Hurtigruten Expands Signature Cruises with Three New Itineraries in Norway


Le MS Trollfjord est le vaisseau amiral des croisières Signature @Hurtigruten

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Hurtigruten strengthens its premium offering in Norway for the 2027-2028 seasons. The company has just unveiled its new brochure featuring several novelties on its Signature cruises, including three “Limited Edition” itineraries designed to deepen immersion along the Norwegian coast.

These new voyages will be offered in an all-inclusive package with beverages included and French-speaking staff.

Among the main novelties is “The Odyssey at the Heart of the Fjords”, an eight-day itinerary between Bergen and Ålesund offered in spring and autumn 2027-2028.

Hurtigruten promises here a “slower and more immersive” approach to the fjords of western Norway, with sailings through the heart of the Sognefjord, the Hardangerfjord or Lysefjord, in areas difficult for large ships to access.


Launch of the Arctic Line

Another novelty : “The Boreal Odyssey”, an eight-day winter cruise departing from Tromsø to Honningsvåg. The itinerary emphasizes Norway’s Arctic landscapes, the Lofoten Islands, Finnmark and the Lyngen Alps, with several panoramic sailings beyond the Arctic Circle.

The company is also launching “The Arctic Line”, a crossing between Copenhagen and Tromsø, offered in both directions. Hurtigruten notes that the itinerary will pass the Arctic Circle twice to maximize chances of seeing the aurora borealis, with overnight stays in Alta and Tromsø.

Hurtigruten also reiterates its two flagship Signature cruises: “The Spitsbergen Line”, between Bergen and Longyearbyen, and “The North Cape Line”, between Oslo and Honningsvåg.

These premium itineraries rely on longer port calls, all-inclusive dining, and deeper exploration of the Norwegian landscapes.


Coastal Express and the Promise of the Northern Lights

In parallel, the company continues to highlight its iconic Coastal Express connecting Bergen to Kirkenes for more than 130 years. Hurtigruten also plans several departures with French-speaking guides on its themed cruises around the fjords, the Lofoten Islands, the North Cape or the Northern Lights.

The 2027-2028 brochure also emphasizes land extensions, scenic trains and more than 70 seasonal optional excursions.

Finally, Hurtigruten extends from September 20 its “Aurora Promise”, a commercial guarantee that has become one of the company’s hallmarks. If no aurora borealis is observed during certain eligible winter itineraries of 11 days or more, Hurtigruten offers its clients a new classic cruise the following year.

HX Recruits 350 Travel Advisors to Promote Expedition Cruises


Les participants ont pu découvrir l'ensemble de l'offre à bord : détente dans le sauna panoramique, jacuzzis et piscine, ou encore dégustation de gaufres  préparées sur le pont supérieur, avec vue sur la mer du Nord - Photo : HX, Timo Hein

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HX Expeditions a accueilli, du 5 au 7 mai 2026, plus de 350 conseillers en voyages à bord du MS Fridtjof Nansen, à l’occasion d’un voyage de familiarisation d’ampleur.

Objectif : immerger les partenaires commerciaux dans l’expérience HX de l’intérieur, afin qu’ils puissent mieux la raconter et la vendre à leurs clients.

L’itinéraire a conduit les participants vers Helgoland, en mer du Nord allemande, avec des débarquements sur l’île principale et l’îlot de Düne, des rencontres avec la faune locale et plusieurs activités encadrées par les équipes d’expédition.

À bord, les conseillers ont aussi pu tester l’offre du navire, entre sauna panoramique, jacuzzis, piscine et dégustation de gaufres sur le pont supérieur.


A Recreated 19th-Century Cabin

Également, dans le centre scientifique du navire, les participants ont échangé avec les scientifiques et l’équipe d’expédition, tout en découvrant les initiatives de science citoyenne proposées aux passagers : analyse du plancton, paysages sonores océaniques, météorologie ou observation des nuages, en lien avec l’initiative NASA GLOBE Observer.

Durant ce voyage, HX Expeditions a également dévoilé la « Cabine 1896 », une expérience immersive proposée à bord du MS Fridtjof Nansen.

Inspirée des premières expéditions de la fin du XIXᵉ siècle
, elle permet aux passagers de passer une nuit dans un espace reconstitué avec décors d’époque et ambiance historique.

