Cruise Ship Debuts: CruiseCompete Offers Listing Of Inaugural Cruises For 2017

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.

CruiseCompete has compiled a listing of all cruise ships set to launch this year, and also gives you Seven Reasons an Inaugural Voyage May Be the Ultimate Cruise Vacation.

(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.

Click here to read Seven Reasons an Inaugural Voyage May Be the Ultimate Cruise Vacation.

 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/.

CroisiEurope To Welcome First Africa Ship In 2017

 

On the top of the seven ships scheduled to arrive for the 2016/2017 season, CroisiEurope plans to welcome a new luxury ship, the first in the fleet to be based in Africa

The latest new ship announcement from CroisiEurope, celebrating its 40^th anniversary in 2016, expands the cruise line’s itinerary offerings to a new continent: Africa. Sailing on the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, CroisiEurope will be welcoming a new, luxurious river cruise ship to its fleet in 2017, the eighth to be added by the end of next year. This new cruise offering will be available to book through the US call center, with prices and itinerary details to follow once available.

CroisiEurope will introduce a new, deluxe ship that will operate cruises in Southern Africa in 2017

The new ship will operate 6-day, 5-night cruise itineraries in Southern Africa for up to 16 passengers in eight exterior-facing deluxe suites with balconies, a panoramic restaurant, lounge bar and rooftop patio with pool and chaise lounges.

Following the cruise, guests will enjoy a 4-day, 3-night stay in 5-star CroisiEurope accommodations with safaris and a day at Victoria Falls. In keep with their commitment to high level of quality and value for its customers, CroisiEurope will own and operate this new ship. The company will also be the owner of two lodges included in this new itinerary.

For a complete list of CroisiEurope’s river, barge and coastal cruise itineraries, please visit http://www. croisieuroperivercruises.com/.

About CroisiEurope

Established in 1976, CroisiEurope is celebrating its 40^th anniversary as a leader in affordable European river cruising. Based in Strasbourg, France, CroisiEurope is headquartered at the epicenter of Europe with offices in Brussels, Paris, Lyon, Nice, Laussane, Madrid, London, Phnom Penh and New York. With an English-speaking crew of 700, this family owned company operates 43 vessels that sail along Europe’s most famous rivers. Passengers can choose from a variety of itineraries that explore picturesque riverside cities in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Belgium while treating guests to on-board dining menus designed by French Master Chef Alain Bohn. Today, CroisiEurope offers cruises not only in Europe but also along the Mediterranean coast, Vietnam and Cambodia.

For more information on CroisiEurope, please visit: http://www. croisieuroperivercruises.com/ or call 800 768-7232.

CroisiEurope Announces Seven New Ships For The 2016-2017 Sail Seasons

Three ships will be added to the fleet this year with an additional four coming to the Douro, Mekong, Rhine and Danube Rivers in 2017

CroisiEurope, Europe’s largest and longest operating river cruise line celebrating 40 years in 2016, is on course to add an additional seven ships to its fleet by the end of 2017. With the introduction of the much anticipated MS Elbe Princesse next month and two new barges, CroisiEurope is announcing plans to add four ships next year on the Douro, Mekong, Rhine and Danube Rivers.

The 2016 additions to CroisiEurope's fleet: MS Elbe Princesse, Deborah Barge and the Daniele Barge

3 NEW SHIPS IN 2016

On the Elbe River

The MS Elbe Princesse, an innovative paddle steamer will sail on the Elbe and the Moldau between Berlin and Prague, with stops in Magdebour, Wittenberg, Meissen, Dresden and Litomerice, as well as the reverse itinerary. With a capacity of 80 passengers in 40 spacious cabins, this stylish paddle wheeler will be christened on April 14, 2016 in its new home port of Berlin.

On France's canals

The Déborah Barge, a new build with modern design and decor, this barge has a maximum capacity of 22 people with 11 cabins will take an unprecedented route on the Briare Canal, in the Upper Loire Valley and the region of Sancerre. This unique itinerary will include stops in Briare, Lere, Ménétréol- Sous-Sancerre, Chapelle Montlinard, Marseilles-Les-Aubigny and Nevers.

The Danièle Barge, also hosting up to 22 guests in 11 modern cabins, will operate along a route covering the canals of Burgundy.

4 NEW SHIPS COMING IN 2017

On the Douro River

A new premium and innovative ship will be added to CroisiEurope’s fleet on the Douro River. Boasting three luxurious decks and a pool, guests will be treated to a contemporary interior decor and 66 cabins that can accommodate 132 passengers. Built at the Sambre and Meuse Shipyard in Namur, Belgium, it will be joining the four other ships on the Douro River. Beginning in 2017, it will host 8-day cruises on the “Golden River,” leaving from Porto and stopping in Regua, Vega de Terron Ferradosa and Pinhão.

On the Mekong River

The RV Indochine II, coming in 2017, will be a high class colonial-style ship joining the other four vessels on the Mekong. Accommodating 60 passengers in 30 cabins, guests will be treated to an extravagant vacation experience, due to the ship’s novel design and spacious private balconies. Itineraries along the Mekong will operate in both directions from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops in Angkor, Tonle Sap, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Sa Dec, Cai Be and My Tho.

