Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Russia has said that it conducted a long-awaited test of its mysterious Burevestnik (also known to NATO as SSC-X-9 Skyfall) cruise missile last week, claiming that it flew for 8,700 miles. The missile, which is nuclear-powered, is said to have remained in the air for around 15 hours. For the time being, we don’t know if those statements are factually accurate, and details about how the missile actually works remain very scarce. However, the claimed test has led to boasts about the missile’s performance from Russian President Vladimir Putin, while his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, called upon Putin to end the war in Ukraine “instead of testing missiles.”
Russia’s Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, told Putin yesterday that a successful test of the Burevestnik was carried out on October 21. Gerasimov said that the 15-hour flight “is not the [maximum] limit” for the missile. Regardless, if true, this would appear to be the first long-endurance test of the missile.
Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov during a meeting earlier this month in Saint Petersburg. Photo by Mikhail METZEL / POOL / AFP MIKHAIL METZEL
In response to Gerasimov’s remarks, Putin commented: “I remember vividly when we announced that we were developing such a weapon, even highly qualified specialists told me that, yes, it was a good and worthy goal, but unrealizable in the near future. This was the opinion of specialists, I repeat, highly qualified. And now the decisive tests have been completed.”
People are asking what’s the purpose of Burevestnik and why develop a system that is very much useless as a weapon. The answer has always been right there, in the 1 March 2018 address. Russian president has always wanted to say these words. The rest doesn’t matter really. pic.twitter.com/0Q7JUGBqo3
Of all these weapons, the Burevestnik has long been among the most intriguing.
As TWZ described when it was first announced, the basic concept of a nuclear-powered cruise missile is by no means new.
After all, in the 1960s, the U.S. Air Force explored a similar idea with its Supersonic Low Altitude Missile, or SLAM. This weapon employed a nuclear-powered ramjet along with conventional rocket boosters to kickstart the system. Once at the appropriate speed, the engine would blow air over the reactor, which could have enough fuel to operate for weeks or months on end, and then force it out of an exhaust nozzle to produce thrust.
The Tory II-C nuclear ramjet engine that was tested in 1964 and which helped inform the abortive Supersonic Low Altitude Missile, or SLAM, program. Public Domain
A missile of this kind has extreme endurance, not limited by conventional fuel onboard as all other air-breathing missiles are, can be wildly unpredictable and tough to defend against.
While we don’t know what kind of nuclear propulsion the Burevestnik uses, provided this kind of technology can be made reliable, the implications are significant.
Of the latest test, Gerasimov said: “The technical characteristics of the Burevestnik generally allow it to be used with guaranteed accuracy against highly protected targets at any distance.” He added that: “vertical and horizontal maneuvers were completed,” something that would allow the missile to “bypass anti-missile and air defense systems.”
As we have surmised before, an operational Burevestnik would likely cruise at high subsonic speed on a circuitous route at extremely low altitude, helping it to avoid surface-based early warning systems and missile defense interceptors.
Using a two-way datalink, it should be possible to adapt the Burevestnik’s course in flight to further confuse an opponent or actively counter any attempts to intercept the missile.
The American SLAM concept involved a payload of multiple nuclear warheads that could be dropped on different targets along the way, but again, the warhead of the Russian missile remains mysterious. Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, claimed that the latest test involved a warhead. If true, it would almost certainly involve a mock warhead, without the nuclear material, which would serve to test fuzing and detonation, for example.
Congratulations to all Russia’s friends on the successful test of the unlimited-range Burevestnik (Storm petrel) cruise missile with a nuclear engine and warhead ⚡️😃
Nevertheless, a technically perfected Burevestnik remains a somewhat questionable goal given previous problems with the program. At the same time, there remains the very real issue of safety and environmental hazards. We will dive deeper into both these factors later.
Returning to last week’s test, Gerasimov didn’t say where it took place, but it’s widely assumed to have been in Novaya Zemlya, an archipelago in northern Russia, situated in the Arctic Ocean, and used for many previous weapons tests.
Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) orders issued for October 21 showed a large area around Novaya Zemlya closed off, corresponding to a Russian missile test or live-fire exercise.
Over on the other site, David was covering the lead up to the apparently successful Burevestnik test. Sadly, its almost all ship tracking because this late in the year, you don’t get many satellite images that far north. pic.twitter.com/k04x9u6whp
Meanwhile, several Russian vessels that are known to be used in missile tests were noted in positions along the coast of the Arctic archipelago, both on the Barents Sea and Kara Sea sides. Probable support aircraft belonging to Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear corporation, and the Russian Aerospace Forces were also seen at Rogachevo airfield on Novaya Zemlya.
There have also been flights by a U.S. Air Force WC-135 Constant Phoenix “nuke sniffer” aircraft in the region, which some observers suggested could have been related to a Burevestnik. After a flight by this aircraft around the Barents Sea on August 5, the Air Force told TWZ that this was “to conduct routine background collection … to ensure signatory nations are adhering to established United Nations treaties.” The Air Force spokesperson added that the deployment of the WC-135 to the United Kingdom was planned and scheduled months in advance.
Background collection is something that could be conducted in anticipation of a Burevestnik test in the future. This data will be used to compare that from a collection mission following a test. At the same time, the wider region hosts other Russian nuclear assets, which would also be of interest for such flights, which are fairly regular in occurrence.
Finally, the test site at Pankovo, north of Rogachevo, on Yuzhny Island in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, has seen considerable activity starting this summer. Pankovo hosts what is understood to be the main launch site for the Burevestnik, with two rail-type launchers under a retractable covering.
A view of the test site at Pankovo, with a missile launcher in the raised position. via X
Update on the Burevestnik launch site. Launchers and covers for the first Burevestnik company are being installed. The presence of lightning rods suggest that assets will be on the pad for long periods of time. pic.twitter.com/UvhryhIJVd
On 21 October 2025 Russia conducted “the key test” of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile (also referred to as SSC-X-9 Skyfall). The test is reported to be successful. The missile travelled 14,000 km in a 15-hour flight (Image: Pan’kovo test site). Links follow 1/ pic.twitter.com/OVuCCjPiDO
Provided that last week’s test was conducted from Pankovo, making use of the area signaled by the NOTAM, then the missile must have flown in a racetrack or zigzag pattern around the Arctic archipelago. Less likely would be a longer route flown across the north of Russia.
A map showing Russia’s Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. The specific location of the Pankovo test site is also marked. Google Earth
Whatever the case, Norway, the closest NATO country to the test area, said it hadn’t detected any spikes in radiation at any of its monitoring posts.
“We have not measured anything abnormal at our measuring stations in Norway,” a spokesperson for the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA) told the Barents Observer. However, there is still time for such a reading to be made.
“If there has been a radioactive release in connection with Russia’s testing of the cruise missile, it will take a long time to travel to Norway, and it will take time before it can be registered at our measuring stations,” the DSA spokesperson added.
Previous tests of the Burevestnik have not been without incident.
When he announced the missile in 2018, Putin suggested that tests of the propulsion system had occurred the previous year, but there was no indication of whether this had been in flight or on the ground and under what conditions.
A grainy screengrab, released in 2018, that may show the nuclear-powered cruise missile during a test flight. via Channel One Russia
Soon after Putin’s 2018 announcement, the Norwegian-based environmental group Bellona suggested that a radiation spike in the Arctic that same winter was caused by the missile’s open-air-cooled reactor core.
Later in 2018, a U.S. intelligence report described the loss at sea of a Russian nuclear-powered missile during a 2017 test. The report added that Russia was expected to embark on a search and recovery mission to try to lift the missile’s wreckage from the seabed.
The Russian Ministry of Defense released the video below in 2018, saying that it showed an earlier Burevestnik test launch, as well as examples of the missiles themselves.
More dramatically, in 2019, an explosion occurred aboard a barge in the White Sea, outside Nenoksa, killing five Rosatom scientists. It also led to a radiation spike in the Russian city of Severodvinsk, as you can read more about here. The explosion has been blamed on a reactor from a Burevestnik recovered from the sea, likely the one that was lost in 2017.
While the details of these accidents remain murky, they point to a significant problem in using nuclear propulsion for a missile or any other vehicle flying in the atmosphere.
It should be recalled that, in the case of SLAM, the nuclear ramjet had no shielding to contain dangerous radiation, a requirement driven by the need for the powerplant to be small enough to fit inside the missile. The SLAM’s exhaust plume also contained unspent fissile material that would have contaminated any area, enemy-controlled or not, that it passed over on its way to the target.
While the Burevestnik has already been likened to a ‘tiny flying Chernobyl’ by some observers, it’s important to remember that we still don’t know how it functions.
Nevertheless, provided it does indeed use nuclear propulsion, as claimed, there exists the risk of accidents.
“The testing [of the Burevestnik] carries a risk of accidents and local radioactive emissions,” Norway’s Intelligence Service (NIS) stated in a threat assessment report published last year.
This is especially the case during an unarmed test, when the missile necessarily has to come down to the surface, impacting either land or water. Here, especially, there remain a lot of questions about how the missile is tested.
A screencap from an official Russian Ministry of Defense video that purports to show a Burevestnik test round. Russian Ministry of Defensescreencap
It’s possible that the missile came down in waters around Novaya Zemlya, in either the Barents Sea or the Kara Sea. According to the Barents Observerand other sources, there are several ships in this area, on both sides of the Matochkin Strait, which might be involved in a recovery operation.
These ships include Rosatom’s special-purpose vessel Rossita, on the eastern coast of the Kola Peninsula. This vessel was noted making port calls in Novaya Zemlya after previous presumed Burevestnik tests. The Rossita is equipped to transport spent nuclear fuel and other hazardous radioactive material.
Perhaps, if Norway subsequently detects a radioactive spike in this area, we might learn more about where the missile ended its flight.
