The Signature QA &

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CRUISECO Cruiseco General Manager Product, Marketing and Sales, Adam Vance, asks six cruise executives about their new ships for 2021 and beyond.

WHAT HIGH-TECH INNOVATIONS ARE ON BOARD PONANT’S NEW ‘EXPLORER’ SHIPS?

DEB CORBETT Despite everything, 2020 has seen the delivery of the final two of six small luxury expedition ships for Ponant, adding to what is already the world’s youngest fleet.

Le Bellot was launched on time in April, and the sixth ship, Le Jacques Cartier, on time in

July. Both ships feature our exclusive underwater lounge known as Blue Eye, with large cetaceanlike glass windows offering a luxurious venue along with a view of the maritime environment – a part-Jules Verne, part-007 experience.

WHAT’S THE CRUISE EXPERIENCE LIKE ON BOARD THE NEW CELEBRITY APEX?

TIM JONES We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard our second ‘Edge Series’ ship and the most revolutionary to date. Like her sister ship Edge, Celebrity Apex features an innovative outward-facing design allowing guests to maximise their time outdoors. A highlight feature is Celebrity’s pioneering ‘Infinite Veranda’; floor-to-ceiling windows bathe cabins in natural light and enhance travellers’ connection to destinations. Another favourite is the barbecue grill at the Rooftop Garden for a special dining experience under the stars.

WHAT WILL SEABOURN VENTURE BRING TO THE WORLD OF EXPEDITION CRUISING?

TONY ARCHBOLD Launching in December

2021, Seabourn Venture will bring a new level of luxury to expedition cruising. While ultraluxury and adventure go hand-in-hand on all Seabourn ships, this is especially so on Seabourn Venture. She will carry Zodiacs, kayaks and two custom-built submarines staffed by Seabourn’s experienced expedition team, while all 132 oceanfront verandah suites will feature the ultra-luxurious comforts guests have come to expect from Seabourn.

TELL US ABOUT THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED 2021 LAUNCH OF SILVER DAWN?

ADAM RADWANSKI The new Silver Dawn will build on the phenomenal success of sister ships Silver Muse and Silver Moon when she launches in November 2021. Combining small-ship intimacy, sumptuous suites and outstanding itineraries, Silver Dawn will also feature cuttingedge design and technology, eight dining options, and Silversea’s exclusive Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) program enabling our guests to travel deeper through a range of destinationbased gastronomic experiences.

WHAT SETS HURTIGUTEN’S NEW HYBRID EXPEDITION SHIPS APART FROM OTHERS?

DAMIAN PERRY Our new MS Roald Amundsen and sister ship MS Fridtjof Nansen are completely at home in the polar regions, purpose-built as PC6 ice-strengthened ships. Both carry the latest GPS satellite technology with an anchorless positioning system; the latest in water purification and waste management solutions; energy harvesting to repurpose power; and we can operate on battery alone, which reduces emissions in pristine waters.

The premium experience on board focuses on exploring, learning and knowledge-sharing in a luxury Scandinavian design setting.

WHAT MAKES THE NEW SEVEN SEAS SPLENDOR SO UNIQUE?

LISA PILE Seven Seas Splendor perfected luxury when she was launched in February 2020. Showcasing why Regent Seven Seas Cruises has continued to set benchmarks in its 28-year heritage, the ship boasts a curated art collection valued at almost US$5 million, more than

500 crystal chandeliers and swathes of Italian marble. The all-suite, all-balcony ship fuses elegance, comfort and personalised service for the most luxurious offering at sea.