New Cruise Ships Launching Across All Categories of Cruising
Every year, the world welcomes a variety of new ocean and river-faring cruise ships, and 2017 is no exception. In total, the cruise industry will launch 23 new ships, with the river cruise sector offering the largest number of new options, at 14.
(There are currently 79 ships scheduled to debut from 2017 to 2020. To see a listing of all the ships that you can expect to see in the near future, please click here. To see a listing of inaugural cruises, please click here.)
Upscale Contemporary Cruise Lines
MSC Cruises will debut MSC Meraviglia on June 10, 2017. It will carry 4,500 passengers.
MSC Cruises will debut the MSC Seaside in November 2017. It will carry 4,140 passengers.
Norwegian Cruise Line will debut the Norwegian Joy in April 2017. It will carry 4,200 passengers.
Viking Ocean Cruises will debut the Viking Sky on March 23, 2017. It will carry 930 passengers.
Viking Ocean Cruises will debut the Viking Sun on November 17, 2017. It will carry 930 passengers.
Premium Cruise Lines
Princess Cruises will debut the Majestic Princess to be delivered on May 14 2017. It will carry 3,560 passengers.
Tui Cruises will debut the Mein Schiff 6 in April 2017. It will carry 2,500 passengers.
Ultra-Luxury Cruise Lines
Silversea Cruises will debut the Silver Muse on April 10, 2017. It will carry 596 passengers.
River Cruise Lines
AmaWaterways will debut the AmaKristina on April 14, 2017. It will carry 158 passengers.
American Cruise Lines will debut the American Constellation May 6, 2017. It will carry 170 passengers.
CroisiEurope will debut the ms Miguel Torga in April 2017. It will carry 132 passengers
CroisiEurope will debut the RV Indochine II in August 2017. It will carry 60 passengers.
CroisiEurope will debut the MS Symphonie II in April 2017. It will carry 106 passengers.
CroisiEurope will debut the MS Douce France II in June 2017. It will carry 135 passengers.
CroisiEurope will debut the African Dream in November 2017. It will carry 16 passengers.
Crystal River will debut Crystal Bach in June 2017. It will carry 110 passengers.
Crystal River will debut Crystal Mahler in August 2017. It will carry 110 passengers.
Emerald Waterways will debut the Emerald Liberte in July 2017. It will carry 138 passengers.
Emerald Waterways will debut the Emerald Radiance in June 2017. It will carry 112 passengers.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection will introduce the S.S. Joie de Vivre in March 2017. It will carry 128 passengers.
Viking River Cruises will debut Viking Herja in March 2017. It will carry 190 passengers.
Viking River Cruises will debut Viking Hild in March 2017. It will carry 190 passengers.
Expedition Cruise Lines
Lindblad Expeditions will debut the National Geographic Quest on June 26, 2017. It will carry 100 passengers.
Want to find out more about inaugural cruises? CruiseCompete member-agents are the most well-educated, forward-thinking and trusted cruise specialists in the industry. If you’d like more information or assistance planning your inaugural cruise, please visit us at http://www.cruisecompete.com/, or http://www.cruisecompete.com/group_cruises/.
Additional Dates Added as Disney's Guided Group Travel Experts Sail with AmaWaterways to Create Innovative New Style of Family Vacationing
Just one month after the introduction of its first-ever river cruising itineraries, Adventures by Disney, a leader in guided group travel worldwide, announced additional sailings have been added to the 2016 river cruising lineup. Sailing with AmaWaterways, the travel industry’s premier luxury river cruise line, Adventures by Disneyriver cruises offer a new way for families to experience the heart of Europe in a way that is active, immersive and easy. Now, five sailings along the Danube River in the summer of 2016, as well as two holiday themed sailing in December 2016, will give adventurous travelers the opportunity to experience iconic locations and hidden gems in eight destinations across four countries – Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.
Combining the award-winning service and luxury of AmaWaterways with the proven family travel expertise of Adventures by Disney, this new style of vacationing will deliver an unmatched experience that is immersive, all-inclusive and hassle-free. The Adventures by Disney river cruise departures will take guests off the beaten path in search of the culture, art and unique stories intrinsic to each European city and town visited. From revisiting scenes from the movie “The Sound of Music” in Salzburg and exploring Devin Castle in Bratislava to taking a traditional Austrian folk dancing lesson in Melk, the opportunities for exploration are seemingly endless.
