This Week in Cruise: The Latest on Luxury Cruises

From updates on new cruise ships to new itineraries, it’s been another busy week for luxury cruises.

Scenic has announced plans for a new luxury expedition cruise ship, the Scenic Eclipse II, to launch in 2020. A sibling vessel to the Scenic Eclipse, which launches this year, the new ship will have a number of similar amenities, including 114 all-verandah suites, nine restaurants, eight lounges and bars, a Spa Sanctuary, separate fitness areas and indoor, outdoor and plunge pools, as well as a marina deck, helicopters and a submarine.

The Scenic Eclipse II will allow Scenic to offer a number of itineraries in new destinations, particularly the Russian Arctic. The ship will explore the White Sea; the Northwest Passage; Southern Greenland; Alaska and Russia’s Bering Sea, with ports in both Russia and Alaska; Alaska; both coasts of Canada, the United States, Central and South America; a circumnavigation of Cuba; and  several sailings that take in Antarctica, the Falklands and South Georgia. Full itinerary details are expected to be announced in April.

Crystal reports a change in plans for its upcoming luxury ocean ships. While final plans are still being confirmed, a cruise line representative tells Travel Agent that the ships will now be smaller than previously reported, minus the dedicated deck of privately owned luxury residences. Additionally, the new ships will now be called “Diamond Class” instead of “Exclusive Class.” The first of the three ships is currently slated to debut in 2022.

Finally, in itinerary news, Crystal River Cruises has announced new 10-day “Enchanting Moselle” sailings onboard the Crystal Bach. The new itineraries will call at ports from Amsterdam through Germany and the Netherlands, from May 28, 2019, through December 24, 2019.

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