Eight New Cruise Offerings for 2020
Whether you’re a veteran of cruises or thinking about going on one for the first time, don’t delay in planning your voyage for 2020.
The period from January to March is “wave season,” when cruise lines roll out their best deals, making it the perfect time to book your trip. Here are some of the new ships and destinations.
Naming a godparent is a longstanding maritime tradition. In November, Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson became godmother of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Encore. Beginning in April, the Encore will sail from New York City to Bermuda. Entertainment includes the largest racetrack at sea and the Tony-winning musical “Kinky Boots.”
Actress and supermodel Christie Brinkley has been named godmother to the Seven Seas Splendor, a Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship that will be christened in Miami in February. Passengers can choose from 16 Culinary Arts Kitchen classes inspired by Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises.
Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas launches in November with cruises throughout the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 2021, Odyssey sails from Rome to the Greek isles and Mediterranean. The ship will boast the largest indoor activity space at sea, with bumper cars, interactive virtual-reality games and glow-in-the-dark laser tag. A reimagined pool deck will provide plenty of shade and hammocks and a two-story bar.
In August, luxury line Crystal Cruises debuts the 200-passenger Endeavor, built to handle icy waters and polar climates. To explore rugged coastlines, the ship will be equipped with two helicopters and a seven-passenger submersible vehicle. Shipboard experts will guide passengers through local history, culture and wildlife. Endeavor’s destinations include the Arctic, Antarctica, the Aleutian Islands and Russia’s Far East.
One of Holland America Line’s newest ships, the Koningsdam, will sail to Alaska for the first time in 2020.It will be part of a fleet of seven vessels that offer 7-to-18-day cruises leaving from Vancouver, Canada; Seattle; and Seward, Alaska.
Holland America recently debuted new guest rooms at its McKinley Chalet Resort, near the entrance to Denali National Park. An Alaskan cruise is a great way to experience the panoramic views of wildlife, glaciers and rugged mountains of America’s “last frontier.”
If you’re an oenophile, luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways will offer 67 wine cruises this year, hosted by wine experts, sommeliers and vineyard owners, with lectures, tastings and shore excursions. New itineraries will highlight the famed vineyards and historic sights of France, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland and the Netherlands. This is a great way to test your wine knowledge and your palate.
In 2020, Silversea Cruises is adding the Silver Moon to its fleet of luxury ships. The Silver Moon will spend the summer in the Mediterranean before heading to Fort Lauderdale for cruises to the Caribbean. Passengers can take part in a new culinary program highlighting local food and drink culture. For entertainment, “To the Moon and Beyond,” will debut. The show, billed as a tribute to the recent 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, will honor space exploration and classic sci-fi movies and feature space-age scenery and thematic songs.
Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, the Apex, includes the line’s Magic Carpet, an open-air platform that provides stunning views, as well as a rooftop garden and 29 culinary venues crafted by a Michelin-starred chef. She’ll sail through the Mediterranean this summer before traveling to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale beginning in November.
For help planning a cruise, contact us.
