As we approach mid-summer, it’s a good time to check out several enticing cruise developments — new flights and new ships. These provide luxury travelers with a smoother, more luxurious or more robust guest experience.
Here’s a look at new Galapagos charter flights from Silversea, some tidbits about Oceania Cruises‘ newly delivered Oceania Allura, and Windstar Cruises’ Star Seeker, which is on the horizon. Let’s talk new flights and new ships!
(Many new ships are have just been delivered or are on the horizon. Photo/Rendering by Windstar Cruises)
1. Silversea’s New Galapagos Charter Flights!
Sometimes, it’s the “getting there” that is a pain point for travelers — particularly to exotic locales. Multiple flights or several days may be needed to reach the final destination where the luxurious cruise begins.
If travelers have vacationed in the past in The Galapagos, they know the drill. One flies from the U.S. to Quito, Ecuador, then often overnights there before taking a flight the next day to Guayaquil, Ecuador. From the airport in Guayaquil, it’s then a few hours waiting for the flight connection to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands.
But now, Silversea is removing one step and a lot of wasted time during that “getting there” process. Instead, guests will overnight in Quito, but then head to the airport and, in a new process, board a new Silversea charter flight from Quito directly to the Galapagos.
The process will reduce travel time to two hours between Quito and the island chain. “That certainly can smooth the ‘getting there’ journey,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel.
“Plus, the new charter flights feature private check-in services, and once on board, guests will enjoy upgraded amenities,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. Those include an upgraded in-flight meal service featuring alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Blocking Middle Seats for Space, Glorious Space
“Best of all, Silversea will block middle seats,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. “That means that you won’t feel crowded and won’t be flying ‘elbow to elbow’ with other travelers. It should make for a much more comfortable journey.”
And, with pre- and post-cruise hotel stays and tour options in Quito, Ecuador, guests will also have more time to explore before starting their Galapagos expedition.
“Check out Silversea’s Galapagos itineraries to learn about the specific itinerary details but then be sure to ensure you get the best pricing and top-notch service by booking with a personal travel planner,” says Steudle. “This travel professional will answer all your questions, help you select the right accommodations and itinerary, and also smooth the process and expertly manage your booking.”
Pretty soon, you’ll be looking for blue-footed boobies, gazing at massive marine iguanas and exploring other fauna and flora in the Galapagos Islands.
2. Oceania’s New Allura Plus Two More New Ships!
Last week, Oceania Cruises took delivery of the luxurious Oceania Allura, its eighth elegant boutique ship. This 1,200-passenger ship was built at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Genoa, Italy.
Second in the line’s Allura-class, it’s a sister to Oceania Vista, launched in 2023. “Oceania Allura is our most innovative and luxurious ship to date,” says Jason Montague, chief luxury officer, Oceania Cruises. “She represents our bold vision for an entirely new generation of luxury travel experiences.”
When talking about Oceania, many readers know that this upscale line is highly culinary-focused. So, not surprisingly, Oceania Allura has new dining venues, new menus and revamped takes on favorite dishes.
One amazing factoid is that the new ship has one chef for every eight guests. In addition, 50 percent of the ship’s crew is dedicated to culinary operations.
New Ships Offer New Culinary Perks
Among Oceania Allura‘s tantalizing new onboard offerings is Creperie. Guests can head to this new dining venue for delicate, authentic French crepes; delicious Belgian and bubble waffles; as well as decadent Italian ice cream sundaes.
Better yet, many of the new menu items and other culinary upgrades will also debut on other ships in Oceania’s fleet this year and in early 2026.
Oceania Allura also sees the return of the line’s beloved signature French restaurant, Jacques. Named for legendary chef Jacques Pepin, the line’s first-ever executive culinary director, the new iteration will offer refreshed menus. Those will reflect a refined take on French classics such as duck à l’orange with Grand Marnier.
Plus, Jacques will serve innovative new experiential dishes. “For example, guests can order a tableside preparation of hand-cut beef tartare,” says Pavlus’ Steudle, “and that’s just one of many new options.”
