Travellers around the world just can’t get enough of cruising. As more and more discover the joy of cruise holidays, fleets are expanding and the lines offer longer seasons in both hemispheres. Here we highlight some of the latest offerings from ultra-luxury, expedition premium and cruise lines offering something a little different.
Viking
Viking Cruises have made it to Australia. As part of her 141-day world voyage, Viking Sun recently travelled to a number of Aussie ports including Darwin. In December, Viking Orion will homeport in Sydney for three months of cross-Tasman cruising. Turning luxury sailing on its head with no children and no casinos, Viking offers more dining options and one free excursion per port as well as free Wi-Fi. Discerning Australian cruisers will be lining up to experience Viking closer to home.
Viking Jupiter, the latest to join the Viking’s ocean-going fleet will be christened on June 6, 2019, in Oslo. The addition of the 930-guest Viking Jupiter will make Viking the world’s largest, small ship line.
To celebrate the launch two itineraries have been designed including a 15-day Rhine + Viking Shores & Fjords unique-to-Viking ocean and river cruise. The 8-day Viking Shores & Fjords from Basel to Bergen cruise will also depart June 2.
Scenic
After Scenic shook up the cruise industry and travellers alike with the advent of the 6-star Scenic Eclipse, the company has announced Scenic Eclipse II will join her ground-breaking sibling in 2020.
Scenic Eclipse – the world’s first ‘Discovery Yacht’ will debut in Athens on August 31. Both ships are currently under construction in Uljanik Shipyard JSC in Pula, Croatia. Billed as ‘6-star’, both ultra-luxury cruisers will offer an unprecedented level of sophistication and innovation.
Passengers onboard Scenic Eclipse will expedition to the Arctic Circle and Antarctica as well as cruise the Mediterranean and South America. Before Scenic Eclipse II’s debut European and Russian Arctic season in 2020, she will sail from Athens to Lisbon on her maiden voyage.
Holland America Line
December 2018 sees the debut of MS Nieuw Statendam – the second Pinnacle-Class ship for Holland America Line. After her inaugural season in the Caribbean, Nieuw Statendam will sail in northern Europe and the Meditteranean in 2019.
Interiors are created by hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany and acclaimed ship architect Bjørn Storbraaten. The designs will blend comfort with contemporary sleek finishes of marble and blond timbers.
2018’s Holland America Line Australian itineraries include Tasman crossings, South Australia and Melanesia Discovery voyages. There’s also a number of South Pacific crossings – Vancouver to Sydney as well as Indian Ocean Explorer cruising.
Ponant
Each itinerary will chart a different course – taking in the gems of Asia – from Osaka to Haiphong, Bali to Hong Kong, Australia to Indonesia and a cruise to discover the cultural wonders of Japan.
Le Lapérouse, like the other three Ponant Explorer ships, is fitted with a world first: an underwater, multi-sensorial salon, known as Blue Eye. Built within the hull under the water line, it allows passengers to see and hear the underwater world. With only 92 staterooms or 184 guests, the revolutionary ship combines magnificent style with a range of eco-friendly cruising innovations. (Note the featured image is the La Lapérouse infinity pool).