With Thanksgiving right around the corner, there is plenty we are thankful for this year. Even though we are prepping the turkey and fixings, we could not let the week go by without highlighting some of the major cruise updates that you may have missed during the past seven days. Hop aboard for this edition of Cruise News November 20, 2016. For those of you on Thanksgiving cruises, have a second helping of dessert for us!

Cruise News November 20, 2016

Norwegian Cruise Line Opens Harvest Caye, Belize

This past week, one of the “newest” islands in the Caribbean debuted to cruise passengers. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Harvest Caye, Belize welcomed its first ship, Norwegian Dawn, to the island. This seven acre resort island might quickly become one of the most popular cruise lines’ private islands in the region. With extreme activities like zip lines, several restaurants and lounges, and even beach villas, this private island serves up plenty of things to do and see. The island also showcases the natural beauty and culture of Belize with excursions, tours, and local cuisine being part of the experience.

Cruise News November 20, 2016 – Harvest Caye Beach, Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

MSC World Cruise Scheduled in 2019

Circling the globe on a cruise is often a luxury reserved for the very wealthy. While several luxury brands offer world cruises, only a few select contemporary brands offer the same options. Starting in 2019, MSC Cruises will offer the line’s first ever world cruise. Departing from Italy on a nearly 4 month journey, the cruise aboard the MSC Magnifica will visit 32 countries. Among the highlights include multiple day stops in the French Polynesia, Hawaii, and the West Coast of the United States. This world cruise went on sale to MSC Voyager members this week and opens to the public on December 14th. Included in the fare are 15 shore excursions of your choosing. Of course, you have plenty of other options during your stops at 49 ports of call.

Cruise News November 20, 2016 – MSC Magnifica, Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Princess Cruises 2018 European Season Revealed

Looking to expand in 2018, Princess Cruises made their 2018 summer season in Europe public this past week. While the cruises do not go on sale until December 1st, you better start planning now. A total of 5 ships will sail throughout Europe, with a total of 57 unique itineraries visiting 115 destinations from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean. Part of the enhanced season will be the Sapphire Princess’ first visit to the region. Cruisers can also choose from one of the line’s largest ships, Royal Princess, offering a variety of sailings including a 12 day British Isles cruise departing from France. New to the line will also be the “Local Connections” program which will allow guests to learn more about a port of call from local experts. These enhanced experiences include onboard talks, new tours, and guides at select stops.

More Luxury is Coming to the Caribbean

To meet the growing demand from customers looking for boutique cruising in the Caribbean, Crystal Cruise Line is bringing another ship to the region. Their expedition class small ship, Crystal Esprit, will be home ported in St. Martin beginning in 2017. With alternating 7 day itineraries visiting islands including Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Antigua, and Nevis, this 62 passenger vessel will allow you to see some of the smaller corners of the Caribbean that the larger vessels rarely visit. These sailings went on sale this past week, and while they start at over $5,000 a person for the week long jaunts, you can experience some of the most exquisite cruising imaginable, with complimentary excursions, all-inclusive dining and drinks, and elegant service that you can only get on a small ship.

Cruise News November 20 – Crystal Esprit, Courtesy of Crystal Cruises

Genting Dream Christened

Making history in China this week, Dream Cruises’ Genting Dream was christened in her new homeport of Hong Kong. The first luxury cruise line serving the Asian market, Genting Dream will be the largest ship to call Hong Kong home. She will also offer cruisers plenty to choose from with her six waterslides and 35 bars and restaurants featuring cuisine from all corners of the Asian world and beyond. Also onboard will be two mini submarines that can take up to four passengers deep below the water’s surface to get up close and personal with the inhabitants of the ocean.

Cruise News November 20, 2016 – Genting Dream, Courtesy of Dream Cruises

Comments

Are there any cruise updates we missed in our Cruise News November 20, 2016? Do you have any news you want to share with your fellow travelers? Drop us an anchor below with your breaking travel headlines from the past week.