The smell of sea air, the gentle rocking of waves and the promise of new horizons have lured so many of us into taking a cruise holiday. From boutique river vessels to vast floating cities, the cruise industry offers travellers a range of options for exploring by water – and every year there are new innovations to discover.
River and ocean cruise companies, catching up on time lost during the pandemic, will be launching a whole host of new vessels this year. Expect pioneering spa services, pulse-racing activities and a greener approach to travelling.
Here are a few of the key launches to look out for this year.
Disney Wish
View this post on Instagram
Maiden voyage: 14 July 2022
How many passengers: 4000
Where? Three and four-night itineraries to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Departs from Port Canaveral, Florida – around an hour from Walt Disney World Resort.
What makes it so special? Disney’s latest seafaring attraction promises to revive the magic and nostalgia of age-old ocean liners. Onboard, immersive dining experiences are themed around Frozen and the Marvel Universe, with a lounge transporting guests to a Star Wars galaxy. For the best views, book the two-storey suite housed in one of the vessel’s red funnels.
How? A three-night Bahamian cruise costs from $1230 per person. Various departures. Flights extra. Visit disneycruise.disney.go.com
Read: New cruise celebrates Australian food and wine
Viva One
View this post on Instagram
Maiden voyage: 3 April 2022
Number of passengers: 176
Where? The Rhine and Moselle rivers
What makes it so special? This is the first new build from a young European river cruise company, launched in 2018. All trips are truly all-inclusive – meaning drinks, minibar and tips are covered by the package price. Reflecting a general shift towards more sustainable sailing, the ship will be powered by hybrid technology, and will use sulphur-free GTL fuel to reduce CO2 emissions.
How? A seven-night Picturesque Rhine trip costs from $2336 per person. Flights extra. Visit viva-cruises.com
Read: Cheaper European cruises for solo travellers
Valiant Lady
View this post on Instagram
Maiden voyage: 18 March 2022
Number of passengers: 2770
Where? The Canary Islands, Portugal, Spain and Miami.
What makes it so special? This is the second ship from Virgin Voyages, hot on the heels of Scarlet Lady. A disrupter on the cruise scene, the company offers longer port stays, no set dining times and even the chance to order late-night ShipEats deliveries to your cabin. Indulgent spa treatments and keep fit programs are also available. In a bid to clean up the cruise industry’s act, Virgin Voyages has partnered with Climeon, a Sweden-based technology company, to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by converting engine waste heat into clean electricity.
How? A three-night Long Weekender in Zeebrugge costs from $1600 per cabin (two sharing). Flights extra. Visit virginvoyages.com
Silver Dawn
View this post on Instagram
Maiden voyage: 1 April 2022
Number of passengers: 596
Where: Mediterranean and Caribbean
What makes it so special? The 10th ship in Silversea’s fleet will debut an innovative new Otium wellness program, built on the principle that living well and being well are not mutually exclusive. The fully customised experience might start with a butler helping to select a fragrance, followed by a journey through thermal elements and treatments, with canapes and cocktails in between. A pillow menu and mists will ensure a perfect night’s sleep.
How? A seven-day trip from Lisbon to Barcelona costs from $6455 per person, including flights. Visit silversea.com
Wonder of the Seas
View this post on Instagram
Maiden voyage: 4 March 2022
Number of passengers: 6988
Where: Caribbean and Mediterranean
What makes it so special: The largest ship in the world will feature an interactive outdoor play area, the tallest slide at sea, a surf simulator, rock climbing walls and a Central Park neighbourhood lined with more than 20,000 real plants. Live entertainment will include performances in an AquaTheater and on an ice-skating rink.
How: A three-night Western Mediterranean Cruise costs from $1610 per person in a suite. Flights extra. Visit royalcaribbean.com
Read: What happens if someone gets COVID on a cruise?
MSC World Europa
View this post on Instagram
Maiden voyage: December 2022
Number of passengers: 6774
Where? UAE and Mediterranean
What makes it so special? The big talking point of this vessel is a giant dry slide running through 11 decks. A 104-metre-long promenade for evening strolls and ocean views is another stand-out design feature. In terms of entertainment, activities have been divided into distinct districts for different age groups. Another innovation is the ship’s environmental credentials: a new generation wastewater treatment system and energy-efficient engines are part of the company’s goal to have zero emissions.
How? A seven-night trip to the UAE costs from $2065 per person, departing from 7 January 2023. Flights extra. Visit msccruises.co.uk
– With PA
If you enjoy our content, don’t keep it to yourself. Share our free eNews with your friends and encourage them to sign up.
