CRUISE NEWS
British Airways Executive Club members can now pay for BA package trips with Avios loyalty points, or use them as booking deposits. Besides flights, card holders for Blue, Bronze, Silver and Gold can earn Avios from Uber rides or by converting Sainsburys’ Nectar points. britishairways.com/ executiveclub
Greek value line Celestyal has bought a third ship for its fleet sailing the Aegean islands and Eastern Med.
The 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey – originally built as Ryndam for Holland America – will undergo a £17.6million stern-to-bow refurbishment in Athens’ port Piraeus before entering service on a yet to be announced date.
Celestyal chief Chris Theophilides said: “In addition to her open decks, numerous bar and dining options, plus public areas and staterooms, the Journey provides our guests with a significant increase in premium and balcony rooms.’’ celestyal.com/gb ■■MSC’s newest flagship Euribia – after the Greek goddess – will be named in Copenhagen on June 8.
The 6,334-passenger ship features expansive state-of-the-art environmental technologies and eye-popping #SaveTheSea artwork.
It is expected Italian screen legend Sophia Loren will be the godmother – the 19th time for MSC.
The Swiss-owned line has also opened bookings for its 116-night world cruise in 2025. MSC Magnifica will visit 50 ports in 21 countries, including Australia and rounding Cape Horn, with options to join from Rome, Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona. From £14,999 per person. msccruises.com
Bag a Butlin’s early summer Showtime May-July four-night break from £24.75 per person. Guests at the three seaside resorts can pick from more than 40 live performances, enjoy unlimited fairground rides and, at Skegness, explore brand new SKYPARK playground. butlins.com