CRUISING: An urgent warning

The European Commission has set the launch date for the start of operations of the Entry/Exit System (EES) for 12 October 2025. From this date onwards, the EES will be progressively rolled out at the external borders of 29 European countries, over a period of six months. This progressive roll-out will give border authorities, travellers and the transport industry more time to adjust to new procedures.

The EES is an advanced IT system that will digitally record the entries and exits of non-EU nationals travelling to 29 European countries, for short stays. It will register biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial images, and other travel information.

Your cruise company should advise the arrangements for each port of call and obtaining a European Visa will probably be a requirement before boarding.

www.gov.uk/travel-to-eu-schengen-area



Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady

Our friend Rob Burgess of Head for Points was invited to the launch party for the above.  He and his wife Colleen seem to have enjoyed the experience and here is his report.   
www.headforpoints.com/2025/08/23/virgin-voyages-brilliant-lady-tour

ON TOUR Valiant Lady from a past BTN  
www.btnews.co.uk/article/18935



A SCANDINAVIAN TRIP

Independence of the Seas is huge, but it works. 

This edition of TNU is written on board (late August) and comes after a very successful seven (this is eight) nights on the even larger Anthem of the Seas trip at the same time last year. We have added people, making 14 in total with the youngest now 13 years old. Independence of the Seas can only be described as a mighty ship and a floating holiday resort. Great for the kids.  It now accommodates around 4,400 guests (originally 3,900 with a front lounge removed in an upgrade), American passengers out-numbering the British 1,812 v 1,663. 

Our 19-year-old has gained 12 months, but still cannot buy an alcoholic drink onboard!  This is a US-registered cruise ship.  

 
My words from Anthem last year
www.travelnewsupdate.co.uk/article/821

And Independence from 2012 
www.btnews.co.uk/article/5571 

Nothing has changed very much but I was able to explore the excellent Conference Centre available free of charge for non-commercial gatherings.  It is fully supported from technical (and refreshment) point of view and has four modules each capable of seating up to 90 people (or 180 with the purpose-built partition removed).

One major difference between RCCL with MSC (see www.travelnewsupdate.co.uk/article/1033) is the use of a fine live nine-piece orchestra in the theatre compared to the recorded music and lip-sync dancers on the Italian ship.

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