With an emphasis on outdoor space, destination-led dining and spacious staterooms, these ships intend to bring the Celebrity ocean experience to the Rhine and Danube Rivers starting in August 2027. Sleek & Innovative Exterior Design The Celebrity River ships will look different. Painted midnight blue with white stripes coming together into the Celebrity “X” logo, a Celebrity River ship will be immediately recognizable. Striking orange up-tilted umbrella-like structures will add to the unique silhouette. These sort-of-umbrellas will recess hydraulically and passengers will be able to stay on the top deck while traveling under bridges. Other design features include a hybrid propulsion system, light hull, and other advanced technologies to reduced noise and vibration. Celebrity anticipates having fewer itinerary disruptions due to an improved ability to manage low water levels. Outdoor Spaces & New Places On the top deck, you will find a restaurant and bar, and a new
Suites & Staterooms There are five room types the new ships. All have king beds with premium bedding, roomy bathrooms, in-room filtered water, stocked mini-bar and concierge service. Here is a run-down of the key elements of each room type:
Dining Six dining options will be available including the main dining room, an outdoor top-deck restaurant, fresh pastries at Cafe al Bacio, casual buffet-style dining, spa options and in-room dining. Celebrity is still fine-tuning the details on the dining experiences but the focus will be on fresh, locally-sourced and regionally-inspired cuisine. Included in the Cruise Fare Beverages Celebrity's Classic Beverage Package with wine, beer & spirits is included for stateroom guests with the option to upgrade to the Premium Beverage Package. The Premium Beverage Package is included for Suite guests with a greater variety of beverages. Shore excursions Celebrity will offer a variety of shore excursions to choose from beyond the standard orientation tour. They will include one shore excursion per day, per person, regardless of the number of places visited that day (river cruises sometimes visit two in one day). Additional excursions will be available for purchase. Wi-Fi Included. Destinations & Ship Roll-Out The Celebrity Compass launches on the Danube River August through December 2027 and feature Christmas Markets from late November through December. Her New Year’s 2027 sailing will reposition to the Rhine and end in Amsterdam. The Celebrity Seeker will join the Compass October 21, 2027 on the Danube, also featuring Christmas Markets from late November through December. The Seeker will cruise the Main and Rhine rivers from Nuremberg to Basel on a unique Christmas itinerary, followed by a Northbound Rhine cruise to Amsterdam for their New Year’s cruise. Five additional new Celebrity river ships will roll-out in 2028 bringing their total to seven. The original order was for 10 ships – so at least three more will follow. They are definitely gearing up for the future and investing heavily in the success of river cruising. With an existing loyal Customer base from their ocean ships, Celebrity is well-positioned to fill their new river ships. Early sales for August-December 2027 sailings indicate strong demand. While nearly sold out, there is still some inventory available as of this writing (October 2025).
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 Mark your calendars for August 12, 2026, when the skies will darken in a cosmic wonder—a total solar eclipse. This rare astronomical event promises to captivate millions as the Moon perfectly aligns between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow across parts of Europe, the Arctic, and northern Africa.
