6 ways to soak up the newest ships at sea
Discover six new ships that deserve a spot on your clients’ wish lists, and the itineraries to tempt them with.
Sweeping scenes
What: Cunard’s Queen Anne (pictured above) sets sail in May 2024, and the 12-night Norway and the Northern Lights itinerary departs Southampton on 15 October 2024.
Where: Combining the Norwegian big hitters of the majestic fjords and magical northern lights, guests visit Stavanger, Alesund, Tromso and Narvik.
Why: This leisurely sailing includes two days in Tromso, where highlights include the Arctic Cathedral and the pretty old city, alongside two days in Narvik to enjoy mountain-top activities and the soaring Narvikfjellet cable car. Spend the five sea days enjoying the onboard facilities, with the Mareel Wellness & Beauty wellness space, the new Bright Lights Society show bar and the Panorama Pool Club among the highlights.
How: Prices start at 4,149pp, cunard.com
Natural wonders
What: Seabourn’s 20-Day Easter and Pitcairn Islands: Marooned, Moai and Mutineers itinerary departs on 25 March 2024, sailing from San Antonio to Papeete on Seabourn Pursuit, which enters service this August.
Where: Tracing their way along a string of island gems, customers make calls in Chile, the Pitcairn Islands and French Polynesia.
Why: Seabourn Pursuit has been designed for adventure seekers, with two custom-built submarines, and 24 Zodiacs and kayaks. A 26-person expedition team will lead excursions, including Zodiac cruising along the remote Juan Fernandez archipelago’s dramatic and rocky coastlines, searching for wildlife such as pink footed shearwaters and the South American fur seal.
How: Prices start from 17,499pp, seabourn.com
Mediterranean moments
What: Silver Ray launches in May 2024 as Silversea’s second Nova-class ship, offering the highest space-to-guest ratio in the fleet. It will spend its inaugural season in northern Europe and the Mediterranean, offering itineraries such as the 23-night Lisbon to Fusina (Venice) sailing, departing 15 June 2024.
Where: Guests will call at 21 ports across Portugal, Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Montenegro and Croatia.
Why: Incorporating a trio of power sources, with liquefied natural gas as the main fuel, Silver Ray will showcase a host of sustainability credentials. Onboard, clients can choose from eight restaurants and sample Silversea’s S.A.L.T. culinary concept, or simply relax on the reimagined pool deck.
How: Door-to-door prices start from 13,400pp, silversea.com
European style
What: Celebrity Cruises launches Celebrity Ascent in the Caribbean this November, before it spends next summer in Europe. The seven-night Spain, France and Italy itinerary departs on 6 July 2024 from Barcelona.
Where: The ship’s stylish design is complemented by calls at a clutch of glamorous destinations, including Ibiza, Valencia, Nice (Villefranche), Santa Margherita, Florence/Pisa (Livorno) and Rome (Civitavecchia).
Why: Celebrity Ascent is the fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, and promises expanded open-air spaces, 32 restaurants, bars and lounges and the widest range of staterooms and suites in the fleet.
How: Prices start at 1,336pp. Add WiFi, tips and drinks with the All Included package, celebritycentral.co.uk
Cultural Odyssey
What: Explora Journeys’ second ship, Explora II, sets sail in August 2024, and on 2 November 2024 clients can join the 30-night Extended Journey to Temple Walls and Emirati Palaces, sailing from Athens (Piraeus) to Dubai.
Where: The voyage weaves through Israel, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE. It features several overnight stays, including in Haifa, Jeddah, Aqaba and Abu Dhabi.
Why: Alongside a mesmerising Suez Canal crossing, the itinerary is packed with holy cities, cultural landmarks and legendary sites. After days spent exploring, guests can enjoy Explora II’s nine culinary experiences, 10 bars and lounges, and expansive spa, fitness and wellness area.
How: Prices start at 15,450pp, explorajourneys.com
Beach hopping
What: After making its maiden voyage from Barcelona this November, Regent Seven Seas Grandeur heads to Miami, offering itineraries including the 10-night Magic in the Caribbean voyage on 5 March 2024.
Where: Sailing round-trip from Miami, guests will immerse themselves in tropical rainforests, marshes and coral reefs as they visit the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St Barts, Dominica, Antigua and the British Virgin Islands.
Why: It’s the sixth ship in the luxury fleet and prices cover unlimited WiFi, drinks, speciality dining and shore excursions, including a scenic catamaran sailing to Antigua’s Deep Bay Beach while sipping champagne.
How: All-inclusive fares start from 7,208pp, including flights and transfers, rssc.com
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Place of registration: England and Wales.
Company number 08723341.
Registered address: 6th Floor, 2 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU
