Take a look at the new cruise ships arriving in 2015

The forthcoming year looks very promising for the cruise industry as five new vessels are scheduled to launch within the next twelve months.

The first to launch is P&O Cruises’ Britannia. At 142,000 gross tons the vessel will be the largest the cruise line has ever ordered. The line has opted for a contemporary interior décor design for this family-friendly ship. She boasts 1,837 cabins (including 27 single occupancy cabins), 26 bars, restaurants and cafés and four swimming pools. In a first for the cruise line every outside cabin will have its own private balcony. Britannia’s maiden voyage sets out on 14 March from Southampton.



Viking Star is the first ocean cruise ship from Viking Ocean Cruises, sister line to Viking River Cruises. The inaugural cruise commences on 11 April from Istanbul, Turkey on an epic 50-day voyage around the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. At 47,800 gross tons with a capacity of 928 guests, the luxury Viking Star is very much an intimate vessel. Highlights of the vessel include the aft infinity pool, alfresco dining options and the luxurious staterooms, each one with a private balcony.



On 22 April Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas will embark on her maiden voyage from Southampton. This Quantum-class vessel is expected to be almost identical to Quantum of the Seas which was launched in October of this year. The 168,666 gross ton vessel promises to be one of the most technologically-advanced cruise ships afloat. The ship will benefit from a modern contemporary décor and boasts 2,090 cabins (including 28 studio cabins). The Quantum-class ship will offer Dynamic Dining offering five complimentary main restaurants with a further eight additional-fee venues available.



Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions are looking forward to welcoming Le Lyrial to the fleet. The inaugural sailing will see the yacht sailing from Venice on 9 May cruising along the Adriatic and Dalmatian Coast. At a mere 10,944 gross tons, this luxury intimate yacht will offer just 122 staterooms and suites, each with private balconies, and will feature contemporary Mediterranean-inspired interior décor.

Ponant Le Lyrial

Lastly, on 25 October Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Escape will depart on her maiden voyage from Hamburg, Germany bound for Miami, USA via Southampton. The cruise ship is the first in the “Breakaway Plus”-class and it builds upon the success of the Breakway-class vessels. At 164,600 gross tons she will accommodate up to 4,200 passengers. She will boast the largest ropes course and aqua parks at sea, together with an expanded “The Haven” area and a range of dining venues at “678 Ocean Place”.



(Photo credit to Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions; ©Philip Plisson)

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Portsmouth Prepares For Record Year

We have been consistently tracking the amazing growth of ex-UK cruises in recent years and this looks like being a continued trend in 2014. And, to confirm it, the latest news from the port of Portsmouth suggests they are already looking at a bumper year before the cruise season has really got under way.

According to their latest figures, the number of ships coming to Portsmouth for “port of call” stops will rise by 28% in the coming year compared to 2013. Last year, 14 cruise ships arrived for day visits while this year's number will be 18. The rise is in addition to a large number of companies that will start and finish their itineraries in Portsmouth.

The growth in the number of visiting ships comes as the Waterfront City establishes itself as a major UK tourist destination. The recently opened Mary Rose Museum has been a great hit with visitors, alongside the ever popular HMS Victory and HMS Warrior in the Historic Dockyard. Seventy years ago, the docks were the focus of preparations for the D-Day landings, and this year many ships are visiting with this anniversary in mind. 

During the first week of June, there will be eight cruise ships coming and going from Portsmouth, the majority making the crossing to the Normandy Beaches. Among them will be Fred. Olsen’s Braemar, a new visitor to the port, and Cruise & Maritime’s Marco Polo. Customers will visit the D-Day Museum and see other key sights relating to the invasion that started on June 6, 1944. Swan Hellenic will also be starting and ending its special D-Day cruise in Portsmouth. 

Captain Rupert Taylor, Portsmouth International Port Harbour Master said: ”Just three years ago we had six tourist calls, now we have 18. This increase is great news for Portsmouth. Each liner loaded with tourists means a boost for the local economy, starting with jobs at the Port. As passengers make their way through our award-winning terminal, others feel the benefit too. Taxi and transport companies, tourist attractions, restaurants and shops can all take advantage of this rise in visitors. 