Why is this eclipse so significant? Total solar eclipses don’t happen often in any given location—on average, one occurs every 375 years per spot. The 2026 event is especially thrilling because the path of totality, where the full eclipse is visible, will sweep across some of the most culturally rich and scenically stunning regions including Spain, Iceland, and Greenland. Duration & Timing The entire event—from the first partial shading to the return of full daylight—can stretch over 2.5 hours. The eclipse's phase of totality will last up to 1 minute and 40 seconds at the peak point along its path. Precise timing will depend on your location along the eclipse corridor, so planning your vantage point is key. Best Viewing Locations Southern Spain offers excellent views with typically clear summer skies. Iceland’s rugged landscapes provide a dramatic backdrop, though weather can be cooler. Greenland and parts of northern Canada also lie along the eclipse path but present more challenging travel conditions. Viewing from a Cruise Ship One of the most exhilarating ways to experience the 2026 eclipse is aboard a cruise ship sailing along the path of totality. Being at sea allows you to position yourself perfectly for the best viewing window, clear of urban light pollution and horizons unbroken by buildings. Many cruise ships in position for the eclipse are already sold out as of this writing (October 2025), but there is still some limited inventory available. Weather Considerations Clear skies are crucial for eclipse viewing. Historical weather data suggests southern Europe, especially Spain, generally has favorable sunny conditions in August. However, northern locations like Iceland and Greenland carry greater risks of cloud cover, so flexibility in your itinerary is beneficial. Cruises can adjust routes to chase clear skies, making them a strategic choice for eclipse enthusiasts.  Written by Karl Kannstadter
Remote & Wild Wonderland: The Kimberly Imagine a land where ancient gorges slice through ochre cliffs, waterfalls cascade into emerald pools, ancient rock art whispers tales of the first Australians, and tidal estuaries teem with prehistoric life. This is the Kimberley Coast, a rugged tapestry of wilderness woven into the northwest corner of Western Australia. Now, picture yourself immersed in this majestic landscape, aboard the intimate Lindblad National Geographic Orion, a vessel designed to navigate the secrets hidden within these remote shores. But first you must get there… Underwear shopping in Perth. Losing your checked bag is never fun. Arriving at your interim destination after three flights, 30 hours of travel and learning that you may not have your bag for the 10-day cruise you are about to embark on is downright maddening. But it was out of my hands, we were at the mercy of the airline, and we would have to fend for ourselves. With my 10-year-old son in tow we got busy buying toothbrushes and some underwear. After a fitful night, but with clean teeth and new undies in my backpack, we were off to Perth airport for the final leg of the outbound journey before boarding the Lindblad National Geographic Orion for our Kimberley Coast adventure from Broome to Darwin. The airline implied that there was still a chance that we would be reunited with our bag in Broome. Right, and “the check is in the mail”. The online-lost-baggage-portal-thingy hadn’t been updated in a few hours and that’s never a good sign. The generosity of strangers. As my son and I walked around Perth airport waiting for our flight to board, wondering what, if anything, we would be able to buy in Broome, a big, bearded Australian guy approached us. Beardy Australian guy - “You the blokes whose kit s’gone walkabout?” Me - “Yes?” Beardy Australian guy - “You’re going to need some thongs.” Me - “Pardon?” Beardy Australian guy - “Some flippy-floppies. C’mon, I’ll show you.” We followed him to a surf shop (a surf shop in the airport no less!) and he led us a spinner-rack full of flip-flop sandals. Beardy Australian guy - “Thongs! You’re going to need these for the trip. Let’s pick some out. What size are you little fella?” My son - “4” He looks at me. Me - “12” He picks out a few pair of flip-flops (I can’t refer to them as thongs and keep a straight face), walks to the counter, pays for them, and hands us our new footwear. Beardy Australian guy, to my son - “There ya go Mate. All set for the Kimberley.” While my son and I shared a look of astonishment, Beardy Australian Guy walked away! We didn’t know who he was, how he knew of our plight, or where he came from. And he was so casual about it all. Also, the generosity of Australians was about to become more evident as the day went on. We’re not in Canada anymore. If Australians can be categorized as relaxed, the folks from Western Australia are like regular Australians (is there such a thing?) on Prozac. Chill and laid back don’t begin to describe their demeanor. They also speak their minds and pull no punches. One of the flight attendants referred to vegans as “fussy eaters”, and our transfer driver and local guide in Broome likened the Gold Coast to his idea of hell. I imagine Alaskans to be like this. That’s a compliment. In a country roughly the size of the US, Western Australia makes up 33% of the area of Australia. Texas and Alaska can both fit in