River cruises also offer maximum port time in each city, arriving at dawn and departing late night. That means more time for travelers to discover the destination through guided activities and individual exploration for a completely tailored and customizable vacation experience. Eight Adventures by Disney Adventure Guides on each sailing add to the already renowned crew of AmaWaterways, creating an unprecedented level of support for guests. It’s a degree of service unique to Disney, with guides serving as hosts in each destination and onboard the ship. Local experts will also be on hand at each port to bring the authentic culture to life for visiting guests.
“Celebrating 10 years in the family tourism industry, Adventures by Disney is always looking for new ways to deliver extraordinary vacation experiences that are both memorable and effortless for our guests,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Adventures by Disney. “Recognizing the untapped potential and broadening appeal of the river cruising market, we worked with AmaWaterways to provide families with an immersive, personalized experience unlike anything we’ve presented before.”
River Cruising on the Newest Vessel from AmaWaterways
Adventures by Disney guests will sail aboard the all-new, 170-passenger AmaViola, a river cruise ship that is being custom built by AmaWaterways with families in mind. New family-friendly design elements include specific room configurations, including six sets of connecting staterooms, as well as some rooms and suites that accommodate three- and four-person families, and other unique details that lend themselves to luxury family vacations. Shipboard spaces are being reimagined to provide for specially designed activities geared towards kids, teens and adults. The small size of the river cruising vessel allows for an intimate and deeply immersive cruising experience, ensuring guests’ needs are not only met but exceeded.
“We are so very excited to bring the beauty of river cruising to the family market through these special sailings with Adventures by Disney,” said Kristin Karst, co-owner and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. “River cruising presents a terrific opportunity for immersion into the sights, history and culture of the world’s most magical destinations. We look forward to working together with Adventures by Disney to offer innovative experiences that help families create unforgettable memories.”
Shipboard activities will offer something for everyone. Adults can enjoy wine tasting, music, dancing and an onboard fitness center, along with some of the finest cuisine and service available. Special Adventures by Disney activities for Junior Adventurers include activity nights, movies, karaoke, relay games, life-size chess lessons, video games and more. Teens will also find activities and themed nights created specifically for them.
Joining an existing line-up of more than 30 other guided group vacations to destinations on six continents, river cruising is a natural extension for Adventures by Disney, a brand known for providing exceptional service and hands-on, active experiences that appeal to travelers of all ages. The new Adventures by Disneyriver cruising departures are designed to meet the needs and interests of all participating family members – allowing grandparents, parents and children alike to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Adventures by Disney exclusive sailings will take place July 7-14, July 14-21, July 21-28, July 28 – Aug. 4 and Aug. 4-11, 2016. Highlights of the 8-day/7-night adventures include:
·Tour of Mirabell Gardens and adventures through a salt mine (Austria)
·Nighttime Illuminations Cruise (Budapest)
·Horse show at Lazar Equestrian Park (Hungary)
·Medieval activities at Devin Castle in Bratislava (Slovakia)
·Private marionette performance and strudel making demo at Schonbrunn Palace (Austria)
·Falconry show at Hohenwerfen castle (Austria)
·Walk along the tree tops at a unique outdoor adventure center in Kopfing (Germany)
·Oktoberfest event at a local brewery (Germany)
·Themed meals and culinary activities, such as interactive goulash and strudel making
·Biking in every port
The special holiday themed sailing departing Dec. 15, 2016, will also include visits to the renowned Christmas markets along the Danube, a private performance and cocktail reception at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, a private visit to Schlosshof and more. The Dec. 22, 2016, holiday sailing will include visits to Christmas markets in Budapest and Vienna, a Vienna Boys Choir Christmas performance in the Hofburg Palace Chapel, a special holiday menu lunch and more.
Guests looking for even greater immersion into local culture can add an Adventures by Disney 3-day/2-night pre- or post-stay experience in Prague, Czech Republic, that includes a variety of active experiences, such as a cultural immersion tour of Prague with a local guide, dinner at Folklore Garden with traditional music and dance, a Prague river cruise featuring monuments and architectural highlights, a guided walking tour of the charming medieval UNESCO World Heritage site Český Krumlov, and more.
For more details and to book reservations, call 1-800-543-0865 or contact a travel agent.