L’expérience est proposée au tarif de 100 euros par personne, pour trois personnes maximum. La moitié des bénéfices est reversée à la Fondation HX, qui soutient des projets environnementaux, scientifiques et communautaires dans les destinations visitées.


Anniversary Offers

La compagnie a aussi dévoilé plusieurs offres commerciales liées à son 130e anniversaire, dont un incentive de 130 euros par réservation pour les conseillers en voyages, valable du 1er mai au 31 juillet 2026, ainsi qu’un crédit aérien pouvant atteindre 1 000 euros par personne sur certains départs en Antarctique 2026-2027.

HX propose également une offre anniversaire avec jusqu’à 25% de réduction ou des surclassements en suite offerts sur une sélection de voyages, pour des réservations effectuées entre le 1er mai et le 31 août 2026.

Oceania Cruises Announces Holiday Season Cruises


Oceania Cruises dévoile ses croisières pour les fêtes de fin d’année, Depositphotos.com Photo by NANCYPAUWELSPHOTO

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For the holiday season, Oceania Cruises goes all out.

It has just unveiled its new festive lineup. The menu includes 7- to 40-day itineraries around the world, from Europe to Asia and across the Americas, to celebrate Christmas and New Year. The program features private concerts and performances.

For the 2026-2027 season, the celebrations will come to life aboard the Oceania Insignia and the brand-new Oceania Allura. The following year, it will be the turn of the Oceania Sonata and the Oceania Aurelia, two ships whose launches are slated for 2027.


The Luxury of Exploration and Dining

The itineraries feature destinations such as the Caribbean, Peru, Chile, and also Vietnam and New Zealand. The cruise line offers extended port stays with overnight calls in Barcelona, Bali, or Singapore, as well as crossings like the Panama Canal or Milford Sound.

Guests can also delve into regional traditions through cooking classes at the Culinary Center on board. Exclusive chef-led excursions will bring travelers to markets to discover the finest local flavors and meet producers firsthand.


The Cruise Selections for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 Seasons :

Season 2026/2027 :

  • Australasian Allure: from Sydney to Perth, 23 days aboard the Oceania Riviera™, departing December 15, 2026.

    A voyage across Australia and Indonesia, featuring an overnight in Darwin on Christmas Eve and another in Bali.

  • Caribbean to Cape Horn: from Miami to Buenos Aires, 36 days aboard the Oceania Insignia, departing December 19, 2026.

    A grand South American crossing, including a Panama Canal passage, several days in Peru with access to Machu Picchu, and scenic cruises through the Chilean fjords

.

  • Legends of Jade: from Hong Kong to Singapore, 15 days aboard the Oceania Nautica™, departing December 21, 2026.

    An Southeast Asia itinerary with overnights in Hue and Singapore plus calls in Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.

  • Iberia & Italian Treasures: from Lisbon to Rome, 14 days aboard the Oceania Sirena™, departing December 21, 2026.

    A Mediterranean cruise with an overnight in Barcelona the night before New Year’s Eve, calls in Spain, Portugal, and the French Riviera, ending with an overnight in Rome.

  • Tropical Serenade: from Miami to Miami, 17 days aboard the Oceania Allura, departing December 21, 2026.

    A Caribbean itinerary blending the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with calls to Saint-Barthélemy, Saint Kitts, and Saint Martin.

Season 2027/2028 :

  • The 2027‑2028 holiday season will be celebrated aboard the Oceania Sonata and the Oceania Aurelia, two brand-new ships scheduled to launch in 2027.

  • Holiday Harbors & Hollywood: from Miami to Los Angeles, 29 days aboard the Oceania Sonata, departing December 21, 2027.

    A transcontinental cruise featuring the Panama Canal, Christmas at sea, and New Year along the stunning Pacific coast of Mexico.

  • Heavenly Holidays: from Athens to Rome, 26 days aboard the Oceania Allura, departing December 8, 2027.

    A Mediterranean adventure spanning Greece, Turkey, Spain, and North Africa, with a remarkable Christmas in Morocco.

  • European Holiday: from Athens to Barcelona, 10 days aboard the Oceania Aurelia, departing December 18, 2027.

