This week, the cruise lines revealed some exciting new options for cruisers to enjoy. From new entertainment, shore excursions, and ship overhauls, there was a lot to cover. We have all the exciting details for you this week in our Cruise News February 11, 2018.
Cruise News February 11, 2018
Quantum-Class Ship Coming to Southampton
Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley confirmed that a Quantum-class ship would be returning to Southampton in 2020. It is not known yet which of the three Quantum-class ships will call Southampton home in two years. Anthem of the Seas called this port home for a short time in 2015 before repositioning to Cape Liberty, NJ. Of course, social media was abuzz with speculation about which vessel would ultimately make a move. Currently, plans are in place to have Ovation of the Seas sailing in Alaska in 2019. That ship is expected to be replaced by the first Quantum Ultra-class ship, Spectrum of the Seas, which is being custom-built for the Asian cruise market.
Anthem of the Seas Docked in Bermuda
New Entertainment Coming to Azamara Club Cruises
Brand new Broadway-inspired entertainment is rolling out on Azamara Club Cruises. The line revealed details of a partnership with Feinstein’s/54 Below, a well-known Broadway area cabaret. The cruise line will be partnering with the famous venue’s parent company to transform current Cabaret Lounges onboard the line’s ships into the new 54 Below at Sea. By redesigning the look and feel of the lounges, the cruise line is looking to create a more engaging and intimate venue that will showcase the talents of the cast. Also, the cruise line will be featuring several short plays explicitly designed for the 54 Below at Sea by the Miami-based City Theater. New short opera cabarets are also in the works from the Magic City Opera. This new entertainment will debut later this month on both the Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest.
Holland America Line Announces Nieuw Statendam Itineraries for 2019
Holland America Line released additional itineraries for its newest ship, Nieuw Statendam. The cruise line’s largest vessel to date will have its inaugural season in the Caribbean during the 2018-2019 winter season. Following a few months in the region, Nieuw Statendam will reposition to offer a diverse array of cruises from Amsterdam. The ship will offer 7 to 12-night cruises to the Norwegian Fjords and the Baltic Sea. The ship will then reposition to Rome in September 2019. For the month, Nieuw Statendam will offer 10 and 14-day Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruises. The ship will then return to Fort Lauderdale in October 2019. From this third homeport, the ship will return to offering Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.
Courtesy of Holland America Line
New Celebrity Cruises Shore Excursion Program
Celebrity Cruises rolled out a brand new shore excursion program this past week. The cruise line’s new Celebrity Discover Collection offers travelers unique and intimate tours. Currently, the Discover Collection excursions focus on cruises in Europe and the Mediterranean. These exclusive offerings are limited to only 24 cruisers. These smaller tours give passengers the opportunity to get up close and personal in various ports of call. Options range from must-see attractions, like the Blue Grotto in Capri, to one-of-a-kind combinations that have not been offered before by Celebrity Cruises. The tours were designed by the cruise line to appeal to cruisers of all ages and backgrounds.
Final Regent Seven Seas Ship To Enter Drydock
Regent Seven Seas’ multi-year, fleet-wide refurbishment is coming to a close. The line’s Seven Seas Mariner will be the last vessel to be upgraded during an upcoming drydock. The line will be adding several popular features to the ship during the 20-day refurbishment. Among the enhancements is the addition of the specialty French restaurant Chartreuse. The main dining room will also be getting a facelift with a more intimate and refined ambiance. The line will be updating several other public venues as well including the fitness center, spa, and library. Staterooms will be getting new fixtures and accommodations, with some suites being completely redesigned. Also, the ship’s pool deck is being redesigned to allow for more passenger space. The changes will be done just in time for the Seven Seas Mariner to head to the Pacific Northwest for a season of cruising in Southeast Alaska.
Seven Seas Mariner (Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas)
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Cruise News February 11, 2018
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