Cruise News – Summer 2023
Holland America Line Set To Sail Most Diverse Asia Cruise Season With 49 Ports Across 10 Countries In 2024-2025
Nine unique 14-day itineraries offer exciting combinations of different countries; two longer 28- and 53-day Legendary Voyages showcase deep culture and history of Asia
For Holland America Line’s 2024-2025 Asia season, the cruise line is set to explore the Far East with departures from Hong Kong, China; Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan; and Singapore to some of the most exciting cities across 10 countries, with a strong focus on Japan. Noordam will sail a series of nine different 14-day itineraries that travel around Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The cruises showcase the diversity of the countries while celebrating their unique histories. Late departures and overnight ports allow extra time for sampling the nightlife, cuisine and culture of the region.
www.hollandamerica.com
CroisiEurope Cruises Announces New Cruise Itineraries for 2024
CroisiEurope Cruises, Europe’s largest cruise line, has announced the launch of its 2024 cruise schedule. The list of new river, barge, and coastal cruises includes destinations in Spain, Holland, France, and Africa, among others.
Highlights of the 2024 river, barge, and coastal cruises include:
La Dolce Vita along the Italian Coastline: Journey through the unworldly paradise of Maddalena Archipelago on this exclusive itinerary. The Oise Valley: Vacation through an undeniably captivating region of France, the Oise Valley. The Mysterious Cyclades and Dodecanese Islands in the Aegean Sea: Discover ancient Greece on an exciting
8-day itinerary through the cradle of Greek civilization to Athens and its Acropolis.
MSC Cruises Opens Sales for Stunning Itineraries in Japan for Winter 23/24
The new winter program on MSC Bellissima will commence from November 2023 with an 11-night, nine-night and six-night cruise from Yokohama. From January to March 2024, MSC Bellissima will homeport in Naha/Okinawa offering guests from around the world the opportunity to experience Japan’s stunning landscapes and beaches, rich cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and modern attractions with multiple destinations – all without having to repack a suitcase.
The Winter 23/24 season will see MSC Bellissima sailing within Japan and to Keelung, Taiwan (China), offering cruises of four to five nights in length, with varying itineraries visiting destinations such as: Okinawa, Japan, Ishigaki, Japan, Keelung, Taiwan (China) and Miyako Island, Japan.
www.msccruises.com
Viking Announces New Expedition Voyages in the Arctic
Three New Itineraries Exploring Canada and Greenland Launching in 2025
Viking has recently announced three new summer season expedition voyages in the Arctic. Debuting in July 2025, the new itineraries, which range from 13 to 27 days, explore the polar north in Canada and Greenland, with two of the three voyages visiting the Canadian High Arctic.
The 13-day Into the Northwest Passage itinerary sails roundtrip from Nuuk, Greenland and features destinations including the pristine waters of the Ilulissat Icefjord and the eastern entrance of the famed Northwest Passage in Pond Inlet, Canada. Guests can also discover stunning natural beauty and dramatic landscapes during the 15-day Canada & Greenland Explorer itinerary, which sails between Toronto and Nuuk. Those interested in more in-depth exploration can choose a combination of the two itineraries, the new 27-day Canada & the Northwest Passage voyage.
Viking is also offering world cruises between the Great Lakes and “the end of the world.” The Viking Octantis® will begin her epic journey from Milwaukee to Ushuaia on the 70-day Longitudinal World Cruise III in September 2023 – offering guests a variety of impressive travel milestones in a single journey from the heart of North America through engineering wonders like the Welland and Panama Canals, into the Chilean fjords and finally to Antarctica. Similarly, the Viking Polaris® will embark on the 71-day Longitudinal World Cruise II from Duluth to Ushuaia in September 2023; she will also sail the 62-day Longitudinal World Cruise IV from Milwaukee to Ushuaia in October 2024. Viking also offers a similar voyage in reverse, from Buenos Aires to Milwaukee, with the 65-day Longitudinal World Cruise I, which embarks in February 2024.
Celebrity Cruises adds two Exclusive Preview Sailings of Brand-New Celebrity Ascent
Offering two exclusive preview sailings prior to her official maiden voyage, Celebrity Cruises, is giving travelers the chance to sample a taste of relaxed luxury at sea on board the brand-new Celebrity Ascent, the fourth ship in the industry-transforming Edge Series.