In the meantime, Putin took the opportunity to push claims about the missile’s game-changing nature.
“We need to determine the possible uses and begin preparing the infrastructure for deploying this weapon in our armed forces,” Putin said yesterday. This is especially relevant considering that the New START treaty with the United States, which puts a limit on strategic nuclear warheads and launchers, expires next year. Gerasimov’s announcement of the long-distance test also came one day before Russia began its annual Grom strategic nuclear maneuvers.
When asked for his reaction to the claims of the Burevestnik test, President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. Navy has a nuclear submarine “right off their shores,” meaning that there is no immediate requirement for a missile with the kind of range that the Russian cruise missile should possess.
At the same time, Trump noted that Russia is “not playing games with us. We’re not playing games with them either.” As for Putin’s comments on the missile test, Trump said: “I don’t think it’s an appropriate thing for Putin to be saying,” reminding the Russian leader that the priority was to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
Trump responded to Putin’s threats and the recent Burevestnik missile test by reminding that the US has a nuclear submarine “right off their coast.”
He said there’s no need to fire missiles 8,000 miles when such assets are already in place, and called on Putin to end a war that… pic.twitter.com/kRIlFdMzQZ
Still, the prospect of the Burevestnik entering service is a concerning one for adversaries of Russia. The missile can be launched preemptively and approach its target from any vector long after launch. For example, it could be launched from the Arctic, stay aloft for many hours, and then attack the United States from the south. Once launched, its flight path is entirely unpredictable, and it could exploit holes in defenses and weaker spots in early warning capabilities. It provides another reason why space-based tracking layers, including those that can spot low-flying aircraft, are currently very much on trend.
It is also worth noting that the latest Burevestnik test comes at a time when the U.S. Golden Dome initiative is taking shape, and the Russian missile reinforces the case for such a system. At the same time, it also underlines the reason why Russia wants weapons like this, so that it can better bypass existing strategic air defense systems.
The latest developments leave no doubt that the Burevestnik is a prestige program for Russia, even if many questions still surround it, and the nature of the latest test.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Russia has used its ground-launched 9M729 cruise missile to strike targets in Ukraine multiple times in recent months. This is the conclusion of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and it also tallies with reports from independent analysts who have been tracking the use of the missile, the original deployment of which led to the United States walking away from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces, or INF, Treaty in 2019.
“Russia’s use of the INF-banned 9M729 against Ukraine in the past months demonstrates Putin’s disrespect to the United States and President Trump’s diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine,” Sybiha said.
Since August, Russia has been attacking Ukraine with the 9M729 cruise missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, Reuters reported, citing Ukraine’s FM Sybiha.
Moscow’s use of the missile in the past months demonstrates “Putin’s disrespect to the United States and President… pic.twitter.com/VkvGrD2NyP
Sybiha’s comments provide the first confirmation that Russia has used the 9M729 missile — known to NATO as the SSC-8 Screwdriver — in combat.
Another, unnamed Ukrainian senior official toldReuters that Russia had fired the 9M729 against targets in Ukraine 23 times since August 21 of this year. The same source said that the missile had been launched on two other occasions since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022; it is not immediately clear if these were also combat launches, but a combat evaluation is a strong possibility.
Notably, the Kremlin had, on August 4, said it would no longer limit where it deploys nuclear-capable missiles with ranges in excess of the former INF Treaty. That would suggest something of a change in policy, publicly at least, prior to the more regular combat employment of the 9M729.
And here is 9M729. Note that “they began [to use it] on August 21.” Russia formally announced the end of its moratorium on August 4. So, it appears that the moratorium on deployment was a thing. https://t.co/Izbqhz7uKP 1/2
According to Reuters, quoting another unnamed military source, one of the 9M729 missiles fired by Russia, on October 5 of this year, flew over 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) before hitting a target in Ukraine.
To absolutely no one’s surprise (well, probably and unfortunately to some), the 9M729 is confirmed to have a range well-above 500 kilometers.
My conservative assessment based on its technical features, which I published on Missile Matters in August, was at least 1,700… pic.twitter.com/vmyR6i6vwd
The range is significant, since it was this factor that the United States argued put the 9M729 in breach of the INF Treaty, which put a limit of 500 kilometers (310 miles) on ground-launched missiles, nuclear or conventional.
If the military source’s information is accurate, then it would confirm that, as expected, the 9M729 is able to fly far beyond the now-defunct INF Treaty limits.
Now that we have proof the 9M729 is the INF-busting missile the US said it was all along, I hope certain arms control experts apologize for attempting to undercut US claims and NATO consenus. Trump may have handled it undiplomatically, but this was a bipartisan decision. 5/5
As to the veracity of the Ukrainian comments on the use of the 9M729, Douglas Barrie, Senior Fellow for Military Aerospace at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), told TWZ that he considered them to be plausible.
“If you think what the Russians have been doing elsewhere in terms of their weapons, the things that they have had in the locker and wanted to test, then you can see why they would want to use it,” Barrie said.
For its part, Russia has always denied that the 9M729 violated the now-defunct nuclear arms control treaty. At the same time, it accused the United States of violating the same treaty through the construction of Aegis Ashore missile defense sites in Europe, which it argues can be used to fire the BGM-109 Tomahawk land attack cruise missile, something that U.S. officials deny.
According to the Missile Threat website produced at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, the 9M729 can actually hit targets as far away as 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles). Meanwhile, Douglas Barrie at the IISS says that he assesses the missile to have a likely range at least in excess of 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles).
There is some evidence that backs up the claims of the 9M729’s use in Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials provided Reuters with images of debris after a Russian attack on the Ukrainian village of Lapaiivka on October 5, which purportedly involved the 9M729. This struck a residential building, killing four people, at a distance of over 600 kilometers (373 miles) from the Russian border.
Reportedly, these images include two missile fragments that were marked 9M729.
These images were reviewed by Jeffrey Lewis, Distinguished Scholar of Global Security at Middlebury College, who agreed that they were consistent with the 9M729’s expected appearance. In particular, the missile body and engine, as well as the distinct markings, pointed to the 9M729, according to Lewis’s analysis.
The Kremlin has not commented on the alleged use of the 9M729.
Russia only publicly acknowledged the existence of the 9M729 in November 2018, though it reportedly entered development sometime in the mid-2000s.
In 2019, Russia publicly displayed the launch canisters for the 9M729 and its associated transporter erector launcher, or TEL, and offered some details about the complete system.
The launch canisters for the 9M729 missile and their associated TEL. Sergei Bobylev/TASS
At that time, Russia said that the 9M729 featured an improved guidance system and a larger warhead compared to the older 9M728, known to NATO as the SSC-7 Southpaw, another weapon understood to have been used by Russia against Ukraine. Russia argued that the 9M729 was longer, heavier, and actually had less range than its predecessor. The new TEL can also carry four missiles, while the older vehicle associated with the 9M728/SSC-7 could only fire two before needing to reload.
The TEL for the older 9M728/SSC-7 ground-launched cruise missile, with a launch canister in the firing position. Vadim Grishankin
Russia has said that the 9M729 has a range of just less than 300 miles, which would be clearly contradicted by the latest information from Ukraine, provided it is accurate.
The more regular employment of the 9M729 would provide Russia with another cruise missile option for striking Ukraine. Up until now, it has primarily relied on the air-launched Kh-101 cruise missile, as well as the Kalibr, which can be launched from surface combatants and submarines. All of these weapons, 9M728 and 9M729 included, are subsonic.
However, compared to other land-based options, the 9M729 offers Russia the advantage that it can be launched from locations deeper inside Russia. It is also mobile, meaning that it is relatively easy to relocate and to conceal, so it can be fired from different locations and axes, making it harder for already hard-pressed Ukrainian air defenses to deal with.
There are several other reasons why Russia might now be using the 9M729.
It could be that numbers of the Kh-101 and Kalibr are running low, with Russia’s military-industrial complex, hampered by Western sanctions, which especially affect high-technology components of the kind that precision-guided weapons rely on, unable to backfill the arsenal sufficiently. Existing 9M729 rounds would provide another option to boost stocks of standoff weapons.
Approximate dimensions of the 9M729 according to Russian specifications.
The graphic, published by Sputnik News in 2019, matches Russia’s stated dimensions: a 51.4 cm diameter and a length 53 cm greater than the 9M728, which is reportedly 6.2 m long, making the 9M729 roughly… pic.twitter.com/XTJUE4WD1O
Secondly, there is the issue of signaling to Ukraine’s allies in the West.
The reported use of the 9M729 comes as Kyiv pushes for the United States to supply it with Tomahawk cruise missiles. Like the 9M729, these would be ground-launched weapons and would be able to strike targets deep inside Russia with a very high degree of precision. Unlike the 9M729, the Tomahawk was not outlawed under the INF Treaty, since, at that time, it was only sea-launched.
As far as Kyiv is concerned, having access to weapons like the Tomahawk would put additional pressure on Moscow to end its war in Ukraine.
Russian officials, including Putin, have warned that supplying Ukraine with Tomahawks would be a dangerous escalation.
Russian employment of the 9M729 also serves as a message to NATO nations in Europe, most of which fall well within its assumed range.
Moscow has repeatedly denied that the 9M729, which has conventional and nuclear armed variants, breached the INF Treaty. The Novator 9M728 (RS-SSC-7 Southpaw), a 500 km-range version of the same missile family, has been used in Ukraine.
In that sense, employing the 9M729 also serves to send a clear message to the West that Russia won’t bow to pressure, especially over the conflict in Ukraine. Other examples include recent tests of high-profile nuclear-capable weapons like the Poseidon nuclear-powered, nuclear-tipped, ultra-long-endurance torpedo, which you can read about here, and the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, discussed here.
