A round up of 2019’s cruise news

January

OceaniaNEXT: Two new ships are on the horizons

At the start of the year Oceania Cruises announced the delivery of two new ships in 2022 and 2025. The first Allura Class ships will be mid-sized vesels, set to retain the popular design and amenities of the cruise lines award-winning Marina and Riviera. Whilst enhancing levels of comfort and luxury on board, the ships will have a warm, intimate, residential style.

February

Regent Seven Seas Cruises to eliminate plastic water bottles on all ships

In February, Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced their goal to eliminate approximately 2 million plastic water bottles every year. Since the spring of 2019, Regent have been serving water in reusable glass bottles. Passengers are now able to choose from Vero-branded still or sparkling water, which uses a proprietary five-stage nanofiltration process to reduce impurities, chemicals and imperfections. Well done to Regent!

March

Silversea reveals new culinary enrichment program

Silversea revealed a new culinary enrichment program that will debut on their new ship, Silver Moon. The program called S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), combines immersive food-themed events and experiences on board and at shore. Cooking classes and demonstrations from local chefs, culinary-themed lectures and one off dinners will take place on board while in port, passengers can choose to visit wineries and local markets.

April

Seabourn reveals design details of its new luxury expedition cruise ships

Luxury cruise line Seabourn revealed the first ever renderings of their new expedition cruise ships in April 2019. The news came a month after Seabourn revealed the name of their first expedition ship, which stems from the lines Venture by Seabourn program. Seabourn Venture is scheduled to be delivered in June 2021.

May

Azamara introduces first ever vegan menu

May saw the introduction of the first ever vegan menu at sea. Azamara released the menu – which includes dishes such as Tofu Satay with Nasi Goreng, Pesto Pasta and Moroccan Spiced Kebab – to select menus across their fleet.

June

Saga Cruises announce royal naming ceremony for Spirit of Discovery

Spirit of Discovery is the first of two British boutique cruise ships commissioned from world leading shipbuilders Meyer Werft to be added to the Saga Cruises fleet. On 24th June 2019, Saga announced the date of the naming ceremony, which took place on 5th July 2019 at the port of Dover. Over 500 guests attended the event which saw HRH The Duchess of Cornwall christen the ship. Jane Archer, cruise journalist and expert, was lucky enough to witness the monumental moment and spend a few days aboard the magnificent new ship.

July

Hurtigruten introduces MS Roald Amundsen

July saw the arrival of Hurtigruten’s first battery-powered cruise vessel, MS Roald Amundsen. Named after explorer Roald Amundsen who led the first expedition traversing the Northwest Passage en route to the North Pole, the ship features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that reduces fuels consumption and shows the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible. A HUGE step for the world of cruise!

August

Scenic Eclipse sails inaugural voyage

A moment many had been waiting for – in August, Scenic Eclipse set sail on her inaugural voyage. Following this, she sailed to New York to be christened by godmother Dame Helen Mirren. Gemma Pallister, Commercial Manager at ROL Cruise, was lucky enough to spend some time on board.

September

ROL Cruise shortlisted for Favourite Cruise Agent at the Wave Awards 2020

In September we discovered that we have been shortlisted for Favourite Cruise Agent at the Wave Awards 2020. Known as ‘The Oscars’ of cruising, the Wave Awards celebrate the very best of the UK’s cruise industry – recognising and rewarding excellence and innovation in an industry that is continuously evolving to deliver an exceptional experience, both on board and ashore. Voting is open until 31st December, so if you wish to vote for us you can do so here.

October

P&O Cruises unveil million-pound Britannia refit

In October, P&O Cruises unveiled the refurbishment of their much loved ship, Britannia. After joining the fleet in 2015 she had become know as the jewel in the P&O crown. As part of her refurbishment the atrium was given a new lease of life, a permanent art gallery was added, Deck 7 was transformed, and a host of new premium brands were added. In Oasis Spa two ‘express spa’ pods were added plus for longer, deeper relaxation two new innovative experiences were introduced; the thermal and hydropool suite.

Britannia returned to Southampton on 23rd October 2019 ready for the next four years of adventure in the Caribbean, Norwegian fjords, Mediterranean and Canary Islands.

November

Celebrity Cruises announce first ever cruise led by women

Set to sail in 2020, Celebrity Edge will be hosting a historic sailing to mark International Women’s Day with an all-female Bridge and officer team. The news, which was announced in November, came as part of Celebrity Cruises’ #BRIDGETheGap initiative, which highlights the traditionally male dominated sector. Sailing on 8th March 2020, Celebrity Edge will embark on her celebratory International Women’s Day voyage from Fort Lauderdale. Over 7 nights, she will travel to San Juan, Tortola, Philipsburg and back to Fort Lauderdale.

December

Norwegian Spirit to undergo $100 million refurbishment

As part of Norwegian Edge, NCL announced that Norwegian Spirit will undergo a $100 million refurbishment in 2020. Emerging from dry dock in February, she will feature 14 new venues, additional staterooms and an expanded Mandara Spa. Drawing inspiration from the brands most recent and highly successful newbuilds, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss, the updated elements on board will take the guest experience to a whole new level.