From a big new ocean cruise line heading into North America to more details on an upcoming World Cruise, this week in cruise travel news saw a host of new itinerary updates. Here's what to keep in mind.
Viking Ocean Cruises announced plans to launch cruises in North America and the Caribbean, with five new itineraries starting in September 2016.
Viking Star will sail a new itinerary from Bergen to Montreal, with stops in the Shetland Islands, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland. From Montreal, the ship will cruise the St. Lawrence River and down the coast of New England to New York, during the peak period of fall foliage in October. The ship will then make its way down the Eastern seaboard to San Juan, Puerto Rico, which will serve as its homeport for winter Caribbean itineraries. The ship will return to Europe in February 2017, with a transatlantic sailing from San Juan to Barcelona.
Celebrity Cruises also released details on its new Alaska, Bermuda and Canada and New England cruises, which are the first to go on sale for its 2017 and 2018 season.
Two ships in this lineup are part of a $16 million refresh initiative, Celebrity Infinity in Alaska and Celebrity Summit in Bermuda and Canada/New England. More destinations will be unveiled this month.
Additionally, beginning in 2016 Celebrity will introduce new destination-focused experiences, including chef-led shore excursions named “Chef’s Market Discoveries,” regional experts and local entertainment.
Looking further ahead, Azamara Club Cruises released more details on The World Journey, a 102 day world cruise itinerary onboard the Azamara Journey.
The cruise departs Sydney, Australia, on March 7, 2018, and ends in London, England, on June 17, 2018, visiting 69 ports in 29 countries over 102 days. There will also be 18 late night stays in port, 14 overnights and eight AzAmazing Evening events.
Highlights include a tour of Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, as well as a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangoon. In Dubai, travelers will have the chance to stop at the Gold Souq -- the largest gold market in the Middle East -- and explore the Sulan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the third largest in the world, in Muscat. Guests will also have the chance to take in the architecture of Barcelona, check out the Moorish Castle of Sao Jorge in Lisbon and explore Amsterdam.
Additionally, guests on the world cruise will have the chance to visit two major international events. After visiting Rome and Florence, the ship will head to the Cannes Film Festival. In Monaco, the ship will be in port during the Monaco Grand Prix.
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