On the Rhine and the Danube Rivers

Further expanding the company’s presence on the Rhine and Danube Rivers, the MS Symphonie II and the MS Douce France II will be best-in-class ships offering a modern design and stylish décor. With a capacity of 106 passengers in 54 comfortable cabins spread out over two decks and 135 passengers in 68 comfortable cabins, respectively, their state-of-the-art technology and open spaces lend to its elegant, friendly ambiance.

Launching in April 2017 and June 2017, these ships will explore the treasures along the Rhine and the Danube.

For More Information on CroisiEurope’s existing catalog of cruises, please visit: http://www. croisieuroperivercruises.com/. T

The digital brochure is available here: http://fr.calameo.com/read/ 0043907974ba7adf863d3

About CroisiEurope

Established in 1976, CroisiEurope is celebrating its 40^th anniversary as a leader in affordable European river cruising. Based in Strasbourg, France, CroisiEurope is headquartered at the epicenter of Europe with offices in Brussels, Paris, Lyon, Nice, Laussane, Madrid, London, Phnom Penh and New York. With an English-speaking crew of 700, this family owned company operates 43 vessels that sail along Europe’s most famous rivers. Passengers can choose from a variety of itineraries that explore picturesque riverside cities in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Belgium while treating guests to on-board dining menus designed by French Master Chef Alain Bohn. Today, CroisiEurope offers cruises not only in Europe but also along the Mediterranean coast, Vietnam and Cambodia.

For more information on CroisiEurope, please visit: http://www. croisieuroperivercruises.com/ or call 800 768-7232.

CroisiEurope To Celebrate 40th Anniversary With Special 40-Day Europe Sailing

Europe’s largest river cruise company announces its first multi-week itinerary to fete four decades of continuous growth for this family-owned business

 To commemorate 40 successful years in business, CroisiEurope, Europe’s largest river cruise company headquartered in Strasbourg, France, is celebrating the event with a 40-day river cruise through continental Europe, May 5 to June 15, 2016. Prices start at US$10,900 (less than $300 per day) per person, based on double occupancy. This special anniversary cruise combines four of the company’s most popular sailings, while also featuring new ports of call. Never before has CroisiEurope offered a river cruise that has included so many days, ships, rivers and countries, starting in Seville, Spain and ending in Tulcea, Romania in the Black Sea.

ʺWe are inviting travelers to join us on this inaugural 40-day sailing, not only to celebrate the company’s 40^th anniversary, but also to experience the hallmarks of a CroisiEurope river cruise,” says Nicola Iannone, executive vice president U.S. and Canada. “CroisiEurope owes its success over the past four decades to the vision of its founder, Gérard Schmitter and his family, now in their third generation of family ownership.  Known to provide amazing value, CroisiEurope offers attentive English-speaking service, superb French cuisine, unlimited beverages, included shore excursions and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Throughout the itinerary passengers will have the opportunity to experience different CroisiEurope ships while sailing through 12 countries across Eastern and Western Europe. The itinerary’s exciting shore excursions pay homage to the great histories of every included destination: with visits to more than a half dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the burial site of Leonardo da Vinci; wine tastings from some of France’s most prestigious vineyards, including Lafite-Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild; a viewing of works by Dutch masters Rembrandt and Vermeer; and a tour of Beethoven’s childhood home. Additional inclusions like a guided visit of the Château Versailles in Paris and the Alhambra in Granada allow guests to follow in the footsteps of kings and rulers who helped to shape modern-day Europe. Passengers will also enjoy an on-board celebratory dinner with the founding Schmitter family in the Alsatian city of Strasbourg.

This special once in a life time 40^th anniversary cruise offers more surprises for our guests and so space is very limited. The cruise is available for bookings in its 40 day entirety only. More program details are found below.

May 5, 2016: Cruise on the Guadalquivir and the Guadiana Rivers

May 13, 2016: Cruise on the Gironde River

May 18, 2016: Stopover in the Loire Valley

May 20, 2016: Cruise on the Seine River

May 23, 2016: Cruise along the romantic Rhine

May 29, 2016: Cruise on the Danube River to the Black Sea

Discover the complete vacation and day-to-day itinerary at: http://tinyurl.com/qghmczq

For more information about CroisiEurope, visit www.croisieuroperivercruises.com

CroisiEurope currently has a fleet of 43 ships for canal, coastal and river cruising. The fleet has increased by 3 more ships in 2015. The MS Lafayette is the first ship in this class downsizing from the long ships to 82 guests for a new, more intimate and personable cruise experience. One of the next ships in the “Lafayette” class, will join the fleet next year. These ships are built by CroisiEurope, a French family ship owner.