More on Allura‘s Culinary Front
In addition, at Red Ginger, the line’s popular pan-Asian restaurant, Oceania will debut Nikkei cuisine. A dozen new Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes will range from tuna ceviche with leche de tigre to a crispy, soft-shell tempura in bao buns. Or guests can order a braised short rib with lomo saltado and a miso sweet potato mousseline.
Oceania Allura’s Grand Dining Room now has more than 270 new recipes from the line’s world-class culinary team. That team is led by Chefs Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, both master chefs of France and the line’s executive culinary directors.
For instance, guests will discover more than 30 additions to the breakfast menu. A new, signature eggs Benedict section now offers variations on the brunch favorites such as eggs Benedict Florentine or eggs Benedict with smoked salmon.
“The line is also upping its game at the art of wine, wine pairing and mixology,” explains Pavlus’ Steudle. Launching with Oceania Allura is the new Gerard Bertrand Wine Pairing Luncheon, seamlessly pairing each glass with tasty dishes.
New Ships: More Allura Highlights
Oceania Allura offers a staff-to-guest ratio of two staff members for every three guests. Plus, it has spacious staterooms that all measure at least 290 square feet.
Book lovers sailing on Oceania Allura should head for the ship’s Library in a new Deck 14 location near the Horizons Lounge. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass walls that offer sweeping sea views, the space is thoughtfully designed for quiet retreat and reflection.
It evokes the feel of a modern equestrian estate den. Guests will discover plush oversized chairs, warm residential furnishings and curated literary selections.
Just steps away from the Library is the all-new LYNC Digital Center. Powered by high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, this venue offers complimentary classes designed for all skill levels.
So, guests might head here for small-group lessons. They can learn social media basics or, alternatively, smartphone photography. Led by expert Digital Concierges, they’ll receive personalized tips and hands-on guidance. Videography and photo editing are other session options.
New Ships: Sonata-Class
In summer 2027, Oceania will also launch the new, 1,390-passenger Oceania Sonata, its first Sonata-class vessel. Sister Oceania Arietta will debut in 2029.
At the delivery ceremony for Oceania Allura in Genoa, Montague announced that two more Sonata-class ships will also join the fleet. The vessels, previously “order options” for the line, have now been confirmed. Those two ships will be delivered in 2032 and 2035, respectively.
As for Oceania Allura, the new ship’s inaugural season will include 26 voyages spanning 92 destinations. “Those include the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Canada and New England, so call us and we’ll help you pick an itinerary that dovetails with your travel personality, personal interests and style,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. “We’re known for our expertise in matching our clients with the perfect cruise vacation!”
As for the new ship’s christening, that’s slated for mid-November 2025 in Miami. Oceania Allura will be christened by a group of Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs alumni. For additional information on Oceania Cruises, talk with a professional travel advisor.
3. New Ships: Windstar’s New Star Seeker
By December 2025, Windstar Cruises’ newest ship, Star Seeker, its first Star-class new build, will set sail. The intimate 224-passenger ship will offer guests a choice of 112 spacious suites.
In addition, the new ship will offer five dining options, a full-service spa (with a grand entrance from the deck above), a fitness facility, and a fresh take on the line’s Watersports Platform. For the latter, the ocean will become an infinity pool with direct guest access from the ship.
Star Seeker’s Schedules for 2026
So, if you’re interested in seeing and sailing on the ship, where will you find it across the globe? In December, Star Seeker will sail from Malaga, Spain, to Miami, FL, where the line is headquartered. Look for a christening in Miami sometime in January 2026.
Star Seeker will then sail its first voyage in the Caribbean and offer more cruises in the region. In spring, it will head northward along the U.S. West Coast to Alaska where it will operate a full summer season of voyages.
“From there, the ship will sail to Asia for a full season with many in-depth voyages that explore Japan,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. “With so many new ships on the horizon, it’s an exciting time in the cruise industry.”
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