Another new weapon, the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, has also been used against Ukraine by Russia. Today, Ukraine claimed that its security service and military intelligence destroyed one of these missile systems during a covert operation at the Kapustin Yar testing range, in the Astrakhan region of southern Russia.
In the United States, meanwhile, President Donald Trump issued a statement this week saying he “instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately.” The reason, Trump explained, was because of “other countries [sic] testing programs.”
The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country. This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my First Term in office. Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice! Russia is…
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) October 30, 2025
The exact meaning of this statement remains unclear, but the possible implications are something we have discussed in detail.
At this point, we still don’t know with certainty that Russia is now using the 9M729 cruise missile against Ukrainian targets. However, considering its employment of other long-range weapons in the conflict, and the Kremlin’s ongoing efforts to send threatening signals toward Europe as Washington seeks a peace settlement, it certainly seems to fit that pattern.
Marella Cruises, TUI UK’s ocean cruise line, has announced the return of its hugely popular music-themed cruise, setting sail in April 2027. The adults-only sailing promises the ultimate retro music showdown at sea and is on sale now
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
The new Marella sailings have been announced(Image: PR HANDOUT)
It’s time to leave the kids behind and relive two iconic decades in music aboard the ‘Electric Sunsets 80s vs 90s’ themed voyage.
Marella Cruises, TUI UK’s ocean cruise line, has announced the return of its hugely popular music-themed cruise, setting sail in April 2027. The adults-only sailing promises the ultimate retro music showdown at sea and is on sale now.
Now in its sixth year, the Electric Sunsets concept celebrates two of the most influential decades in pop culture, bringing guests an immersive experience packed with nostalgia, entertainment, and star-studded performances. The headline acts for the 2027 voyage will be announced early next year, with organisers promising a line-up of top artists from both eras.
While this year’s acts will be different, last year the star-studded lineup featured Irish pop group B*Witched, UK R&B pop group The Honeyz, the iconic DJ SASH! and Ibiza in Symphony – a 10-piece orchestra.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
The three-night sailing aboard Marella Discovery will depart Palma on Wednesday, 28 April 2027, calling at Valencia and Ibiza before returning to Palma on Saturday, 1 May 2027. Guests can expect themed parties, live performances, and 80s vs 90s-inspired events across the ship.
Chris Hackney, CEO of Marella Cruises, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the return of our 2027 themed cruise. The battle of 80s vs 90s music remains one of our most anticipated experiences, appealing to both loyal guests and newcomers. Customer feedback shows these eras bring back real nostalgia — and the chance to see top stars perform onboard makes it even more special.”
For those looking to extend their getaway, a limited number of cruise-and-stay packages will be available, featuring hotels in Majorca such as Alua Soul Mallorca Resort, Astoria Playa Hotel, and Hotel Son Matias Beach.
As with all Marella Cruises sailings, the trip is all-inclusive, covering flights, transfers, tips, and service charges. Prices for Electric Sunsets 80s vs 90s start from £799 per person, available to book from Thursday, 30 October 2025.
If you’re a cruise fanatic, then it’s not just the cruise ship and destinations that will likely peak your interest. The real cruise nerds enjoy ticking off different ports across the world.
Recent research from the travel experts at AllClear Travel Insurance has highlighted the world’s top 10 most beautiful cruise ports, examining factors such as how quickly they capture passengers’ attention with their incredible views.
The MSC Poesia will dock at four cities known for their Christmas markets – Hamburg, Rotterdam, Bruges and Le Havre – and the price includes all meals onboard
Hamburg is particularly lovely at Christmas(Image: Westersoe via Getty Images)
A seven-day cruise, taking in some of Europe’s most renowned Christmas market cities, is currently available for a mere £384.
Iglu Cruises has just cut the price of this week-long journey from Southampton aboard the MSC Poesia, setting sail on 28 November.
This no-fly cruise deal includes a wide array of amenities, including all meals onboard and a midnight buffet for those needing a late-night snack after a busy day hunting for festive bargains at the market stalls.
The ship, capable of accommodating around 3,000 passengers, boasts five restaurants, 16 bars and lounges, sports facilities such as tennis, basketball, and mini-golf, two swimming pools, a gym, sauna, whirlpools, and the award-winning MSC Aurea Spa.
And if that wasn’t enough, MSC Poesia also features a library, casino, and games room onboard, as well as evening entertainment in the form of Broadway-style shows. While all these may tempt you to spend the entire week onboard, the cruise is ideal for those keen to explore new places, reports the Express.
Fortunately, the ship will dock at four cities famed for their Christmas markets.
Got a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc. com
Hamburg
Hamburg is renowned for its food markets, particularly the fish markets that have gained global recognition. However, Germany’s second-largest city also excels in hosting Christmas Markets.
The most famous and largest market in Hamburg is the main Weihnachtsmarkt, situated in front of the Town Hall, with a grand Christmas tree marking its location. Other unique markets are scattered throughout the city, including the ‘Santa Pauli’ festival on the Reeperbahn, which boasts being the world’s first erotic Christmas market.
Rotterdam
The Winter Fair takes place at the Ahoy Convention Centre, where you can purchase a variety of goods and culinary delights, including the Rotterdam staple ‘kapsalon’ – a dish consisting of thin chips topped with gyro meat and smothered in cheese.
Bruges
Undeniably one of Europe’s most picturesque cities, Bruges truly sparkles when its medieval architecture is illuminated against the dark winter night sky. The market is a riot of colour and sound, with stalls offering a carefully chosen selection of holiday goods, from handmade ornaments and decorations to gourmet chocolates and festive attire.
Traditional Belgian fare such as waffles and chips, along with plenty of beers, are sure to be highlights.
Le Havre
A lesser-known but delightful festive destination is Intra Muros, located at the foot of the Castle on Esplanade St Vincent. It boasts a variety of chalets offering food and drink, including scrumptious cheeses, crêpes, and mulled wine, as well as arts and crafts and an array of gifts. The town also features an ice rink and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Iglu currently has two other Christmas market-themed cruises available:
‘Christmas Markets from Tilbury’ is offered by Iglu Cruise for £572 per person (previously £619), for a 6-night, full-board trip departing on 14th December 2025. The cruise visits Hamburg, Amsterdam, and Zeebrugge (for Bruges) and is based on two people sharing an outside cabin on board Ambassador’s Ambience. Solo cabins are available for only £552 (previously £679).
‘Christmas Markets Hamburg, Rotterdam & Bruges from Southampton’ is offered by Iglu Cruise for £621 per person (previously £649), for a 7-night, full-board trip departing on 14th December 2025. The cruise visits Zeebrugge (for Bruges), Rotterdam, and Hamburg and is based on two people sharing an inside cabin on board Cunard’s Queen Anne.
Pyongyang says the tests in the Yellow Sea were aimed at impressing its abilities upon its ‘enemies’.
Published On 29 Oct 202529 Oct 2025
Share
North Korea has test-fired several sea-to-surface cruise missiles into its western waters, according to state media, hours before United States President Donald Trump begins a visit to South Korea.
The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said on Wednesday that the missiles, carried out in the Yellow Sea on Tuesday, flew for more than two hours before accurately striking targets.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
Top military official Pak Jong Chon oversaw the test and said “important successes” were being achieved in developing North Korea’s “nuclear forces” as a war deterrent, according to KCNA.
The test was aimed at assessing “the reliability of different strategic offensive means and impress their abilities upon the enemies”, Pak said.
“It is our responsible mission and duty to ceaselessly toughen the nuclear combat posture,” he added.
South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff said on Wednesday that the military had detected the North Korean launch preparations and that the cruise missiles were fired in the country’s northwestern waters at about 3pm (06:00 GMT) on Tuesday.
The joint chiefs said South Korea and the US were analysing the weapons and maintaining a combined defence readiness capable of a “dominant response” against any North Korean provocation.
North Korea’s latest launches followed short-range ballistic missile tests last week that it said involved a new hypersonic system designed to strengthen its nuclear war deterrent.
The latest test came hours before an expected summit between Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the city of Gyeongju, where South Korea is hosting this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings.
Trump has expressed interest in meeting with Kim during his stay in South Korea, where he is also scheduled to hold a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
However, South Korean officials have said that a Trump-Kim meeting is unlikely.
Kim has said he still personally holds “fond memories” of Trump, but has also said he would only be open to talks if Washington stops insisting his country give up its nuclear weapons programme.
North Korea has shunned any form of talks with Washington and Seoul since Kim’s high-stakes nuclear diplomacy with Trump fell apart in 2019, during the US president’s first term.
Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meet with relatives of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, at the Akasaka Palace state guest house in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday [Kiyoshi Ota/Pool via Reuters]
Before flying to South Korea, Trump was in Tokyo, where he met with families of Japanese abducted by North Korea on Tuesday, telling them that “the US is with them all the way” as they asked for help to find their loved ones.
After years of denial, North Korea admitted in 2002 that it had sent agents to kidnap 13 Japanese people decades ago, who were used to train spies in Japanese language and customs.
Japan says that 17 of its citizens were abducted, five of whom were repatriated. North Korea has said that eight are dead as of 2019, and another four never entered the country.
Prefer Rotterdam? The Sun’s Adam Sonin explains: “Head to the nearby, futuristic-looking Markthal, a giant food hall packed with vendors selling grub from around the world.
“Or there is The Depot, calling itself the ‘world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility,’ which is a collection of hundreds or artworks.”
Once back onboard, all the live entertainment is included on the ship before another overnight sailing, before arriving back in the UK the next morning.
Each of the P&O mini breaks include the return ferry travel as well as a private cabin.
You can pay extra for meal packages onboard or for coach transfers to and from the UK port.
