10 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
5 Dinners

Treasures of Europe from Rome to London

Fri, 22 May 26 04:00:17 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Tour Rome’s awe-inspiring Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
Cross from Italy into the majestic Swiss Alps.
Stroll through “The Floating City” of Venice.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Sample delectable wines and traditional cuisine at a vineyard in the Chianti region.
Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Seine River and drift past famous landmarks as you dine on French cuisine.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Travel across 3 countries on high-speed trains, experiencing this common European means of transportation.
From Parisian café culture to the ancient ruins of Rome, immerse yourself in a world of diversity and charm.
Enjoy free time in London to explore the vibrant local culture of a city where history, modernity, and tradition come alive at every corner.

HOTELS

UNAhotels Deco Roma, Rome
FH55 Hotels Mediterraneo Grand Hotel, Florence
Hotel Abbazia, Venice
Radisson Blu Hotel, Andermatt
Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, Paris
Clayton Hotel City of London, London

INCLUDED

Stay:

14 Days
13 Nights

Meals:

12 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
4 Dinners

Southern Italy & Sicily featuring Taormina, Matera and the Amalfi Coast

Fri, 22 May 26 04:00:17 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Behold the glittering mosaics of Monreale Cathedral.
Journey to the Sassi di Matera, known for its cave dwellings.
Experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Indulge in a regional dinner at a winery's agriturismo restaurant.
Tour a vineyard and wine cellar located in the badlands of Matera's Basilicata region.
Savor freshly made mozzarella cheese during a visit to a buffalo dairy farm.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Experience true Sicilian hospitality during a farmhouse lunch.
Journey to Positano village, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast.
Stand in awe before the ancient Greek theatre in Taormina.

HOTELS

NH Palermo, Palermo
Baia di Ulisse, Agrigento
Una Hotel Naxos Beach Sicilia, Giardini Naxos
UNAHOTELS MH Matera Hotel, Matera
Hotel Michelangelo, Sorrento
Massimo D'Azeglio Hotel, Rome

INCLUDED

Stay:

14 Days
13 Nights

Meals:

12 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
6 Dinners

Spotlight on Paris

Fri, 22 May 26 04:00:17 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Feel like a royal when you tour the Palace of Versailles and its gardens with a local insider.
Take a walk down to the Île de la Cité to take in the sight of the awe-inspiring Notre Dame.
Explore the treasures of the Louvre Museum with a museum expert.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Admire the city skyline as you float down the Seine on a relaxing dinner cruise.
Enjoy an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower with unparalleled views of the “City of Light.”

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Navigate Paris like a local by riding Le Métro.
Feel like a true Parisian when you discover the beloved neighborhood of Montmartre.

HOTELS

Le Meridien Paris Arc De Triomphe, Paris

INCLUDED

Stay:

7 Days
6 Nights

Meals:

5 Breakfasts
Lunches
3 Dinners

Orient Express Launches World’s Largest Sailed Cruise Ship

Thu, 21 May 26 16:05:19 +0000

The Golden Age of Sail is returning – with a 21st century twist! Storied travel company Orient Express made its first appearance at Seatrade, just ahead of the debut its first cruise ship: a 720-foot, 100-guest solid-sail ship that marries exquisite French hospitality, design and craftsmanship with next-generation, eco-friendly maritime innovation.

Orient Express Corinthian isn’t just a first for the ultra-luxury travel company known since the 19th century for its exquisite trains and hotels. It’s a first for cruising itself.

The ship’s christening in France at the end of April came as a result of 10 years of research and development on the part of French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Credit: Maxime Castric

The remarkable, ‘solid sail’ construction is a “concrete, technical response to the decarbonisation challenges facing maritime transport” according to the shipyard’s CEO.

It’s not about re-living the past. It’s about the future.

A Technological Feat Under Sail

OE Corinthian is the first cruise ship equipped with the “SolidSail” wind propulsion system, developed by the shipyard drawing on expertise gained in offshore racing. Her three rigs, each rising to over 320 feet, are fully automated and capable of delivering 100% wind-powered propulsion.

Rotating through 360 degrees, they maintain optimal trim on any point of sail, whatever the wind direction. With carbon masts that can tilt to 70 degrees, the ship can clear the world's great bridges, so the world is this ship’s oyster in terms of destination access.