WA. Yet the state has a population of roughly 3 million people, and 90% of them live in and around Perth. This means that the other 300,000 Western Australians live in an area the size of 3.6 Texases! If you exclude the day of departure from Broome, and day of arrival in Darwin, we didn’t see a road, airport, hotel, marina, yacht club, beach resort, car, truck, or town of any sort for the eight days we sailed along the Kimberley Coast. The place is deserted. More on that later. The airline informed me that our bag was not going to catch up with us in Broome, but was instead being sent to Darwin, where we could retrieve it 10 days later. WONDERFUL! Here’s a tip, if you must buy a new wardrobe for a 10-day Expedition Cruise, don’t do it in Broome. Free laundry and free clothes! When we eventually boarded the ship the Hotel Director sought us out right away and offered us free laundry for the duration of the voyage. Then another complete stranger, a past guest of Lindblad Expeditions back for another voyage, walked up to me and handed me a Lindblad branded long-sleeved white shirt. “If this fits you, you can keep it. I bought it on the last trip, and it doesn’t fit me.” It fit, so I kept it, and I wore it. A lot. The Orion - A Vessel Par Excellence The Lindblad National Geographic Orion is more than just a great expedition ship; it's a floating base camp designed for exploration. Accommodating just over 100 guests, the Orion offers an intimate and luxurious experience. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a fleet of Zodiacs for shore landings. The cabins are spacious and elegantly designed, most featuring large windows or balconies offering panoramic views of the ever-changing landscapes. The ship's lounge and library serve as communal hubs, where guests can gather to share stories or attend presentations by the expedition team. The observation deck is a perfect spot for wildlife viewing or simply enjoying the serenity of sailing through one of the most remote parts of the world. Life aboard the Orion is marked by comfort and relaxation. The days are filled with adventure and discovery, while evenings provide a chance to unwind and reflect on the day's experiences. Guests can enjoy a drink in the lounge, attend a briefing on the next day's activities, or simply relax on the deck under the stars. The onboard experience is enriched by the presence of the expedition team. This diverse group, including naturalists, marine biologists, ornithologists, historians, a National Geographic photographer, and a photography instructor, bring a depth of knowledge and passion to the journey. Their lectures on the region's flora, fauna, and history are not just informative but also engaging, bringing context to the day's explorations, and providing guests with a deeper understanding of their surroundings. Their expertise and enthusiasm for the Kimberley region enrich the voyage immeasurably. Culinary Delights in the Wilderness Dining aboard the Orion is a gastronomic delight. The ship's chefs are adept at crafting menus that reflect the local flavors and ingredients of the Kimberley region and Australia in general. Meals are served in the ship's dining room, as well as al fresco when weather permits, and guests are encouraged to mingle and enjoy their meals in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, sharing stories of their day's adventures. The cuisine is a blend of international and Australian dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, local seafood. Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to swim in. Or kayak in. The Kimberley's landscape is dominated by dramatic rock formations, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls. Sailing along the coast, guests are treated to views of towering cliffs and secluded bays. Its remoteness is palpable – it's a land that time forgot, and modernity has barely touched. The region's isolation makes it a haven for an array of wildlife. From the deck of the Orion, one might spot the dorsal fin of a shark cutting through the water, or the splash of a humpback whale. On land, sightings of wallabies and rare birds like the white-bellied sea eagle are not uncommon. The King George Falls is a particular highlight, with its twin cascades plunging over 250 feet (80 m) into the river below. Another must-see is the Horizontal Falls, a natural phenomenon where tidal movements create a waterfall effect in the narrow passages between the cliffs. Experiencing this spectacle from the hired speed boats is an unforgettable experience. Each day aboard the Orion offers new opportunities for exploration. Zodiac excursions take guests to remote beaches, hidden coves, and river inlets. On land, guided walks lead to stunning lookout points, secluded pools, and ancient rock art sites. In this setting, and with all of this water around, why no mention of swimming or snorkeling? The scenery along the Kimberley Coast is stunning. Anywhere else in the world and the beaches and small islands would be teeming with luxury hotels and buttered and bronzed tourists. Why not here? Salties! Saltwater crocodiles to be exact. And they are both a blessing and a curse. The mere fact that these prehistoric creatures live in the waters along this coast means that water sports of any kind are strictly prohibited. No snorkeling, no diving, no