    A festive Mediterranean cruise visiting Greece, Malta, Italy, France, and Spain, with Christmas at sea and must-see calls in Florence, Rome, and Barcelona.

  • Holiday Horizons: from Miami to Miami, 17 days aboard the Oceania Marina™, departing December 20, 2027.

    A Caribbean escape mixing the treasures of the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with calls to Saint-Barthélemy, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

  • A Holiday to Remember: from Barcelona to Rome, 14 days aboard the Oceania Allura, departing December 20, 2027.

    A Mediterranean cruise with calls in Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, and Italy, to celebrate the holiday season amid fascinating cultures.

  • Fairytale Holiday: from Hong Kong to Singapore, 14 days aboard the Oceania Riviera, departing December 21, 2027.

    A festive Southeast Asia cruise, including a night in Ho Chi Minh City and an overnight in Bangkok to ring in the New Year.

  • A Kiwi Holiday: from Sydney to Auckland, 12 days aboard the Oceania Vista®, departing December 23, 2027.

    A spectacular Australia and New Zealand itinerary, featuring Milford Sound and a New Year celebration in Wellington.

  • Iberian New Year: from Barcelona to Lisbon, 7 days aboard the Oceania Aurelia, departing December 28, 2027.

    A New Year voyage along the Iberian Peninsula, including an unforgettable New Year’s Eve in Málaga and an overnight in Seville.

  • Iberia to New World Passage: from Barcelona to Miami, 21 days aboard the Oceania Aurelia, departing December 28, 2027.

    New Year celebrations in Málaga, exploration of the Canary Islands, and a relaxed transatlantic crossing.

The Hondius (Oceanwide Expeditions) Authorized to Resume Its Cruises


Le M/V Hondius reprendra son activité « avec les normes de sécurité et de préparation opérationnelle les plus élevées possibles » ©Franklin Braeckman - Oceanwide Expeditions

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The Hondius will be able to resume sailing. Rotterdam health authorities announced on Saturday that they had lifted the remaining restrictions on Oceanwide Expeditions’ expedition vessel, following a final inspection conducted after a wide-scale operation of cleaning and disinfection.

« From a public health standpoint, there are no obstacles to putting the Hondius into service », said the Rotterdam Municipal Health Agency. The appointed experts judged that the cleaning and disinfection had been carried out in accordance with established protocols.

The vessel must now resume its cruise program from June 13, in line with the schedule announced by Oceanwide Expeditions.


Hondius: an unprecedented crisis

The Hondius had found itself at the heart of a major health crisis following the emergence of an hantavirus outbreak during a cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the Cape Verde archipelago.

According to the latest data released by the World Health Organization (WHO), 13 confirmed or probable cases have been recorded, including three deaths.

In response to the gravity of the situation, passengers were evacuated to Tenerife before being repatriated to their respective countries. The ship subsequently joined Rotterdam on May 18, while the remaining crew was placed in quarantine.

In a lengthy statement published on May 19, Oceanwide Expeditions CEO Rémi Bouysset described the incident as “one of the most difficult situations in the company’s history.”


A virus very likely contracted before embarkation

The leader notes that the information gathered so far suggests that the virus was contracted before boarding and did not originate from the ship itself. According to the company, no signs of rodents or pests were detected aboard despite inspections conducted during the voyage.

“We are now in the phase of resuming operations”, states Rémi Bouysset, who assures that the ship will resume its activity “with the highest possible safety and operational preparedness standards.”

The company also emphasizes that it remains “financially solid” despite the consequences of this episode.

“We remain resilient, focused, and financially solid. Since our creation in 1993, we have weathered difficult periods, always staying true to our values: serious operations, expeditions aboard small ships, an experienced crew, and a long-term vision.”

Oceania Cruises Rewards Travel Agents With a Free Cruise


Oceania Cruises lance une nouvelle opération incentive à destination des conseillers voyages européens - Depositphotos.com @portosabbia

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The luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises is launching a new commercial stimulation campaign aimed at European travel advisors.

Named “Sell 5 & Sail Free”, the program runs from June 1 to June 30, 2026 and seeks to reward professionals who make new bookings on itineraries scheduled for 2026.