About CroisiEurope

Established in 1976, CroisiEurope has been a leader in affordable European river cruises for nearly 40 years. Based in Strasbourg, France, CroisiEurope has offices in Europe, the USA and Asia. With an English-speaking crew of 700, this family-owned company operates 43 vessels that sail along Europe’s most famous rivers. Passengers can choose from a variety of itineraries that explore picturesque riverside cities in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Belgium while treating guests to on-board dining menus designed alongside Michelin-starred chefs. Today, CroisiEurope offers cruises not only in Europe but also along the Mediterranean coast, Vietnam and Cambodia. 

For more information about CroisiEurope, please visit, www.croisieuroperivercruises.com or call (800) 768-7232.

River Cruise Myths Dispelled

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.

The 10 Best Cruise Lines You've Never Heard Of

Have you ever heard of these cruise ship operators?

You're probably familiar with the big American cruise lines — Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, etc. — for their exciting shipboard features and diverse itineraries. But there's a whole world of cruise companies outside of the mainstream, diligently catering to specific markets, that don't get nearly as much attention.

You may never have heard of these lines, but they're certainly worth a look.

Majestic Line  

This family-owned Scottish line cruises from Argyll and the Hebrides with two vessels, the Glen Massan and the Glen Tarsan. Both vessels are converted wooden fishing boats, carrying only a dozen passengers at a time. The line calls them "luxury mini-cruise ships." Itineraries include such places as Loch Ness, perfect for those who want to search for "Nessie."

Hebridean Island Cruises  

Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 80th birthday a few years ago onboard this one-ship luxury line. Her Royal Highness chartered the entire 49-passenger Hebridean Princess for the ultimate in relaxation and privacy. Done up in country house-style decor, the ship regularly navigates the Hebrides islands, Scotland's rugged west coast and Northern Ireland.

Hurtigruten  

The most comprehensive Norway cruises — 34 ports of call including several above the Arctic Circle — are operated by this line, with a dozen passenger freighter ships going up and down the coast. The ships carry 646 or fewer passengers (mostly European), while also delivering cargo to remote locales. The company has been operating the route for more than 120 years. Hurtigruten also operates the 278-passenger expedition ship MS Fram in the Arctic and on unusual itineraries to Greenland and Iceland, where glaciers are among the sights.

A-Rosa River Cruises  

This German river cruise operator, based in Rostock, has 11 river ships but is just newly marketing to Americans. A-Rosa River Cruises has added English-speaking crew onboard three modern, 174- to 186-passenger vessels: the A-Rosa Flora, A-Rosa Stella and A-Rosa Silva. The all-inclusive river ships, which are stocked with a fleet of bikes for those who want to cycle, cruise the Rhine, Danube and Rhone.

CroisiEurope

This French company, founded in 1976, is big in Europe, with a fleet of nearly 40 river ships and barges. The latest ship, the 84-passenger MS Lafayette, was recently christened in Strasbourg. Itineraries explore France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Belgium. Michelin-starred chefs advise on onboard menus. CroisiEurope also just purchased four river ships on the Mekong for Cambodia/Vietnam cruises.

Compagnie du Ponant  

Founded more than 20 years ago, French line Ponant focuses on casual luxury — including carefully curated food and French wine. It owns three nearly identical ships, the 264-passenger Le Boreal, Le Soleal and L'Austral, plus the three-masted, 64-passenger Le Ponant. Itineraries include Europe, Asia, South America and elsewhere. The ships are sometimes under charter — including to Abercrombie & Kent in Antarctica.

Aqua Expeditions  

Peruvian owned, this river cruise company has focused on the Peruvian Amazon, where it operates two all-suite ships carrying 24 and 32 passengers, on three- to seven-day itineraries. This line is expanding this year, starting up cruises on the Mekong River in southeast Asia with its brand new, 40-passenger luxury river ship, Aqua Mekong. Expect English- and French-speaking passengers.

Quark Expeditions  

Adventure is the name of the game with this well-established expedition line, which operates five 111- to 189-passenger ships with ice-strengthened hulls, able to navigate in ice-packed polar waters. The environmentally conscious line explores the Arctic, Antarctica and the North Pole. The most famous of the ships is the nuclear-powered 50 Years of Victory, known as the most powerful icebreaker in the world, which is set to retire after the 2015 Arctic season (the final three voyages are in June 2015).

Louis Cruises  

This line operates three, 895- to 1,664-passenger ships on affordable cruise itineraries around the Greek Isles and Turkey. The company also has two ships under charter to the UK line Thomson Cruises. Louis Cruises offers cruises ranging from three to eight days. The line is part of Louis Group, a Cyprus-owned company founded in 1935 which, in addition to cruise ships, operates other business ventures including hotels in Cyprus and Greece.

Emerald Waterways  

The first new river cruise line startup in Europe in six years, Emerald Waterways burst onto the rapidly expanding river scene this spring with its brand new, 182-passenger "Star Ships" Emerald Sky and Emerald Star. The ships bring such innovative features as a swimming pool that converts into a movie theater, and a value-oriented approach to cruises on the Rhine and Danube. Emerald is owned by Australia's Scenic Tours, another company you may not have heard of, which also operates fancier river ships in Europe.

Contributed by Fran Golden

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