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On the horizon
UNDERWATER MARVELS
Over in France the champagne corks are set to pop for the four new dedicated expedition ships under construction for Ponant. The Frenchflagged line recently confirmed that its secret weapon, Blue Eye, will form the revolutionary offering aboard these sleek environmentally friendly ships. No, it’s not some 007 boffin’s crazy idea; Blue Eye will be the world’s first underwater lounge where the entire ship’s passenger complement can enjoy a submarine spectacle, enhanced with cameras and hydrophones. The first of the four 180-passenger ships, Le Lapérouse, will launch in 2018. au.ponant.com
Rod Eime shares some of the innovative developments planned for the latest generation of cruise ships set to hit the market.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on cruise offerings over the past couple of years, you’ve probably noticed an unprecedented number of new ships being launched. The latest ships to set sail around the world have never been bigger, more luxurious, more technologically advanced or more exciting. But it’s not all about big and bold. The small-ship arena is making spectacular strides in boutique and expedition cruising, taking passengers on unforgettable adventures in destinations off limits to the big ships.
BUILT FOR ADVENTURE Crystal Cruises has recognised that its loyal passengers are seeking experiences that go beyond the expected five-star-plus offerings. The forthcoming expedition megayacht, Crystal Endeavor, will be the first purpose-built Polar Code-compliant yacht in the world with a superior PC6 Polar Class designation. With a capacity of just 200 guests, this superb vessel will carry two helicopters for flightseeing expeditions, two seven-person submarines, eight electric Zodiacs, jet skis, WaveRunners, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling and scuba equipment – including a recompression chamber, dive support tender and multi-person ATV. www.crystalcruises.com
ECO-SENSITIVE ENDEAVOURS
Norway’s 120-year-old coastal cruise line, Hurtigruten will introduce Rolls-Royce-designed hybrid technology for silent running in delicate polar environments. Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen will debut in 2018 and 2019 respectively. The ships are named after the two most influential Norwegian polar pioneers and their interiors will be distinctly Scandinavian in design. www.hurtigruten.com
SURPRISE ADDITIONS
By the time you read this, MSC’s 5700-guest Meraviglia will have launched onto the Mediterranean circuit, bringing a new level of affordable luxury to the busy sea lanes between Barcelona, Marseille and Naples. The ship’s 96-metre central promenade features a giant 480 square-metre LED screen ceiling setting the scene with stunning vistas, atmospheric events, sunrises, sunsets and starry skies. Her sumptuous Aurea Spa, secluded ship-within-a-ship Yacht Club concept, high-tech Technogym and exciting Polar Aquapark are just some of the leisure features set to wow guests of all ages. At night, guests will be treated to original shows from Cirque du Soleil. www.msccruises.com.au
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POLAR EXPLORER German luxury pioneer Hapag-Lloyd is set to launch two brand-new PC6 polar class ships in 2019. These new 230-passenger ships – to be named HANSEATIC nature and HANSEATIC inspiration – will be sure to reinforce HapagLloyd’s standing as the most luxurious in the expedition sector. Extendable glass balconies will give passengers the feeling of floating over the ocean, and eco-friendly Zodiacs will enable landings in remote areas. www.hl-cruises.com
VOYAGING IN COMFORT
Aurora’s as-yet-unnamed expedition ship due for delivery in 2019 may look strange, but its revolutionary tapered X-BOW wave-piercing design is made for superb stability in even the roughest conditions. The 104-metre ice-class 1A ship will carry about 100 passengers to the Arctic and Antarctica, with safety and environmental protection firmly in mind. X-BOW technology means the ship requires less fuel to get through the waves than a conventional bow-designed vessel. www.auroraexpeditions.com.au
FITNESS AND FUN A whole new cruise line, Blue World Voyages, is planning to combine adventures at sea with a focus on fitness and wellbeing. It’s set to be a 350-passenger vessel built around health with an indoor basketball court, scuba diving equipment, spa, and sports medicine clinic. No matter the itinerary (Cuba is the first), yoga, kayaking, biking, hiking and healthy meals will be at the heart of the experience. www.blueworldvoyages.com
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