Barcelona, September 26, 2018 – In their relentless pursuit of offering the best services and most comprehensive experiences, cruise lines will continue to expand their range of amenities for the upcoming 2018-2019 season. From ships featuring the latest innovations in technology and comfort, to itineraries through unexplored and hard-to-reach destinations, and entertainment programs for children, a wide array of new features awaits for an unforgettable vacation.
Unexplored routes and remote ports
Aboard large vessels, small luxury boats, or ships equipped with the latest technological innovations, cruise lines are expanding their offerings through unexplored routes and secluded ports. Next season, Costa Cruises will offer a variety of options, including the Indian Ocean and the Maldives, the Caribbean, and a fascinating voyage through Japan. Undoubtedly, the Costa Venezia's 53-day journey to Tokyo is a highlight. This unique trip, which can be taken in its entirety or as a segment, will allow passengers to discover destinations such as Crete, Dubai, Cochin, Colombo, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Chan May, and Hong Kong.
This winter, Pullmantur Cruises will launch Dubai and Legends of Arabia, its flagship itinerary. This route allows passengers to explore the United Arab Emirates and Oman in a distinctly Spanish atmosphere, combining the mysteries of Arab history and tradition with the cutting-edge modernity of the emerging cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, for the summer season, the British Isles Expedition, a 14-night voyage along the coastlines of the United Kingdom and Ireland. This exclusive route will take passengers aboard the Zenith on a journey through time, history, culture, and traditions of these two countries.
For its part, Norwegian Cruise Line will deploy six ships in Europe with the arrival of the Norwegian Pearl, which from 2019 will offer new and varied itineraries from Amsterdam, a strategic port that will allow passengers to easily access the city center and the third largest and fastest growing airport in Europe.
Oceania Cruises will launch its new 2019-2020 Tropics & Exotics itineraries to ports in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and Australia. These routes will allow passengers to enjoy unique activities around the world, such as practicing yoga on the coast of Ecuador or taking tai chi classes overlooking Sydney Harbour. Carnival Cruise Line will expand its cruises to Cuba, adding 23 three- to five-day voyages to Havana in 2019-2020 aboard five different ships departing from various East Coast ports. The 3,002-passenger, 102,853-ton Carnival Sunshine will be the largest cruise ship ever to visit Havana, offering the first-ever cruise to Cuba from the port of Charleston.
On the other hand, several cruise lines will offer itineraries through the Nordic countries and other Atlantic destinations for those wishing to escape the high temperatures. In April 2019, Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Joy will depart from Seattle to offer seven-day voyages to Alaska, alongside the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Jewel . To complement the Norwegian Bliss 's itineraries and provide guests with more places to explore and experience Alaska's natural beauty, the Norwegian Joy will sail a variety of itineraries in this region renowned for its pristine wilderness, rich culture, and fresh seafood. Also, for the summer/fall 2019 season, Holland America Line 's Nieuw Statendam will explore the beauty of Northern Europe on 7- and 14-day itineraries to the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic Sea, Iceland, and the North Cape, stopping at some of its most picturesque ports. Starting in September, it will offer three 10-day cruises from Rome through the Adriatic and Greek Islands, including Katakolon, Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini, among others. This ship will be delivered in Venice on December 1, 2018, and after a stop in Rome, will begin its maiden voyage with a 14-day transatlantic cruise to the port of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where it will spend the winter season offering round-trip Caribbean itineraries.
CroisiEurope is strengthening its presence in South Africa as it begins its second year of operation. The company expects to carry approximately 1,500 passengers by the end of 2018 on a route entirely new to river cruises, reaffirming its expansion into distant destinations. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean 's new Spectrum of the Seas will embark on the Gold Odyssey voyage from Barcelona to Shanghai, a journey of more than 50 nights divided into five legs.
Services and benefits with meticulous attention to detail
Traveling is much more than simply getting from one place to another; it encompasses all the experiences lived both at the destination and during the journey. That's why cruise lines strive to offer unforgettable services and experiences on board their ships during their voyages. For example, Pullmantur Cruises will be promoting Somos Trotanautas, its newly launched children's entertainment program based on human intelligence. This unique offering—which begins the moment children board—has been developed by psychologists and experts in children's entertainment and includes, for the first time, activities designed for children up to 3 years old (always accompanied by their parents).
Onboard Oceania Cruises , you'll be able to sample new culinary offerings showcasing a wide array of flavors. For adventurous travelers, there's Global Cuisine, which allows them to explore ethnic and exotic dishes that reflect the sensations and cultures of the world. Meanwhile, for those who are mindful of their diet, the Balanced Selection offers a variety of light and healthy dishes.
In 2019, MSC Cruises will launch two new ships, MSC Bellissima and MSC Grandiosa, which will feature two new and exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea. In addition, next year MSC Cruises will inaugurate its first private island in the Bahamas: Ocean Cay , and will continue to share exciting news about its partnership with two-Michelin-starred Spanish chef Ramón Freixa, who already has his own restaurant aboard MSC Seaview.
State-of-the-art ships for all types of guests
Cruise lines offer state-of-the-art ships so travelers can enjoy the best cabins, the latest entertainment options, and the most impressive shows. MSC Cruises and CroisiEurope are focusing on expanding their fleets. Amalia Rodríguez will make CroisiEurope one of the leading cruise lines on the Douro River, while MSC Bellissima and MSC Grandiosa, both based in Barcelona, will be the next additions to MSC Cruises. This company is currently in the midst of an ambitious €11.6 billion investment plan, through which it is increasing its fleet and introducing new amenities for its passengers.
Onboard Holland America Line 's Nieuw Statendam , sophistication and comfort go hand in hand to satisfy the needs of both solo travelers and families. Family staterooms have been reconfigured to accommodate up to five guests with more closet space and two bathrooms; suites are more spacious and luxurious; and the Pinnacle Suite , the largest on the ship at 120 square meters, offers a multitude of amenities to ensure an exquisite experience.
If you desire to travel surrounded by the most exclusive luxury on board, the new ships from Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, the premium cruise lines of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., will provide you with unparalleled experiences and amenities. The Celebrity Edge will offer an exclusive combination of sophistication, relaxing spaces like The Spa , and world-class cuisine led by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher. Likewise, the Azamara Pursuit will visit unique destinations thanks to its compact size, such as Reykjavik, Rhodes, and the Monastery of St. John in Prodromos.
Meanwhile, Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Panorama , scheduled to launch in fall 2019 and the third ship in the Vista class with a capacity of 3,600 passengers, will depart every Saturday for destinations along the Mexican Riviera, including Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. The new Carnival Panorama will feature similar onboard attractions to its sister ships, the Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon, such as SkyRide, Waterworks, Family Harbor, Fahrenheit 555 Havana Cabanas, and Havana Bar .
All these new developments show how companies are working to adapt to the new needs of their passengers at all levels (logistics, personnel, gastronomy and entertainment) and to ensure that the cruise industry continues to grow.
For more information about the companies:
Pullmantur Cruises: www.pullmantur.es
Costa Cruises: www.costacruceros.es
MSC Cruises: www.msccruceros.es
Royal Caribbean: www.royalcaribbean.es
Norwegian Cruise Line: www.ncl.com
CroisiEurope: www.croisieurope.es
Carnival Cruise Line: www.carnival.com
Celebrity Cruises: www.celebritycruises.es
Holland America Line: www.hollandamerica.com
Oceania Cruises: www.oceaniacruises.com
Azamara Club Cruises: www.azamaraclubcruises.com
