cruise

The most anticipated new cruise ships for spring 2022

We round up the spectacular cruise ships coming to a port near you soon

Change is the only constant in the cruise industry, with plenty of new, innovative – expect everything from celebrated chef Daniel Bouloud’s first restaurant on the high seas to a marine life library  – ships preparing to set sail this spring.

Here we take a closer look at the cruise ships set to make waves in the coming months.


Ambience (Ambassador Cruise Line)
Ambassador Cruise Line – the first British cruise line to be launched since 2010 — is making its debut next month with the 1,400-passenger Ambience.

Ambience is not a brand new ship per se  – she previously sailed as Regal Princess for Princess Cruises and Pacific Dawn for P&O Australia – but has undergone a full upgrade and refurb.

She now features five different restaurants and two cafes, nine lounges, a swimming pool and a spa – plus plenty of deck space on which to drink in the ocean views or enjoy a sundowner or two.

Aimed at British passengers over 50, Ambience will offer a premium-value, environmentally conscious cruising experience when she sets sail on her maiden voyage from London Tilbury to Hamburg on April 6, 2022. (ambassadorcruiseline.com)


Celebrity Beyond (Celebrity)
Celebrity Beyond is the third ship to join Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series. The 1,073-foot Beyond is both longer and taller than its two sister ships, Apex and Edge, and ​​​​will be able to accommodate 3,260 passengers in 1,646 cabins when she departs Southampton for her inaugural voyage on April 27, 2022.

Fans of Edge will be pleased to know that the Magic Carpet – a tennis court-sized cantilevered platform, designed by British architect Tom Wright, that scales the side of the ship, is back.

Cruise goers can also look forward to dining at Le Voyage  – Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud’s first restaurant at sea – a wellness programme curated by Goop guru, Gywneth Paltrow, and Celebrity’s new AquaClass SkySuites replete with plush Xhale bedding and a pillow menu.

The new build will be helmed by insta-famous cruise captain, Kate McCue, who’s known to sail with her trusty sidekick Bug Naked – a hairless Sphynx cat who has 56,000 Instagram followers (and counting) of her own. (celebritycruises.com)


Emerald Azzurra (Emerald Cruises)
After two years of life under Covid, it’s time to splash the cash and treat yourself to an uber-luxurious cruise – you deserve it after the past couple of years.

And if you’re looking to return to the high seas in style, exclusive superyacht Emerald Azzurra could be the answer. The sleek, 100-passenger Azzurra from Australian-owned Emerald Cruises – a line hitherto better known for its river boats – is small enough access ports off-limits to mega-cruisers but doesn’t skimp on style.

Almost all of the cabins and suites come with spacious private balconies but, if you’re ready to live large, splurge on either of the oversized owner’s suites. Both boast a separate bedroom, sitting area, and private terrace – perfect for dining al fresco.

Elsewhere you’ll find a watersports marina, spa, gym, three bars and restaurants, and an Instagram-worthy infinity pool.

Sister ship, Emerald Sakara, is slated to launch in 2023. (emeraldcruises.co.uk)


Ocean Victory (American Queen Voyages)
Small ship cruise line, American Queen Voyages – currently celebrating its10th anniversary – will debut the new expeditionary 186-passenger Ocean Victory this spring. Ocean Victory is the much loved line’s first foray into expedition cruising.

Passengers can expect spacious suites and staterooms with panoramic views and private balconies – and expedition decks that make stepping into a Zodiac for up-close and personal exploration, a doddle.

American Queen Voyage’s newest vessel features an unusual ‘X-bow’ hull, with a prow that leans backwards as opposed to forwards as it does on a conventional ship.

Ocean Victory will operate in Alaska on 12- and 13-day journeys through less-travelled regions of the Inside Passage. She will be joined in 2023 by sister ship, Ocean Discoverer. (aqvoyages.com)


Vega (Swan Hellenic)
SH Vega, the second of the new expedition ships by Swan Hellenic, was due to debut in April. However the British Discovery Brand has been forced to make changes to Vega’s 2022 itinerary in response to the Ukraine crisis and Covid curbs in Asia.

The company’s second purpose-built polar class expedition ship is now scheduled to leave its Helsinki shipyard in September and head directly for Argentina in time for the Antarctica season.

World of Cruising reckons that the wait will be worth it. Like sister ship Minerva, Vega – named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage –  can accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the lion’s share boasting expansive balconies.

Onboard highlights include an expedition laboratory, marine life library and observation lounge for lectures by expert expedition leaders and specialists from a wide range of disciplines, panoramic restaurant and club lounge, and pool deck with bar.