But when you factor in the price of return flights and a hotel, you could easily spend hundreds more.
According to Skyscanner, the cheapest return flights to Amsterdam can be found for £64 – just £1 less than the cruise.
This doesn’t factor in the cost of a hotel, which are on average around £118 a night, according to Kayak.
You could also head to Rotterdam for the dayCredit: Alamy
You can also book P&O’s Mini Cruise Live for £129pp, which also has live performances onboard.
This includes Kimberly Wyatt, Tinchy Stryder, T’Pau and The Overtones.
Running from October 11 to December 12, there is even a unique Halloween sailing for £99pp.
Louisa Bell, Managing Director of Passenger, P&O Ferries said: “Mini Cruise Live is our way of making the travel experiences unforgettable and not just about great destinations – no airports, no hassle, just music, mates and a mini adventure at sea.”
Hedda Felin, boss of the Norwegian firm, has raised concerns about the rapid growth of the cruise industry and has issued a warning of what could happen if changes aren’t made
The Hurtigruten boss has issued a warnign about the future of the industry(Image: 3440932)
The cruise industry has to change or it faces being banned out of existence, the CEO of Hurtigruten has warned.
Hedda Felin, boss of the Norwegian firm, has raised concerns about the rapid growth of the cruise industry in an interview with the Mirror. She says more must be demanded of passengers visiting ports, while calling for dirty fuels to be scrapped to ease the significant environmental impact of the industry.
Hedda is particularly worried about the size of cruise ships and the burden their vast numbers of passengers are placing on coastal towns. If restrictions are not put in, anti-cruise ship protests such as those that have broken out in Barcelona and Venice will spread, she predicts.
“I am very concerned about the future. Local communities will react (if we don’t act). We will see more ‘cruise ships go home’ mentality. There will be no future if you don’t leave behind more than you take,” Hedda said.
Milo Boyd
Milo Boyd
Hedda spoke to the Mirror at a moment of unprecedented growth in the cruise industry. This year, the world’s largest cruise ship set sail after the industry brought in just shy of $80 billion in a year. That figure will hit $171 billion by 2035, according to one study.
Norway, where Hurtigruten is based, has seen a 70% increase in cruise traffic since 2019 – growth that Hedda calls “kind of overwhelming”.
“I am concerned, I am worried for Norway. It is a long coast, but it has small communities. The communities are overwhelmed by the size of the cruise and the number of visits every day. Local communities are more and more skeptical. 5,000 passengers are trying to fit into villages of 300 people.”
A major gripe among those living and working in busy cruise ship ports is how little passengers spend. Often they visit for a short period of time, see the public sights and then return to their all-inclusive ship.
“We (Norwegians) as a nation demand too little of the visitors and how much they leave behind. There are so many things you could do easily. We could ban heavy oil fuel along the coast. (Hurtigruten) banned it 15 years ago. There could be more restrictions on NOx emissions.
Sign up to the Mirror Anchors Away newsletter
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
You can get a selection of the most interesting, important and fun cruise travel stories sent to your inbox by subscribing to the Mirror’s Anchors Away newsletter.
“Hurtigruten has chosen to only use local suppliers. We get the local expertise, as well as quality food and drink. It is possible to impose requirements that, for example, 30% of the supplies must come from the nation you’re visiting.
“We have our own seaweed farm, which we use to make protein for food, soup and socks. It is a huge contrast to all-inclusive, vacuum-packed food.”
Hedda argues that the issue isn’t about growth generally but the wrong kind. Hurtigruten’s fleet has grown from seven to 10 ships over the last two years. In the future, the CEO hopes it can become less environmentally damaging. She also backs size limits on future ships.
“We want to create the world’s most energy-efficient product, as close to zero as possible. We want energy-efficient sails, solar panels powered by the midnight sun. My dream is that it will be ready by 2030,” Hedda said.
“We, clearly, need to restrict and reduce the building and size of new ships. We do not need more of the big cruise ships. They need to be a completely different environmental standard. If we managed that, it can be a good way of travelling. It has to be local value creation. If growth continues, it will be some years and then it will be completely banned. It will meet huge resistance.”
Not everyone is so pessimistic about the future of the cruise industry, however. Jonny Peat, head of cruise for Advantage Travel Partnership, is enthusiastic about the growth predicted for the coming years.
“The most striking number is that less than 3% of the leisure travel market is made up of cruise passengers. We’ve not even scratched the surface.”
Right now, 37 million passengers set sail on cruise ships worldwide each year. By 2028, that will hit 42 million. “Despite the fact that some people think there are too many ships, leisure cruise liners make up 1% of the overall maritime industry. Cruise isn’t going anywhere,” Jonny said.
Both cruise ship size and total number have rocketed in recent years. According to a Transport & Environment report, the number of cruise ships has increased more than twentyfold, from only 21 in 1970 to 515 vessels today.
A MAJOR cruise line has revealed it will be launching a 124-day voyage around the world in 2028.
The Epic World Explorer will be one of P&O Cruises longest-ever world voyages.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The 124-day voyage will head to over 30 destinations including Tokyo in Japan (pictured)Credit: GettyOther key stops are San Francisco in America (pictured)Credit: GettyAnd passengers can also enjoy some sun in Cape Verde (pictured)Credit: Getty
The cruise line’s Arcadia ship will set off from Southampton on January 6, 2028 and finish back in Southampton on May 10, 2028.
The 124-night cruise – which is exclusively for adults – will focus on the Far East with stops in South Korea and Thailand.
It will also call into Japan for the first time since 2019, with a new overnight stop in Tokyo with calls to Kagoshima and Nagasaki.
In fact, there are over 30 destinations on the voyage.
Prices for the cruise start from £11,199 per person.
On board the ship, which features an Art Deco domed roof and can accommodate up to 2,094 guests and 866 members of crew, there are 15 bars and restaurants, five entertainment venues and two swimming pools.
Included in the price of the cruise, guests get access to the Palladium, which is a three-tiered theatre that hosts live entertainment.
Shows include Magic Moments – it tells the story of Burt Bacharach’s life and music.
Or you could watch magic show, Unbelievable.
Also included is the Screening Room, which is a 30-seat cinema that shows the latest blockbusters.
For a bit of gambling, passengers can head to the Monte Carlo Casino with classic table games such as blackjack, roulette and poker.
Fancy some late night entertainment? Then there’s The Globe – a circular bar with live music, game shows and ballroom and Latin dance events.
Passengers don’t need to worry about missing the pub either, as they can enjoy The Rising Sun with interiors just like a British country pub.
There are cosy booths, a jukebox, darts, karaoke and even live sports screenings.
For travellers wanting to stay fit during their voyage, there are plenty of opportunities to do this.
In addition to a fully-equipped gym, there is also a sports court on board where passengers can play football, basketball, tennis or cricket.
There are even complimentary fitness classes too.
Onboard Arcadia, there are 15 bars and restaurants, five entertainment venues and two poolsCredit: Alamy
If treating yourself is more your thing, then there is The OasisSpa and Salon, complete with a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room.
Guests can also grab a number of treatments like haircuts, massages and facials.
The ship has a number of pool areas as well – one of which has a retractable roof for all-weather enjoyment.
When it comes to food onboard the ship, travellers will never be short of choice.
At breakfast, The Belvedere offers a casual dining spot with an all-day buffet.
For a lighter lunch or fast food, there is the Neptune Grill which serves hot dogs and classic fish and chips.
Alternatively, you could grab some small plates at the Meridian Restaurant.
Steak lovers should then check out Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill.
One spot even looks like a traditional British pub with cosy interiorsCredit: pocruises.com
For a special treat, once a week on sea days the Arcadia serves typically British afternoon tea with cute sandwiches, sweet treats, warm scones and unlimited tea at the Meridian Restaurant.
The speciality restaurants onboard the ship are Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill, which serves a number of steaks and fresh seafood dishes and Sindhu, which combines Indian and British cuisine.
There are five types of cabins on board including inside, sea view, deluxe balcony, mini suite and suite.
The most basic cabin, which is inside, is simply inside with a comfy bed, tea and coffee making facilities and White Company toiletries.
There of course is also a TV with free movies and TV shows on.
There are five different types of cabin onboard the ship, which will set sail at the beginning of 2028Credit: pocruises.com
Sea view cabins then have the added benefit of a window or port hole.
In the deluxe balcony cabins, guests can enjoy a sea breeze in their own private outdoor space.
Mini suites then have an additional lounging area and at the top end, suites have a dedicated butler service as well as spacious accommodation and a large bathroom.
Guests in suites can also enjoy breakfast each day in an exclusive restaurant.
And at the end of your 124-day cruise, if you want to take home a souvenir to loved ones there are plenty of shops on board including jewellery, cosmetics, perfume, clothes and art and collectibles stores.
The sailing has been announced as part of P&O Cruises’ new winter 2027 and spring 2028 programme, which also includes a 75-night Grand Tour of South America.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Japan continues to work toward enhancing its long-range cruise missile capability, with contracts issued for a new standoff capability for its submarine fleet, as well as improved anti-ship missiles for its destroyers. Contracts have now been issued for the mass production of both those weapons, which come as the country bolsters its abilities to attack both land targets and enemy surface warships, to counter the growing threats from China and North Korea, in particular.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced the new contracts for the upgraded ship-launched Type 12 anti-ship missile and the unnamed torpedo-tube-launched cruise missile for submarines on Tuesday. Both contracts were awarded to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).
Test-firing of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces baseline Type 12 anti-ship missile. JGSDF
In a statement, Japan’s Ministry of Defense said the contracts were part of “strengthening […] standoff defense capabilities in order to intercept and eliminate invading forces against Japan at an early stage and at a long distance.” The ministry said it was “currently working to acquire domestically produced standoff missiles as soon as possible.”
