Keep these new cruises in mind for upcoming vacations
Cunard, Sea Cloud, Windstar and Disney each have something worthy to offer
Just like a gift from Santa, there are many exciting things happening in the world of cruising this month.
Some of these snippets don’t always merit an entire article, which is why it only seems appropriate as we enter the final days of 2018 to look forward to what 2019 — and beyond — has in store for those of us who like to take our vacations on the ocean.
CUNARD LINE
First up: Cunard Line (cruise. center/cunard) has just announced an exciting new themed transatlantic crossing aboard its imposing flagship, the beautiful Queen Mary 2.
Billed as Cunard’s inaugural Dance the Atlantic, Queen Mary 2’s transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York on Aug. 11, 2019, will give guests the opportunity enjoy performances from six lead dancers with the English National Ballet.
In addition, guests will be able to take in morning ballet classes hosted by the dancers, or drop in on afternoon rehearsals. While Queen Mary 2 operates a whole roster of spring, summer and fall transatlantic crossings between North America and Europe, this voyage (M924 on Cunard’s calendar) is the only one that will feature these unique performances and opportunities from the English National Ballet.
Plus, there is still the rest of Queen Mary 2 to enjoy, from its ocean-going planetarium to its sumptuous Canyon Ranch Spa (one of the best at sea, in my opinion), to a whole host of guest lecturers, live music options, and, of course, daily white-glove afternoon tea service in the largest ballroom at sea.
SEA CLOUD CRUISES
Moving on to a different kind of cruise, Sea Cloud Cruises (seacloud.com/en) has just announced it will construct a brand new tall ship to join its fleet of two sailing cruise ships, which include the historic Sea Cloud and the modern Sea Cloud II.
The new Sea Cloud Spirit will join the fleet in 2020, with a capacity for 136 passengers in 69 outside cabins, 26 of which will boast private balconies. The ship will also be unmistakable thanks to its 4,000 square metres of sail area. Like its fleetmates, Sea Cloud Spirit will offer a touch of old-world sailing elegance onboard a very modern ship.
The 452-foot-long (137.7-metre) ship will be the newest hybrid cruise-tall ship when it launches.
WINDSTAR CRUISES
In keeping with the small-ship theme, super-exciting news is coming out of Seattle-based Windstar Cruises (cruise.center/ windstar).
The line recently announced plans to lengthen and completely refurbish its three Star Class ships, which you might know better as Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride.
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri will lengthen each vessel by 25.6 metres beginning next fall and completely refit all public areas and suites. But Windstar is also being environmentally responsible, taking the unusual step of ripping each vessel’s engines out and replacing them with newer and more efficient eco-friendly marine diesels.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Finally, for the kids and the big kids who are young at heart: Disney Cruise Line (cruise. center/disney) will be making its much-awaited return to Hawaii in 2020.
After a five-year absence, the magical Disney Wonder will sail two special voyages between B.C. and Hawaii. The first sailing will depart Vancouver for Honolulu on April 29, 2020, and will last for nine nights. The return voyage, 10 days in length, will depart from Honolulu and return to Hawaii. And, of course, those with the time and resources to do so can book and sail these trips back-to-back to create a 19-day journey that departs round-trip from Vancouver. As with most things Disney, this voyage will almost certainly sell out well before 2020, so I’d book your spot on one of these two itineraries now.
Happy cruising.