16 minute read
New Ships
Inspiring artworks, epic views, the biggest ship ever b ilt and the first new ritish line to set sail in 10 years – we round up the latest launches...
WONDER OF THE SEAS
Royal Caribbean has raised the stakes with the world’s biggest-ever ship, but just what is it like on board? Sara ace eld finds o t
Clockwise from above: Suite Sun Deck; the AquaTheater; Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen; Wonder of the Seas; living room, Ultimate Family Suite; Suite Sun Deck; the pool area As we drive into the port for Barcelona, it’s easy to spot Wonder of the Seas moored up in pole position – such is its size, this vast behemoth dwarfs all other ships around it.
It isn’t surprising when you consider that the newest addition to Royal Caribbean International’s fleet, which made its European debut in May, is the world’s largest ship and boasts a jaw-dropping array of onboard attractions. More resort than cruise ship, the world’s newest wonder – as it’s billed – is like a floating slice of Las Vegas.
Big, bold and some might say brash, this pumping powerhouse is the fifth of RCI’s giant Oasis-class ships, carrying up to 6,988 guests (though the more regular double-occupancy total is 5,734) and 2,300 crew.
Despite having sailed on its predecessors, I’m still awed by the scale of this leviathan with its Royal Promenade shopping street and vast deck areas encompassing the pastoral greenery of Central Park, where you don’t even feel you’re on a ship.
In addition to an adrenalinepumping mix of waterslides, climbing walls, a zipwire and 10-storey Ultimate Abyss slide, guests can choose from 11 bars and lounges and sample 22 dining spots, nine of which are complimentary.
So far, so similar to previous Oasis-class ships. Wonder of the Seas,
however,has arrived with its own USPs.
There’s a new Suite Neighbourhood comprising a VIP deck area with bar and pool that accompanies a suite-only lounge and Coastal Kitchen restaurant. It also encompasses 175 suites, with the top retreat being the Ultimate Family Suite – it even has its own slide – though the two-level Royal Loft Suites are pretty swanky too.
Diners can sample The Mason Jar, a new speciality haunt serving treats of America’s Deep South, from fried green tomatoes and shrimp ’n’ grits to twice-fried Oreos.
Guests can catch sunset vistas from The Vue, a colourful new cantilevered pool bar, but it’s the revamped deck area and children’s underwater-themed Wonder Playscape that underlines this ship’s family credentials.
Youngsters will find plenty to amuse, but the overwhelming choice of activities and incredible line-up of entertainment, from ice-skating displays and innovative stage shows to thrilling high-dive acrobatics, ensures this floating giant can keep all ages enthralled. Wonder of the Seas will spend this summer in the Med before returning to the US in November, where it will be based year-round in Port Canaveral, Florida, for Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. 8
MORE RESORT THAN CRUISE SHIP, IT’S LIKE A FLOATING SLICE OF VEGAS
GETTING THERE
A seven-night round-trip Western Mediterranean cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome), on September 29, 2022, starts at £770 per person, based on two people sharing an interior stateroom. For more details, go to royalcaribbean.com
CELEBRITY BEYOND
Find a world beyond your imagination on Celebrity Cruises’ latest game-changing launch, writes Jeannine Williamson
Ashimmering white peacock studded with exactly 28,854 Swarovski crystals, an ethereal darkened walkway strewn with golden sculptures, paintings signed by Picasso and a life-sized white elephant are not the type of things you would usually associate with a cruise ship. However, they’re just some of the many surprises that lie around every curve and corner on Celebrity Beyond.
If ever there were a floating ambassador to challenge preconceptions about cruising, or change the minds of landlubbers who vow they would never set foot on a cruise ship, this is it. Launched in April, Celebrity Cruises’ third Edge-class vessel provides all the wow factor elements of its predecessors Edge and Apex, plus plenty more. Continuing a partnership with designers and architects who had never worked on cruise ships before, including
the UK’s multi-award-winning Kelly Hoppen and Tom Wright, who designed Dubai’s landmark Burj Al Arab hotel, the end result is a vessel that pushes seafaring boundaries to rival some of the most beautiful modern hotels and buildings you would find on dry land.