About Adventures by Disney
Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free and unforgettable group guided family vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, North America, South America, South Africa, Asia and Australia. Adventurers traveling with Adventures by Disney receive exceptional service while taking part in extraordinary and customized experiences at locations including: the South African plains, the great cities of Europe, Costa Rica’s rich rainforest, the ruins of Pompeii and Machu Picchu, Australia’s Outback, the Great Wall of China and some of America’s most iconic destinations, from big cities to big sky country and beyond.
Over the past ten years, Adventures by Disney has been recognized by numerous travel organizations for its excellence in family tourism. Adventures by Disney was recently named North America’s Leading Tour Operator at the 2014 World Travel Awards, and was previously named the World’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator in the 2012, 2010 and 2009 World Travel Awards. Adventures by Disney was also ranked No 1 among Tour Operators and Safari Outfitters for Families in 2011 by Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards.
Offering Disney-trained Adventure Guides on each trip, engaging activities, VIP experiences and personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney vacations are crafted to excite and delight everyone. Visit AdventuresByDisney.com, call 1-800-543-0865 or contact a travel agent to learn more.
About AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways offers award-winning river cruises around the world, including Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa. The company has received numerous honors and accolades over the years, including Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Pick Award and an overall 4-Star Plus rating in the inaugural Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe. AmaWaterways’ European fleet includes AmaStella (2016), AmaViola (2016), AmaVista (2015),AmaSerena (2015), AmaReina (2014), AmaSonata (2014), AmaPrima (2013), AmaCerto (2012), AmaVerde (2011), AmaBella (2010), AmaLyra (2009),AmaDolce (2009), AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008), AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006). The company’s “The Exotics” division featuresAmaPura (2014) on the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar, AmaVida (2013) on the Douro River in Portugal, AmaLotus (2011) and AmaDara (2015) on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, and the Zambezi Queen (2009) on the Chobe in Botswana.
With more than 40 new river cruise ships launching in 2015, travelers have even more choice of onboard offerings, destinations and ships. To help holidaymakers learn more about this rapidly expanding sector, Cruise Critic® the world's largest cruise reviews site and cruise community, breaks down some of the myths and misconceptions of river cruising.
"With so many new ships offering better facilities, exciting itineraries and excursions, river cruise lines are really improving the overall experience to appeal to a broader audience. This is a great time for anyone interested in this type of travel, and we want to help dispel some of the long-standing assumptions people have that may deter them from trying a river cruise," explains Cruise Critic editor, Jamey Bergman.
1. Bring the kids - river cruising is great for the whole family A river cruise may not provide the wealth of kids' activities that many ocean cruises or family resorts do, but provides a more traditional holiday experience. Children can become immersed in new cultures and share memorable experiences with the whole family.
For example, Tauck River Cruising offers all-inclusive river cruise packages tailored to families, which include cultural activities, such as dinner served in a castle and a visit to a French ranch. This week, Adventures by Disney, announced the launch of its first river cruising itineraries in a partnership with AmaWaterways. In 2016, Adventures by Disney will take families through Europe to experience cultural, immersive experiences, such as visiting scenes from the "The Sound of Music" in Salzburg and exploring Devin Castle in Bratislava. There are onboard activities catering for everyone, with wine tasting, music, dancing, and fine cuisine for adults. For children, offerings include movies and karaoke, while teens will also find events tailored to them. CroisiEurope is another family-friendly line, and has cruises during school holidays to Spain, Portugal, Italy and Croatia, with children aged 16 and under invited to travel free-of-charge on these sailings.
2. River cruising isn't limited to Europe Brand-new itineraries in more far-flung and adventurous destinations, such as Burma and the Amazon, have expanded river cruising beyond Europe, and even within Europe the options continue to grow.
Many of the river cruise lines now have ships in Asia, such as AmaWaterways, Viking and Avalon. South America is an emerging river destination, and Lindblad Expeditions, for example, offers sailings aboard Delfin II enabling passengers to participate in kayaking, hikes and view the wildlife of the Amazon.
3. You can explore the rivers in luxury Luxury is increasingly being incorporated within the river cruise experience – making it easier to pamper yourself. Luxury river cruise operators include Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and Belmond. For the ultimate lavish experience, Sanctuary Retreats has some of the largest suites on the rivers, and top-tier cabins all offer butler service. Meals include local produce hand selected by the ship's chefs, and guests can even opt for a private dining experience in the ship's library.
