We round up the spectacular cruise ships coming to a port near you soon
Change is the only constant in the cruise industry, with plenty of new, innovative – expect everything from celebrated chef Daniel Bouloud’s first restaurant on the high seas to a marine life library – ships preparing to set sail this spring.
Here we take a closer look at the cruise ships set to make waves in the coming months.
Ambience (Ambassador Cruise Line)
Ambassador Cruise Line – the first British cruise line to be launched since 2010 — is making its debut next month with the 1,400-passenger Ambience.
Ambience is not a brand new ship per se – she previously sailed as Regal Princess for Princess Cruises and Pacific Dawn for P&O Australia – but has undergone a full upgrade and refurb.
She now features five different restaurants and two cafes, nine lounges, a swimming pool and a spa – plus plenty of deck space on which to drink in the ocean views or enjoy a sundowner or two.
Aimed at British passengers over 50, Ambience will offer a premium-value, environmentally conscious cruising experience when she sets sail on her maiden voyage from London Tilbury to Hamburg on April 6, 2022. (ambassadorcruiseline.com)
Celebrity Beyond (Celebrity)
Celebrity Beyond is the third ship to join Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series. The 1,073-foot Beyond is both longer and taller than its two sister ships, Apex and Edge, and will be able to accommodate 3,260 passengers in 1,646 cabins when she departs Southampton for her inaugural voyage on April 27, 2022.
Fans of Edge will be pleased to know that the Magic Carpet – a tennis court-sized cantilevered platform, designed by British architect Tom Wright, that scales the side of the ship, is back.
Cruise goers can also look forward to dining at Le Voyage – Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud’s first restaurant at sea – a wellness programme curated by Goop guru, Gywneth Paltrow, and Celebrity’s new AquaClass SkySuites replete with plush Xhale bedding and a pillow menu.
The new build will be helmed by insta-famous cruise captain, Kate McCue, who’s known to sail with her trusty sidekick Bug Naked – a hairless Sphynx cat who has 56,000 Instagram followers (and counting) of her own. (celebritycruises.com)
Emerald Azzurra (Emerald Cruises)
After two years of life under Covid, it’s time to splash the cash and treat yourself to an uber-luxurious cruise – you deserve it after the past couple of years.
And if you’re looking to return to the high seas in style, exclusive superyacht Emerald Azzurra could be the answer. The sleek, 100-passenger Azzurra from Australian-owned Emerald Cruises – a line hitherto better known for its river boats – is small enough access ports off-limits to mega-cruisers but doesn’t skimp on style.
Almost all of the cabins and suites come with spacious private balconies but, if you’re ready to live large, splurge on either of the oversized owner’s suites. Both boast a separate bedroom, sitting area, and private terrace – perfect for dining al fresco.
Elsewhere you’ll find a watersports marina, spa, gym, three bars and restaurants, and an Instagram-worthy infinity pool.
Sister ship, Emerald Sakara, is slated to launch in 2023. (emeraldcruises.co.uk)
Ocean Victory (American Queen Voyages)
Small ship cruise line, American Queen Voyages – currently celebrating its10th anniversary – will debut the new expeditionary 186-passenger Ocean Victory this spring. Ocean Victory is the much loved line’s first foray into expedition cruising.
Passengers can expect spacious suites and staterooms with panoramic views and private balconies – and expedition decks that make stepping into a Zodiac for up-close and personal exploration, a doddle.
American Queen Voyage’s newest vessel features an unusual ‘X-bow’ hull, with a prow that leans backwards as opposed to forwards as it does on a conventional ship.
Ocean Victory will operate in Alaska on 12- and 13-day journeys through less-travelled regions of the Inside Passage. She will be joined in 2023 by sister ship, Ocean Discoverer. (aqvoyages.com)
Vega (Swan Hellenic)
SH Vega, the second of the new expedition ships by Swan Hellenic, was due to debut in April. However the British Discovery Brand has been forced to make changes to Vega’s 2022 itinerary in response to the Ukraine crisis and Covid curbs in Asia.
The company’s second purpose-built polar class expedition ship is now scheduled to leave its Helsinki shipyard in September and head directly for Argentina in time for the Antarctica season.
World of Cruising reckons that the wait will be worth it. Like sister ship Minerva, Vega – named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage – can accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the lion’s share boasting expansive balconies.
Onboard highlights include an expedition laboratory, marine life library and observation lounge for lectures by expert expedition leaders and specialists from a wide range of disciplines, panoramic restaurant and club lounge, and pool deck with bar.
Meanwhile expedition day trips by zodiac will be offered, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities.
A third ship temporarily, named Vega 3, will be delivered in early 2023. (www.swanhellenic.com)