Carrying 3,260 passengers, 17-deck Celebrity Beyond is 20 metres longer and one deck higher than its sister vessels. The extra space has resulted in a much larger Sunset Bar – the best spot for a sundowner – an expanded exclusive Retreat area for suite guests, and Le Voyage, international Michelinstarred chef Daniel Boulud’s first-ever restaurant at sea.
The heart of the ship is the extended three-deck Grand Plaza, surrounded by bars and restaurants and with the Martini Bar at its centre. Each night, beneath a chandelier glowing with hundreds of LED lights, theatrical bartenders juggle bottles and glasses.
The Magic Carpet, introduced on Celebrity Edge, remains a standout feature in every sense. The cantilevered platform, with glass walls on three sides, juts out above the sea and is moved to di erent decks during each cruise, variously serving as a bar and lounge, and for extra-special dinners that are usually held once per sailing.
The stylish and sophisticated Kelly Hoppen-designed accommodation includes single cabins with balconies, a pair of huge Iconic Suites o ering a view as good as the captain’s, and the all-new Aqua Sky Suites that come with wellness perks including free fitness classes and entry to the spa’s thermal suite.
Celebrity Beyond will sail on a variety of Mediterranean cruises until early October, to destinations including Italy, the French Riviera and Greek islands, before relocating to the Caribbean for winter 2022-23.
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GETTING THERE
A nine-night Italian Riviera & France cruise on board Celebrity Beyond, departing on August 27, 2022, and sailing from Barcelona to Rome, starts from £1,321 per person excluding flights. For details, visit celebritycruises.com Clockwise from far left: Infinite Veranda Stateroom; Magic Carpet; The Retreat’s pool area; Resort Deck; Celebrity Beyond; The Retreat
AMBIENCE
bassador r ise ine is the first ritish line to la n h in a de ade and its deb t is a elebration of lassi r ising finds Kelly Ranson
Stepping on board the newly refurbished Ambience, cruisers will feel a sense of warmth, not only from the crew but also from the ship’s welcoming public areas, each bearing the name of a British icon.
From the bustling hub of the three-deck atrium ‘Centre Court’ to the ‘SW19’ bar, through to the ‘Borough Market’ bu et restaurant and the 700-seat main dining venue ‘Buckingham’, there are plenty of nods to British heritage.
As the first new British cruise line in a decade, Ambassador had a clear vision when it launched the 1,400-passenger Ambience in April: to o er premium-value cruises for over-50s sailing from Tilbury. Ambience is not a new ship, having first set sail in 1991, but it’s been lovingly revamped with a fine balance of classic and contemporary.
Itmay not be the flashiest ship at sea, but when it comes to bars, guests are spoilt for choice with 11 options. The beautifully decorated Botanical Lounge is popular for pre-dinner drinks and the atmospheric Ra es Bar is the place to go for a nightcap.
Expect some traditional cruise favourites, including quizzes in the Purple Turtle pub, evening shows in
The Palladium theatre, arts and craft sessions galore, and on formal nights, the retro Baked Alaska parade takes place in the Buckingham restaurant.
For those wishing to splurge on dining, the speciality restaurants are well worth it. Sea & Grass’s sevencourse menu of surf and turf costs £24.95 (£29.99 with wine pairings), while guests can enjoy a sumptuous
Indian meal in Sa ron for just £14.95.
Finally, the chef’s table costs £89 GETTING THERE and includes a galley tour with the A seven-night Autumn executive chef followed by an eight- Fjordland cruise on Ambience, course feast with wines, in a private departing on October 16, 2022, area of the Buckingham. sailing round-trip from Tilbury,
Drinks are not included in the cruise starts from £739 per person fare, other than tea and co ee in cabins in a standard outside twin and at various machines around the cabin. For more details visit ship. Pre-paid packages are available, ambassadorcruiseline.com but onboard prices are reasonable with cocktails at £5, pints of beer at £4 and a glass of wine from £3.15.
