In the top river cruise news of the week, the new Riverside Luxury Cruises acquired four former Crystal Cruises’ European river vessels.
Two will begin sailing in 2023. Riverside Ravel will operate on France’s Rhône and Saône rivers, while Riverside Debussy will sail the Rhine River. Itineraries for the Riverside Bach and Riverside Mahler will be announced later this year. Previously, Riverside had acquired the former Crystal Mozart; that vessel will begin sailing for Riverside on the Danube River in spring 2023.
A top development on the ocean cruising front, Orient Express’ owner Accor and leading shipbuilding company Chantiers de l'Atlantique are partnering to create the world’s largest sailing ship, Orient Express Silenseas. As reported by sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, the ship will begin sailing in 2026.
New Itineraries
Viking announced its 2024-2025 World Cruise itineraries, including the new “Viking World Voyage I," setting sail on December 19, 2024, from Port Everglades, FL, it will sail around the world in 180 days. Travelers will visit 85 ports in 37 countries, with 13 overnight stays in ports.
Longer cruises are becoming increasingly popular with consumers eager to make more of their vacation. For example, Holland America Line is among the lines planning some longer cruises in 2024.
Scenic Group unveiled three new 2024-2025 East Antarctica and Ross Sea voyages on Scenic Eclipse II. Travelers will journey to areas famed for the historic explorations of Dr. Douglas Mawson, Robert Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton.
In the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin Cruises has unveiled a brochure highlighting its collection of 2024 voyages, with all-inclusive cruises offered aboard the intimate Paul Gauguin. Of the line’s seven itineraries departing next year, two are new, including a seven-night “More Society Islands & Tahiti” cruise featuring a return to Raiatea and a 14-night “Islands of the Marquesas & Tuamotus” itinerary showcasing five calls in the Marquesas.
One Challenge
One challenge this month for the cruise industry’s return to the South Pacific, and specifically New Zealand, has been that several lines have had issues with sea snail and algae infestations on ship hulls. Port visits have been changed or canceled as divers have worked to clean the hulls. New Zealand has strict regulations to prevent contamination of its reefs.
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