The ministry today published its defense white paper, which further outlined its standoff defense capability, which is one of the core pillars of its modernization program.
According to the white paper, “Japan will acquire capabilities to deal with vessels and landing forces invading Japan, including its remote islands, from locations outside of threat zones.” As part of this, the paper calls for continued development of the upgraded Type 12, aiming to complete development of the ship-launched version of the missile by the end of Japan’s fiscal year 2026. Japanese fiscal years run from April 1 to March 31.
The defense white paper also specifies the “Buildup [of] submarine-type standoff defense capabilities that can be launched from submarines that can operate in a highly covert manner.”
Details about the submarine-launched missile remain strictly limited, but reports that Japan was considering introducing such a capability to its existing submarine fleet, or future submarines, emerged back in 2021, as we discussed at the time.
Back then, it was reported that the missile would have a range of over 620 miles and would be fielded from the latter half of the 2020s.
In terms of its mission, the submarine-launched missile will provide the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) with a new standoff capability to attack both targets on land and as well as enemy surface warships.
While the type of missile and even its name remain unknown, previous reports suggested it would be based on the Type 12. This is a subsonic anti-ship missile, the first version of which entered service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), and which has a range of around 124 miles.
The Type 12 ground-launched anti-ship missile:
The fact that the contract was issued to MHI, at the same time as a contract for an improved ship-launched version of the Type 12, suggests that the sub-launched weapon may be a Type 12 derivative, too.
There had been previous discussions about the JMSDF considering firing the sub-launched missile from either a vertical launch system (VLS) or torpedo tubes. Based on the requirement to get the missile into service as soon as possible, the tube-launched version makes sense, since the JMSDF does not currently have any submarine-based VLS in service.
An earlier report from the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said that the JMSDF would first arm its submarines with an anti-ship version of the missile, before introducing a version with a land-attack capability.
The JMSDF submarine Soryu is pulled away from the submarine tender USS Frank Cable while operating in Guam. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randall W. Ramaswamy/Released Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Ramaswamy
Currently, JMSDF submarines are armed with Harpoon anti-ship missiles that are launched from standard torpedo tubes. However, they have a much shorter range than the new weapon and don’t have a land-attack capability. The latest UGM-84L Harpoon Block II in JMSDF service can hit targets at a distance of around 80 miles.
With that in mind, a long-range cruise missile for its submarine fleet will be a big deal for the JMSDF and one that can rapidly add to the country’s broader strike capabilities.
Currently, the JMSDF operates a frontline fleet of 23 conventionally powered submarines, and with at least four more of the advanced Taigei class boats to be added in the future.
The first of Japan’s most advanced class of submarine, the Taigei is launched in October 2020 in the city of Kobe. Japanese Ministry of Defense
At this point, we don’t know the relationship between the sub-launched missile and the Type 12. However, work on an extended-range version of the Type 12 began back in the 2018 fiscal year. The redesigned missile has enlarged flying surfaces, a more efficient powerplant, and additional fuel.
In this way, the 124-mile range of the baseline Type 12 will be extended to 560 miles, and, later, up to 930 miles. Even the first version of these would roughly correspond to the requirements for the sub-launched missile.
Other changes in the improved Type 12 include a land-attack capability and radar cross-section reduction measures.
Taken together, all these developments also reflect Japan’s concerns about the threat it faces from a rapidly growing fleet of Chinese surface warships. People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) activity in the waters around Japan and in the South China Sea and the East China Sea has steadily increased.
A Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Type 055 destroyer. via Chinese internet Chinese Navy
The East China Sea is also the scene of a long-running dispute over ownership of an uninhabited island chain. Tensions here have also grown in recent years, including patrols by PLAN aircraft carriers. The area is referenced in the latest defense white paper:
“The existing order of world peace is being seriously challenged, and Japan finds itself in the most severe and complex security environment of the postwar era. China has been swiftly increasing its national defense expenditures, thereby extensively and rapidly enhancing its military capability in a qualitative and quantitative manner and intensifying its activities in the East China Sea, including around the Senkaku Islands, and the Pacific.”
When it comes to land-attack capabilities, this is also a very significant development for the JMSDF’s submarine fleet.
The sub-launched land-attack cruise missile would be suitable for striking critical ground targets, including the proliferating ballistic missile and nuclear capabilities in North Korea. Pyongyang has repeatedly launched ballistic missiles capable of reaching Japan into waters off that country. At the same time, a long-range cruise missile of this kind would be able to strike critical military and leadership infrastructure, as well as airbases and air-defense sites, during a conflict.
Compared to other means of delivering strikes on critical land targets at great distances, a sub-launched cruise missile is much more survivable. It would provide Japan with a counterstrike capability, even if many of its aircraft and surface combatants had already been knocked out by an enemy’s first strike.
A diagram entitled Future Operation of Stand-off Defense Capabilities from the 2025 Defense White Paper. Japanese Ministry of Defense
The efficiency of such a weapon would be enhanced by the advanced nature of the JMSDF’s most recent submarines, including a propulsion system based on lithium-ion batteries in the newest examples. This ensures that the submarines are notably quiet and hard for an adversary to track.
Until this new capability is fielded, JMSDF will have an interim long-range missile capability, in the shape of the U.S.-supplied Tomahawk cruise missile. A first purchase of Tomahawk cruise missiles is something we reported on back in 2017.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense has described the Tomahawk plan as a crash program to supplement its efforts to locally develop new standoff missiles. Once fielded, the Tomahawks will enhance “standoff defense capabilities in order to intercept and eliminate invading forces against Japan at a rapid pace and at long range.” A total of 200 Tomahawk Block IV and 200Tomahawk Block V missiles are planned to be delivered between Japan’s fiscal years 2025 and 2027.
A diagram showing the capabilities of JMSDF Aegis destroyers, including future Tomahawk and upgraded Type 12 missiles. Japanese Ministry of Defense
The Block IV Tomahawk can strike targets at a range of almost 1,000 miles, carrying a 1,000-pound unitary warhead. Meanwhile, the Block V Tomahawk is an improved version that can also be used to hit moving targets, including enemy warships.
The first Japanese warship destined to receive a Tomahawk capability recently sailed to the United States for the required modifications, as you read about here.
The JMSDF destroyer Chokai departs Yokosuka Base on September 27, 2025, headed to the United States for Tomahawk modifications. JMSDF
Ultimately, the JMSDF will field the Tomahawk on all eight of its currently fielded Aegis destroyers and its two Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEV), but there are no plans to put it on its submarines as of yet.
Clearly, expanding its standoff missile capabilities, for both land-attack and anti-ship missions, is a priority for Japan right now. The latest contracts ensure that its submarines and surface warships will be very much at the spearhead of this new-look, more offensive posture.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Ukraine has unveiled a new version of its Neptune cruise missile, which appears to have added fuel tank ‘bulges’ for increased range. The missile looks to be distinct from the extended-range Long Neptune derivative, imagery of which first emerged earlier this year. Originally designed as an anti-ship weapon, the Neptune family has now become a key means for Ukraine to launch strikes at targets on land inside Russian territory.
Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s defense minister, shared a picture of the new Neptune variant, seen at the top of this story, on social media today in relation to a recent visit by Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene and other Western dignitaries. Other domestically developed weapon systems that Ukrainian authorities have showcased before, including the Peklo ‘missile drone’ and a Magura-7 uncrewed surface vessel (USV) armed with R-73 anti-air missiles, were also put on display for the delegation.
The R-73-armed Magura-7 USV that was also shown to Prime Minister Ruginiene and the other Western officials during their recent visit to Ukraine. Denys Shmyhal/Ukrainian Ministry of Defense
The baseline Neptune, also designated the R-360, is primarily an anti-ship weapon, but has a basic secondary land attack capability. It is itself derived from the Soviet-era Kh-35, variants of which remain in service in Russia and elsewhere globally. Current production Neptunes can be readily distinguished from Kh-35s by the shape of their main fins, which have a distinctive stepped or ‘cranked’ sweep to them. The missile, which is powered by a small turbofan jet engine, has a stated maximum range of 190 miles (300 kilometers), according to the developer, the Luch Design Bureau.
An R-360 Neptune missile. Office of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr ZelenskyyRussian forces fire a ground-launched version of the Kh-35 during training. Russian Ministry of Defense
Since 2023, Ukraine has also been employing a land-attack optimized version, which reportedly has a guidance package that combines a GPS-assisted inertial navigation system (INS) and an imaging infrared sensor in place of the original active radar seeker. A Ukrainian defense official previously told TWZ that this variant has a range of at least 225 miles (360 kilometers). There is also the Long Neptune, which we will come back to later on.
The new Neptune variant shown to Prime Minister Ruginiene and the other Western officials has two prominent bulges on either side of the forward body immediately in front of the main fins. Though their purpose is currently unknown, additional fuel tanks are the likely explanation. Adding more fuel would be a relatively straightforward way to extend the missile’s reach without dramatically changing its design. It could also help maintain the weapon’s existing range following the addition of a heavier payload, such as a new warhead, although this is less likely based on what we know about the Neptune design. It is possible that fuel was added here to makeup for a larger warhead, but again, this is the less likely of the two options.
A close-up look at the new Neptune variant’s ‘bulges.’ Denys Shmyhal/Ukrainian Ministry of Defense
It’s possible the fairings could contain something else, but nothing logical comes to mind. Based on what is known of the Kh-35’s internal layout, this portion of the Neptune’s body should otherwise house elements of its navigation system and avionics. The missile’s warhead should be directly in front of that section, with the main seeker then in the nose.
