Arguably one of the hardest-hit travel industry segments of the pandemic, it’s shaping up to a big year for new ships and sailing itineraries. Travelers in the know are consistently demanding unique experiences from their vacations, and cruise fans are no exception. So if splurging on visually breathtaking, remote or romantic luxury cruise figures in travel dreams, here are three indulgent voyages to consider adding to future itineraries.
Variety Cruises
Tahiti & Pearls of French Polynesia
Leading small ship cruise company Variety Cruises is launching its maiden Tahiti itinerary this May with an eight-day Tahiti & Pearls of French Polynesia, which takes in famous islands like Bora Bora and Raiatea and the 11-day Tahiti, Society and Tuamotu Islands trip exploring the less-visited Tuamotu archipelago and remote coral atolls like Makatea. Hosting no more than 71 passengers, in Raiatea (meaning “faraway heaven), guests can disembark the Panorama II to kayak the Faaroa River with a local guide and visit the ancient temple at Taputapuatea, recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Variety is also working with The Mokarran Protection Society, a non-profit organization in Rangiroa that studies and protects the great hammerhead shark, educating guests and furthering the company’s philanthropic initiatives. Both itineraries will sail year-round through December 2023. For more information, visit varietycruises.com.
Norwegian Viva
Summer 2023: Mediterranean from Rome, Athens, & Lisbon
Norwegian Cruise Line launches its brand-new Prima Class ship next year when the Norwegian Viva will begin sailing Mediterranean itineraries in June before heading to the Southern Caribbean for the 2023-2024 winter season. Currently being built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Marghera, Italy, the 965-foot ship will feature a three-story racetrack, 10-story slide, sculpture garden, and food hall with 11 concepts, including Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta. With a total passenger capacity of 3,219, ultra-premium ‘ship-within-a-ship’ section, The Haven will provide a keycard-access-only first-class area with spacious suites designed by premier Italian designer Piero Lissoni, plus exclusive access to an infinity pool, outdoor spa, and a cold room for relaxing in on hot days. The Summer 2023 Mediterranean cruise is available to book now between June 15 and November 6, sailing a series of eight, nine and 10-day voyages from Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Athens (Piraeus), Greece. For more information on itineraries and reservations, visit ncl.com.
Silversea Cruises
Grand Voyage South America 2024
Fans of ultra-luxury operator Silversea Cruises will want to bookmark their lavish 71-Day trip called the Grand Voyage South America, which sets sail on January 4, 2024. The epic journey will visit 18 countries and 38 destinations circumnavigating Latin America before venturing inland along the Amazon River on one of the most environmentally conscious cruise ships ever built – the soon-to-be-launched Silver Nova. The eleventh ship to join the Silversea fleet will have a total passenger capacity of 728 and debut a brand-new selection of spacious all-balcony suites - many promise 270° sea to sky views, each includes butler service. Eight restaurants and an exceptional choice of bars will also feature. Alongside advanced technologies, Silver Nova will be the first hybrid luxury cruise ship free of emissions while in port. And in another rather fabulous first, the Grand Voyage South America 2024 will include round-trip business-class flights for its passengers. Find out more at silversea.com.