4. A river cruise can offer excellent value River cruises are highly inclusive, making it easy to stay within a budget. River cruises include transport between destinations (via ship), daily onboard meals or packed lunches, some drinks (most include alcohol with lunch and dinner), and many incorporate tours and excursions. Do bear in mind, however, that while river cruise lines serve a good (and usually plentiful) three meals a day, many don't include free snacks outside of meal times. When booking your cruise, if something initially seems pricey, do clarify exactly what is included within that price – you may be pleasantly surprised.
5. River cruising is making changes to suit all ages Traditionally, a river cruise was all about the destination and scenery, with the entertainment simple, and activities fairly limited. However, this is changing as operators and agents target promotions to attract a wider market. While the itinerary remains important, cruise lines are adapting ships to provide an enhanced onboard experience, and appeal to younger cruisers.
AmaWaterways is improving the onboard experience to encourage a wider range of guests. New additions, on select ships, include heated pools with swim-up bars on the top deck, new spa areas and cabins with interconnecting doors, popular with groups and families. Following the recent launch of Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn, Emerald Waterways' portfolio now comprises four ships which all include a dual-purpose area that transforms from an indoor, heated pool with retractable roof during the day, to a cinema at night.
Scenic Cruises' 128-passenger Scenic Gem debuted this summer on the Seine River in France. (Photo: Photo courtesy of Scenic Cruises)
ABOARD THE SCENIC GEM -- Stewart Bayford, 62, of Perth, Australia, is standing with his wife Debbie, 60, at the bar of the newest cruise ship on France's Seine River, laughing over how they ended up on board.
"It was a compromise," says the retired geophysicist, pausing to grab a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. "I wanted to go to the battlefields, Debbie wanted rest and relaxation. With this ship, we were able to get a little of both."
A little of both, indeed. In more than a week on the 128-passenger vessel, the Scenic Gem, the Bayfords have been able to spend several full days touring some of the Normandy region's most famous battlefields, including the D-Day landing beaches of World War II, as well as other historic sites, villages, cider estates and more, while still having plenty of time for relaxing on board.
"It's just been lovely," says Debbie, a retired teacher. "It's not rushed at all, and yet there are plenty of activities to do."
Looking for a cruise through France's Normandy region that is as leisurely as it is upscale? As of this summer, your best bet just might be a sailing with a company that is barely known in North America: Australia-based Scenic Cruises.
Unveiled on the Seine in late July, the Scenic Gem is a stylish, unusually all-inclusive vessel that offers a more elaborate -- and relaxed -- itinerary through the region than those available from such major North American lines as Viking, Avalon and Uniworld.
Starting with an overnight stay in Paris, the Scenic Gem spends 10 nights traveling the Seine to the Normandy coast and back -- three more than most cruise ships on the meandering waterway.
As the Bayfords experienced earlier this month during one of the vessel's first sailings, the extra time allows for an all-day excursion to the Somme battlefield of World War I -- something almost no other line offers -- as well as a more in-depth view of several charming Norman towns.
Notably, the ship stops in the provincial capital of Rouen for three nights -- one to two more than most other lines. Passengers are able to spend hours strolling its historic downtown -- full of centuries-old, half-timbered houses and a famed cathedral painted by Monet -- while still having time to take a Scenic-organized excursion to the Rouen-based French Baking and Patisserie Institute for a two-hour class. Some even had time for a second local excursion to see the Monets and other Impressionist paintings of Rouen's highly rated art museum.
Scenic also spreads stops in the Seine River towns of Les Andelys and Vernon across two days. Most lines visit them in a single day. In Les Andelys, an extended morning visit allows for a Scenic-organized tour through the Norman countryside to Lyons la Foret, a picture-perfect French village, and a trip to a local estate for a cider tasting. In Vernon, passengers bus or bike to Monet's house in nearby Giverny.
The Scenic Gem also is specially designed to travel all the way north to Honfleur, one of the region's most picturesque coastal towns. Located near the mouth of the Seine, it only can be reached by vessels with certain types of hulls, and most river ships only go as far as Rouen or Caudebec-en-Caux. Alas, as of this month the line has yet to win approval from French authorities for the stop and instead is docking the Scenic Gem at a charmless industrial shipping area in nearby Le Havre (Scenic officials say they should have permission for the Honfleur stop for the 2015 season).
In addition to a longer trip on the Seine, Scenic is touting a more intimate and all-inclusive experience than what is offered by many river lines.
