What’s new for ocean cruises in 2020

ARCTIC AND GREENLAND

Starting in Greenland and ending in Alaska, with a detour into Canada, this 25-day Silversea Cruises trip follows the route taken by past explorers looking for the Northwest Passage. Search for polar bears, musk oxen and walrus on zodiacs or kayaks, while learning about the history and geology of this spectacular part of the planet. And do it all on a vessel that’s recently been refurbished as a special ice expedition ship. But all that rugged scenery doesn’t mean you have to forgo luxuries – every suite has a butler service, wifi and a decent glass of wine at the end of the day.

EASTERN CARIBBEAN ESCAPE

Do white sugary sand, clear blue waters and lush mountainscapes sound too good to be true? Then Celebrity Cruises’ new Eastern Caribbean Escape might be for you. Kicking off in late 2020, the 10-night cruise leaves from Tampa, Florida and calls into ports including Puerto Rico, St Kitts & Nevis and St Thomas. You’ll sail on the Celebrity Constellation, which is currently having an extensive refurbishment, including new staterooms, private lounges and sun decks, restaurants, a redesigned spa and retail boutiques as part of Celebrity Cruises’ NZ$773 million investment.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN

Flee New Zealand’s winter and experience la dolce vita on Royal Caribbean’s Western Mediterranean cruises which kick off in May 2020. Sailing from Barcelona, you’ll drink in the history and culture of the Med, spending seven nights taking in Rome, Capri, Marseille and the priceless artistic treasures of Florence. You’ll travel in style on Allure of the Seas, one of the largest passenger ships in service, which has recently had the refurbishment wand waved over it. Enjoy live shows on board including Broadway hit Mamma Mia! and Blue Planet aerial acrobatics.