In sea trials, in 20 knots of wind, this vessel made 12 knots under sail alone. A first for a ship of this size.

And when the ship is sailing under wind power, it’s not consuming any fuel at all. Therefore, zero emissions. What about when there’s no wind?

The solid sails are complemented by hybrid liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion and numerous energy efficiency features, earning her the best EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) rating in her class, far ahead of any other vessel of comparable size.

In addition to this ‘what’s old is new again’ sailing technology, the OE Corinthian employs next-generation technology to advance other eco-friendly features:

An AI-assisted detection system continuously monitors for marine mammals and objects in the water to reduce collision risk.
Dynamic positioning preserves the seabed by doing away with the need to anchor.

All-Inclusive, French Hospitality and the Finest Craftsmanship

Orient Express Corinthian’s interiors draw on the golden age of travel, the age of the Orient Express train and the great ocean liners, with contemporary updates, undertaken by 2000 French artisans.

Credit: Alice Mesguich

The ship accommodates 54 suites, ranging from 45 to 230 m2, across four decks. Each suite features a panoramic window and high ceilings. Interior finishes include leather, precious wood veneers, and marbles.

Credit: Alice Mesguich

A dedicated butler attends each cabin.

Five restaurants and private dining rooms are placed under the culinary direction of multi- Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno.

Eight bars, including an Art Deco speakeasy, a 115-seat cabaret, and a recording studio, complete the offering.

Credit: Alice Mesguich

The Guerlain spa, a swimming lane, a pool, and a marina are at passengers' disposal throughout the voyage.

All is offered on a fully inclusive basis.

Itineraries

Following the christening, Orient Express Corinthian embarked on her inaugural Mediterranean season.

From May to October 2026, she sails the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, before crossing the Atlantic in autumn to winter in the Caribbean.

In 2027, a new collection of itineraries extends her range to the eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Each route leads to carefully chosen ports of call, storied harbours and quieter shores alike, where culture, craftsmanship and landscape compose an open invitation.

Itineraries of one to four nights offer a freedom of pace: each passage can be combined with another to build an entirely bespoke voyage.

Two of a Kind

OE Corinthian is the first of two ships planned for Orient Express. The Orient Express Olympian launches in 2027.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of Orient Express; credits as noted.

Top image credit: Macha Kontchakova — Frontline Studio and Jean-Marie Liot

Opera by the Sea: Where World-Class Music Meets the Waterfront

Thu, 21 May 26 16:05:19 +0000

The world’s waterfronts are undergoing incredible transformations, from no-go industrial sites to revitalized centers of urban lifestyle and community living. Increasingly, the centerpiece of that renaissance… is a landmark, architectural marvel music hall.

Often labeled ‘opera houses,’ these venues are the opposite of stuffy, formal halls that host exclusively traditional performances. Sitting directly on the water, these new icons of modern culture embrace the ebb and flow of the waves they overlook: relaxed and connected to the city around them. Ferries arrive nearby. Locals keep waterfront promenades bustling. Visitors come for the architecture as much as the performances that embrace modern, accessible and widely-interpreted versions of anything and everything musical.

And make the most of exceptional technology and acoustics.

These four venues have become defining landmarks not only because of what happens inside, but because of where they are built.

Sydney: The Harbor Landmark That Started it All

Few buildings are more recognizable worldwide than the Sydney Opera House. Its sail-like roofline rising above Sydney Harbour has become one of the defining images of Australia.

Since its opening in 1973, it has become one of the world’s busiest performing arts venues, hosting opera, symphony concerts, theater, comedy, and contemporary music.

Sitting beside the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the opera house is woven into the daily rhythm of the harbor. Travelers can arrive by ferry, walk the waterfront before a performance, or simply enjoy the outdoor restaurants overlooking the water.

Architectural tours are hugely popular, and many visitors experience the building without attending a formal performance at all. Projections on the exterior reflect cultural touchpoints, from Olympics, to indigenous culture, to ecofriendly themes.

Oslo: An Opera House for the People

The Oslo Opera House helped transform Oslo’s waterfront when it opened in 2008.

