These cruises offer respite from winter blahs
As winter sets in, cruise lines are offering a variety of warm weather escapes to the Caribbean, the Bahamas and far-flung destinations in the South Pacific and the Persian Gulf.
This winter will see the launches of new ships and itineraries aimed at attracting a broad demographic of cruisers, particularly young first-timers.
Here are some of the most anticipated trips to sunny spots.
Icon of the Seas (Eastern Caribbean and the Bahamas):
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest new cruise ship, with a capacity to carry more than 7,000 passengers, is scheduled to set sail in January, with a seven-night eastern Caribbean and Coco Cay cruise departing from Miami. While the 250,800-ton ship makes stops at St. Kitts,
St. Thomas and Coco Cay (Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas), it may be hard to choose between land excursions and the countless onboard attractions, from the largest water park at sea to an immersive entertainment space where athletes perform acrobatics under a cascading waterfall. Twenty-eight accommodation categories include family-friendly cabins that sleep four people or more, and a three-story townhouse complete with an en-suite slide and a cinema room. Despite its size and features, Royal Caribbean says the ship is the company’s most sustainable ship to date, powered by liquefied natural gas and energyefficient technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
From $1,577 per person
Explora I (Caribbean):
The new luxury cruise line Explora Journeys invites passengers to discover an “ocean state of mind,” characterized by “calm, unity, elegance and joy.” The Explora I, which set sail on her maiden voyage in August and has a capacity of up to 922 passengers, resembles a superyacht with the interior of a highend boutique hotel. It is decked out with more than 400 oceanfront suites, four swimming pools and nine culinary experiences. The all-inclusive voyages aim to bridge the gap between luxury and lifestyle travel, targeting people who enjoy high-end resorts but may not have previously considered ocean cruising. The “Yachtsman’s Caribbean of Remote Harborages” journey, one of many trips offered this winter, departs Bridgetown, Barbados, in January for a six-night sailing that will take guests to lesser-known hideaways that are usually reserved for yachts in St. Lucia, Deshaies, Guadeloupe and St. Barts, before ending in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
From $3,600 per person
Norwegian Pride of America (Hawaii):
While most Hawaii cruise itineraries last at least 14 days, Norwegian’s Hawaii Island tour visits the four main islands in just seven days. There are no days at sea, allowing guests more time to explore Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii and Kauai with excursions that include tours of lava fields and zip-lining through tropical rainforests. The Pride of America, which has a capacity of 2,186 passengers, underwent a multimilliondollar refurbishment in 2016. All the rooms were refurbished, the decks and entertainment spaces remodeled and all major features, including the spa and lounge areas, were upgraded. The ship has a range of specialty restaurants and a center dedicated to Hawaiian culture.
From $1,250 per person
Celebrity Solstice (Vietnam and Thailand):
While Celebrity just launched its newest ship, the Ascent, with itineraries in the Caribbean, the line’s Asia cruises are still among the most popular winter escapes for those willing to travel farther afield. Setting out from Hong Kong, the Celebrity Solstice’s 12-night cruise will sail to Hanoi, Vietnam, making an overnight stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay, to allow time to trek around the mountains of Sapa before exploring the rich culture of the country’s capital. The next stop is Hue and Da Nang, filled with temples, pagodas, palaces and tombs. During the second half of the sailing, the ship makes an overnight stop in Bangkok, followed by a visit to the tropical island of Koh Samui. The cruise ends in Singapore, which, beyond its skyscrapers and megamalls, has a rich cultural heritage and one of the best airports in the world from which to fly back home.
From $694 per person
Oceania Regatta (Auckland, New Zealand, to Papeete, Tahiti):
With so much to explore in the Pacific Ocean, it’s worth taking a longer cruise to cover more ground. The 36-day voyage on the Oceania Regatta offers just that, embarking from Auckland with multiple stops at the country’s North and South islands, to Australia’s east coast and finishing in the sparkling waters of French Polynesia. The Regatta is a small, 684-passenger luxury ship that features a swimming pool, casino and spa. It has a fine-dining culinary program and aims to offer a refined cruise experience for people looking to escape the crowds.
From $12,295 per person.
MSC Opera and Virtuosa (United Arab Emirates):
While several cruise lines have canceled or altered itineraries in the Middle East because of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, cruises to the Emirates, which are relatively far from the conflict, have not been affected. MSC offers a range of itineraries and a selection of three-, five- or seven-night sailings on its Opera and Virtuosa ships. From skyscrapers, luxury shopping and glitzy nightlife to turquoise waters and warm sand deserts, there are many offerings for young cruisers, families and couples. On the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar seven-night cruise, the ships stop at Sir Bani Yas Island, known for its wildlife reserve, bird sanctuary and crystalclear waters. The island offers a range of activities, including safaris, snorkeling, kayaking or mountain biking. There is also a children’s water park and play area. The MSC Opera is a mid-size ship with a 2,150-passenger capacity, and underwent a two-year refurbishment program in 2014, adding more than 90 rooms with balconies, a new spa and a water spray park. The Virtuosa is one of MSC’s newest and largest ships, complete with a “Himalayan Bridge” that spans more than 260 feet, an aqua park and a Formula One simulator.