The two new sailings include:
• A four-night Western Caribbean itinerary departing Port Everglades on November 22, 2023, and taking guests to Cozumel, Mexico over the American Thanksgiving holiday.
• And a three-night Bahamas cruise departing Port Everglades on November 26, 2023 and visiting the lively street markets of Nassau, Bahamas.
Guests aboard Celebrity Ascent will enjoy signature experiences found exclusively onboard a Celebrity Cruises Edge Series ship, including:
• Transformational accommodations including legendary two-story Edge Villa staterooms with direct access to the exclusive suite-only The Retreat Sun Deck.
• Awe-inspiring views from the iconic Magic Carpet – the world’s first cantilevered cruise ship experience, and from bow to stern as a result of the unique outward-facing ship design.
• The pinnacle of relaxation, design and luxury starting with a sprawling Nate Berkus-designed Sunset Bar; a world-class Resort Deck with exclusive cabanas, infinity-edge plunge pools and two-story Martini-shaped hot tubs.
• Culinary offerings for everyone with more than 30 distinct food and drink venues.
Europe Cruises & Cruisetours Season as Princess Cruises Celebrates 40th Anniversary Sailing in the Mediterranean
From the cruise line that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year, Princess Cruises is celebrating its 40th anniversary sailing the Mediterranean by featuring two of its newest and largest ships there in 2025 – Star Princess and Sun Princess.
The 2025 cruises and cruisetours season offers travelers looking for the ultimate European adventure abundant natural beauty, history and traditions, combined with diverse cultures, all while enjoying a relaxed, stress-free travel experience on six beautiful Princess cruise ships: NEW! Star Princess and NEW! Sun Princess, plus Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Regal Princess and Emerald Princess.
Sun Princess will sail a series of seven-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona, Rome or Athens, that will visit coveted destinations including Istanbul, Naples and Santorini.
Both of the cruise line’s newest ships offer next-generation features, host 4,300 guests, offer more than 1,500 balconies and 29 restaurants and bars throughout 21 decks. Their groundbreaking design centers on a glass sphere that infuses the Piazza with light and connects guests with dynamic views of the world. Another standout venue is The Dome, a cutting-edge top-deck entertainment space inspired by the tiered cliffs of Santorini.
Cruisetours: Combine the cruise with multiple days on land to experience more of the region. Guests can choose to sightsee in the cosmopolitan city of Madrid on the Highlights of Spain cruisetour, visit Florence and Rome on the Classic Italy cruisetour, explore Mediterranean treasures on the Best of Greece cruisetour or take in the spectacular landscapes of Ireland on the Ring of Kerry cruisetour.
Seabourn Debuts First-Ever “Grand Africa Voyage”, Circumnavigating the Continent in 90 Days
Seabourn, a leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, is inviting travelers to explore the exotic and dynamic lands of Africa with its first-ever “Grand Africa Voyage.” Departing November 30, 2024, Seabourn Sojourn will circumnavigate the continent and sail more than 17,000 miles during a 90-day roundtrip adventure from Barcelona, Spain. The journey will offer a world of experiences for guests, visiting 44 marquee and off-the-beaten path ports and cities throughout 26 countries, with six overnight stays on the itinerary.
The only ultra-luxury ship to sail around the entire continent, Seabourn Sojourn will visit a blend of historically profound destinations on its Grand Africa Voyage. Highlights include Alexandria, Cairo, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem; luscious, tropical paradises such as the Seychelles and Bom Bom Island; lands with breathtaking, diverse landscapes and wildlife such as Kenya, Madagascar and Zanzibar; and culturally rich destinations such as Cape Town, Morocco and Mozambique. In addition to renowned destinations, guests can discover Africa’s lesser-known gems such as Luanda, the “Paris” of Africa, and Cape Verde, the “Gateway to the West.”
Featured destinations on the Grand Africa Voyage include: Alexandria, Egypt. Safaga, Egypt. Mombasa, Kenya. Cape Town, South Africa. Bom Bom Island, Sao Tome & Principe. Casablanca, Morocco.