Your June 2025 Update from Michael Wilson

Hello and welcome to my June 2025 update!

As I write this, I’m in the middle of what’s become a much-loved tradition: our ‘Lads and Dads’ road trip, travelling with the same three friends and our sons. Now in its 10th year, our itinerary is as memorable as ever. We started in Arras, France, where we explored the WWI tunnels before moving on to Strasbourg for a fascinating visit to the Maginot Line at Fort Schoenenbourg. We followed this with an adrenaline-filled session at an indoor shooting range in Ulm before heading to Berchtesgaden to take in the incredible views (and sobering history) at Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest. I must say, the mountain passes of Andermatt were quite spectacular, which we experienced before rounding off the trip with a stop in Troyes, France. It’s been a brilliant mix of history, scenery, and great company – exactly what travel should be about.

There has also been plenty going on in the cruising industry over the past few weeks. P&O Cruises’ Aurora has returned to service following her recent refit, and I have to say, she’s looking absolutely superb. Her latest refurbishment has given her a fresh, contemporary feel while retaining everything we all love about her. The atrium has been reimagined with a lighter, more elegant touch, cabins have been refreshed with modern soft furnishings, and several lounges and public areas have had stylish upgrades. Best of all, as an adult-only ship, Aurora continues to provide that calm, refined atmosphere that so many of our Cruise Club Members appreciate. You can find more details and a selection of images of Aurora’s refit on our website.

The other big news from P&O Cruises this month is the announcement of 15 brand-new holidays for 2026, including sailings to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands. For the first time ever, Arvia will sail to the Norwegian Fjords, giving guests the chance to experience one of Europe’s most dramatic cruising regions aboard a ship that’s become a firm favourite with British cruisers. These new options provide even more flexibility for those planning ahead for 2026, especially guests who prefer sailing round-trip from Southampton.

For a limited time, P&O Cruises is also offering double onboard spending money when you book a selected Mediterranean cruise. This offer applies to selected sailings and is available until 20 June 2025, so make sure you give us a call on 01246 819819 or book online if anything catches your eye.

I also noticed in recent weeks that Celebrity Cruises is investing a staggering $250 million into revitalising its Solstice Series ships. Guests can look forward to redesigned staterooms with a modern aesthetic, upgraded public spaces including lounges and restaurants, and a brand-new Sunset Bar concept inspired by the design-forward Celebrity Edge. The goal is to bring a seamless sense of style and innovation across the fleet, blending the charm of the original Solstice Class with the wow factor of Celebrity’s newer additions. This is a confident move that reinforces Celebrity’s place as a leader in modern cruising, and I am excited to see these updates begin to roll out over the coming months.

In more immediate news, Princess Cruises’ 2027 itineraries are now on sale, including some truly outstanding voyages. As you would expect from the cruise line, there’s a wide variety of destinations to discover, as Princess will be visiting 31 countries throughout the season. 

Highlights include extended sailings to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as ever-popular cruises in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Whether you’re dreaming of faraway exploration or a leisurely escape closer to home, there’s something in the programme for every kind of cruiser. I would also like to draw your attention to the double Cruise Club Cashback promotion we are currently offering on all new Princess Cruises bookings made before 17 June. With interest already high and the promotion soon coming to an end, I strongly recommend booking sooner rather than later if you have your eye on a particular itinerary or cabin. Give our Cruise Experts a call if there is anything we can help you with.

Meanwhile, Cunard’s May 2027 to January 2028 programme is now available to book, and it’s fair to say demand is already exceeding expectations. Following the hugely successful launch of Queen Anne last year, interest in Cunard is at an all-time high. From iconic transatlantic crossings aboard Queen Mary 2 to leisurely voyages through the Mediterranean, the Norwegian Fjords, and beyond, there’s plenty to choose from, and, as with Princess, we’re offering double Cruise Club Cashback on all new Cunard bookings made before 26 June. It’s a fantastic opportunity to secure your preferred sailing and cabin – but again, don’t leave it too late. Some of the most sought-after itineraries are already proving extremely popular.

There’s also exciting news from Oceania Cruises, with the announcement of their newest ship, Oceania Sonata, due to join the fleet in 2027. This will be the second ship in their Allura Class and promises to deliver everything Oceania is renowned for – small-ship sophistication, world-class dining, and a strong focus on destination immersion. Sonata will carry just 1,200 guests, maintaining the line’s commitment to personal service and elegant surroundings. If you’ve sailed with Oceania before, you’ll know what a treat this will be – and if you haven’t, this may be the perfect place to start.

Finally, in a move that underlines their global ambitions, MSC Cruises has announced the order of two new World Class ships, set for delivery in 2026 and 2027. These will join MSC World Europa and MSC World America as part of the line’s next-generation fleet, which includes some of the most advanced and environmentally sustainable ships. Each will carry around 7,000 guests and feature cutting-edge technology, exciting entertainment venues, and a bold design approach that blends high-energy family fun with chic European style. MSC continues to be a fast-growing favourite with our customers, especially families and multi-generational groups, and these new ships will offer even more choice for those looking to cruise in comfort without compromise.

Many of you will no doubt have received our brand-new 2025 Luxury Cruise & Stay Collection brochure in recent days. This handpicked selection includes some of the most indulgent cruise holidays, combining the elegance of luxury ships with hotel stays in some of the world’s most iconic destinations. Every itinerary in the collection is crafted with care by our expert team, offering incredible value with included flights and transfers. You can view the collection online and, as always, please don’t hesitate to give us a call if there is anything we can help you with.

Lastly, I’d like to end this month’s update with the exciting news that we are finalists in the ‘Large Cruise Agency of the Year’ category at this year’s Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards. We won’t have to wait long to find out whether we’ve won, as the ceremony will be taking place on 10 July in London. These awards are decided by a panel of industry experts, and I will, of course, let you know the outcome. We are extremely proud to have been nominated for such a prestigious accolade.

Thank you for your continued support. And to those of you setting sail over the coming weeks – bon voyage, and enjoy every moment of your holiday!