For starters, the Scenic Gem offers more space per passenger than many of its competitors. Four Viking and AmaWaterways vessels on the Seine, for instance, are roughly the same size as the Scenic Gem but pack in 22 more people. An Avalon Waterways ship is the same size but carries 12 more passengers. Among lines targeting North Americans, only Uniworld and Tauck offer a more intimate experience with similarly sized vessels carrying just 118 passengers.
With a crew of 42, the Scenic Gem also has a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many of its competitors. Every cabin on the Scenic Gem comes with private butler service, and the ship has its own on-call masseuse and hairdresser. Again, only Uniworld and Tauck offer a higher crew-to-passenger ratio on the Seine.
Still, where the Scenic Gem really stands out is in its all-inclusiveness. Scenic includes unlimited complimentary beverages in its fares. Sodas, mineral water, espresso drinks, wine, beer and even premium spirits are available with meals, at the bar or even from cabin minibars for no extra charge at any time. Many other Seine cruise operators only offer complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner (Uniworld and Tauck are exceptions here, too, with both also offering unlimited complimentary beverages).
In addition, gratuities on Scenic as well as shore tours and airport transfers are included in fares. So much is included, in fact, that the line doesn't even bother to swipe credit cards when passengers arrive. Many leave without a bill.
"It's the way to go," says Jan Cattanach, 67, of Warialda, Australia, echoing many of the ship's passengers. "It's absolutely wonderful to know you've paid for everything up front."
Like Cattanach, by far the majority of passengers on the Scenic Gem are from Australia. Well known in the country, Scenic Cruises until recently wasn't even marketing in the United States, and despite recent efforts, still is drawing just a handful of Americans. On this sailing, there are just four Americans. There are eight passengers from the UK, six Canadians, two New Zealanders and 98 Australians.
The result is a cruise that at times has a distinctly different feel than a similar sailing with a North America-based line. As a group, the Australians on board are much more lively -- and social -- than one would find with the passengers on a North American ship. Singles and even couples sitting alone in the lounge will find that they are quickly pulled into the nearest group for conversation -- whether they want to be or not. Happy hour starts early, and there is often dancing late into the night.
"They're a fun group of people, very outgoing and friendly," says one of the few Americans on board, Mark Lassman, 67, of Weston, Fla. "We've felt very comfortable."
Modern and stylish, the Scenic Gem's rooms are relatively big for a river ship in Europe, though still small compared to high-end ocean ships and hotels on land. Each room boasts a sleek if somewhat small wall storage unit and beds topped with white-on-white Egyptian linens. Nearly every room also comes with a small balcony area -- a relatively rarity on river ships. Cabin bathrooms feature walk-in showers, high-end Duravit sinks and top-of-the-line Dornbracht fixtures (a handful of top suites also have Duravit bathtubs).
The cuisine in the Scenic Gem's main dining room, too, is relatively upscale -- at least for river cruising. Multi-course meals arrive elegantly plated, though as cruising regular Lassman notes, the food isn't nearly as gourmet as what is found on top ocean ships.
"You don't have the variety for one thing," says the veteran of more than 30 ocean cruises on lines such as Regent Seven Seas and Oceania. Dinner menus feature a choice of just three main courses that change daily, he notes, as well as a few always-available items.
Once per cruise, passengers also have the chance to dine at L'Amour, a fine dining restaurant with around 20 seats carved out of a corner of the main lounge. It offers a more drawn-out, six-course meal. During the day, the same space is used for a casual, self-serve lunch service.
Passengers in the most expensive top deck rooms also receive an invitation once per cruise to a special table in the dining room, Table La Rive, for a six course meals with premium wines.
All of the extra perks and all-inclusiveness come at a price, alas. Fares for the Scenic Gem's 10-night Seine cruises start at nearly $600 per person, per day -- far higher than many of its rivals. Avalon and Viking's Seine cruises, by contrast, start at around $350 and $200 per day, respectively.
Still, passengers on board say it's worth the cost. As the Bayfords of Perth note, the crew on board is a delight -- upbeat, friendly and engaging. They seemingly work around-the-clock to make the experience wonderful for passengers.
Says Stewart Bayford on the last day as the ship pulls back into Paris: "We just filled in the questionnaire, and I honestly couldn't find any reason to be critical."
For a deck-by-deck look at the Scenic Gem, click through the carousel below.