As noted, the missile does not appear to be the Long Neptune derivative, also known as the RK-360L, which has a reported maximum range of 621 miles (1,000 kilometers). Ukrainian authorities released an image of that missile in August, which shows that it is externally very distinct from earlier Neptunes, as well as the new variant that has now been revealed. The Long Neptune is longer overall and has a wider main body, with the tail and nose sections having tapered profiles as a result. The main fins are also bigger and have a straight sweep.
The RK-360L Long Neptune. Government of Ukraine
Extending the reach of the baseline Neptune would offer a new tier of capability between the original missile and the RK-360L, allowing for the latter to be reserved for strikes that make use of their full range. An extended-range variant of the R-360 might also be cheaper and/or easier to produce than the Long Neptunes, or even something that could be created by converting existing missiles.
It’s also worth noting here that increasing the reach of the baseline Neptune could be relevant to expanding Ukraine’s ability to target Russian ships at sea, as well as strikes on land targets.
Existing versions of Neptune have also proven to be especially key weapons in Ukraine’s arsenal for conducting strikes on targets inside Russia. Ukraine’s Navy claims to have successfully struck more than 50 Russian targets with Neptune-series cruise missiles in the past year, according to an interview with the service’s spokesperson, Dmytro Pletenchuk, which Ukrainian newspaper Dzerkalo Tyzhnia published just today.
The expanding Neptune family also reflects a broader push by Ukrainian authorities to step up domestic arms production. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the goal is for 50 percent of all munitions being used on the front lines to be manufactured within the country by the end of the year. Foreign partnerships are part of the plan to achieve this, according to Zelenskyy. It is possible that the ongoing development of the Neptune family, as well as the production of those missiles, may already be benefiting from collaboration with allies and partners.
Hide and seek. Last night, dozens of russian missiles and Shaheds searched for Ukrainian planes and Storm Shadow missiles at the airfields. But it wasn’t until today, in Chonhar and near Henichesk, that the russians finally found them. pic.twitter.com/Ei09qyFwR2
In addition, Ukrainian forces have access to an extensive array of domestically-produced long-range kamikaze drones, as well as munitions that blur the line between those weapons and traditional cruise missiles, like the aforementioned Peklo. The country unveiled a new ground-launched cruise missile, called Flamingo, which reportedly has a range of 1,864 miles (3,000 kilometers) and a warhead weighing 2,535 pounds (1,150 kilograms), in August, as well. Ukraine also has an active domestic ballistic missile program, but how close it is to delivering a useful operational capability is unclear.
New footage from the launch of the Ukrainian Flamingo cruise missile.
The flamingo is a migratory bird and migrates depending on its species and habitat to find suitable feeding and breeding grounds.
Earlier this year, the U.S. government also approved the delivery to Ukraine of thousands of new and relatively low-cost standoff missiles developed under the Extended Range Attack Munitions (ERAM) program. There is now talk that Ukraine could receive additional long-range strike munitions from its American partners, possibly including Tomahawk cruise missiles. Tomahawks would give Ukraine a new means to hold any target within roughly 1,000 miles of its borders at risk.
“I’ve sort of made a decision, pretty much,” U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday in response to a direct question about Tomahawks for Ukraine. “I think I want to find out what they’re doing with them. Where are they sending them, I guess. I’d have to ask that question.”
BREAKING: Trump says he has made a decision on sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
In a post on Facebook yesterday, Yegor Chernev, a member of Ukraine’s parliament from Zelenskyy’s Servant of the People party and deputy chairman of the country’s parliamentary committee on national security, raised significant questions about any future Tomahawk deliveries. He specifically called out how long it might take for the missiles to actually be delivered and restrictions American authorities might impose on their employment.
In the meantime, further iterating on the Neptune design continues to offer Ukraine a valuable way to expand its long-range strike capabilities and capacity domestically.
MSC Virtuosa is moving to the Mediterranean in summer 2027, and taking its place is the MSC Meraviglia, which will sail from Southampton from 18 May to 30 October 2027
You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ
from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources,
and more. Learn More
One mistake has been highlighted by many cruise passengers, and it could see you turned away from the restaurant when you attempt to dress for dinner
Brits on cruises have been warned they could be turned away from dinner venues for one item(Image: Getty)
Countless British holidaymakers will be eagerly anticipating embarking on a cruise adventure this winter season.
These floating holidays provide endless opportunities to savour delectable cuisine from around the globe whilst experiencing incredible cultural adventures at destinations worldwide.
Yet P&O Cruises has emphasised a crucial regulation that travellers must heed to avoid the embarrassment of being refused entry at their dining booking. The majority of their voyages maintain a laid-back attire policy, with occasional evenings designated as “Black Tie” affairs.
These special evenings celebrate “glitz and glamour”, as P&O’s website describes: “a chance to dress to impress with your favourite cocktail dress, tuxedo, ball gown, suit or smart jacket and tie.”
There are also “Evening Casual” occasions, where guests are encouraged to don their finest shirts, dark denim and smart separates, “as long as the tracksuits are left on the hanger”.
One particular garment, however, stays strictly forbidden across all dining venues except the buffet during Black Tie evenings – tailored shorts. Even during Evening Casual nights, only a select few restaurants permit guests wearing them to enter, reports the Express.
Reddit users have recounted tales of themselves or their companions being denied access to these more upmarket evenings for sporting shorts – despite pairing them with crisp button-down shirts and pricey footwear. One disgruntled passenger recounted how her husband was turned away from the main dining room on Celebrity Equinox for his attire, stating: “My husband got turned away from the main dining room on Celebrity Equinox (about four years ago) for wearing nice shorts with a collared polo shirt,”.
While you might be tempted to dispute with staff over dress code issues, it’s generally seen as bad form. Dressing inappropriately is a frequent faux pas among cruise passengers.
Grant Harrold, an etiquette expert collaborating with Spincasino.com, highlighted that dressing appropriately is crucial and often overlooked by first-time cruisers. Grant emphasised: “This is really important,” adding, “It’s making sure you’re dressed in the right outfit in the right area.”
He further explained that guests are usually informed about the dress requirements for formal and casual evenings aboard large vessels. “On a lot of the big ships you will be given notice of formal evenings or casual evenings, so casual evenings can be anything from jeans and t-shirts to smart shirts, jackets and chinos to the formal evenings where it’s going to be black tie or national dress and officers wear their uniforms.”
However, holidaymakers need not jettison their smart shorts just yet. Daytime attire on cruises is typically relaxed, with t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses being the norm, although they might not be the best choice for a Northern European trip this winter.
Grant also advised: “Away from the pool, we ask for shoes to be worn and no pool wear in the ship’s lounges, inside bars, restaurants or reception.”
P&O also suggests comfortable flat footwear for wandering the decks and lightweight layers for cool and windy evenings whilst on deck. For passengers venturing ashore, the cruise line also highlights air-conditioned galleries or cooler places of worship.
“Please remember that some cultures may require you to cover up too,” particularly many sacred sites. Smart shorts aren’t the sole garment with restrictions: “Fancy dress, novelty clothing or outfits that feature any inappropriate or offensive language or images are not permitted on board.”
“We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed. The only exception to this is official P&O Cruises theme nights, where guests are invited to dress up in line with the theme.”
“We are adjusting the work of the Russian defense factories,” the Ukrainian Navy stated on Telegram. “At night, our ‘Neptune’ successfully struck the Russian Karachevsky ‘Electrodetal’ plant. Another link in the enemy’s supply chain is down.”
The attack on the Elektrodetal plant in Karachev, Bryansk region, was carried out by four Neptune missiles, according to Ukrainian Navy Commander Neizhpapa. pic.twitter.com/wi5k1yGzKW
The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff offered more details about the strike and the target.
The attack involved four Neptunes fired from a distance of roughly 240 kilometers (about 150 miles). That would put the launch site about 25 miles across the border in Ukraine.
The Karachev Electrodetal Plant “manufactures various electrical connectors for military and general industrial applications, including low-frequency, high-frequency, and combined connectors,” the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff explained. “The products are used in aerospace, electronics, instrument engineering, and other industries. These include connectors for printed circuit boards, military equipment, aircraft, antennas, base stations, and other systems, as well as components for various measuring instruments.”
“Explosions and a fire have been recorded on the premises of the facility,” the general staff added.
Ukraine says it struck the Elektrodetal production facility in the eastern Bryansk region. (Google Earth)
Ukraine’s forces famously used Neptunes to sink the Russian Navy’s Project 1164Slava class cruiser Moskva in 2022 and reportedly began employing a new land-attack version in 2023. The R-360 is derived from the Soviet-era Kh-35 and is very similar externally to that missile, which remains in service in Russia and elsewhere today. You can read more about what is known about this variant of the missile here.
Ukraine modified Neptune anti-ship missiles to strike ground targets. (Ukrainian MoD) Ukraine MOD
Earlier this year, Ukraine showed off another variant, called the Long Neptune. In the past, the maximum stated range of the anti-ship version of Neptune has been said to be around 190 miles (300 kilometers). A Ukrainian defense official told TWZ that the original land-attack version could have a range of up to 225 miles (360 kilometers). With its extended body having capacity for additional fuel, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed Long Neptunes can strike targets at a range of about 620 miles (1,000 kilometers). Zelensky said that the new version has already been tested in combat.
A first official look at Ukraine’s other operational land attack cruise missile; the Long Neptune.
The Neptune LACM reportedly has a range of roughly 1000km, and has already seen combat this year. pic.twitter.com/cPHJ5sjZlu
That the administration is now considering giving TLAMs to Ukraine highlights the ephemeral nature of Trump’s support for Kyiv, which may have to rely on U.S. weapons for years to come. As we recently noted, after saying long-range munitions were off the table and throttling the supply of weapons and intelligence to Ukraine, the American president has reversed course on both, as we noted in our recent story, which you can read here.
