This week in the cruise industry a host of river cruise lines released further details on their 2017 seasons, and it looks like travelers are in for a variety of new and newly updated ships next year.
Three new ships will set sail for Emerald Waterways in 2017, which released its 2017 brochure this week.
The fifth Star-Ship to sail the Rhine, Main and Danube is the newly announced Emerald Destiny, set to launch in April 2017. Also joining the fleet in 2017 will be the purpose-built Emerald Radiance and the Emerald Liberté, bringing the total number of ships for the line to seven. The Emerald Liberté will host 138 guests and, while smaller in size than the other Star-Ships, will the same amenities, including the swimming pool and cinema. The April launch of the Liberté will mark the first time Emerald Waterways will sail its own ship on the Saône and Rhône rivers, plying between Arles and Lyon, with optional extensions in Paris and Nice. The itinerary has been enhanced to include Emerald Active programs and an onboard cooking demonstration by an award-winning chef.
Emerald Waterways is also offering new, combinable 14-night itineraries, active shore excursions, and early booking incentives for next year.
Scenic is rebuilding three of its Space-Ships in France for 2017. The new renovations add Scenic Culinaire, an onboard cooking school offering immersive courses in the cuisine of the Rhône and Bordeaux regions; a reduced guest count of 155; and the addition of two new Royal Owner’s Suites at 506 square feet.
Scenic Diamond in Bordeaux and Scenic Emerald and Sapphire on the Rhône and Saône in the south of France are being rebuilt. The new ships will also have larger wellness centers and gyms, as well as vitality pools.
For 2017 Scenic is also launching new Scenic Enrich experiences, like the chance to take in a traditional French cabaret performance under a big-top in Lyon, new combination cruises, and new Scenic Freechoice activities. Early booking incentives are available.
For golf lovers, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is adding new golf excursions to its Paris & Normandy itinerary in 2017.
Aboard the new Joie de Vivre, debuting in March 2017, Uniworld passengers will be able to hit the links during an eight-day river cruise throughout France at two of Europe’s top courses: Golf de Rouen Mont-Saint-Aignan in Rouen and Golf d'Etretat, which overlooks the coastline of Étretat.
All golf equipment for men and women is available onboard.
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