Among many new visitors this year will be MS Serenissima, a classic small luxury ship with a unique Swedish country house style interior. On a larger scale, the 900-berth Greek cruise ship Louis Aura is also booked to call. Le Boréal, the beautiful mega-yacht operated by Compagnie du Ponant, will glide into Portsmouth Harbour in early June, along with German ship Amadea.

More info: visit www.portsmouth-port.co.uk.

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The Bubbly's On Ponant For National Cruise Week!

Compagnie du Ponant, the luxury French yacht cruise operator has launched a special VIP offer for National Cruise Week (which starts today), with a special ‘Welcome Aboard’ to all guests booking during this perios, as well as €200 on board credit per cabin booked. This is definitely the right time to add a touch of extra-luxury to your cruise!

The offer will include a bottle of Champagne placed in the cabin upon arrival and a personal welcome note from the Captain, as well as the stateroom credit to spend on board – including on bar drinks, luxurious spa treatments and shore excursions. The credit is per cabin and the offer will be valid for travel until 30 September 2014. Quote VIP NCW on the phone to benefit from the offer, which is available for all Cruise Week bookings from September 21-29.

Ponant, a specialist in soft expeditions and great journeys around the world, has run Antarctic cruises for years and launched a brand new ship, Le Soléal, at the end of June. She is currently cruising the Arctic through the North-West Passage before heading to the Japanese archipelago and South-East Asia this winter. Also included are many themed-cruises, from music and golf to gourmet cuisine, all allied to the world-famous French savoir-faire.

 

For more on National Cruise Week, see http://www.discovercruises.co.uk/national-cruise-week.aspx.

 

For bookings, see this link for The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury cruise specialists.

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Summer Sizzlers From Ponant

Leading French cruise line and five-star expedition specialist Compagnie du Ponant has launched its Summer 2014 collection aboard its three elegant, intimate yacht-style cruisers, Le Boreal, L'Austral and Le Soleal (all with just 132 staterooms & suites), and the majestic three-masted yacht Le Ponant ( with only 32 staterooms).

From April to October 2014, they will be cruising in the Great Arctic North and Canada, Northern Europe and the Baltic, and the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, offering a wide range of unusual itineraries and ports of call. Each of the luxury yachts offers spacious suites, impeccable service and excellent food and wine – plus their small size allows them to reach destinations larger ships cannot. Passengers will also sail in the company of experts and historians as guides and lecturers who are passionate about their subjects.

Be it a five-star expedition to the Arctic, coast to coast cruising in the Mediterranean or themed cruises, Ponant offers much more than just a cruise: this is travel as it used to be in the golden age of the grand voyage.

NEW ITINERARIES

Spitsbergen & Iceland: Leaving from Longyearbyen, L’Austral sets sail for the iridescent ice fields of Spitsbergen where Zodiacs will take passengers as close as possible to polar landscapes, the ice floe, glaciers and icebergs. The ship then heads for Iceland on a new itinerary from Grimsey Island, along the coast and south as far as Reykjavík.

Alaska to Kamchatka: From Nome in Alaska, L’Austral heads for the wilderness of Kamtchatka in the Russian Far East. This volcanic region is spectacularly beautiful and home to extraordinary wildlife. One of the highlights is the Valley of Geysers, 40 volcanoes in the Kronotsky Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Uzon Caldera with its extraordinary contrasts and colours – from the intense blue of the lake and streams, suspensions of milky sulphur and the emerald green of the algae. New for 2014 is the possibility to begin the cruise with a short stay in Seattle. 

From the Atlantic To The North Sea: Departing from Bordeaux, Le Boreal heads north. After calls at Belle-Île-en-Mer and London, passengers will enjoy Amsterdam’s unique ambiance, Sylt Island in the heart of the Wadden Sea National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the ecological energy-conscious city of Hamburg and the luminosity of Copenhagen.

Norwegian Fjords: from Copenhagen, L’Austral will explore nature’s wonders along the coast of Norway,whose spectacular fjords have nearly all earned the UNESCO World Heritage site status. The Briksdal and Svartisen glaciers, the Jostedalsbreen Glacier National Park, Geiranger Fjord and the Viking islands of Giske and Godoy all feature on the itinerary of this exceptional cruise.

