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April 4, 2016By: Adam Leposa
It’s been another big week for the cruise industry as more lines announce plans to expand their fleets.
Princess Cruises is getting two new ships, entering into service in 2019 and 2020. Built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri S.p.A., the unnamed 3,560-passenger ships will be the brand’s fourth and fifth Royal-class vessels, building on the design platform used on Royal Princess, Regal Princess and the new Majestic Princess, coming in 2017. The ships will incorporate signature brand elements, such as a soaring central atrium; multiple dining, entertainment and retail venues; outdoor theater experience; and 80 percent of all staterooms with balconies, as well as new innovations to be announced at a later date.
The new ship order is part of a previously announced memorandum of understanding between Fincantieri and Princess parent company Carnival Corporation. That order also includes two new ships for Costa Asia in China and one new ship for P&O Cruises in Australia — the first-ever newbuild for that brand.
In luxury news, Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced plans for another new ship of its own this week, slated for a 2020 delivery.
The new vessel will be a sister ship to the upcoming Seven Seas Explorer, which is scheduled to debut this July. The new Explorer-class vessel will retain many of Seven Seas Explorer’s amenities, such as a rendition of the Regent Suite, a new class of 3,875 square foot, two-bedroom suite with an expansive living space and a beam-to-beam private outdoor balcony. The suite also has an in-suite spa retreat with personal sauna, steam room, relaxation loungers and a spa treatment area where guests will enjoy complimentary, unlimited treatments from Canyon Ranch.
Expanded details for the new ship will be announced at a later date.
Finally, CroisiEurope is expanding to Africa in 2017 with another new ship, the eighth new vessel the line is planning to debut between 2016 and 2017.
The new Africa ship will sail the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, offering six-day, five-night cruise itineraries 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 four-day, three-night stay in CroisiEurope accommodations with safaris and a day at Victoria Falls.
CroisiEurope will own and operate this new ship, as well as two lodges included in the new itinerary. The new offering will be available to book through the line’s U.S. call center, with prices and itinerary details to follow once available.
Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for the latest cruise industry news, trends and updates.
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