cruises

The most anticipated new cruise ships for spring 2022

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)


Arctic adventures: in search of the northern lights

A cruise is a great way to experience Mother Nature’s most spectacular light show writes Kaye Holland

The Northern Lights – a mesmerising show across the Arctic sky, named after the Roman goddess of dawn – has long featured on my bucket list.

But this kind of trip can be time-consuming and stressful to organise independently. To see this spectacle of nature, you’ll also need lady luck on your side: the Northern Lights are elusive and unpredictable at the best of times and dependent on dark, clear skies.

To increase your chances of seeing the aurora borealis, you must head as far north as possible and, ideally in March – an optimum month for aurora spotting due to the long, dark nights.

All of which is how I found myself signing up for a shortened version of Viking's 12-night ‘In search of the Northern Lights’ itinerary onboard Viking Venus.

Our first day was spent in Bergen, an ancient city with deep Viking roots that’s nestled between gargantuan snow-capped mountains, magnificent fords, and one of Europe’s largest glaciers.

On an included walking tour, we learned a little more about Norway’s second-largest city – a beguiling place of brightly painted timber-fronted houses which, during the early Middle Ages, was the country's capital and a member of the Hanseatic League.

Two consecutive ‘scenic sailing’ days followed and, while I hadn’t been sure about spending so much time cooped up onboard, it wasn’t a hardship. Passenger numbers on Viking Venus hover around the 900 mark, rather than in the thousands, so the ship never felt crowded.

Turns out I relished the time at sea which permitted me to stop and savour Norway’s stirring landscapes from the deck; attend a lecture by Dr Sarah Yeomans, Viking’s resident historian; hunker down, hot chocolate in hand, in the Explorer’s Lounge where comfy sofas are draped in reindeer hides; browse a book about Shackleton (carefully chosen by Heywood Hill, booksellers to the Royal Family) in one of the cosy lounges; and check out the Nordic-themed spa with its complimentary steam room, sauna and snow grotto – meaning there’s no excuse not to embrace the traditional Scandinavian bathing ritual of hot and cold water therapies.

Then there’s the array of restaurants – all included in your fare as part of Viking’s all-inclusive offering. I adored afternoon tea (expect the full panoply of elegant teapots, fluffy scones and extravagant cakes) in the light-filled Wintergarden, The Chef’s Table – an experience that combines a cooking demonstration with dinner – excellent Manfredi’s Italian Grill, and the main dining venue, The Restaurant, where the emphasis is on regional cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.

And if you’re anxious about the thought of missing the aurora borealis while dining, put the panic on hold: Howard Parkin, Viking’s resident astronomer, and indeed the whole Viking team are permanently on watch ready to announce sightings over the PA.

Elsewhere a channel on the TV in your stateroom lets you know, via an alarm, when the aurora deigns to make an appearance.

It was while sitting down to dinner at The Restaurant, on our fourth night nearing the northerly city of Alta – also known as the City of Northern Lights – that a cry suddenly rang out: “The aurora!”

Orders instantly forgotten, we collectively grabbed coats and rushed out onto the icy decks – minus 16 temperatures be damned.

The night sky was dancing the light fantastic; swirling rivers of green, blue, white and various shades of red ​​green, pink, shades of red, yellow and darted over the horizon. And Howard was on hand to explain the spectacle, and offer photography tips.

Howard reckoned he has seen the spectacular astronomical display at least a dozen times but said it never gets old: every night is different.

For almost a whole hour, the whole ship seemed to be out on deck looking skywards. As the dazzling show diminished, then dissolved, a collective sigh went up and we wandered back indoors – content that we had witnessed the aurora which has captivated people for millennia.

But while the Northern Lights are the undoubted star of the sailing, Viking offers an array of exciting excursions – with one included at every stop – to mitigate disappointment should the phenomenon fail to appear, while also allowing guests to experience local culture and traditions.

In Alta, I opted to hunt for the aurora on a snowmobile through snow-deep valleys and also signed up for a classic Nordic skiing session – think of it as skiing but without the lifts, queues, or crowds – against a backdrop of a winter landscape of almost clichéd beauty.

However, if you’re after a gentler alternative, explore Alta – home to the Unesco-listed Alta Museum and the distinctive Northern Lights Cathedral with a knowledgeable Viking guide.

Our final stop was the lively university town of Tromso – it has more pubs per capita than any other Norwegian town. But if Tromsø is known for its nightlife, it is also celebrated for its outdoor activities.

Here I had the opportunity to ride behind a team of huskies, the land of snow and silence broken only by the sound of the overexcited canines’ communal howl.

It was an extraordinary afternoon excursion in every sense, and well worth putting up with the kind of subzero temperatures that cause teeth to chatter.

Back on the ship, we were handed steaming cups of hot chocolate and mulled wine by Viking’s small army of smiling staff to warm up.

I retreated to my stateroom, with its private balcony and bathroom with underfloor heating, to shed layers and relax for a few hours.

Then it was time to wrap up once more and disembark for our final excursion: snowshoeing, a common activity in Scandinavian countries, atop Fjellheisen mountain.

After strapping on a pair of snowshoes (which look something like a pair of 1970s wooden tennis rackets), a qualified guide led us crunching into deep virgin snow that would otherwise have been inaccessible.

Just as I was thinking that nothing could have made this exhilarating outing any better, the Northern Lights began their heart-stopping display, filling the sky with colour – and cementing an unforgettable cruise.

My only complaint about this pinch-me experience? After such a luxurious voyage, the flight home, followed by the Gatwick Express back to my shoebox–sized London flat, felt like the rudest of awakenings.