Built directly on the edge of the Oslofjord, the white marble structure appears to rise from the water. Its most unusual feature is the roof, which slopes to ground level so visitors can walk all over it.

That decision changed how people interact with the building. Locals use it as a public gathering place as much as a cultural venue. In summer, people picnic there and watch the sunset over the fjord. In winter, the stark white architecture stands out dramatically against dark Nordic skies.

Inside, the opera house is home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. The warm wood interiors create a striking contrast with the minimalist exterior.

The building also reflects modern Oslo itself — a city where outdoor life and contemporary culture live side by side. Visitors can spend the afternoon kayaking or using the city’s floating saunas before attending an evening ballet or concert.

Hamburg: A Concert Hall Above the Port

The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg quickly became Hamburg’s modern symbol when it debuted in 2017. (pictured, top)

Built above a historic brick warehouse in the city’s harbor district, the glass structure resembles waves rising over the River Elbe, transforming the city’s waterfront.

The venue is known for exceptional acoustics, with seating designed to bring audiences unusually close to performers. Programming extends beyond classical music to jazz, contemporary concerts, and international productions.

Even visitors without tickets often head to the public Plaza observation level for panoramic views across Hamburg’s port, bridges, and canals. Unlike many grand concert halls, the Elbphilharmonie feels connected to the working harbor around it rather than separated from it.

Reykjavik: Music on the Edge of the Arctic

The Harpa Concert Hall opened in 2011 on Reykjavik’s waterfront and quickly became one of Iceland’s defining modern buildings.

Its geometric glass exterior was inspired by Iceland’s volcanic basalt formations and changing northern light. Depending on the weather and season, the building shifts dramatically in color and mood. The image of Harpa will remain one of your lingering memories of Iceland’s capital.

Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, but its programming reflects Iceland’s broader music culture as well, hosting everything from classical concerts to electronic and indie music festivals.

The location gives the venue much of its character. Fishing boats and whale-watching tours still depart from the nearby harbor, while mountains and ocean frame the city in every direction. In winter, concertgoers can leave an evening performance to freezing sea air and, if conditions cooperate, the possibility of the Northern Lights overhead.

‘Wave’ of the Future

More major cities are using waterfront concert halls and opera houses as cultural anchors for redeveloped harbor districts. Keep your eyes on the horizon for these:

Korea:
The Busan Opera House is designed by the same architects behind Oslo’s opera house. It’s rising directly on Busan’s waterfront and is scheduled to open in 2027. Like Oslo, it’s designed as a public waterfront space as much as a performance venue, with a walkable roof and harbor views. It will be Busan’s first major opera house and part of a huge redevelopment of the city’s former industrial port area.
Spain:
Another ambitious project is the planned Palacio de la Opera on the Costa del Sol waterfront, set to begin construction soon. Málaga has spent the last two decades reinventing itself as a serious cultural destination — adding museums, galleries, and performance venues beyond its traditional beach-tourism image. The proposed opera house sits near the port and includes a large waterfront auditorium and cultural complex.
China:
Shenzhen has proposed an enormous new waterfront opera complex overlooking Shenzhen Bay, designed by architect Jean Nouvel. Plans include multiple performance halls and architecture explicitly inspired by the movement of water and sails. Once completed, it will be one of the world’s largest waterfront performing arts complexes.

A new generation of modern waterfront concert halls increasingly behaves more like public squares with every kind of music under the sun inside, rather than traditional elite cultural institutions.

START YOUR TRIP!

Top images: Getty

Bottom image: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

Why Travelers are Following the Trail of South Africa’s Oldest Vineyards

Thu, 21 May 26 16:05:19 +0000

For wine travelers, South Africa’s Old Vine Project has transformed a tasting trip through the Cape winelands into a journey through living wine history.

Across the Western Cape, the tell-tale shapes of gnarled old bush vines — some planted decades ago — are now among the country’s most compelling travel experiences. Visitors in the know increasingly come not just to taste wine, but to stand among vineyards that survived turbulent decades of drought, shifting wine fashions, and the global race toward high-yield commercial wine production.

The Champion of South Africa’s Old Vines

At the center of this movement is Rosa Kruger, the South African viticulturist widely credited with helping save the country’s heritage vineyards.

