Oceania Cruises has revealed plans for a major reinspiration of its luxury ship, Oceania Marina, marking a new phase in enhancing its onboard experience. The transformation is scheduled to begin in October 2026, when the ship enters dry dock for a complete upgrade.

The refurbishment will cover the entire vessel, with all staterooms set to be redesigned. Guests can expect updated layouts, new furnishings, and modern bathrooms with marble finishes and spacious rainforest showers. Premium suites, including Penthouse, Oceania, Vista, and Owner’s Suites, will also be refreshed to align with recent upgrades.

Public areas across the ship will see noticeable changes, with new furnishings, updated lighting, and refreshed interiors aimed at creating a more modern and cohesive look. The Grand Lounge will be expanded to introduce the Founders Bar, offering a selection of artisanal cocktails in a relaxed setting.

Dining and culinary experiences, a key focus for the brand, will also be enhanced. Signature restaurants such as Polo Grill, Red Ginger, Toscana, and Jacques will receive design updates along with improvements to their kitchen facilities. A new Chef’s Studio will replace the Artist Loft, giving guests more opportunities to engage in cooking demonstrations and tasting sessions.

The onboard café experience will also be upgraded with the addition of The Bakery at Baristas, serving fresh pastries and baked treats throughout the day. Meanwhile, the pool deck will feature new sun loungers and day beds to enhance guest comfort.

This extensive upgrade is part of Oceania Cruises’ OceaniaNEXT program, a broader initiative aimed at improving every aspect of the guest journey, from ship design to service and cuisine.

Sharing his thoughts, Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, said, "At Oceania Cruises, raising the bar is not an initiative, it is our mindset. We are constantly refining the guest experience, from elevating our culinary offerings to creating more intimate, immersive ways to explore the world's most iconic destinations. With OceaniaNEXT, we are reaffirming our commitment to modern luxury by ensuring every ship in our fleet reflects the refined style, attention to detail and thoughtful innovation that define our brand. This is how we continue to bring to life The Joy of Traveling Well."

While the upgrades will bring a fresh look and feel to the ship, the brand’s focus on personalised service and guest comfort will remain unchanged. With this reinspiration, Oceania Marina is set to offer a more refined and seamless luxury experience for travellers in the years ahead.

VidantaWorld Voyages has introduced ELEGANT, an ultra-luxury yacht designed to offer a more relaxed and immersive way to explore the Mediterranean. The yacht made its debut on April 11, 2026, with its inaugural sailing from Funchal, Madeira, marking the beginning of a new style of luxury travel at sea.

The yacht will operate a series of seven-night itineraries from April 11 to October 2, 2026, and will return for another season from May through September 2027. These journeys are thoughtfully planned across regions such as the French Riviera, Spanish Coast, Azores & Portugal, Greek Islands, Adriatic Sea, and Italian Shores, allowing travellers to explore each destination at a comfortable pace.

What sets ELEGANT apart is its focus on space and experience. Originally designed for over 600 guests, the yacht has been redesigned to host just 216 guests. This approach creates a more open, calm, and unhurried atmosphere, giving travellers a feeling similar to a luxury resort rather than a traditional cruise.

Guests can expect longer stays, late departures, and even overnight stops at key destinations. This allows them to enjoy local experiences like evening walks, dining by the sea, and nightlife, something often missed in regular cruise schedules.

Sharing his thoughts, Ivan Chavez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta, said, "From the beginning, our focus has been about redefining what luxury at sea could feel like. By dramatically reducing guest count, elevating service to near one-to-one levels, prioritizing space and building itineraries around longer stays and late departures, we've created a voyage that delivers the high-end experience and flexibility today's luxury travelers are seeking."

The yacht offers a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, ensuring highly personalised service. Guests staying in premium suites will also have access to dedicated butler service, adding an extra level of comfort and attention throughout their journey.

ELEGANT brings Vidanta’s luxury resort experience to the sea, with spacious suites, well-designed public areas, and a wide range of amenities. These include a pool, hot tubs, spa and fitness centre, marina deck with sea access, multiple lounges, and curated entertainment spaces that move smoothly from day to night.

Dining is another highlight onboard, with three main restaurants offering different cuisines, along with cafes, snack venues, and several bar and lounge options. The overall experience is designed to feel easy and relaxed, without the crowding often seen on large cruise ships.

Wellness also plays a key role, with facilities like the Nel Vento Spa, yoga spaces, and fitness centre offering a calm and refreshing environment without the need for strict schedules.

From slow travel experiences to thoughtful design and personalised service, ELEGANT offers a fresh take on Mediterranean cruising, focused on comfort, space, and meaningful travel moments.

Norway is preparing to take a big step in sustainable travel with the introduction of “flying” electric ferries along its coastline. These next-generation vessels are expected to improve both travel time and passenger comfort while cutting down emissions.

Norwegian transport operator Boreal AS has placed an order for 20 Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil ferries from Sweden-based Candela Technology. This marks the largest electric ferry fleet in the world so far and highlights Norway’s continued push towards greener transport solutions.

The new ferries will operate across Norway’s fjord-lined coastline, where water travel plays a key role in daily life. While the country already leads in electric car adoption, replacing diesel-powered high-speed ferries has been a challenge due to limitations in speed and range. These new vessels aim to address that gap.

The Candela P-12 stands out for its ability to combine speed and efficiency. It can travel at around 25 knots with a range of nearly 40 nautical miles, making it suitable for routes that were earlier served only by diesel ferries. With more vessels in operation, passengers can also expect more frequent services and shorter travel times.

Sharing his thoughts, Nikolai Knudsmoen Utheim, CEO at Boreal, said, “Candela P-12 is the only electric passenger vessel that combines longer range with high speed without requiring extensive charging infrastructure. Our investment will enable new high-speed routes both in cities and in rural areas. Norway has already led the electrification of maritime transport. With this fleet, Boreal wants to take the next step, accelerating zero-emission high-speed travel along the Norwegian coast and helping bring electric vessels to new markets beyond Norway.”

The vessel uses advanced hydrofoil technology, where wings under the hull lift it above the water once it reaches certain speeds. This reduces drag and cuts energy use by nearly 80 percent compared to traditional vessels. The P-12 has already been tested successfully in Stockholm’s public transport system and is seen as a major shift in water-based travel.

Another key advantage is its charging capability. The ferry can fully recharge in about an hour using standard DC fast chargers, avoiding the need for expensive infrastructure. This was recently proven during a long-distance journey between Sweden and Norway, where the vessel recharged using a mobile battery setup.

The first two ferries are expected to be delivered in 2027, with operations likely to begin soon after. The remaining vessels will be rolled out in phases between 2028 and 2030.

Passengers can also look forward to a smoother and quieter ride. The vessel’s digital system adjusts to wave conditions in real time, ensuring stability even in rough waters. With cabin noise levels recorded at just 64 dB, it is quieter than many trains and aircraft.

Alexander Sifvert, Candela’s European Director, said, “Tourists and commuters in Norway will enjoy better service and more frequent departures, free from seasickness, silent, and without the negative impacts of wake and emissions in the unique Norwegian fjords. We’re thrilled to partner with Boreal, whose ambition and leadership are helping drive the electrification of maritime transport. This initiative shows how forward-thinking operators can accelerate the shift to zero-emission travel at sea, while reducing costs.”

With this move, Norway continues to lead the way in sustainable mobility, offering a glimpse into the future of clean and efficient coastal transport.