The latest in cruising news
Uniworld heads to the Amazon
Boutique river-cruise line Uniworld has revealed it will be offering itineraries on the Amazon River in Peru for the first time.
The line has announced sailings will start in September 2020 on the Aria Amazon, which Uniworld is chartering from adventure line Aqua Expeditions.
The Aria Amazon is an eco-friendly all-suite ship with floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as an outdoor observation deck. There is also a jacuzzi and indoor lounge and bar.
Native born-and-raised naturalist experts will guide you through the region; side trips on river skiffs will explore the headwaters of the source of the mighty river. The 15-day Peruvian Amazon and Machu Picchu Exploration package includes stays in Lima and Cusco, internal flights and a seven-night cruise on the Amazon.
Visit: uniworld.com
P&O's new sailings for families
P&O Cruises has announced plans for a major transformation of its 2021 fleet and the addition of two new ships. The itineraries include the maiden season for Pacific Encounter, which will be homeported in Brisbane along with Pacific Explorer. A sailing from Cairns will also be offered on Explorer in November 2021.
The Encounter will offer 11 cruises to South Pacific Islands and coastal Queensland. The Pacific Adventure, arriving in 2020, is set to welcome a record number of families on board with new attractions such as its dual-racing waterslide.
In 2021, the line will be offering its biggest-ever choice of school-holiday itineraries and a wider range of cabin configurations, including five-berth family cabins, Family Suites that sleep up to eight guests, and a record number of interconnecting rooms.
Visit: pocruises.com.au
Sail like an Egyptian
Avalon Waterways is returning to the Nile in September 2020 as Egypt regains its cruise popularity. Avalon halted itineraries in 2016 due to the country's continuing turmoil, but it will now be joining several lines that have returned to strong success. Viking is reportedly already sold out for 2020.
Avalon's 10-day Taste of Egypt package, priced from $4473, will start in Cairo to explore the pyramids and Sphinx in Giza and Tutankhamen's Tomb in the Egyptian Museum.
You fly to Luxor to board the MS Farah for a four-night cruise down the Nile visiting the Temple of Amun-Ra, the Valley of the Kings and the unusual double temple of Kom Ombo.
Visit: avalonwaterways.com.au
Regatta returns with a new look
Premium line Oceania's recently refurbished vessel, Regatta, has returned to Australia for her summer season. The Regatta is the third, after Insignia and Sirena, of Oceania's four intimate 684-guest R-class ships to undergo a US$100 million OceaniaNext total refurbishment.
Highlights of the Regatta's update include remodelled public spaces, fresh furniture and lighting, and an ocean-inspired new colour scheme.
The stateroom and suites have been totally overhauled and now have state-of-the-art technology including interactive TV systems and USB ports. The new menus focus on more authentic regional flavours and local wines.
The Regatta's spa is soon to be updated, and will launch as the new Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center on 6 January 2020.
Visit: oceaniacruises.com
Crystal's yacht is on its way
It is less than a year away from the Crystal Endeavor's maiden voyage - and her Australia/New Zealand season - and Crystal Cruises has revealed interior images of the vessel, its first expedition yacht.
The Expedition Lounge and Waterside Restaurant exemplify the yacht's modern theme and are enlivened with hues of green, blue and orange.
Guests can catch some sun in the stunning two-storey solarium which is totally encased in glass.
The 200-passenger polar class megayacht is taking her maiden voyage from Japan on 10 August 2020. The ship will then head to Indonesia in October for a special sailing with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa on board.
Visit: crystalcruises.com.au