SEA THE WORLD
Cruise news
Land Ahoy
Azamara claims to offer the largest selection of preand post-voyage land programmes in the cruise industry. With itineraries lasting between three and six nights, the destination-focused brand is heavily committed to bringing guests closer to the heart of a place. In 2020, its three mid-sized ships will sail to all seven continents and visit 294 ports in 76 countries, including 279 late-night excursions and 162 overnights. Details: azamara.co.uk.
JANE’S JAUNT
TV star Jane Mcdonald is chartering a ship for her own seven-night cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. She will sail from Southampton in September 2020 and call at Cherbourg, Vigo and Lisbon. As well as seeing Jane perform, passengers will also get to enjoy an ‘audience with’ event. From £649pp for four sharing a cabin (£999pp for two) and £1,899pp for a suite. Details: royalcaribbean.co.uk.
POSH NOSH
Ponant, the French-owned luxury expeditions cruise line and Relais & Châteaux, renowned in the sphere of hospitality and gastronomy, have come together initially to create three gastronomic itineraries next autumn. The onboard Relais & Châteaux chefs will also arrange a culinary demonstration, cookery classes and lectures. The cruise destinations are Brittany, the Canaries and Cape Verde, and China and Vietnam. Details: ponant.com.
PACIFIC CIRCLE
In January 2022, Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship Mariner will be offering a 120-night voyage that focuses on Asia, the Pacific islands, Australia and New Zealand. The journey, from San Francisco, will visit 17 countries, 59 ports of call and give access to 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Prices start at £52,369pp, including business-class flights to/from San Francisco, door-todoor luggage service, laundry, medical services, visa packages, shore excursions and all drinks and gratuities. Details: rssc.com.
PLUG IN To conserve energy, instead of keeping their engines running in port, more cruise lines will have ‘cold ironing’ capabilities, enabling ships to use shore-side electric power on board rather than having their engines ticking over.