Under the challenge rules, travel advisors who log five new eligible bookings during the reference period will be eligible to receive a complimentary cruise from a selection of itineraries offered by the line.


An immersion into the Oceania Cruises experience

Through this initiative, Oceania Cruises aims to allow sellers to directly discover its product.

The company highlights its intimate-sized ships, its itineraries focused on immersive port calls, and its renowned culinary offering, regularly presented as one of its key strengths.

The rewarded professionals will thus be able to experience the concept “The Joy of Travelling Well” and the benefits included in the Your World Included® program.

The complimentary cruise includes accommodation for two people, access to all onboard restaurants, gratuities, Wi-Fi for one device per guest, and the choice between a drinking package or an excursions credit.


2026 itineraries Across Multiple Continents

The challenge encompasses all cruises scheduled in the company’s 2026 program. This includes numerous destinations, notably in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Asia.

To be counted, bookings must be made between June 1 and June 30, 2026, with a deposit paid by July 10, 2026. Consecutive cruises will be counted as a single booking for the purpose of the operation.

The company notes that this offer is subject to availability and limited in number of seats. Specific conditions apply regarding the eligibility of bookings and the allocation of the complimentary cruises.

The detailed terms and conditions of the challenge are accessible on Oceania Cruises’ dedicated sales partners portal.


Amelia Brille Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
See all articles by Amelia Brille

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Cruises Stop on an Island That Doesn’t Exist

Have you ever heard of Null Island? This fictional island lies at 0° latitude and 0° longitude, in the Gulf of Guinea, at the precise point where the equator intersects the Greenwich meridian. As surprising as it may seem, this phantom place ranks among the most visited locations in the world. Some cruise lines even stop there for the sheer delight of their passengers, even though there is nothing to see.

Russell and Gail Lee were aboard a Viking World Cruise 2023-2024 when they discovered this atypical spot. They later agreed to recount their experience to CNN travel. “Everyone had pulled out their cameras, and the countdown displayed… 0.01… 0.005… 0.0001”, Gail Lee first recalled before continuing: “we were all comparing our phones. The one who captured the selfie closest to zero earned the right to boast.” The couple then explained that there was nothing to see at the site, except the ocean endless in every direction.

The Astonishing Story of Null Island

Null Island was born out of mapping errors before gradually being adopted by geomatics professionals. Over the years, all sorts of missing or misreported geolocation data—ranging from Strava routes to Airbnb listings, hotels, or even police reports—have ended up associated with these coordinates. The island began to surface in the geographic information systems community around 2008. A phantom destination that has generated genuine fascination among travelers, especially on cruises.

Just a few weeks ago, Holland America announced its plan to include Null Island among the stops on its 129-day world tour in 2028, following an initial call during its 2024 voyage. “There is nothing there. There is really nothing. Just the ocean, stretching to the horizon. But you are among the rare people on Earth who have ever visited this place, and it is truly exceptional,” explained Russell Lee to our colleagues.

An Imaginary Island Perceived as the ‘Highlight’ of a Cruise

“Visiting the 0, 0 Island and Null is a major event”, said Gail Lee. She then added: “much like crossing the Arctic Circle, the Equator, or the date line, it’s another imaginary place you’ve visited.” Her husband, for his part, indicated: “we never would have imagined being able to do this. For many of us, it turned out to be one of the voyage’s highlights.”

Meanwhile, Levente Juhász, co-author of an academic article on Null Island, discovered that this place contains all sorts of things, from “misplaced photos or ghost companies mapped to the same coordinates”. That is why he views Null Island as a kind of digital lost and found service.

Explore French Polynesia in 2027 with Aranui Cruises


Aranoa © Aranui Cruises

Dream Yacht



Aranui Cruises enriches its experience with a major anticipated novelty for 2027: the company will operate on two ships. On one side, the Aranui 5, emblematic cargo-passenger vessel and a true lifeline with the Marquesas, which preserves the original spirit of the company.

On the other hand, the Aranoa, a more modern and spacious ship, designed to open up new horizons and explore even more varied itineraries, from the Austral Islands to Pitcairn, via the Tuamotus and Society Islands.