Meanwhile expedition day trips by zodiac will be offered, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities.

A third ship temporarily, named Vega 3, will be delivered in early 2023. (www.swanhellenic.com)


Thought cruises weren’t for you? These eight voyages could change your mind

If you're unsure about whether to dip a toe in the water, these voyages are the ideal starting point

Approximately 35.7 million people are planning to set sail in 2024 – up from 31.5 million in 2023 and a 6 per cent increase from the record levels set in 2019 – according to the Cruise Lines International Association.

And for good reason. A cruise not only allows you to tick off multiple destinations in a single trip, but – crucially, given that the cost of living crisis is far from over – it often works out as better value than a land-based holiday.

However, booking your first cruise can be overwhelming due to the dizzying array of ships, styles and itineraries available, some of which may not be to your taste. You may prefer a small ship and to spend more time on land and less in the cabaret, or to board an all-singing, all-dancing vessel with plenty to keep you occupied around the clock.

Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here are eight of the best cruises for first-timers to consider:

https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/travel/cruises-voyages-change-mind-2839097

Star on board: Rebecca Adlington, OBE

The four-time Olympic medallist on her triumphs in the pool, the Paris Olympics, and why an Alaska cruise is on her bucket list

What do you love most about cruise holidays?
I’ve only been on one cruise actually, and that was immediately after the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games where I won two golds in the 400m and 800m freestyle [the first women's swimming gold for Britain in 48 years].

It was a 12-day cruise around the Mediterranean with my then-boyfriend and his family and, because it came directly after the Olympic Games, there were a couple of British people on the ship who recognised me.

What did I love most? The opportunity to visit multiple destinations in a single trip without having to unpack more than once, and also the chance to enjoy some downtime on board.

What would be your ideal cruise destination?
It would probably be the upcoming cruise I am doing with Cunard [Rebecca will be sailing on board Queen Victoria from Colombo to Cape Town at the end of March 2024.]

I’ve been to South Africa before but not Cape Town – in fact, I have never visited any of the destinations [Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and South Africa] on the itinerary so I am excited to explore this part of the world.

My husband and children are coming with me – I want my kids to experience different cultures, and traditions so that they can respect and celebrate diversity.

While onboard, you will be giving a speech. What can passengers expect?
I’ll be speaking about my life and career to date and obviously, my Olympic success will play a big part of that. Beijing was my first Olympics and the venues were absolutely brilliant – the pool was like a cube and it had all these bubbles on it and different lights and next door was the iconic Bird’s Nest.

I’m told though that many of the venues now lie abandoned and forgotten which is a real shame, but Beijing will always hold such a special place in my heart.

It was my first time competing in front of any sort of crowd. No one expected me to get a medal – least of all myself – and I won two at just 19 years of age.

The London Olympic Games four years later where I won two bronze medals were also fantastic – some athletes go through their entire career without a home Games so I felt so lucky – but Beijing probably just edges it.

Of course, I retired from competitive swimming when I was 23 – I felt I had achieved everything – and I am now 34 so there are many other things for me to talk about. There's my punditry work and reality TV show appearances including I’m A Celebrity.

Read my interview with Rebecca for World of Cruising here:

https://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/cruise-news/star-on-board-rebecca-adlington

Star on board: YolanDa Brown OBE DL

Saxophonist and broadcaster, YolandDa Brown OBE DL, on breaking down music genres and the joys of cruising

What was your first cruise holiday and where did you go?
It wasn’t a holiday but my first cruise experience was with Cunard, onboard the line’s Queen Mary 2. And I tell you, as soon as I stepped on board, thought: “This is me. This is my life now.”

The cruise started in Port Elizabeth (South Africa) and we sailed to the Reunion islands. Since then I’ve sailed with Cunard, for work, many times and have done several transatlantic crossings too. Some people aren’t sure about transatlantic crossings, but I loved being onboard for seven days. You have time to take advantage of the ship – it’s fantastic. I’m hooked now.

What do you love most about cruise holidays?
I love meeting people, I think that’s the main thing. You just meet so many fascinating people who are all at different stages of their lives. And everybody wants to share – you'd never get into a lift and it's silent. Whether you get into a lift or walk along the deck, someone will stop you and chat.

Or you might just sort of be out looking at the scenery, and then you just strike up an amazing conversation. Then, of course, there’s the decor onboard and the entertainment and the food… everything is brilliant.

https://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/advice/star-on-board-yolanda-brown