I had the privilege of meeting Rosa at an event hosted by the Wines of South Africa, where she recounted her quest to rediscover, document, and preserve the country’s oldest vines. A tasting confirmed they were worth the effort – and visiting those wineries nurturing and making wine from these small and precious vineyards should be on every oenophile’s list of travel goals.

In the early 2000s, Kruger began traveling through the Cape searching for forgotten old vineyards. At the time, many were at risk of being uprooted because older vines naturally produce lower yields and were often seen as economically inefficient. Kruger believed exactly the opposite: that these mature vineyards represented some of South Africa’s greatest wine treasures.

The Old Vine Project

Her work eventually led to the formal launch of the Old Vine Project (OVP) in 2016. The project’s mission is to identify, preserve, and promote vineyards older than 35 years while creating financial incentives for growers to keep them alive rather than replacing them with younger, higher-yielding vines better suited to mass, commercial wine production.

The result has been transformative — not only for South African wine, but for wine travel.

South Africa did not invent the idea of old vines. European wine regions have revered ancient vineyards for centuries, and wineries in France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy long marketed “old vine” wines. Spain and Portugal, in particular, still have vineyards significantly older than many in South Africa.

What South Africa has done — arguably more influentially — has been to turn old vines from romantic wine marketing into a globally respected preservation movement.

Groundbreaking Initiative Preserving Ancient Vineyards

South Africa debuted the first nationally organized certification and preservation movement dedicated specifically to identifying, registering, protecting and commercially promoting old vineyards across an entire wine-producing country.

Before the South African model, “old vine” was often vague marketing language with no formal definition. One producer’s old vines might be 20 years old; another’s 80. The Old Vine Project introduced traceable vineyard records and a formal “Certified Heritage Vineyards” seal for vineyards older than 35 years, helping establish credibility and authenticity.

Global Impact

The idea resonated far beyond the Cape winelands.

For decades, many growers saw old vines as liabilities because they yield fewer grapes. The Old Vine Project helped flip that thinking. Lower yields could mean greater concentration, texture, and personality — wines distinctive enough to command premium prices and inspire wine lovers to travel halfway around the world to taste them.

Its impact can now be seen in the Old World and the New World, where wineries are embracing, codifying, and preserving their own oldest vines.

Kruger herself has become one of the most respected figures in global wine. In 2022, she became the first South African inducted into Decanter’s Hall of Fame.

Redefining Regional Wines and Wine Travel

The movement reshaped South Africa’s wine identity. For years, the country was associated with inexpensive bulk wine. The rediscovery of old Chenin Blanc, Cinsault, Semillon, Palomino, and Grenache vineyards helped fuel a premium wine renaissance centered on authenticity, terroir, and heritage.

In the glass, old vines often deliver wines with extraordinary texture, concentration, and sense of place.

For visitors planning a Cape winelands itinerary, the Old Vine Project has created a heritage wine route through some of South Africa’s most compelling vineyard landscapes: a quest that is part wine tasting, part road trip, part treasure hunt.

START YOUR TRIP!

Story and event images: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

Top image: Getty

Out Of Office, Into Open Water

Thu, 21 May 26 16:05:19 +0000

A Princess cruise is more than a getaway. It is your front-row seat to the world, designed for discovery, connection and pure ease. Unpack once and wake to a new destination each day, where every horizon reveals something unexpected. With thoughtful service and immersive experiences, Princess makes travel feel effortless and deeply memorable.

In Alaska, the scale of nature reshapes your sense of wonder. Glaciers glow in shades of blue, wildlife moves freely and quiet fjords stretch for miles. Sail through Glacier Bay, watch whales surface beside you and take in the rugged beauty near Denali National Park. Every moment feels vast and untamed, with adventure always within reach.

In the Caribbean, everything slows to a sunlit rhythm. Turquoise waters, warm sand and vibrant island culture invite you to settle in and stay a while. Snorkel clear reefs, explore colorful coastal towns or simply unwind with a cold drink in hand. Each stop offers its own energy, yet the feeling remains the same: laid-back and full of life.