kayaking. To paraphrase Chef from Apocalypse Now “Never get in the water.” And you see the crocs everywhere when exploring the rivers and estuaries by Zodiac - lounging on riverbanks and basking on sun-drenched mudflats. And for every croc you see, there are many more beneath the surface of the water, silent sentinels guarding their domain. Aboriginal Rock Art - Windows to the Past One of the highlights of the Kimberley Coast is the ancient Aboriginal rock art found throughout the region. These artworks, some of which date back tens-of-thousands of years, offer a unique insight into the lives and beliefs of the region's Indigenous people. The Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock paintings, with their mysterious figures and intricate designs, are particularly striking. Visiting these sites, often accessible only by Zodiac, is a profound and humbling experience. These paintings, some estimated to be over 20,000 years old, are a testament to one of the oldest surviving cultures on Earth and their enduring connection to this ancient landscape. Heading home (and perhaps reuniting with our luggage). Leaving the Kimberley wasn't just the end of a voyage; it was the beginning of a new perspective. We had witnessed the Kimberley in all its raw, untamed beauty, and it left an indelible mark on us. The voyage acted as a reminder of the delicate balance between humanity and nature, and the responsibility that we must protect natural treasures like this. We gained a newfound respect for the all the planet's wild places and a renewed commitment to be responsible stewards. We said our goodbyes to our new friends, many of whom were staying in Australia for more exploration. Some were going to explore Kakadu National Park, others were headed to the larger cites to watch some of the FIFA Women’s World Cup matches, and a few were going check out the Reef, the Rock, or the Opera House. At the airport my son and I were reunited with our suitcase, which we handed back to the airline and once again entrusted them with our belongings. And there were no surprises. Our bag made it home at the same time we did. And the best part of losing the bag in the first place? We were able to take all the clean clothes from the suitcase and put them right back into the drawers and closets they came from. Not just a cruise. Embarking on an expedition cruise to the Kimberley Coast of Australia with Lindblad Expeditions is akin to stepping into a vividly illustrated page of a National Geographic magazine. This journey, beginning in the historic pearling town of Broome and concluding in the tropical city of Darwin, is not just a cruise; it's an immersive exploration of one of the planet's most isolated and spellbinding regions. If you're seeking an adventure that will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you with a renewed sense of wonder, then set your sights on the Kimberley. Written by Anika Molander
The Tarot Gardens If you ever find yourself driving up the coast towards Tuscany, there lies a little town called Capalbio, about an hour and a half north of Rome. Capalbio is home to Il Giardino dei Tarocchi, or The Tarot Garden. This Tarot Garden is an open-air art museum that opened in 1998. The French-American artist, Niki de Saint Phalle, designed it and lived inside one of the sculptures while building the garden. Niki drew her inspiration from Antoni Gaudi and loved his eccentric works of art in Barcelona, so decided to do something similar in Italy. All of the sculptures in the garden are made of cement and mosaic tiles, and derive from the 22 Arcana tarot cards, hence the name, Tarot Garden. This garden is extremely colorful and a fun place to walk around and take pictures!
Carnevale di Viareggio If you are looking for another fun and colorful place to visit, the Carnevale di Viareggio is the place to be. The town of Viareggio is located in Tuscany, about half an hour North of Pisa. Every year in February, the town holds a carnival with huge paper mache floats, dancers, and performers. They have a museum that is equipped with huge hangars where they build the floats and you can see some past floats on display there. If you can visit, I highly suggest it, because it shows a little about the local Italian culture and it is all incredibly impressive!
Cinque Terre You have probably heard of the beautiful Cinque Terre, and I am here to reiterate just how beautiful it is and to tell you that it is a must-see! Cinque Terre translates to “Five Lands” and consists of the villages of Monterosso al Mare, Manarola, Vernazza, Cornigilia, and Riomaggiore. While we were there, we took the train to Vernazza and hiked along the coast to Monterosso al Mare. If you are not a hiker, like me, it will be a little bit difficult at the beginning because there are many steps. The hike was a little less than 2.5 miles and took about 2 hours. I was a little hesitant at first, but it was doable and so worth the huffing and puffing! The ocean is so blue and a lot of the trail is shaded. Because it is a national park, you do need a Cinque Terre card to enter and to hike on the trail. Once you get to the end of the trail, beautiful beaches and many places to eat welcome you! Cinque Terre is located in the region of Liguria, which is famous for their pesto, so be sure to eat or buy some pesto here!
