Continued Growth Slated for Luxury Cruise Lines
by Andrew Sheivachman /Diversity and differentiation have become more important than ever for luxury cruise lines.
Some lines are adding capacity, given the increasing demand for the luxury cruise experience. Others are expanding their roster of excursions, experiences and suites to attract a wider variety of cruisers.
Following are new developments from luxury cruise lines—and what travel agents need to know about the newest vessels and product offerings.
Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises will soon be acquired by Genting Hong Kong, owner of Star Cruises. This big news from one of the smaller luxury cruise lines means more product for agents to sell. A new ship is reportedly on the way before the end of the decade.
Crystal, in the meantime, recently announced four new world cruises scheduled to depart in 2018. Both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will undertake world cruises for the first time; this will also be Crystal Symphony’s first world cruise since 2003.
Itineraries include cruises from Cape Town to Miami, Los Angeles to Rome, Cape Town to Rome, and Los Angeles to Miami. Agents can find out more detailed information online.
Seabourn
Seabourn recently opened bookings for the maiden season of its newest ship, the Seabourn Encore. The luxury vessel, set to enter service in December 2016, will sail a variety of itineraries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
In April 2017, the Seabourn Encore will reposition to Europe for the summer, sailing eastern Mediterranean voyages.
Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises is expecting a new vessel to be delivered in 2016, while some news outlets have reported two more vessels set to be built at Fincantieri shipyard as well.
The line has also announced a series of specialty expeditions focused on niche hobbies like wellness, cuisine, photography, birding, and scuba diving.
The cruise line has developed air-land-sea packages for its Galapagos product, including round-trip economy air from Ecuador to the Galapagos along with a pre-cruise stay at the Quito JW Marriott.
Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas Cruises, of course, was in the news for its acquisition, along with Oceania Cruises, by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in late 2014.
It is also slated to launch its newest vessel, the 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer, on July 20, 2016. The ship will feature a variety of new suite options along with a new culinary center and several new lounges.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises recently announced the itineraries for its newest ship, Sirena, set to sail the Mediterranean beginning April 27, 2016. This gives the line a total of six ships and expands its range of destination options.
Sirena will sail ten- to 14-day itineraries including Oceania’s maiden call to Gaeta, Italy. The vessel will also make calls in La Paz, Mexico, and Costa Rica during its inaugural season.
Windstar Cruises
Despite the line’s small-ship identity, Windstar Cruises will expand its fleet through the renovation of two former Seabourn vessels.
The Star Breeze, to debut May 6 in Nice, and the Star Legend, launching May 25 in Rome, will hold 212 passengers each with a design based on the Star Pride, which was renovated in 2014.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises recently announced its 2016 itineraries, which feature new voyages in French Polynesia, the Caribbean and Europe. The line is offering reduced fares of 50% off on 2016 voyages.