Sail off towards new horizons with these incredible cruising experiences, guaranteed to enhance your aquatic adventures.
Cruising Experiences
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Ventures by Seabourn
Seabourn has further enhanced their range of intimate cruises by installing a team of scientists, scholars and naturalists on select sailings. This team of experts are on board and on hand to offer inspiring insights into the history, ecology and culture of Seabourn’s innovative itineraries. Delve in to Viking history, discover Norwegian fjords, or visit with penguins in Antarctica while an expert guides you to a depth of understanding that guarantees an unforgettable experience.
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Viking Sea
Viking Cruises has recently launched their ocean cruising line with great panache. May 2016 saw the official debut of the Viking Sea, the sister ship to 2015’s Viking Star. These ships are luxurious havens of Nordic elegance that boast the world’s first onboard glass-backed infinity edged pools. Cantilevered slightly over the stern, the pool’s innovative design allows guests to feel as if they are swimming in sunshine while immersed in their exotic surroundings.
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Cunard Line Enrichment Program
Cunard are taking enrichment at sea to a whole new level on the newly rejuvenated Queen Mary II. Fabulous performance venues offer a prime location for RADA acting workshops, ballroom dancing lessons or guest lectures. Cunard’s inspiring seminars have included contributions from celebrity fashion designer Julien Macdonald OBE, Tudor historian Suzannah Lipscomb, and actor Mark Williams of Harry Potter fame.
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Scenic Aura
Launched on September 19th into the formerly inaccessible waters of the Irrawaddy, the Scenic Aura allows guests to discover the mysteries of Myanmar from a luxurious base. River cruising has long been a feature of life in Myanmar, and some of the country’s most magnificent sights can be experienced from the water. The Aura’s 22 deluxe cabins all have balconies, and the diminutive guest capacity is an exciting indication of the intimate, immersive nature of this boutique cruise.
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Wind Star
The namesake ship in Windstar Cruises’ fleet of luxurious yachts holds just 148 guests, allowing it to visit exclusive ports by the grace of its shallow draft and billowing sails. As well as the ability to dock in hidden harbours, the Wind Star offers award-winning shore excursions. These include such delights as a private dining experience in the courtyard of the magnificent Celsus Library of Ephesus. Constructed in 117AD, this ancient ruin divulges an unforgettable insight into the past.
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Cuba Cruising
Viking, Lindblad
Cuba retains its time-warped charm while slowly welcoming an influx of American influence. Lindblad’s land and sea itineraries include meaningful connections with locals for a unique insight into Cuba’s singular culture. Viking Cruises offer an overnight stay in Havana as part of their Central America & Cuba itinerary, paired with a variety of onboard enrichment programs. Cruise ships are still a rare sighting in Cuba, and the time is ripe for an authentic immersion.
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New Ships Sailing 2017
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Silver Muse
Boasting no less than eight gourmet restaurants, the Silver Muse will make its maiden voyage through the Mediterranean in April 2017. As well as being spoiled when it comes to dining options, guests will enjoy a staff-to-guest ratio of almost one to one, with a personal butler assigned to each suite. Designer flourishes, spacious interiors and a stunning pool deck are just a few features of this 596-passenger masterpiece.
Viking Sky
The sister ship of the Viking Star and Viking Sea is set to sail in 2017, complete with its infinity edge, glass-backed pool that endows the sensation of swimming through sunshine. Other features include a ‘snow grotto’; the perfect place to visit before a soak in the hot tub to ensure a revitalising contrast. This indulgent ship will carry 930 passengers in a series of spacious rooms and suites, all enhanced with extras such as cashmere blankets and binoculars.
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National Geographic Quest
Lindblad’s National Geographic Quest is a purpose-built expedition vessel, designed to navigate narrow inlets, shallow coves and wildlife-rich passageways that are inaccessible to larger ships. The 100-passenger Quest will offer contemporary rooms and an indulgent day spa, but will also be outfitted with Zodiacs, kayaks and a range of cameras – equipment designed to maximise your exploration of the world’s most intriguing destinations.
Majestic Princess
Guests can stroll out over the ocean on the Majestic Princess’ SeaWalk, a glass-floored walkway extending eight metres beyond the edge of the ship. This 3,560 passenger ship will boast Chinese inspired touches that extend from enticing dining options through to private karaoke booths designed for an entertaining night out for the family. It’s slated to be a retail paradise afloat, with over 1000 square metres dedicated to luxury and designer shopping outlets.
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Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler
These luxury river yachts will boast the highest guest-to staff-ratio on the European river ways, and the six-star experience continues throughout the plush suites, speciality restaurants and onboard Yoga Centre. Each of the twin ships boasts an indoor pool with a retractable roof, a central atrium with a dance floor and stage, plus a range of resources for further exploration, including electric bikes, kayaks and personal watercraft.
Uniworld S.S Joie de Vivre
Designed for stately cruising down the Seine, the Joie de Vivre is slightly smaller than her sisters to enable a docking point in the heart of Paris. Guests will enjoy an onboard collection of fine arts curated from Sotheby’s and Christies, although the handcrafted furniture, sumptuous fabrics and antique touches will make the rooms a work of art in themselves. Unique excursions promise to enhance each destination, and are included in the cost.