           

The Azores: Bathed in sunshine year-round, the Azores islands boast a rich natural, cultural and architectural heritage. Passengers on Le Boreal will begin their cruise on the main island, São Miguel, before heading for stunning Pico where vines are slowly reclaiming the slopes of the Ponta do Pico volcano. A particularly symbolic port of call for transatlantic sailors is Horta on Faial Island which has an unusually cosmopolitan atmosphere. On Terceira Island, Angra do Heroismo boasts a military heritage worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage site status. The last port of call will be Santa Maria Island, where the tranquil landscape is dotted with beaches, vineyards and white villages. 

           

Gourmet Cruise: From Lisbon to Bordeaux, Le Boreal transforms this voyage into an exceptional epicurean encounter. In a programme created by French magazine Cuisine et Vins de France, passengers will celebrate the delights of gourmet cuisine in the company of Michelin-starred Chefs and renowned Sommeliers, including celebrity head-chef Hélène Darroze, Jean Sulpice, Nicolas Magie, Philippe Faure-Brac and Olivier Dauga. Tastings, culinary workshops and conferences will be on the menu between calls into Porto, Viana do Castelo, Vigo, La Coruna, Bilbao, Le Verdon and Bordeaux.

         

Musical Cruise: Le Soleal invites music-lovers to embark on this fabulous voyage from Venice to Athens. Directed by Alain Duault and produced in partnership with France’s Radio Classique, this festival at sea welcomes some outstanding musicians. They will perform several concerts at some of the places visited: Zadar and Dubrovnik in Croatia, Kotor Fjord in Montenegro, Otranto in Italy, the legendary Olympia site and the ruins of Mycenae in Greece.

         

Jazz Cruise: For this new itinerary, Le Soleal sets sail from Istanbul to France via Dikili near the Pergamum site in Turkey, Katakolon near the Olympia site in Greece, Taormina and Palermo in Sicily, and Ajaccio in Corsica. Aboard, Christian Morin and his quintet will perform two jazz concerts of 40s music in a tribute to Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury cruising experts.

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Ponant's New Arctic Programme For 2014

Unveiling outstanding destinations, where shimmering icebergs floats in muffled silence, the Arctic Collection of Compagnie du Ponant showcases the line's long experience in sailing the Great North.

Aboard 264-guest luxury yachts Le Boreal and L'Austral, passengers can enjoy exclusive access to remote and outstanding locations thanks to the small size and technical prowess of this latest generation of ships, specifically designed for Polar cruises. Ponant offers its guests a unique five-star expedition concept and a true adventure in the company of renowned experts on the Great North. 

New additions to the programme for 2014 include the North-West Passage crossing to Alaska and the White Sea, the gateway to Russia’s Far North, as well as the East Fjords of Iceland.

The Arctic Experience

The White Sea: on the edge of the Arctic Circle, beyond the northern point of Norway, L’Austral embarks on a new adventure deep into the isolated territories of Russia’s Far North, which were closed to foreigners until 1991. Scheduled for early June when nature awakens after a long hard winter, this exceptional cruise will sail among the North Cape islands and along the shores of the vast Kola Peninsula, a genuine wilderness of tundra, forests, lakes and rivers - the perfect spot to see the midnight sun. Passengers will then discover the White Sea coast in the Russian Arctic, including the Solovetsky Islands, a desolate archipelago carpeted in black pine forests and home to one of the most beautiful Russian Orthodox monasteries, as well as the city of Arkhangelsk.

Tromsø-Kirkenes (12 days), depart 4 Jun, 2014; from £3,517 per person (direct flights included).

Spitsbergen & Iceland: this new itinerary linking Kirkenes to Longyearbyen on L'Austral will include five days in Spitsbergen, final stop before the North Pole. In the heart of this great white desert of rugged peaks where the omnipresent light blurs the boundaries between day and night, days at sea are interspersed with Zodiac outings to explore this polar universe and sneak a peek at polar bears, reindeer and seals at dawn.

Kirkenes-Longyearbyen (8 days), dep Jun 15, 2014; from £3,023pp (direct flights included).

Greenland & The Baffin Sea: this cruise on Le Boreal to the heart of the Great Canadian North is a chance to explore all aspects of this magnificent region of protected natural areas and to see the northern lights – plus, whale-watching in the Baffin Sea and Saint Lawrence, discovering Akpatok Island (home to polar bears) and Percé Rock (gannet colony), as well as visiting the colourful Greenlandic and Quebecois villages, sailing up the Saguenay fjord, and touring Quebec City’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kangerlussuaq-Quebec (15 days), dep Sep 4, 2014; from £3,888pp (direct flights included).