Unveiled on France's Seine River in late July, Scenic Cruises' 128-passenger Scenic Gem is a stylish, unusually-all-inclusive vessel that offers a more upscale experience than many of its competitors. (Photo: Gene Sloan, USA TODAY)
On these theme cruises you can get a wine education. Enjoy fine sups and hear from winemakers and other experts, including at lectures, shore excursions and wine tastings.
Check out these special cruises designed for wine lovers.
Un-Cruise Adventures: Sipping and glaciers combine on this seven-day Alaska cruise aboard the 84-passenger sailing yacht Safari Endeavour. Onboard the June 15 sailing, round-trip from Juneau, will be Kevin Correll of Barrage Cellars boutique winery in Woodinville, Wash. The focus is on the vineyards of Washington State, along with fine barrels from France.
AmaWaterways: This river cruise line has a whole series of wine cruises featuring noted vintners — 17 total this year. Most of the sailings are in the fall and spring, including on the Danube, Mosel, Rhine, Mosel, Douro and Seine rivers. Onboard the "Celebration of Wine" cruises, top wine experts including Peter Marks, Master of Wine, Constellation Brands, one of only 24 Masters of Wine in the U.S., lecture and lead tastings on a Paris & Normandy cruise embarking November 13.
Avalon Waterways: Wine Appreciation Cruises, including eight itineraries on the Danube and in France next year, are designed to be wine-education adventures. A wine authority is onboard each cruise to offer expertise, tastings are held at local wineries, and a special dinner is offered with food and wine pairings. Itineraries include 16-day Paris to the Cote d'Azur and 11-day Burgundy & Provence, both in March and October.
SeaDream: Four cruises in Europe in the fall on this line's intimate, 112-passenger yachts, get you to high quality vineyards where you spend time with winemakers – such as at a dinner with the owners of Portugal's oldest table wine producer, José Maria da Fonseca. Activities shipboard – run by world-renowned wine experts – include both wine tastings and master classes – with opportunity to take a blind-tasting test and receive a SeaDream wine diploma based on your knowledge.
Crystal Cruises: Wine & Food Festival theme cruises take place several times a year, including on an upcoming 12-day sailing on the Crystal Symphony from Singapore to Bali, embarking January 15. Wine educations are onboard – on the Asia sailing Fongyee Walker and Edward Ragg, co-founders of Dragon Phoenix Fine Wine Consulting, Beijing's first and fully independent wine consulting and education service.
Norwegian Pearl: This Norwegian Cruise Line ship is the scene for a Wine, Dine & Music theme cruise, organized by Flying Dutchmen Travel. The five-day Bahamas sailing, embarking on October 25, will have onboard winemakers and sommeliers from the Kendall-Jackson family of wines, educating guests about pairing wine and food. Others onboard include celebrity Chef John Ash and Grammy Award-winning duo America.
American Cruise Lines: Cruise for a week on the Columbia & Snake rivers with Regina Daigneault, a Master Sommelier and wine pairing expert. Visit vineyards including Barnard Griffin and Domaine Pouillon. The sailing is October 18 on the 120-passenger paddlewheeler Queen of the West, from Clarkston, Wash. to Portland. There are also other wine cruises on the small ship line's calendar including on the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands in the fall and spring.
Paul Gauguin Cruises: Cruise through paradise in the Society Islands and Tuamotus while hearing from Daniel Baron, winemaker at Sonoma's Silver Oak Cellars. The 10-day cruise on the Paul Gauguin, embarks from Papeete, Tahiti on December 3. Baron will lead lectures and wine tastings.
Windstar Cruises: Explore the wines of Spain on an eight-day cruise on the Wind Surf, embarking on November 15. Sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon, passengers will have opportunity to sip their way through regions such as Andalucía and Catalonia, visiting places including Jerez de la Frontera, the "Sherry Capital of the World," and the Museo de Vino in Mijas, Spain. Two complimentary themed excursions are included in the cruise fare. Offering expert commentary onboard will be Stephen Metzler and Almudena de Llaguno, founders of Classical Wines.
Oceania Cruises: Food and Wine Trails is hosting several theme cruises on Oceania ships. For instance, vintners from New York's Paumanok Vineyards and Maryland's Black Ankle Vineyards will be on the Insignia on a 10-day Barcelona to Lisbon cruise, embarking August 5. Group activities include private parties and tastings and a winemakers dinner.
