India wants to double cruise passenger traffic by 2029, and Indian Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission.’
01.10.2024 - 20:39 / thepointsguy.com
Travelers hoping to explore the world by sea have a new option — and on a newly refurbished vessel.
Celebrity Cruises on Tuesday revealed plans for its longest cruise ever, which will set sail in 2026. The voyage will span 110 nights, roughly three months longer than the longest itinerary Celebrity currently offers (19-night Tahiti sailings). While not a true round-the-world cruise, the sailing will be as long as a traditional world cruise.
The Grand Voyage, as the line is calling it, will kick off in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Sept. 13, 2026, aboard 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice, fresh from a glow-up. The sailing will visit 55 destinations in 15 countries — with no repeated ports — before ending Dec. 31, 2026, in Hong Kong.
After leaving Vancouver, Celebrity Solstice will make its way through Alaska's fjords and passageways. Passengers can soak up views of Hubbard Glacier and go on wildlife-viewing expeditions, embark on nature-based adventures or learn about local culture in Alaska's southern ports.
From the Last Frontier, the ship will begin its journey across the Pacific, with stops in Hawaii, French Polynesia and Fiji. Pristine coral reefs, protected ecoparks and tropical rainforests provide plenty for cruisers to experience at each port.
Next are stops in New Zealand, Australia and Vanuatu. Passengers can take in the region's diverse wildlife, lush landscapes and some of the oldest cultures in the world. Guests will not want to pass up an opportunity to visit the Ruakuri Caves, a geological wonder rich with Maori history.
Finally, ancient temples, modern cities and idyllic beaches await passengers during visits to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong.
Celebrity Solstice is one of the line's Solstice Class vessels. The ship features the innovative, half-acre Lawn Club area on its top deck (with real grass). It also offers both an indoor and outdoor pool, providing swimming options in every climate. Dining options are plentiful — from included-in-the-fare main dining, Oceanview Cafe and Mast Grill to specialty venues like Murano (French), Sushi on Five (Asian) and Tuscan Grille (Italian).
The ship is scheduled for a dry dock prior to its monthslong voyage, but the line has not yet released refurbishment specifics.
Bookings for Celebrity's 110-night Grand Voyage will open Dec. 10, 2024. Pricing for the grand voyage is currently not available.
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