In the Mediterranean, the past and present meet in unforgettable ways. From Rome and Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast, Mykonos and Athens, every port is layered with history, flavor and beauty. Wander ancient streets, linger over local dishes and take in views that stay with you long after you return home.

The world is closer than you think. Where will you go next?

What Your Brain Actually Does Differently At Sea

Thu, 21 May 26 16:05:19 +0000

There's a reason you step off a ship feeling like a better version of yourself. Lighter. Clearer. Oddly rested, even if you stayed up until 2 am at The Manor (our onboard dance hub). This feeling isn't just the cocktails and the sea breeze; it's your brain, doing something genuinely different the moment land disappears from view.

Neuroscience and environmental psychology have spent years catching up to what Sailors already know intuitively: the ocean changes you. Here's what's actually happening inside your head when you're out there, seeing the world from our kid-free luxury ships.

Blue space does something land can't

Researchers use the term "blue space" to describe any natural water environment, and the evidence for its effect on mental health is compelling. Studies consistently show that time near, on, or around water reduces cortisol levels, lowers heart rate, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the one responsible for rest and recovery.

On land, your brain is constantly processing stimulation: notifications, traffic, deadlines, the ambient hum of being reachable. At sea, that input drops sharply. The visual field opens up. The horizon is steady. Your nervous system, finally given permission to exhale, takes it.

This isn't relaxation as a feeling. It's relaxation as a measurable physiological state.

Your default mode network gets a proper rest

When you're not actively focused on a task, your brain shifts into what neuroscientists call the default mode network—a kind of background processing state associated with daydreaming, self-reflection, and creative thinking. The problem is that modern life rarely lets it run properly. Constant stimulation keeps interrupting it.

At sea, something shifts. The gentle, rhythmic motion of a ship—the kind you barely notice after the first hour—creates a low-level sensory environment that's just engaging enough to quiet the noise without demanding attention. Your default mode network gets the uninterrupted time it rarely gets on land.

This is why so many people report having their best ideas on a cruise. It's not coincidence. It's neurology.

The sound of water is genuinely calming

The ocean isn't quiet, but it's the right kind of loud. Research into auditory environments shows that non-threatening, rhythmic, natural sounds—waves, water movement, wind—trigger relaxation responses in the brain more reliably than silence.

White noise machines try to replicate this. They don't come close.

When you're on deck watching the water move, or falling asleep in a sea terrace cabin with the hum of the ocean outside, your auditory cortex is processing sound in a fundamentally different way than it does in an office, a city, or a busy airport. The brain reads it as safe. And when the brain feels safe, everything else follows.

Time perception changes at sea

Ask anyone who's sailed and they'll tell you: days feel longer. Not in a boring way. In the way that a really good day feels long because you were actually present for all of it.

There's a well-documented link between novel experiences and the perception of time. When your brain encounters new environments, new flavors, new people, and new places in quick succession, it encodes more memories per unit of time. The result is that a week at sea can feel richer and more expansive than a month of ordinary routine.

On a Virgin Voyages voyage, that novelty is stacked deliberately (and included in your voyage fare). World-class dining across 20-plus eateries. Ports that shift every day or two. Entertainment that doesn't repeat. Shore experiences (we call them Shore Things) that are genuinely unexpected. Your brain is taking it all in, and it's filing it carefully.

Social connection rewires your stress response

Isolation is one of the most consistent predictors of poor mental health. Its opposite—genuine, easy, unforced social connection—has the reverse effect. Oxytocin rises. Stress hormones fall. The brain's threat-detection systems calm down.

A ship is a uniquely social environment. Not in a forced, name-tag-at-a-conference way. In the way that good bars, good restaurants, and good company make conversation feel effortless. On our adults-only ships, the Sailor-to-crew ratio sits at 2.5 to one, which means the experience is attentive without being overwhelming. And because there are no children on board, the social atmosphere skews toward people who are there to be present, connect, and actually enjoy themselves.

That environment is not incidental. It's engineered.

Novelty and reward are deeply linked

Every new port, every new dish, every first glimpse of a coastline you've never seen before triggers a dopamine response. Dopamine isn't just the "pleasure chemical"—it's the brain's signal for learning, motivation, and reward. New experiences don't just feel good. They build new neural pathways.

