The launch of a new ship always attracts enormous attention in the cruising community, especially when it's the first of a new class of ship, sporting exciting "first at sea" features, or being christened by royalty, whether Hollywood or a real princess. Maiden voyages are often booked out months before the ships are due to leave the shipyard, and it's always a buzz sailing on a ship when it sets off with a full load of passengers for the first time.
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New ships cost billions of dollars and take about three years to build, depending on the size and specifications, from the design stage to being ocean ready. Meanwhile, the major cruise lines all have multiple ships to maintain, update or change dramatically, as MSC Cruises is doing by stretching its four Lirica-class ships.
MSC Armonia has already received a mid-ship implant, which increased its length from 250 metres to 275 metres. It now accommodates more passengers (2680, up from 2069), and additions include 193 cabins, including 94 with a balcony, and an aqua park on the top deck.
MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera and MSC Lirica will be undergoing the same procedure between now and November in the $291 million Renaissance program. By adding the 24-metre extension to the ships, more space is created for other facilities, including more children's clubs, new restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, and these ships aren't even old.
Windstar Cruises is spending several million dollars on extensive facelifts for its recently acquired Star Pride, Star Legend and Star Spirit, formerly part of the Seabourn fleet. Star Pride was relaunched last year and Star Legend and Star Spirit will both start cruising the Mediterranean in May, having each had $11 million of work done on their suites, restaurants, bars and lounges.
By the time they set sail, the boutique 212-passenger ships will have more outdoor deck space, including more alfresco dining areas, and new flooring, fixtures and fittings and soft furnishings throughout.
At the other end of the scale, the 3800-passenger Explorer of the Seas, which will be the biggest ship to home port in Australia when it arrives in November, is having a major makeover next month. Like its fleetmate, Voyager of the Seas, Explorer will gain a FlowRider. Virtual balcony staterooms and a 3D cinema will also be installed. No doubt more enhancements will be announced soon.
It all adds up to more choice for cruisers, who become more discerning as they experience more types of ships at home and overseas, and often it costs much less to cruise on older ships.
MEET THE CREW
NAME Jason Tinney, from Britain
POSITION Dance captain, P&O Cruises' Pacific Pearl
MY JOB The role of the dance captain is to maintain the high quality of the production shows, while managing the Pacific Entertainers.
MY TYPICAL DAY During most days, I host activities such as arts and crafts, sports and trivia sessions. In the evenings, the cast and I have a technical rehearsal and a sound check, before performing two high-energy production shows in the theatre.
FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT It has to be Live @ Charlie's! This is a huge event that brings together the whole entertainment team and all the passengers for one big final party in the atrium on the last night of the cruise.
FAVOURITE CRUISE PORT I've been so lucky to visit many ports, so it's hard to pick just one. The Isle of Pines is definitely one of my favourites, though.
TIP FOR PASSENGERS Get to the shows early to make sure you have a good view of all the action.
TIP If you take a lot of snaps on your smartphone, invest in a portable charger, so you can recharge on the run. There's nothing worse than your battery dying when an unrepeatable photo opportunity pops up.
Cruisin Country 6
Country-music fans have already pretty much booked out Cruisin Country 5, the eight-day Radiance of the Seas jaunt in October this year, so Choose Your Cruise has opened its 2016 Cruisin Country 6 cruise for bookings. Brisbane-based Legend of the Seas will host an array of star performers, including Queensland country-music legend Adam Brand, who says he has never cruised before. "A bunch of the biggest country-music fans in Australia, almost 40 great performers and a luxury cruise ship for eight nights of adventure – bring it on!" he says. "I can't wait to get on board!" The eight-day Pacific island cruise departs from Brisbane on November 13, 2016. See chooseyourcruise.com.au
To the manor born
Fans of the Downton Abbey television series are in for a treat if they're on Crystal Symphony's White Sea Exploration cruise in July. Passengers will arrive at Highclere Castle in chauffeur-driven vintage 1920s cars, take a guided tour of the estate, then sit down to a Downton-style lunch served by attendants in period costume. The Downton Abbey experience is part of a two-night extended land program at the end of the 18-day Reykjavik to London cruise that departs on July 8. Crystal Cruises is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2015 with a range of special events on board and on shore. See crystalcruises.com
Pandaw goes to Kerala
Well known for its river cruises on the Mekong, Irrawaddy and Ganges, Pandaw River Expeditions is introducing seven-day land-cruise holidays along the tranquil waterways of Kerala in South India. A three-night cruise on MV Vaikundam starts at Thottappally and visits Kanjipadam, before sailing to Champakkulam village. Excursions include a canoe ride, fishing and an opportunity to explore Kochi's spice market with a chef. Guests stay at the heritage Vivanta by Taj Malabar hotel in Kochi and itineraries start later this year. See pandaw.com
DEALS
OFFER OF THE WEEK
Travelrite's new escorted 24-day fly, cruise, stay package starts with two days in both New Orleans and Miami, before embarking on Celebrity Infinity for a 15-night cruise through Colombia, the Panama Canal and on to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and California. Tours in all key ports are included in the fare, which starts at $6995 (valid until sold out). Departs Australia on October 31. Phone 1800 033 436, see travelrite.com.au.
MORE DEALS
CRUISE1ST One night in Hong Kong, two in Macau and return flights from Australia are included in a new Asia holiday package that includes a seven-night cruise on Voyager of the Seas visiting China, South Korea and Japan, departing on August 18. Fares start at $2299. Phone 1300 596 345, see cruise1st.com.au.
UNIWORLD Save up to $9175 on River Duchess' 29-day Grand European River Voyage from Amsterdam to Istanbul, on select departures from May to October this year. Fares start at $10,394 and include 38 shore excursions, unlimited beverages, airport transfers and gratuities. Phone (02) 9028 5199, see uniworldcruises.com.au.
