Cruise News – Winter 2021-22

 

Aqua Expeditions Enters the Galapagos Islands with the Archipelago’s First Superyacht

Aqua Expeditions, has announced the expansion of its fleet of luxury boutique vessels with the introduction of Aqua Mare, the first true superyacht to sail the Galapagos Islands. Launching its inaugural expedition on May 6, 2022, the seven-suite Aqua Mare will offer a choice of two highly personalized seven-night itineraries exploring the Archipelago’s eastern and western regions, as well as two 14-night voyages for the Galapagos Islands’ ultimate bucket-list adventure.

www.aquaexpeditions.com

 

Seabourn Names Second New Ultra-Luxury Expedition Ship “Seabourn Pursuit”; Announces Inaugural Voyage Date

Seabourn, the ultra-luxury ocean and expedition cruise line, has recently announced that it will name its second new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship Seabourn Pursuit, which is reflective of the passion exhibited by expedition travelers to seek out and explore natural wonders and destinations through immersive recreational activities around the world.

Construction for Seabourn Pursuit began in fall 2020 during a ceremony in San Giorgo di Nogare, Italy, and the build process is well underway. The ship is scheduled for delivery in February 2023, with its sister ship, Seabourn Venture, slated for delivery in March 2022.

www.seabourn.com

 

AmaWaterways Celebrates Inaugural Nile River Voyage of AmaDahlia

Award-winning luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways celebrated the launch of its newest ship – AmaDahlia – on the Nile River on September 6, sailing the Secrets of Egypt & The Nile itinerary.

Featuring 36 staterooms including 16 magnificent suites between 370 and 430 sq. ft., the luxurious 72-passenger AmaDahlia offers an intimate atmosphere with an abundance of space for guests to relax and unwind after a day of awe-inspiring discovery. Designed to reflect the culture of the region, AmaDahlia welcomes guests aboard with vibrant colors and patterns, along with inviting public spaces to take in the stunning views of the Nile River.

www.amawaterways.com

 

Holland America Line Celebrates Naming Of Rotterdam With Ceremony In Namesake City And Special Seven-Day Voyage

Holland America Line’s newest ship Rotterdam is set to get the royal treatment at a naming ceremony in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, May 30, 2022. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship’s godmother, carrying on a Dutch royal tradition that began in the 1920s.

Rotterdam’s special seven-day “Rotterdam Naming Celebration” cruise sails roundtrip from Amsterdam, Netherlands, departing May 29 and also visits Kristiansand, Stavanger and Flåm, Norway, with scenic cruising in Sognefjord.

When the ship arrives at Rotterdam May 30, a private ceremony will be held for invited guests that will be broadcast throughout the ship. During the voyage, guests will enjoy special events exclusive to the naming sailing, including a celebratory Gala Dinner and an opportunity to participate in the blessing of the ship’s bell, along with surprises and commemorative gifts.

Once the ship departs Rotterdam, guests will spend the remainder of the voyage exploring the ports of Kristiansand, Stavanger and the stunning fjords and charming villages of Norway. A highlight of the itinerary is a day of scenic cruising in Sognefjord. The largest and deepest fjord in Norway, the “King of the Fjords” is one of the world’s most beautiful destinations lined with majestic mountains and lush landscapes. In Flåm, the famous railway offers an unforgettable experience, climbing from sea level to 2,800 feet, crossing back and forth over rivers and passing through 20 tunnels.

www.hollandamerica.com

 

New from CroisiEurope for 2022 Prague, Dresden & the Castles of Bohemia along the Elbe & Vltava

CroisiEurope, has introduced a brand new ‘Prague, Dresden & the Castles of Bohemia’ cruise along the Elbe and Vltava rivers which will operate from March to November 2022. This seven-day cruise, which takes place onboard a unique paddlewheel ship, is round trip from Prague and features calls in Stechovice, Slapy and Melnik.

Highlights of the cruise include the Golden City of Prague; the castles of Bohemia – Konopiste Castle, a former hunting lodge of the Habsburgs, and the Renaissance-style Nelahozeves Castle with its private artwork collection; a visit to the birthplace of the famous Czech composer Antonin Dvorak to learn more about his life and works including the New World Symphony; and a full day in Dresden – also known as the Florence of the Elbe.

The cruise takes place onboard the 77-guest MS Elbe Princesse II, which uses modern paddlewheel technology and features a sleek and contemporary design with open spaces, large picture windows and a modern palette with fabrics by MissoniHome to create a warm and inviting atmosphere onboard.

www.croisieurope.travel

 

Viking Marks Float out of Newest Egypt Ship

Arrival of Viking Osiris in Summer 2022 Builds on Viking’s Commitment to Egypt

Viking® has recently announced its newest ship for the Nile River—the 82-guest Viking Osiris—was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Set to debut in August 2022, Viking Osiris will sail Viking’s bestselling 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary. The arrival of Viking’s new ship later this year coincides with several key events in Egypt in 2022, including the highly anticipated opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum outside Cairo on the Giza Plateau—as well as the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb by Howard Carter and his benefactor, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. Building on Viking’s longstanding relationship with the Carnarvon family, guests who sail on board Viking Osiris will experience Privileged Access® to memories from 1922 and the events surrounding the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb.

Viking Osiris

Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new, state-of-the-art Viking Osiris is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships with the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. The vessel features several aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Viking Osiris will join the company’s other ship on the Nile, Viking Ra, which launched in 2018. Additionally, in response to strong demand, Viking Aton, an identical sister ship to Viking Osiris, will join the fleet in 2023.

www.viking.com

 

Reservations are now Available for Silver Nova℠, the First Luxury Cruise Ship with Zero Local Emissions at Port

Ultra-luxury travel brand Silversea Cruises® has announced reservations are open for Silver Nova℠, the first vessel in the cruise line’s revolutionary Nova class of ships.

Silver Nova, with a planned summer 2023 launch, will be the first low-emissions luxury cruise ship with advanced hybrid technology featuring fuel cells, paving the way for the future of luxurious, sustainable cruising.

The inaugural season for Silver Nova will commence on July 15, 2023, and include highly curated and immersive sailings ranging from seven to 23 days. The ship’s 10-day maiden voyage from Southampton to Lisbon will include calls in Saint Malo, three days in Bordeaux to explore the region’s historical sights, 18th-century cultural heritage, castles, vineyards, and French-style gardens, followed by Bilbao, before ending in Lisbon.

During her inaugural season, Silver Nova is scheduled to offer a total of 20 journeys in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and South America, as well as a transoceanic crossing to unlock over 100 destinations and 50 countries.

www.silversea.com