Travel, and particularly sea travel, is one of the most effective ways to keep the brain genuinely stimulated as we age. The combination of physical movement, sensory variety, social engagement, and environmental change is almost unbeatable.

The feeling you're chasing has a name

"Blue mind" is the term coined by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols to describe the mildly meditative state the brain enters near water. It's characterized by calm, creativity, and a sense of being fully present. It's not mystical. It's measurable.

And it's exactly what happens when you're standing at the bow of Scarlet Lady watching the Caribbean come into view, or sitting on your sea terrace as the Mediterranean turns gold at dusk.

The ocean doesn't just look good. It's good for you.

Ready to give your brain what it's been asking for?

The science is solid. The experience is better. Whether you're drawn to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or somewhere further afield, a Virgin Voyages voyage gives your brain the space, the novelty, and the sensory richness it rarely gets on land. Explore our fleet of adults-only ships and find the sailing that calls to you.

Top Souvenirs from a Springtime Trip to the Netherlands

Thu, 21 May 26 16:05:19 +0000

Tulip season in the Netherlands is a feast for the senses: ribbons of technicolor flowers beside canals, market squares bursting with spring blooms, and river cruise ships gliding through landscapes that look suspiciously filtered (even when they’re not!)

You’re going to love your trip so much that you will want to savor the moments for as long as possible.

Emerald river cruise ship docked in Willemstad, the Netherlands

I don’t believe in souvenirs that collect dust or worse! End up in landfills. Here are some mementos that fulfill the saying, “If you ain’t Dutch, you ain’t much.’ Many you’ll consume or share with loved ones, and others you’ll get lots of use from for years to come.

Cheese, Please!

Cheese may be the most delicious example. Markets in towns with name-sake cheeses like Gouda and Edam have been trading wheels for centuries, and a spring cruise often includes excursions where travelers can sample cheeses still made on family farms. Aged Gouda is the superstar!

Tip: Vacuum-packed wedges travel well. Don’t forget to check the import regulations about bringing food into your home country.

A Blooming Gift

Then there are tulips themselves, the official symbol of the country. Cut flowers are perishable, of course. But the Netherlands produces billions of spring flower bulbs annually, and you can shop for exotic varieties at gardens, flower farms, and markets – even the airport on your way home!

Tip: Many countries regulate the import of agricultural products like tulip bulbs. Check your local laws and also look for ‘export ready’ tulips with certification they will pass inspection. OR, if Keukenhof, famous as being the largest spring flower garden in the world, is on your agenda, you can order bulbs from Dutch growers there, and they will be shipped to your home, customs cleared.

Then you can look out your window every spring, see the tulips, and remember your trip to the Netherlands!

A Room with Blue

Like the cities of Gouda and Edam whose names have lent themselves to their most famous product, the city of Delft is known for its porcelain – or that one-of-a-kind color of Delft blue. Iconic Royal Delft has symbolized Dutch craftsmanship since the 17th century. Originally inspired by Chinese porcelain brought to Europe by trading ships, Delftware evolved into something unmistakably Dutch: windmills, canal houses, floral motifs, all painted in cobalt blue on creamy white ceramics.

You may not be able to resist the Dutch canal house figurines you can collect and line up as a street scene. But practical Delft items, from Christmas ornaments, to tea and coffee services, to a tulip vase that brings two Dutch symbols together, all marry beauty and utility in iconic blue and white.

Tip: beware of fakes. You’ll see all kinds of blue and white ceramics in the Netherlands. But for the quality of porcelain and artisanal hand-painting, nothing matches real, Royal Delft.

Clogged Up

Traditional wooden clogs – or klomps - remain a beloved symbol of Dutch culture. Clogs began as practical footwear for Dutch farmers, fishermen, and laborers at windmills. Over time, they became a cheerful national symbol, painted with regional designs. But clogs are not just folklore or crafts. Today, they’re still worn by farmers and millers and are legally certified safety footwear!

Tip: Instead of wooden folk art, fuzzy clog slippers in the Netherlands’ national colors, orange, yellow, or red, make a cozy, lightweight, unapologetically kitschy, and completely charming souvenir that will warm your feet and your heart every winter’s day you put them on!

