Cruise goers are always looking forward to new experiences and the cruise lines are only too happy to oblige. The following three ships are just a small example of what ideas they have been coming up with.
NORWEGIAN JEWEL’S ADVENTUROUS NEW PORT
Norwegian cruise line plan to be the first cruise line to forego Roatan Bay Islands in Honduras and instead head to the first mainland cruise port known as Banana Coast Trujillo. The port of call promises an authentic Caribbean experience far away from rows of hotels and shops. The true beauty and culture of this new destination will be a first for many of their loyal guests.
“Trujillo is an alternative to Roatan which is an island – this opens up mainland Honduras for the first time” stated Honduras Tourism Minister Emilio Silvestre.
The Banana Coast‘s natural diversity is waiting to be discovered with waterfalls, mountains and tropical rainforests. Norwegian plans to cater for passengers with 15 varied shore excursions geared to meet everyones interests.
The Guaimoreto Lagoon Nature Reserve boasts rare species of hummingbirds and spoonbill. Diving is optimum in this region and the coastal waters contain exceptional coral reefs that are teeming with marine life. Family-oriented snorkeling excursions will be made available and if you are seeking a ‘wet and wild’ adventure you can try your hand at white-water rafting.
There are many historical areas to visit that will give you a new perspective of the country. The Bay of Trujillo was the first mainland landing spot in 1502 during Christopher Columbus’s final voyage. Many artifacts pertaining to Honduran history can be viewed in the local museum. You can even visit an indigenous Garifuna tribe.
The 2,376 passenger Norwegian Jewel will call on Banana Coast Trujillo weekly during the months of October and November through to April of next year.
Other ships such as Holland America Line’s Ryndam, SilverSea’s Silver Shadow and P&O Cruises Adonia will also be making the journey shortly after.
A GRAND VOYAGE BACK TO EUROPE WITH MSC DIVINA
In 2015, the MSC Divina will prove that all roads lead to Rome including those upon the water. The goddess of the seas, MSC Divina is the third ship in the Fantasia Class.
Christened by international screen legend Sophia Loren in Marseille, France in 2012, the ship was going to remain ‘permanently’ in the Western Hemisphere. Her itineraries were exclusively for the Caribbean.
However, changes do take place and the CEO of MSC Cruises; Gianni Onorato announced that MSC Divina is returning to her European roots during the summer months. She will have her first Grand Voyage on 26 April, 2015.
The Grand Voyage is more than an exclusive ocean cruise across the Atlantic according to MSC. Taking a leisurely 20 nights, this one promises plenty of quality time in each port of call.
The Voyage departs from Miami and makes a call in New York for two full days and an overnight stay. She then sails to Bermuda for some fun in the sun before continuing on to Ponta Delgada in the Azores, next is two days and an overnight stay in Lisbon and then on to Cadiz, Barcelona and Naples before ending up in Civitavecchia (Rome).
If the Grand Voyage is too long you can experience life onboard the MSC Divina with seven-night itineraries in the Med beginning on the 16th of May through to the 3rd of October 2015.
MSC Divina features 1,751 staterooms and contains a casino, five swimming pools, a 4-D Cinema, Formula 1 Simulator, the first Aqua Cycling at Sea and seven restaurants with 18 bars and lounges.
In November 2015, MSC Divina returns to Miami to continue her familiar seven-night Caribbean sailings after a one month stint in dry dock.
RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS WILL SAMBA IN THE OTHER AMERICA
The cruise world is buzzing with the news that Royal Caribbean has a new exciting South American itinerary in store.
The company announced that their luxurious ship, the 2,040-passenger Rhapsody of the Seas will be deployed under the Equator in South America from the 5th of December 2015 to the 10th of April 2016. According to the corporation, it will be centred mostly on the Brazilian area. Starting out of Santos, the sailing will go on a seven day journey to cities such as to Punta Del Este, Montevideo and Buenos Aires.
In addition, the company will offer shorter 3 to 5 night mini-cruises. However, there will also be a special New Year’s celebration cruise that will allow their passengers to witness firsthand the Copacabana Beach in Río de Janeiro’s spectacular firework display.
Other exciting trips include a 14 night trip through areas such as Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Argentina. Apart from visiting some of the aforementioned areas, the ship will also head through the Chilean Fjords, the Strait of Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Cape Horn and Puerto Madryn.
The Vision-class ship was refurbished in 2012 and after dry dock additional staterooms were added plus an outdoor movie screen joined other shipboard favourites such as a Ben & Jerry ice cream parlour, full-service spa, specialty dining venues and two swimming pools.
Royal Caribbean has put a lot of stock into South America in the expectation that it will continue to be very successful in the future.
Cruise lines always hope that a cruise passenger will become a repeat customer. To entice them, they will continue to serve up new and innovative sailings.
Written by Veronica Shine