There’s also an expansive spa with eight treatment rooms, a thermal suite, hair salon and well-equipped-gym. On Deck 14 the Active Studio holds yoga sessions with enviable views out to sea. So far, of the 798 cabins, only the 50 deluxe and junior suites have had a total refresh. The remainder are a little more dated but roomy, starting AMBASSADOR’S VISION IS at 190sq ft, and have brandnew comfy mattresses and TO OFFER PREMIUM-VALUE plenty of storage space. Ambience is sailing 31
CRUISES FOR OVER-50S itineraries to 90 ports during its maiden season and there will be themed cruises featuring famous names, including a Cricketing Legends voyage and a Broadcasting Legends cruise. A second ship, Ambition, will join the fleet next year. 8 8 TURN TO PAGE 62 TO FIND
OUT HOW YOU COULD ENTER A COMPETITION TO WIN A CRUISE ON AMBIENCE
Clockwise from far left, top: Spa offerings; The Palladium theatre; entertainment; hot tubs on deck; Sea & Grass restaurant; refurbished De-Luxe Suite; Ambience at sea
AVALON VIEW
Make the most of the sweeping scenery along Europe’s riverbanks with Avalon Waterways’ latest vessel, says Jane Archer
It doesn’t take long to realise how Avalon Waterways’ new ship, Avalon View, got its name. I’ve just entered my suite and am greeted with what has to be the ultimate room with a view on Europe’s rivers.
I’m in a Panorama Suite, a large room (200sq ft, for those into figures) with wall-to-wall and floor-toceiling glass doors that face the river – literally a window on the world. Better still, the doors open two-thirds of the width of the room, creating an inside balcony.
I’m not the only one in a room with a vista. Most of Avalon View’s 166 passengers get the same treatment as there are an extraordinary two decks
of these suites, which Avalon designed to cater for the growing number of cruisers migrating from ocean ships to the rivers and wanting a balcony. That’s not easy to o er on the rivers as vessels can’t be wider than the locks they have to pass through. Add a traditional WHEN THE SUN SHONE AND balcony and you end up with
THE WINDOW WAS OPEN, less inside space. But do as Avalon does and you get the IT WAS LIKE BEING OUTSIDE best of both worlds – a full-sized cabin and a balcony,
albeit one that’s inside. And it works. When the sun shone and the window was open, it was like being outside.
The suites have large bathrooms with glass-enclosed walk-in showers and a lot of storage. A large mirror along one wall makes the room feel bigger than it is. And then there is the pièce de résistance: the bed faces the river so you always wake up to a view.
For those who want more space, two Royal Suites on the upper deck have the same design but an extra 100 square feet. For a more a ordable option, 16 cabins on the lower deck are a tad smaller than the Panorama Suites and don’t have the view. The lower deck also houses a small gym.
The theme continues in the restaurant and lounge bar, which have floor-to-ceiling walls of glass. The restaurant is open for self-service breakfast and lunch, and waiterservice dinners, with plenty of fish, meat and veggie options. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner, otherwise drinks are extra.
The lounge is the vessel’s hub, used for cooking demonstrations, port talks and evening entertainment. A bistrostyle tapas dinner is served here a couple of times each cruise. In a small aft salon you can help yourself to teas, co ees, juices, cookies and mu ns, as well as still, sparkling and flavoured water dispensed from a fountain.
Passengers can use this to fill the glass bottles Avalon provides as part of its war on single-use plastic. In bathrooms, wall-mounted L’Occitane toiletries have replaced small bottles for the same reason, and paper daily programmes and menus are banished – the info is on an easy-to-use app.
The sun deck is the place for 360-degree views. There is ample seating, either in the sun or shade, and a small whirlpool, walking track and giant chess set. A couple of times per cruise, weather permitting, a barbecue lunch takes place in the rooftop Sky Grill.