There’s No Wafel like Stroopwafels

No visit to the Netherlands is complete without eating – and bringing home – stroopwafels: thin waffle cookies sandwiching a layer of spiced caramel filling. Fresh, warm, market stroopwafels are life-changing. If you’re wondering what every passenger on your river cruise ship is carrying in a thin, paper sleeve, now you know!

Tip: Follow the Dutch and re-create that just-cooked gooey-ness! Balance your souvenir stroopwafels out of the tin over a hot cup of coffee so the steam softens the filling.

START YOUR TRIP!

Story and images: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle featuring a 3-night Greek Islands & Turkiye cruise

Thu, 21 May 26 04:00:16 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Explore ancient Corinth on a guided tour featuring the Agora.
Journey to Kavala, where Paul first set foot on European soil.
Admire the view from the Acropolis, home to the legendary Parthenon.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Feast on local Greek cuisine and fine wine in a traditional taverna.
Visit two breathtaking monasteries in Meteora and learn about the resident monks.
Take in views of Santorini’s volcanic caldera and towering cliffs from your cruise ship.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

11 Days
10 Nights

Meals:

9 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
7 Dinners

Shrines of Italy

Thu, 21 May 26 04:00:16 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Follow in the footsteps of St. Francis and join a local expert for a fascinating walking tour of Assisi.
Venture underground to the Catacombs of Rome, where early Christians hid and buried their dead.
Discover the Holy House of Nazareth and the revered Madonna of Loreto.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Attend the weekly Papal audience in the Vatican City.
Tour a family-owned winery and learn about local life in the countryside of Assisi.
Visit the Holy Stairs, believed to be the steps that Christ climbed when he appeared before Pontius Pilate.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

11 Days
10 Nights

Meals:

9 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
4 Dinners

Venice and Croatian Islands Cruise

Wed, 20 May 26 04:00:15 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Discover Croatia’s captivating islands along the northern Adriatic, explore the Istrian peninsula, and visit magical Venice.
Commune with sound and light at Nikola Bašic’s popular Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun art installations.
Sail around scenic Kornati National Park, Croatia’s “nautical paradise.”
Walk across bridges and along canals during a walking tour of Venice.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Taste some sweet and delectable Rab cake with a gin and tonic on Rab Island.
Enjoy Dalmatian delicacies prepared according to traditional recipes.
Taste Italian wine in Collio, Italy’s prime white wine producing region.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Sail the islands of northern Croatia aboard a small ship.
Explore Šibenik and its stunning cathedral during a city tour.
Discover the craftsmanship behind the art of Murano glass-making.

HOTELS

MS San Spirito, Sibenik
LifeClass Hotel Riviera, Portoroz
Hotel Avani Rio Novo, Venice

INCLUDED

Stay:

13 Days
12 Nights

Meals:

11 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
5 Dinners

The Balkans From Coastal Croatia to Legendary Greece

Wed, 20 May 26 04:00:15 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Take a private boat to explore Our Lady of the Rocks Island and breathtaking Boka Bay.
Explore the historic and architectural evolution of Tirana.
Come to know Metéora and visit one of its Byzantine monasteries, built over 600 years ago.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Enjoy traditional Albanian food and folk entertainment in the capital city, Tirana.
Sit down for a farm-to-table lunch in the village of Fishtë and learn about traditional Albanian agriculture.
Experience Bosnian hospitality and regional dishes, joining a local family for a meal in a Sarajevo home.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Impact Moment: Uncover Sarajevo’s wartime history with a siege survivor.
Discover Gjirokastra’s Old Town, bazaar and castle.
Visit a traditional icon-painting workshop in Kalambaka.

HOTELS

Le Premier Boutique Hotel, Zagreb
The Lyra Hotel Plitvice, Licko Petrovo Selo, Plitvice Lakes
Hotel Colors Inn, Sarajevo
Hotel Adriatik, Dubrovnik
Hotel Cattaro, Kotor
Hotel Rogner, Tirana
Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka
NYX Esperia Palace Hotel, Athens

INCLUDED

Stay:

16 Days
15 Nights

Meals:

14 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
7 Dinners

Up to 40% off with Oceania Cruises

Tue, 19 May 26 16:38:45 +0000

Enjoy savings of up to 40% off select sailings as you explore the world with ease. From Europe and Alaska to the Caribbean and Asia, you’re invited to follow your curiosity, discovering at your own pace and creating meaningful connections – both on board and ashore.