 Written by Ignacio Maza
This past summer, I boarded Silversea’s new Silver Nova for a seven-night voyage from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seward, Alaska. While there are more than 50 different ships that sail to Alaska, here’s why Silver Nova stands out. 1. The unique, innovative design. My first impression: There’s light everywhere. Why? Silver Nova’s asymmetrical design. Because of its unique deck layouts, the public spaces are larger, the ceilings are higher, and the expansive windows bring the destination and ocean views within. The smokestack is on one side of the ship, rather than centered, and the swimming pool, public spaces, jacuzzi, elevators, and restaurants all face outward. 2. Spacious accommodations. Silver Nova is an all-suite, all-veranda ship. The starting category is the Classic Veranda, offering a generous 350-square-foot layout (with a sofa bed for a third guest). I loved the bathrooms with two sinks and plenty of closet and drawer space. If you want even more space, Silver Nova features 12 other categories, including suites facing the back of the ship all the way up to the Otivm suite, with 1,300 square feet of space and a large terrace. All suites come with a dedicated butler, which is a welcome touch. 3. Great dining & drinks. There are nine venues on the ship, including Kaiseki (Japanese), Silver Note (Silversea’s jazz supper club), La Dame (gourmet dining), La Terrazza (Italian), Chef’s Table, S.A.L.T. Kitchen (destination-focused menus), Marquee/Grill/Spaccanapoli (rooftop casual grill and pizzas), Atlantide (all-day dining), and room service. Food and wine enthusiasts should consider the cooking classes at the S.A.L.T. Lab test kitchen. There are also nine bars throughout the ship, from casual to elegant, indoor to alfresco. 4. Authentic Alaska experiences. Silversea’s itineraries provide a wide range of activities ashore, which allow you to have richer, deeper experiences in Alaska. There are shore excursions included with every port, plus additional activities offered at a fair price (compared to what you would pay shoreside). A number of private luxury experiences can also be booked ahead of time at an additional cost. When the ship called at Juneau, for instance, there were 30-plus activities to consider (from easy to challenging), such as hiking, kayaking, biking, glacier trekking, helicopter sightseeing, fishing, whale watching, cultural experiences, and more. Silversea also offers pre/post packages for guests who want to extend their journey in either British Columbia or Alaska—including Denali National Park. 5. Extensive facilities & entertainment. With Silver Nova, you get the best of both worlds: all the facilities of larger ships, yet on a small luxury vessel. Silver Nova has an expansive and popular spa, Otivm, as well as shops, a fitness center, casino, library, test kitchen, and observation lounge. There is plenty of entertainment throughout the day and night, from destination lectures to bingo, jazz and blues to classical music, shows to trivia to late-night disco. Traveling solo? Silversea hosts a special nightly gathering in the Panorama Lounge, which is a wonderful way to meet other guests traveling by themselves. 6. More value. Silversea is an all-inclusive luxury cruise brand. Your fare includes drinks, tipping, butler service, many excursions, entertainment, dining at most restaurants (some, like Kaiseki, have a surcharge), and more. Silversea features two main pricing formulas on Alaska itineraries: Door to Door, which, as the name suggests, includes the cruise, airport transfers, airfare, in-destination transfers, and included shore excursions; and Port to Port, which includes the cruise and featured excursions in your destinations. 7. Service, from the heart. With a staff to guest ratio of nearly 1:1, you’ll experience a higher level of service as soon as you board Silver Nova. Everyone—from the captain to the suite steward—makes certain that each guest is well looked after. Long after you return home, it is the warmth of the Silversea staff that you will remember. 8. The Silver Nova advantage. Because the ship is designed for up to 728 guests, embarking and disembarking is easy and quick. This is a splendid feature, as you have more time ashore to enjoy the wonders of Alaska. And rest assured that you are sailing with the environment top of mind: Silver Nova, and its sister ship Silver Ray, are the most sustainable luxury ships at sea today. For Alaska-bound travelers seeking adventure, authentic discoveries, and all-inclusive luxury, think Silversea and Silver Nova. Silversea’s cruises are simply phenomenal.  Written by Louise Goldsbury An outdoor stage
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