Casting off: what’s making waves in the world of cruising

The Beagle has evolved
HMS Beagle, a former Royal Navy survey ship, has emerged from a dramatic makeover as the superyacht Aqua Blu — the first oceangoing ship for its new owner, the upmarket river cruise line Aqua Expeditions. From November 16, the ship will sail three Indonesian routes, visiting Bali, the Raja Ampat archipelago, the Komodo National Park and the Spice Islands. Attractions include 15 swish contemporary suites, diving with certified guides, watersports equipment and two launches for shore excursions. A week’s cruise round the islands of Raja Ampat starts at £5,925pp, departing on January 4; flights extra (aquaexpeditions.com).

Cuban lament
Cruises to Cuba have almost entirely ground to a halt since the Trump administration’s decision to place stringent new restrictions on Americans visiting the…