Get on board
A 12-night ‘In search of the Northern Lights’ itinerary aboard Viking Venus departs from London Tilbury on March 12, 2024, and includes stops in Amsterdam, Narvik, Tromso, Alta, and Bergen. From £4,340 per person including flights, meals, gratuities, and an included excursion in each port of call. (0800 319 66 60; vikingcruises.co.uk)

Fast facts
930 passengers
2021, year built
465 crew
14 decks
2 pools
£4,040 average cost of a 13-day ‘In search of the Northern Lights’ cruise

MY VERDICT
Great for:
Anyone who isn’t convinced about cruising. Viking’s selling point is its Scandi design and itineraries emphasising cultural enrichment.

Don’t miss: Take advantage of the complimentary 24/7 room service, and order breakfast on days when you have an early shore excursion.

Best bar and restaurant: Manfredi's, where pasta portions come in half sizes, is a must. For a post-dinner drink, try the Explorer’s Lounge.

Value for money: Yes. Almost everything (flights, all onboard meals, five guided tours, gratuities, etc) is included.

Saving the planet: Viking Venus features a high-efficiency engine and a hydro-dynamically optimised streamlined hull and bow for maximum fuel efficiency.

Star rating: 4.5/5

Read my feature for World of Cruising here

The best-themed cruises to book right now

There’s a themed cruise out there with your name on it, writes Kaye Holland

Themed cruises are nothing new – they began about two decades ago – but have seen a surge in popularity over the last 18 months, as cruise lines look for unique ways to entice passengers back onboard after the pandemic.

Case in point? Cunard is running seven themed cruises throughout 2023 spanning everything from food and wine to dance to literature.

The luxury British cruise line isn’t the only cruise outfit to get in on the act. Holland America Line (HAL), Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Carnival, and co are also offering an array of themed cruises covering comedy, the 1980s, sci-fi etc – as are river cruise lines like Avalon Waterways and Ponant.

Make no mistake: whatever your passion, chances are there’s a cruise itinerary for you.

And for good reason. Themed cruises combine hobbies with a holiday at sea – with passengers who share your interest.

Here’s our pick of the best-themed cruises to book if, ahem, you don’t want to miss the boat:

https://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/cruise-news/the-best-themed-cruises-to-book-right-now

Variety Cruises’ boss on why small ships are the future of the cruise industry

Kaye Holland meets Filippos Venetopoulos, the dynamic CEO of Variety Cruises who is on a mission to create a better world at se

I’m a couple of minutes late for my Zoom interview with Filippos Venetopoulos – who took over the Greece-based, family business Variety Cruises, in July 2021.

Despite endless online meetings and calls during Covid, I can’t get my Zoom to work. Finally, I’m in but, despite having a schedule that makes Richard Branson seem like a slacker, Venetopoulos doesn’t seem phased – proffering a smile that dispels any mild impatience. It’s clear, within minutes of meeting on screen, that Venetopoulos is one of life’s enthusiasts.

Variety Cruises’ new CEO is speaking to me from Athens, where he grew up and where the cruise operation is based, but is off to the South Pacific shortly for the small ship company’s Tahiti debut. In fact, it’s fair to say that it’s been pretty non-stop for the 37-year-old over the past few years.

At the start of the pandemic, Venetopoulos was living in Australia where he had been working for Intrepid Travel. Speaking exclusively to World of Cruising, Venetopoulos explained: “I was in Australia to set up adventure cruising for Intrepid Travel.

"I basically did what my grandfather Diogenis [who founded Variety Cruises, which “owns and operates eight ships carrying 100 or fewer guests”, in 1949] and father did but for a different company.

“We launched cruises in Croatia and the Mediterranean and it was good for me to work for another business that had 2,500 employees, 26 offices around the world, and the first B Corp in travel space. I am very proud to say Intrepid still has a cruise portfolio today and I can only speak highly of them.”

However, in early 2020, Venetopoulos found out that his Father had cancer and had been given only a year to live. Shortly after his Dad’s diagnosis, Covid hit.

“I’ve always been a glass half full person so I was trying to keep positive,” reflected Venetopoulos “but the owner of Intrepid took me to one side and said ‘Your dad has cancer, our business is crumbling, Fil – what the hell are you doing here?’

Read my interview for World of Cruising with Variety Cruises’ CEO here:

https://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/cruise-news/variety-cruises-boss-on-why-small-ships-are-the-future-of-the-cruise-industry

The Mediterranean as you have never experienced it before

Kaye Holland sets sail on six-star Scenic Eclipse’s inaugural Mediterranean voyage.

The sun is kissing the tiled ochre roofs and winding cobbled streets of Porto – Portugal’s second city – and locals and tourists alike are ambling along its bustling waterfront, snapping selfies on Dom Luís I bridge and sipping port wine at a pavement cafe.

This pretty waterfront city is our first port of call aboard a Mediterranean voyage with Scenic Eclipse, and it’s a postcard-perfect scene.

And yet, despite a fantastic tour with the knowledge of amiable Pedro, which took in the beaux-arts São Bento station – undoubtedly one of the world’s most spectacular railway stations – and the Palácio da Bolsa, the city’s neoclassical former stock exchange, I and my fellow passengers find ourselves positively skipping back to our ship.

Like so many vessels, Scenic Eclipse’s nautical debut was delayed (no fewer than three times) due to construction issues, but it’s safe to say she was worth the wait.

Read my piece here:

https://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/cruise-news/the-mediterranean-as-you-have-never-experienced-it-before-onboard-scenic-eclipse