North-West Passage: for this second edition, the North-West Passage crossing will leave from Greenland on a voyage that has fired the imaginations of generations of sailors and adventurers over the centuries. The last section of this legendary itinerary is along the Alaskan coast to Nome.

Kangerlussuaq-Nome (22 days), dep Aug 26, 2014; from £7,139pp (direct flights included)

Kamchatka & The Kuriles: from Nome in Alaska, L'Austral sets sail for the wild landscapes of the almost forgotten Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East. This volcanic region is spectacular and home to diverse and abundant wildlife, such as Steller’s sea lions. There is much to see, including the Valley of Geysers, the 40 volcanoes at the heart of the Kronotsky Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Uzon Caldera.

Nome-Petropavlovsk (16 days), dep Sep 16, 2014; from £6,934pp person (direct flights included).

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury adventure-cruising specialists.

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New Winter Options From Ponant

Leading French cruise line and five-star expedition specialist Compagnie du Ponant has launched its new Winter 2013/14 cruise collection, including exceptional itineraries to South America, Africa and Antarctica.

The range of voyages are featured on the trio of elegant 264-passenger yachts Le Boreal, L'Austral and Le Soleal and its magnificent and intimate three-masted yacht Le Ponant (carrying just 64 passengers). From October 2013 to April 2014,their full cruise programme will feature sailings around the Caribbean and Central America, South America, Antarctica and South Georgia, Asia and Africa.

Each of the 132-cabin yachts offers spacious suites, impeccable service and excellent food and wine, while their small size allows them to reach destinations larger ships cannot, and offer its passengers the opportunity to sail in the company of experts and historians as guides and lecturers who are passionate about their subjects.

Be it a luxury expedition in the Antarctic region, island-hopping round the Caribbean or a “cruise circuit” in South America and Asia, Ponant offers passengers a real travel experience.

For more info on Compagnie du Ponant, and booking opportunities, see this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury adventure-cruise specialists.

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Ponant Celebrate 25th Anniversary

Compagnie du Ponant, the luxury yacht cruise company that specialises in off-the-beaten track voyages, is celebrating its 25^th anniversary - with a special offer of 25% off on a selection of eight cruises in Asia, Mediterranean, the Great North, South America and Russia, and an exceptional series of celebrity guests throughout the year. 

The Anniversary Offer is valid for reservations made by May 25 for cruises on Le Boréal, L’Austral and new ship Le Soléal (each offering 132 staterooms and suites), and the three-masted Le Ponant (32 staterooms). Each of the vessels offer spacious suites, impeccable service and excellent food and wine, while their small size allows them to reach destinations larger ships cannot and also offer sailings in the company of experts and historians as guides and lecturers who are passionate about their subjects.

An experienced bilingual crew, attentive service and exceptional itineraries in elegant surroundings are Ponant’s other key selling points, with a modern and innovative fleet that has been sailing the world’s oceans for 25 years. To mark the occasion, various events and offers have been organised throughout the year: 

25 Years - 25% Off selected cruises

A 25% discount on a selection of cruises, giving opportunities to discover the company’s yacht-style cruising philosophy – with exceptional destinations and moorings inaccessible to larger ships and Ponant's distinctive gourmet cuisine and service. 

Treasures of the world by sea
Discover the new “Ponant Discovery” extensions, new itineraries in the Arctic (where Le Soleal will cross the famous North West Passage this summer), South America and Asia. These offer guests the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into the culture and treasures of countries, visiting the likes of the Atacama Desert, Iguazu Falls, Machu Picchu, Easter Island and Galapagos (above), among many dream destinations now accessible on these “cruise-voyages”.

Special guests 
Throughout the year, Ponant will feature some outstanding celebrity lecturers and expedition leaders, including famous opera singer, Ruggiero Raimondi; ex-government minister and philosopher, Luc Ferry; poet, writer and musicologist, Alain Duault; child psychiatrist, Marcel Rufo; singer and song writer, Hugues Auffray; comedian, actor and singer, Michel Leeb; jazz violinist, Didier Lockwood; Breton singer and harpist, Cécile Corbel; the troupe from the musical Mamma Mia; soprano and actress, Inva Mula, and many other surprises. 

