January has arrived, bringing with it lots of plans and resolutions for the New Year. This is certainly the case in cruising, as many people are booking trips for 2017. It’s not just planning the perfect holiday that is exciting in the cruise industry at the moment, though. Here’s a round-up of the hottest trends and up-to-date news on cruising.
This month’s top destination
You cannot be blamed for wishing to escape the post-Christmas blues this January and the Caribbean is our favourite destination for doing just that. Ports in St Lucia, Jamaica and Puerto Rico are the complete antithesis of the dreary British weather and offer everything from palm-fringed beaches and fresh fruit to sugar cane plantations and colourful colonial architecture. You can even experience the rainforest from above on an Aerial Tram Tour in St Lucia, getting a bird’s eye view of nature at its best.
The Telegraph Cruise Show comes to London
Cruise lovers from all over the world will descend on the ExCel in London from January 13th to 15th for the annual Telegraph Cruise Show. The event will be an opportunity to listen to experts, enter competitions and revel in all amazing things to do with cruising. Among the famous faces who will be appearing at the show will be Ronan Keating, John Craven and Michael Burke.
Cruisecritic.co.ukincludes MSC Opera in its list of Best Cruise Surprises of 2016
The New Year is not just an opportunity to look forward, but also one to review the previous 12 months and many informed people in cruising have been doing just that. Cruisecritic.co.uk included an experience aboard MSC Opera as parts of its round-up of best surprises in 2016. Adam Coulter, UK editor of the site, said: “Service at all levels surprised and delighted, from stewards to waiters to reception and those on shore excursions. The entertainment dazzled, first with a supergroup of Cuban musicians, and then a Flamenco rendition and a moving show.”
CNN lists MSC Meraviglia among the best new cruise ships launching in 2017
In a list of cruise ships that are hotly anticipated for launch in 2017, CNN has included the MSC Meraviglia. Boasting 12 onboard restaurants and the capacity to cater to 4,500 guests, the ship will come into service in the spring. From Cirque du Soleil at Sea to a giant aquapark, there will be entertainment to suit everyone when it starts sailing. This is one new arrival we certainly can’t wait for!
Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach opens in UAE
A designated beach for cruise passengers has opened in the Arabian Gulf, offering a fantastic opportunity to disembark and relax. Cruisers travelling to the United Arab Emirate (UAE) and heading to the port of Abu Dhabi will now be able to enjoy the delights of the beach on Sir Bani Yas Island. Around 4,000 passengers aboard the MSC Fantasia were lucky enough to be the first visitors when it coincided with the official opening in mid-December. The vessel will be returning to Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach each week for the rest of the season. Al Shamisi of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “We are excited about the official opening of Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach as part of our developments in the Western Region which reiterates our commitment to enriching the cruise experiences we offer.”