GETTING THERE
An eight-day Danube Dreams cruise from Deggendorf in Germany to Budapest in Hungary, departing September 8, 2022, costs from £2,540 per person including most excursions, wine, beer or soft drinks with meals, tips and Wi-Fi. Flights are extra. Find out more at avalonwaterways.co.uk Clockwise from far left, top: Club Lounge; waiter-service dinner; lobby; Avalon View; Panorama Lounge; seating area with inside balcony, Royal Suite; restaurant; beds face the floor-toceiling glass doors
EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS with Oceania Cruises
Explore the world one taste at a time with chef-led tours and more dining options than ever before
Lemons from the Amalfi Coast, crêpes Suzette on the French Riviera or salmon rillettes as you sail the Norwegian fjords – there is no better way to experience the world than through the food and drink of the places you visit.
Each culture and community comes with its own distinct culinary traditions, so whether you’re browsing a food market piled high with local produce or picking up new skills with a chef-led cooking class back on board, immersing yourself in the flavours of a region is the tastiest way to enrich your travels.
That’s why Oceania Cruises puts food at the forefront of your experience, both on board and ashore.
The line has always been renowned for o ering the finest cuisine at sea, but its culinary programme has been updated and expanded as part of fleet-wide OceaniaNEXT enhancements, meaning the experience is better than ever.
Expect new, flavour-packed dishes at flagship restaurant the Grand Dining Room and authentic Italian eatery Toscana, along with colourful poke bowls to enjoy al fresco at the Waves Grill and an expanded Sunday brunch to indulge at your leisure.
Try new dishes designed by Oceania’s best chefs to reflect their favourite foodie experiences, from family dinners at home to emerging cuisines that inspire them around the world.
You will also have an opportunity to learn the stories behind Oceania’s top ingredients, including sa ron from Castilla-La Mancha – carrying on a proud Spanish tradition of harvesting this precious spice in the same way for generations – and custom-milled French flour chosen for its superior quality and taste.
Oceania Cruises’ small, sophisticated – and ‘re-inspired’ – ships Regatta, Insignia, Sirena, Nautica, Riviera and Marina o er a truly luxurious way to see the world in style.
WHAT’S NEW FROM OCEANIA CRUISES?
Oceania Cruises has released its new 2024 Collection, featuring journeys to every part of the globe and its largest ever range of Grand Voyages
Guests on Marina and Riviera can rest their heads in new suites and staterooms with designer furnishings, custom-created lighting and fresh fabrics, adding even more touches of luxury to your sailing, plus a programme of OceaniaNEXT upgrades showcases new dining options, curated travel experiences and more.
Highlights of the 2024 Collection include:
■ An incredible 355 itineraries to choose from, including 138 Grand Voyages and more than 230 sailings featuring overnight stays. ■ More Europe voyages than ever, from the enchanting Italian and French Rivieras to the wild landscapes of Iceland and the sun-kissed islands of Greece. ■ Incredible adventures in North America with both Insignia and Nautica exploring the best of Canada and New England, and visiting off-the-beaten-track Alaskan ports such as Homer and Kodiak. ■ Tropical escapes to the Caribbean and South America, ranging from just seven days to an epic 51-day itinerary. ■ Exotic journeys that delve deeper into the cultures of Japan, New Zealand and French Polynesia, along with multi-country itineraries taking in the best of Asia, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand.
Find out more about about Oceania Cruises’ 2024 Collection and access exclusive special o ers at oceaniacruises.com
OLIFE CHOICE
Enjoy the very best value for money with Oceania Cruises’ OLife Choice promotion, which is available on every sailing.
OLife Choice means that on every booking you will receive return flights and internet on the ship. You can also choose between free shore excursions, onboard credit or a free house drinks package to tailor your holiday however you please.
That’s all on top of Oceania Cruises’ signature inclusions, with free speciality restaurants, 24-hour room service, fitness classes, soft drinks and speciality coffees, launderette access and a free shuttle to the city centre in your favourite ports of call. Book now at oceaniacruises.com