For bookings, be sure to follow this link to our sponsors, The Cruise Line, the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists.

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Best New Ship Of The Year?

The first of the year's five major new ship offerings has just been launched, amid much Italian fanfare, by MSC Cruises in Genoa.

MSC Preziosa is the 12th new vessel to join the MSC fleet and another example of the amazing range and appeal of modern ship design. Interestingly, she also makes the Italian company the third-largest in the world after Carnival and Royal Caribbean, edging Norwegian Cruise Line into fourth place (for now!).

With that in mind, we at World of Cruising thought it would be an interesting idea to run a poll of our readers, asking what they think is the most keenly anticipated new ship of the year. The five contenders are as follows:

MSC Preziosa: the latest and greatest from MSC Cruises, overseen by godmother Sophia Loren to add star power and boasting a capacity of 3,502 passengers. She includes seven restaurants and the latest enhancements of the line's exclusive MSC Yacht Club, the ship-within-a-ship area that effectively recreates a first class style of travel.

Norwegian Breakaway: a large-scale refinement of Norwegian's largest vessel, Norwegian Epic, Breakaway will be notable for her dedication to providing a sea-view aspect with many of her public areas. Due out at the end of April, she will feature The Waterfront, a quarter-mile of outward-facing dining, bars and lounges that give her 4,000 passengers a true connection with the sea (a rarity these days). While still monolithic in appearance, she should be spectacular inside.

Royal Princess: the largest ship ever ordered for the Princess brand, this should also be the most spectacular, with a whole raft of extra amenities, facilities and design features when she debuts in June. At 140,000 tons, she is 20% larger than the biggest vessels currently in the fleet, but she will add a great range of new dining and entertainment choice, including an expanded Atrium area that serves as the focal point and a unique top-deck pool arrangement featuring a water and light show.

Europa 2: going for a smaller and more exclusive style in May, Hapag-Lloyd's first new-build project in several years features a sumptuous arrange of distinctive, six-star amenities that should make this one of the most distinctive ships in the world, from a service point of view. With cutting-edge interior design and an array of six specialist restaurants that promises to be truly deluxe, Europa 2 will also be one of the most spacious ships ever built, with some of the largest staterooms and the highest Space Ratio of any ship at sea.

Le Soleal: the smallest of our Fab Five for 2013, the latest offering (launching in July and just 10,600 tons) from French line Le Compagnie du Ponant, this sleek cruiser should be a known quantity as she is the third in this novel series. Carrying barely 250 passengers, Le Soleal should be the latest word in exclusive small-ship sophistication and chic, within the company's style of Yacht Cruising that is wonderfully elegant and individual. 

So, those are the contenders for our Ship of the Year feature - now go and vote in our poll (you will find it at the top of our home page, on the right, with the heading What Is The Most Anticipated New Ship Of The Year For You?) and let us know what YOU think will be No 1.

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Vote for your 'Most Anticipated' ship in 2011!

There are eight all-new ships due to join the world's cruise fleet this year, from the latest ship for Disney Cruise Line to the boutique little Sea Cloud Hussar of Sea Cloud Cruises.

And we are having our own little Poll here at Time Spent At Sea to see which ship people are most looking forward to. Just scroll to the foot of our Home Page and you will see the voting options.

The eight ships are as follows:

Disney Dream, Disney Cruise Line; due Jan 2011 - 128,000 tons, 2,500 passengers

Marina, Oceania Cruises (above); due Jan 2011 - 65,000 tons, 1,260 passengers

Costa Favolosa, Costa Cruises; due Apr 2011 - 114,000 tons, 3,012 passengers

Carnival Magic, Carnival Cruises; due Apr 2011; 130,000 tons, 3,652 passengers

L'Austral, Ponant Cruises; due May 2011; 10,600 tons, 264 passengers

Seabourn Quest, Seabourn; due June 2011; 32,000 tons, 450 passengers

Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Cruises; due Aug 2011; 122,000 tons, 2084 passengers

Sea Cloud Hussar, Sea Cloud Cruise; due Sep 2011; 136 passengers

PS: Disney Dream is the early leader after just 1 day with 100% of the vote!

PPS: Just go to the bottom of our home page http://timespentatsea.blogspot.com to see the poll in full.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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