A round-up of 2019’s cruise news

2019 has been a busy year for the cruise industry. From the first vegan menu at sea to the introduction of brand-new innovative ships, here's a roundup of 2019's cruise news: 

At the start of the year, Oceania Cruises announced the delivery of two new ships in 2022 and 2025. The first Allura Class ships will be mid-sized vessels, set to retain the popular design and amenities of the cruise line's award-winning Marina and Riviera. Whilst enhancing levels of comfort and luxury on board, the ships will have a warm, intimate, residential style.

In February, Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced its goal to eliminate approximately 2 million plastic water bottles every year. Since the spring of 2019, Regent has been serving water in reusable glass bottles. Passengers are now able to choose from Vero-branded still or sparkling water, which uses a proprietary five-stage nanofiltration process to reduce impurities, chemicals and imperfections. Well done to Regent!

Silversea revealed a new culinary enrichment program that will debut on their new ship, Silver Moon. The program called S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) combines immersive food-themed events and experiences on board and at shore. Cooking classes and demonstrations from local chefs, culinary-themed lectures and one-off dinners will take place on board while in port, passengers can choose to visit wineries and local markets.

Luxury cruise line Seabourn revealed the first-ever renderings of their new expedition cruise ships in April 2019. The news came a month after Seabourn revealed the name of their first expedition ship, which stems from the lines Venture by Seabourn program. Seabourn Venture is scheduled to be delivered in June 2021.

May saw the introduction of the first-ever vegan menu at sea. Azamara released the menu – which includes dishes such as Tofu Satay with Nasi Goreng, Pesto Pasta and Moroccan Spiced Kebab – to select menus across their fleet.

Spirit of Discovery is the first of two British boutique cruise ships commissioned from world-leading shipbuilders Meyer Werft to be added to the Saga Cruises fleet. On 24th June 2019, Saga announced the date of the naming ceremony, which took place on 5th July 2019 at the port of Dover. Over 500 guests attended the event which saw HRH The Duchess of Cornwall christen the ship. Jane Archer, cruise journalist and expert, was lucky enough to witness the monumental moment and spend a few days aboard the magnificent new ship.

July saw the arrival of Hurtigruten’s first battery-powered cruise vessel, MS Roald Amundsen. Named after explorer Roald Amundsen who led the first expedition traversing the Northwest Passage en route to the North Pole, the ship features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that reduces fuel consumption and shows the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible. A HUGE step for the world of cruise!

A moment many had been waiting for – in August, Scenic Eclipse set sail on her inaugural voyage. Following this, she sailed to New York to be christened by her godmother Dame Helen Mirren. Gemma Pallister, Commercial Manager at ROL Cruise, was lucky enough to spend some time on board.

In September we discovered that we have been shortlisted for Favourite Cruise Agent at the Wave Awards 2020. Known as ‘The Oscars’ of cruising, the Wave Awards celebrate the very best of the UK’s cruise industry – recognising and rewarding excellence and innovation in an industry that is continuously evolving to deliver an exceptional experience, both on board and ashore. Voting is open until 31st December.

In October, P&O Cruises unveiled the refurbishment of their much-loved ship, Britannia. After joining the fleet in 2015 she had become known as the jewel in the P&O crown. As part of her refurbishment, the atrium was given a new lease of life, a permanent art gallery was added, Deck 7 was transformed, and a host of new premium brands were added. In Oasis Spa two ‘express spa’ pods were added plus for longer, deeper relaxation two new innovative experiences were introduced; the thermal and hydropool suite.

Britannia returned to Southampton on 23rd October 2019 ready for the next four years of adventure in the Caribbean, Norwegian fjords, Mediterranean and Canary Islands.

Set to sail in 2020, Celebrity Edge will be hosting a historic sailing to mark International Women’s Day with an all-female Bridge and officer team. The news, which was announced in November, came as part of Celebrity Cruises’ #BRIDGETheGap initiative, which highlights the traditionally male-dominated sector. Sailing on 8th March 2020, Celebrity Edge will embark on her celebratory International Women’s Day voyage from Fort Lauderdale. Over 7 nights, she will travel to San Juan, Tortola, Philipsburg and back to Fort Lauderdale.

As part of Norwegian Edge, NCL announced that Norwegian Spirit will undergo a $100 million refurbishment in 2020. Emerging from dry dock in February, she will feature 14 new venues, additional staterooms and an expanded Mandara Spa. Drawing inspiration from the brand's most recent and highly successful new builds, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss, the updated elements on board will take the guest experience to a whole new level.