Two ships, two identities, one promise: Polynesian immersion


Aranui 5 © Filip Kulisev

One of the major strengths of Aranui Cruises lies in its ability to offer an experience deeply rooted in Polynesian culture, while meeting the expectations of a discerning clientele seeking authenticity. For travel agents, it’s a rare proposition: a hybrid product that appeals to expedition enthusiasts as well as travelers seeking human immersion.

On board the Aranui 5 as well as the Aranoa, this identity translates in a tangible way:


A predominantly Polynesian crew, guaranteeing a warm welcome and a sincere transmission of local traditions.

Professional guides, capable of accompanying travelers and enriching each port of call with historical and cultural anecdotes.

Included excursions and developed in direct partnership with local communities, a guarantee of authenticity and unprecedented discoveries of the visited islands.

A distinctly convivial atmosphere, far from the impersonal codes of large cruise ships. On Aranui, travelers mingle, exchange, and share special moments with the crew.

Island discoveries at the pace of freight, a true signature of the company: passengers observe the maneuvers, understand island logistics, and live an experience close to the daily life of residents.

Whether one chooses the authentic charm of the Aranui 5 or the modern comfort of the Aranoa, the spirit of the company remains unchanged. Since its beginnings, Aranui has set itself the mission of linking distant islands, preserving a vital connection between communities, and sharing Polynesian culture with those aboard.


Iconic itineraries and new routes to explore in 2027

Mangareva © Lionel Gouverneur

Starting in 2027, the Aranui 5 will offer 20 cruises exclusively dedicated to the Marquesas, its signature itinerary, thus continuing its historic mission at the heart of the archipelago. These 13-day/12-night itineraries provide a condensed showcase of Marquesan cultural heritage: meetings with artisans, visits to villages, songs, dances, traditions, volcanic landscapes, and a unique island ambiance.



Pont piscine Aranui © Aranui Cruises

Among these departures, one will be devoted to the Marquesas Festival (Matavaa), a cultural celebration held every four years.

With roughly 230 passengers, the Aranui 5 retains a human scale that contributes to the voyage’s convivial atmosphere. The ship also offers a restaurant, several bars, an outdoor pool, and spaces dedicated to conferences and onboard entertainment.



An excellent way to discover Polynesia for a first trip… or a return


New offers for 2026 and 2027


Suite Premium Aranoa © Aranui Cruises

Aranui Cruises invites travelers to live their Polynesian adventure in the best possible conditions, thanks to several exclusive offers available on a selection of 2026 and 2027 departures aboard the Aranui 5 and the Aranoa:

Offer “Escape” (Escape Beyond Tahiti):

up to €1,600 discount per cabin as follows:

€600 discount per person on balcony cabins + €200 onboard credit per person

€500 discount per person on standard cabins + €200 onboard credit per person.

– Dormitories are not eligible. Children are not eligible.

– These amounts are to be deducted from the pre-tax public fare.

Conditions:

Aranui 5: Journeys No. 24 and 25 in December 2026 and Journeys No. 1 to 10, from January to June 2027

Aranoa: Journeys No. 6, 8 and 10, between April and June 2027

– The offer is valid only for bookings made between June 1 and July 31, 2026

– Not combinable with other current offers or with the loyalty program

On the Aranui 5: -10% on 3 Marquesas departures 2027

Aranui Cruises offers a 10% discount in the low season on the trips of January 23 and February 11, 2027 and a Senior discount of 10% for passengers aged 60 or older on the March 16, 2027 departure to the Marquesas.

The 2027 daily programs are also available, offering a detailed day-by-day outline of each day on land and at sea. A tangible way to envision the Aranui experience and plan your trip with complete peace of mind.

Passengers will be able to enjoy the Tiki Club loyalty program, applicable to both ships. Guests who already sailed on the Aranui can return to discover the Austral Islands (or others) aboard the Aranoa and will thus benefit from exclusive advantages.

👉 To better immerse yourself in the discovery of the Austral Islands, watch the video series shot aboard the ARANUI 5 in this article.


Aranui Cruises: Contact and information


Explorez la Polynésie française en 2027 avec Aranui Cruises
Bureau de représentation marketing de l’Aranui en Europe

Email : [email protected]

Téléphone : +33.(0)1.43.31.25.34

Site web : www.aranui.com