Contact us today to learn more.

Early Saver + Reduced Deposits + OBC

Tue, 19 May 26 16:21:09 +0000

If your ideal getaway includes iconic fun zones and bold designs, then Carnival is Calling! Book your next Carnival cruise by May 31st and take advantage of 40%* off cruise rates, 50%* reduced deposits, and up to $25* to spend onboard the spa, drinks, dining and more on sailing through April 2028.

Contact us today to learn more.

Highlights of Norway

Tue, 19 May 26 04:00:13 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Ride one of the steepest cable cars in the world for unrivaled fjord views.
Explore Bergen on a locally guided walking tour.
Witness scenic wilderness along the Flåm Railway.
Immerse yourself in Oslo's rich history on a city tour.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Dine in Bergen’s historic Bryggen neighborhood.
Enjoy traditional Norwegian fare in one of Oslo’s oldest buildings.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Visit the intricately designed Borgund Stave Church, erected in 1180.
Gain insight into the region’s history at the open-air Nordfjord Folk Museum.
Embark on an exhilarating Geirangerfjord cruise.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

9 Days
8 Nights

Meals:

7 Breakfasts
Lunches
5 Dinners

Majestic Cities of Central & Eastern Europe featuring Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest & Krakow

Tue, 19 May 26 04:00:13 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Visit Panonhalma Archabbey (UNESCO), the Monastery of the Benedictine Order.
Come to know the lively nature of Krakow’s well-preserved Old Town.
Explore the best of Berlin on a walking tour tracing the city’s history and iconic landmarks.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Experience Viennese coffee house culture during an Impact Moment.
Learn the secrets of Viennese confectionery during a candy-making demonstration.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Hear from a Berliner about their experiences living in East Germany prior the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Be whisked by train from Prague to “The City of Music” – Vienna, Austria.
Take a poignant journey through history at the camps of Auschwitz.
Discover the 2 sides of Hungary’s capital, Buda and Pest, alongside a local expert.

HOTELS

Radisson Red Hotel, Berlin
Majestic Plaza Hotel, Prague
Imperial Riding School Hotel, Vienna
Up Hotel, Budapest
Mercure Krakow Old Town, Krakow

INCLUDED

Stay:

14 Days
13 Nights

Meals:

12 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
6 Dinners

Colors of Morocco

Tue, 19 May 26 04:00:13 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Pause for a view of the Atlas Mountains, with its extraordinary scenery and Berber villages.
Explore Fes, one of the holiest Muslim cities in the world.
Visit the Kasbah des Oudaias, with its narrow and colorful alleyways.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Indulge in a tour and paired lunch at a winery estate.
Select your own ingredients for a culinary workshop at a local women’s cooperative.
Experience a dish prepared by the women of the ksar following traditional recipes.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Stroll through the cobblestone alleyways of ancient markets and medinas.
Walk through an oasis date farm and discover the ancient irrigation systems that have sustained these fields of generations.
Experience the desert by 4x4 and during your 2-night camp stay.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

15 Days
14 Nights

Meals:

13 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
8 Dinners

Exploring Scotland & Ireland

Tue, 19 May 26 04:00:13 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Explore historic Inverness Castle, situated on a cliff overlooking the city.
Tour the "Fair City" of Dublin with a local guide.
Set out on a walking tour of Derry featuring its medieval city walls.
Join a local on a walk to uncover the history of Inverness as the gateway to the Highlands.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Take a tour (and have a tasting!) at one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries.
Taste fresh apple cider at a family-run farm.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Discover how Derry has become a cultural city with a vibrant and growing scene.
Connect to Scottish culture at a local ceilidh, a traditional gathering that includes music and dance.
Meet working sheepdogs and see them in action on a local farm.

HOTELS

Radisson Blu, Edinburgh
Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel, Inverness
Hilton, Glasgow
Maldron Hotel, Belfast
City Hotel, Derry
Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin

INCLUDED

Stay:

13 Days
12 Nights

Meals:

11 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
7 Dinners