Meanwhile, as we have frequently reported, the U.S. wants to restock its own supply of a wide array of long-range missiles.
The brainchild of Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, this new effort is called the Munitions Acceleration Council. It is focusing “on 12 weapons that the Pentagon wants on hand for a potential conflict with China,” the publication reported, citing unnamed sources. “The list includes Patriot interceptors, Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles, the Standard Missile-6, Precision Strike Missiles and Joint Air-Surface Standoff Missiles. Patriot is a particular priority because Lockheed has struggled to keep pace with surging global demand.”
The Pentagon is looking to dramatically boost production of Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) among several other munitions, according to The Wall Street Journal. (USAF) USAF
Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth “are exploring extraordinary avenues to expand our military might and accelerate the production of munitions,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told the Journal, when asked about the plan. “This effort has been a collaboration between defense industry leaders and senior Pentagon officials.”
However, some involved in the effort, both inside and outside of the government, “worry that the government’s targets aren’t realistic,” according to the newspaper. “Individual missiles can take two years to fully assemble. It can take several months and hundreds of millions of dollars to test and qualify weapons from new suppliers as safe and reliable enough for U.S. service members to use.”
Exclusive: The Pentagon, alarmed at the low weapons stockpiles the U.S. would have on hand for a potential future conflict with China, is urging its missile suppliers to double or even quadruple production rates on a breakneck schedule https://t.co/eBIrjE8cOT
The U.S. is already working to expand its ability to make missiles. It is opening up new plants, expanding work at existing ones and increasing the budget for buying new munitions. These existing efforts include jumpstarting production overseas for certain missiles, as well. How much more all this can be accelerated without using other means, like the Defense Production Act, isn’t clear, but what is clear is that the Pentagon knows this isn’t enough.
The war in Ukraine and fighting in the Middle East have shown the extreme importance of deep stockpiles of long-range strike missiles and air defense interceptors. As China shows increasing belligerence in the Pacific, the need to support Ukraine with weapons has no end in sight, and NATO’s relationship with Russia continues to spiral, as well as a massive spike in demand for these weapons around the globe, the race is on in the U.S. to ensure it can meet these challenges.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
The Black Arrow, also known as the Small Cruise Missile (SCM), flew for more than 400 nautical miles in a test earlier this summer. Leidos disclosed the milestone to TWZ and also raised the possibility of eventually integrating the missile with the MQ-9 Reaper drone and the OA-1K Skyraider II light attack aircraft. As we have discussed in the past, the size and weight of Black Arrow render it suitable for carriage by a wide range of platforms, including drones, while its demonstrated range puts it very much in a class of its own.
Discussing the Black Arrow program with TWZ at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, Mark Miller, senior vice president for Missile and Aviation Systems at Leidos, stated that the 400-nautical-mile barrier had been broken in late July, during an envelope-expansion test for the missile carried out from a version of the C-130 transport. Just for context, although wildly different in basic features, that is just under double the range of the original AGM-158 JASSM air-launched cruise missile, and about 70 percent as long as the new extended-range JASSM-ER model. It’s also roughly 10 times the range of an unpowered Small Diameter Bomb.
A pair of Ramp Launch Tubes (RLT) loaded with Black Arrows on the rear ramp of an AC-130J. Leidos screencap
Back in 2021, when U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) issued a contracting notice regarding a Stand-Off Precision Guided Weapon Program Cruise Missile, outlining interest in a weapon of this type, the specifications included a range of between 200 and 400 nautical miles (around 230 and 460 miles).
As well as demonstrating its range performance, the July Black Arrow test saw the missile “navigate several thousands of feet of altitude change,” expanding the envelope compared to prior testing.
Prior testing includes launch from an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship in November of last year, something you can read more about here.
“Key performance metrics included maneuverability, climbing and descent performance, waypoint guidance, navigation accuracy, and — very important —integration with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Battle Management System,” Miller added.
The roughly 200-pound munition has, so far, been tested from C-130 variants but offers the kinds of capabilities that SOCOM is increasingly looking at harnessing. Miller confirmed that the company was now looking at integrating it on different special operations aircraft, including the MQ-9 and OA-1K. Adding standoff strike capabilities to aircraft like these is seen as a critical way to ensure their relevance, especially in more contested airspace.
An MQ-9 Reaper lands on a highway during Exercise Agile Chariot, April 30, 2023, honing capabilities linked to Agile Combat Employment. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carly Kavish
Notably, adding the Black Arrow to the MQ-9 or OA-1K would create a true standoff weapons delivery platform, meaning that strikes could be launched outside the range of even long-range enemy air defenses.
The first OA-1K light attack aircraft was delivered to the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) earlier this year. U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force
“Between the modularity, between the relevant testing we’ve done to date, to include integration with a battle management system, we think there’s a pathway to [integrating Black Arrow on] multiple platforms, and we look forward to proliferating it,” Miller said.
Miller said that the fact that the Black Arrow is already being tested “on a government range, on a government aircraft, integrated into a government battle management system” should provide an advantage over other affordable cruise missile designs that are currently proliferating.
So far, the Black Arrow tests have involved “various iterations” of launch tubes on the C-130’s ramp, but future integration on the MQ-9 and OA-1K would require a different launch method. Miller said there is a “clear pathway to multiple different kinds of [launch] configurations, whether it’s pallets, bomb rack units, etc., those are all part of the future discussions for this capability.”
As for pallets, Miller confirmed that the company is working on several concepts, including a modularized container, as well as “other kinds of palletized options … that will obviously vary across platforms as well.”
Miller was not willing to provide a specific timeline update on the program but told TWZ that the Black Arrow is “moving along according to an aggressive schedule.”
Cruciform tailfins deploy as a Black Arrow is ejected from the RLT. Leidos screencap
Meanwhile, Col. T. Justin Bronder, program executive officer-fixed wing at SOCOM, told TWZ that “There’s certainly a need for sort of this type of long-range capability across the spectrum of both SOF and service platforms.” He added: “We’re certainly looking at all options.”
Bronder also reflected upon the specific need to modernize the air-launched weapons available to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) platforms:
“If you look at the suite of munitions in my fixed-wing portfolio, battle-proven munitions in service with the Special Operations community, they’re largely optimized around the type of fight Special Operations have been in for the past 20 years. Fairly benign environments, uncontested, closer ranges. As we look at how to maintain and adapt to keep the Special Operations Forces relevant in these future, contested, and denied environments, something like greater standoff is obviously a key attribute to consider. There’s obviously a number of programs across the department looking at longer-range affordable munitions just for that purpose.”
This briefing slide, shown at the SOF Week conference in May 2024, provided a first image of the Small Cruise Missile/Black Arrow under test. Jamie Hunter
At the Air, Space & Cyber Conference today, TWZ also spoke to Lt. Gen. Michael E. Conley, the AFSOC commander, for his thoughts on arming the OA-1K with the Black Arrow specifically:
“The beauty of the OA-1K is that it’s modular, it’s adaptable, and for a relatively small aircraft can carry a lot of payload. And so in a perfect world, in a resource-unconstrained world, I want to be able to have as big a menu as possible of things that I could hang from a hardpoint on there, or attach as a sensor. So I absolutely see a desire to have [Black Arrow], but not just with OA-1Ks. I’d love to be able to use long-range standoff mission munitions on multiple airframes.”
Conley added that the Black Arrow is, at this point, “the biggest effort we have going right now.”
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, AFSOC commander, steps from an OA-1K as part of a delivery ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, on April 3, 2025. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli
The Collaborative Research and Development (CRADA) program for the Black Arrow, then known as the Small Cruise Missile, began in 2022 under an agreement between Leidos, SOCOM, and AFSOC.
Two years later, SOCOM was publicly stating that the Black Arrow was one of its top priorities and could be launched from the MC-130J Commando II special operations tanker/transport aircraft, as well as the AC-130J, and potentially other platforms.
Now, it seems, we might well be seeing the Black Arrow in the future on the MQ-9 and OA-1K. At the same time, should it prove successful, it’s hard to imagine it won’t migrate to other, more traditional platforms, such as bombers and even fighters.
Cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises all offer up some very cool activities and attractions onboard their cruise ships
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Crown’s Edge is available on Royal Caribbean ships(Image: @PhillyPolice/X)
Long gone are the days when entertainment on cruise ships consisted of lounging around by the pool all day before heading over to the buffet.
Yes, those experiences are still absolutely available for those who want them, but nowadays cruises have seriously upped the ante when it comes to their onboard entertainment. Cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises have pulled out all of the stops with onboard rollercoasters, go-kart tracks and thrill attractions for guests who are after an adrenaline rush during their holidays.
That’s not even including the epic water parks that often boast high speed slides and fun for the whole family (although make sure you’re aware of a little-known pool rule before getting in, or you could face having to leave the pool area!).
We take a look at some of the ridiculously cool attractions you can find on cruises – check out our top picks below!
1. Crown’s Edge, Royal Caribbean
Usually a stroll around a cruise ship involves a dedicated track, or just wandering through the decks; but Royal Caribbean has added a major thrill factor for those who dare to brave Crown’s Edge. Described as a “part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride”, it’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted as you step onto the walkway that takes you right above the water below! The attraction is available on the cruise line’s newest ships, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, which also happen to be sharing the title of world’s biggest cruise ship!
If you love a fairground ride, then you’re going to want to check out Robotron onboard MSC Seascape. This terrifying ride involves a giant robotic arm that’s attached with a gondola to seat three guests, and sends them soaring 53 metres above the sea, with 360 degree views of the horizon (just be prepared to be flipped upside down and in all sorts of directions!).
Get ready to show off your competitive side on board Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss, where you can find some of the world’s longest race tracks at sea. Passengers can race their electric karts at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, with highlights including a pit lane, viewing spaces for spectators, and engine sounds through the headrest so you feel like you could be joining the F1 line-up.
