ALL ABOARD
The latest news for your next cruise
Cruise like a rock star
YOGA classes on a sandy beach, poolside cabanas and DJ parties on a private island in the Bahamas are all on offer with Virgin Voyages’ new ship scarlet Lady.
‘ rebellious luxe’ is how sir richard Branson describes the 2,800 adults- only experience, which features festival style entertainment, free fitness classes, a theatre serving as a stage for six original shows and a dance floor.
Top- category ‘ rockstar’ suites include one called the ‘Massive’ — complete with
music room, guitars and amps. the maiden voyage is on April 1, 2020.
Bookings are now open for sailings departing from Miami, with prices from £ 770 per person, including food, most drinks, free wi-fi and no gratuities (+1 954-488-2955, virgin voyages.com).
A galaxy far, far away
the Force will be with you during encounters with Darth Vader and R2-D2 on Disney Cruise Line’s Star Wars sailings to the Caribbean next year. A galaxy of themed shows and family activities climaxes with a ‘Summon the Force’ deck party.
the seven- night eastern Caribbean Star Wars cruise on Disney Fantasy starts from £2,775 per person, with departures from January 25, 2020. Sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida, call at tortola, St thomas and Disney’s Bahamas island, Castaway Cay (0800 171 2317; disneycruise.co.uk).
Go exploring
OUteR Mongolia is now on the map as Mundy Cruising combines sailing to Japan with a seven-night tour of the country.
Silversea’s all- suite Silver Muse departs from Seward, in Alaska. Guests disembark in tokyo to explore the country, before a flight to Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar, where the 131ft Genghis Khan equestrian Statue overlooks the tuul River.
tours include helicopter flights to see reindeer herders and meeting eagle hunters in the village of Sagasi. the 21night cruise departs on September 11, from £42,190 per person (020 7399 7670; mundycruising.co.uk).
Grown-ups only
FReD Olsen Cruise Lines is selling a number of over-18s sailings in its 2019 season. Better still, selected drinks are included and there’s a choice of UK departure ports, including Dover, Liverpool, Rosyth (edinburgh) and Southampton.
Braemar’s eight-night Into the heart of Spain & Bordeaux cruise starts from £999 and departs from Southampton, October 22 (0800 787 0847; fredolsencruises.com).
Maritime celebration
WAtCh fireworks over the River Seine from the comfort of the cruise ship Marco Polo as an expected 10 million visitors descend on Rouen, in France, from June 6 to 16 for the Rouen Armada. Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ 800-passenger ship moors for two nights in the city so guests can watch sailors take part in parades and join in the festivities.
the eight-night Rouen Armada & River Seine experience cruise starts from £669 per person. Departs from Portsmouth on June 9 (0844 998 3790; cruiseandmaritime.com).
Be quick for free flights
enJOy a romantic trip on the Danube this summer on the new AmaMagna ship. At double the width of traditional european river cruise ships, AmaMagna launches on May 5 with four restaurants, a large heated pool and a fitness centre. Book your sailing by March 30 to secure free flights — guests staying in suites go Business Class.
Prices from £2,732 per person include fullboard, drinks with meals, excursions and wi-fi (0800 320 2336; amawaterways.com).