Riders who brave the world’s first rollercoaster at sea will not only be treated to epic sea views, but they’ll get to control the speed at which they ride on the motorcycle-style car, with the ability to reach up to 40 miles per hour. The ride is available on ships including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.
Thrill attractions don’t always have to be for adults and big kids; on Disney’s Cruise Line, the Aquaduck water ride can be ideal for smaller adrenaline-seekers. Families can get propelled along the water tunnels in a dinghy around the ship, across a four-deck drop.
The cruise line’s newest ships including the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny will feature a similar water ride, although this one is the AquaMouse and features cool features including screens as you join Mickey and Minnie Mouse on their adventures.
Before you get visions of joining Aladdin for a quick-stop flight around the world, this one’s actually a bar! Celebrity’s cantilevered platform is a firm favourite with holidaymakers as you can enjoy a tipple or two while moving up and down the ship. Plus, as it’s on the edge of the ship, you can get unrivalled views of the ocean! You’ll find this very cool feature on Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent.
If you’re not afraid of heights, then this suspended zip line that zooms over the Boardwalk, offering you brilliant views of the ship (if you dare keep your eyes open that is). You’ll typically find this attraction on the cruise line’s Oasis Class ships, including Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas.
Want to join our cruise community? Sign up to Anchors Away for a weekly dose of cruise news, sneak peeks inside ships and travel tips we think you’ll love.
A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We are appealing for witnesses following the theft of 17 vehicles from a cruise parking facility in Southampton.
“The incident occurred between the evening of September 9 and the early hours of September 10.
“Officers were called at approximately 7:40am on Wednesday September 10 to reports of a suspected break-in at Southampton Cruise Parking Services on First Avenue.
“Upon arrival, it was discovered that 17 cars had been stolen.
Chilling moment thieves steal car with wireless device in seconds as new doc reveals how Brit motors end up in Lithuania
“The investigation team is working closely with the company operating the site, as well as local partners, to secure all available evidence.”
Detective Constable Edward Smith, the officer leading the investigation, said: “We don’t underestimate the significant impact this incident has had on the victims, who have returned from their holidays to discover their car stolen.
“We continue to keep those victims updated with the progress with our investigation, which our team is working incredibly hard on to ensure those responsible are arrested.
“We continue to progress several lines of inquiry including a full review of CCTV from the scene and surrounding areas.
“I am pleased to say that this work has already led to the recovery of six of the vehicles and those owners have been updated with the good news.”
Anyone with information, or who may have CCTV footage from the area, is urged to contact police quoting reference number 44250409694.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website.
The Sun has contacted Southampton Cruise Parking Services for comment.
3
A total of 17 motors were swiped from the facilityCredit: PA
Mamma Mia’s scene-stealer island is a top stop on a tall ship trip for Dave Monk, who visited the spot where Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan captured Abba movie magic in 2008
Dave hopped onboard the Star Clipper(Image: PR HANDOUT)
My singing abilities certainly aren’t up to Meryl Streep’s – or even Pierce Brosnan’s. But when I stood at the spot where the pair performed The Winner Takes It All in the 2008 Abba movie Mamma Mia!, I couldn’t help but hum the tune under my breath.
The chapel of St John, on the Greek island of Skopelos, perched 200 steps up on top of an outcrop, made the stunning backdrop when Streep, as Donna, sang the emotive melody to Brosnan – the Sam she thought had abandoned her 20 years earlier.
While the scenery is just as impressive, filmmakers created a new exterior for the church and filmed the interior shots elsewhere. Handrails have been put on the steepest half of the ascent to help the thousands of fans who visit every week.
The beach elsewhere on the island that was also used in the box office hit is a lot more crowded now – and missing the jetty that was built just for the set.
The island is visited by a lot of Mamma Mia fans(Image: Getty Images)
Even so, the visit was a highlight of a week’s voyage on the tall ship Star Clipper that combined ancient with modern. It began in Athens where, under a full moon, the sails on the four towering masts started to unfurl to the stirring music of Vangelis.
This was no ordinary cruise. As we ventured out on to the silvery sea in search of small islands, it was also a sail of the centuries back to the time when square riggers, barques and schooners ruled the seas.
There are no water slides or dodgem cars on these ships, only two small pools, a library, a couple of bars and a restaurant. The 126 passengers on our cruise – the ship can take 166 – spent their days learning how to read charts, tie knots or follow the stars. Or simply relaxing.
There’s a chance to climb the rigging, clamber out on to the bowsprit at the front of the ship, or even take a turn at the helm under the watchful eye of the captain. Even the 20 children on board – part of a large Belgian group – had fun swimming, playing board games andexploring.
On a choppy first night, with 10ft swells and 57mph winds, my wife Mandy and I rolled around on the cosy beds in our compact cabin. Getting to the en-suite bathroom felt like climbing a hill. The timbers were certainly shivering.
But with the throbbing heartbeat of the engine and the splashing of the waves, we were soon rocked back to sleep. By the time we had crossed the Aegean to reach Dikili in Turkey after a day at sea, the ocean had calmed.
Docked near the town centre, I took a coach to the ancient town of Pergamon, first its ruined hospital then the acropolis towering over the landscape.
Dave found out why so many passengers come back to the cruise(Image: DAILY MIRROR)
If you think psychotherapy is new, think again. The second-century doctors used to whisper at patients as they walked along a tunnel to encourage them to get better. The nearby Acropolis, which has an impressive amphitheatre, invented a new way of making paper, so Pergamon gave the world the word “parchment”.
The following morning we headed back to Greek waters but were unable to land at Lemnos as the waves were too high for our tender boats.
After another relaxing sea day we arrived at Skiathos, where I swam on a nearby islet that The Beatles once tried to buy. At night, back on the ship, I joined passengers to watch the Mamma Mia! movie on deck ahead of our visit to Skopelos the next day.
Our final stop was in Poros – and a trip to a nearby beach for watersports – before heading back to Athens. Of course, food is an important factor on any cruise and you don’t go short on Star Clipper, from buffet breakfasts and lunches to afternoon treats, ala carte dinner and even a midnightsnack.
One afternoon I had a massage – not in a swanky ship spa but in a metal cabin on the top deck. It was every bit as good. For the more active, the ship carried kayaks, paddleboards and snorkels– as well as Zodiac boats to make beach landings.
But even the main pool on board offered underwater views – windows in the sides and bottom looked into the Piano Bar above the dining room. The main meeting point was the al fresco Tropical Bar on the main deck opposite the library – the shaded deck space in between was used for meetings andyoga.
Much of the time we were able to sail totally under wind, giving a sense of how the ancient Greeks felt as they ventured out on odysseys.
While many cruise ships have lots of distractions, noise and lights, Star Clippers – which also owns a twin ship, Star Flyer, and a bigger sister, Royal Clipper – brings you back to the sea, sunsets and the stars. And each other.
The fact that our cruise was nearly 90% repeat guests shows they must be doing something right. When it comes to bragging rights to the most authentic holiday at sea– to paraphrase Abba – the clipper takes it all…
Book the holiday
Star Clippers offers a seven-night 2026 Sporades Highlights round trip cruise on Star Flyer from £1,893pp, departing from Piraeus (Athens) and calling at Dikili, Lemnos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Poros. Available on July 25, August 15, September 5 or 26. Flights extra. starclippers.co.uk
Cruise passengers have been warned to check certain items in their cabins before they start settling into their holiday – and it will only take a few minutes
(Image: Getty Images)
When you board a cruise, it’s natural to want to ditch your bags and head straight to the pool or buffet, and get the holiday started as soon as possible.
However, insiders have suggested that before you head out, you should get settled in your cabin properly. That includes doing a quick sweep of the “high traffic areas” which previous passengers may have been touching, which may not fall into the crew’s list of deep cleaning priorities.
Unpacking your bags, getting your bearings and joining the safety drills before the ship sails are all on most people’s radars already, but according to industry experts, there are approximately seven items that you may want to sanitise before you can truly settle in.
When sharing their advice on the first things to do when you board a cruise, the team at Cruise Critic explained: “We’re not suggesting that your cabin steward isn’t doing a proper job at cleaning your room. But a little extra precaution never hurt anyone, and it will just take a few minutes to sanitise (or re-sanitise) certain areas of your cabin.”
There are a few checks to make before you can settle into your cabin (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The seven “high-traffic areas” in your cabin which you may want to check are the “doorknob, deadbolt, TV remote, light switches, bathroom faucets, thermostat, safe keypad”, as well as other items you think might have been picked up a lot by previous passengers. (We know, it’s not nice to think someone else has been in the room before you but of course that’s the reality!). The experts added: “If you want to go the extra mile, rewash the bar glasses if your cabin has them.”
Before the ship sails off, you may also want to check your phone, or you may end up facing some hefty bills when you get home. In fact, there’s a costly mistake which quite a lot of passengers make with their phones onboard the ship.
You may not be getting any signal at sea, but that doesn’t mean that data roaming charges won’t apply. Most people assume that because they are unable to connect to the internet unless they opt for a cruise line’s Wi-Fi package, then their phone won’t be incurring data charges. However, even at sea your phone may intermittently connect to maritime networks and satellites – and you’ll be hit with the fees that come alongside this.
Opting for a Wi-Fi package can be an easy way to avoid these types of costs, but of course these can be quite expensive. If you’re sticking to a budget or you’re quite happy to ditch your social media feeds and emails for a few days, then one of the easiest ways to avoid the potentially high costs is to switch off data roaming, or at least put your phone on airplane mode.
Want to join our cruise community?Sign up to Anchors Awayfor a weekly dose of cruise news, sneak peeks inside ships and travel tips we think you’ll love.
