Page 24 - AAA Now! – AAA Central Penn – September/October 2021

TRAVEL
New 2021 Debuting
Cruise Ships &
Riverboats
Cruising is back in a big way, but during the pandemic, cruises were grounded with virtually every sailing canceled. Many cruise lines took the opportunity to sell off older vessels. No line, however, canceled their orders for new ships.
In some instances, ships expected to be delivered this year will be delayed as a result of the pandemic-related construction delays. Delays withstanding, 2021 will still be significant for new debuting ships. Over 20 new oceangoing vessels are still scheduled for delivery. Several popular river cruise brands are also set to take delivery of new vessels in 2021.
Here is a small selection of some of the more notable vessels debuting this year:
OCEAN SHIPS
Mardi Gras® – the biggest ship ever for Carnival Cruise Line. The new flagship will be nearly 35% larger than the biggest ship in Carnival’s fleet and can hold 6,630 passengers. Fully “decked-out” with the first roller coaster at sea, Carnival’s largest waterpark, a broad array of suites and dining venues, including an Emeril Lagasse restaurant, the ship will sail to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
Odyssey of the Seas – Royal Caribbean’s new Quantum Ultra Class vessel, while not the largest to enter the fleet, is still classified as a megaship. The ship will accommodate 4,198 passengers and has all the frills of a great megaresort, including: a sky-diving simulator, a surfing simulator, a bumper car pavilion, a kiddie aqua park, and multiple pool areas. The ship will offer Caribbean voyages.
Rotterdam – The new Holland America flagship will accommodate 2,668 passengers, and features many of the same venues found on sister ships, Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam, including the popular B.B. King’s Blues Club. Rotterdam will initially spend time exploring Northern Europe and the Baltic but is set to reposition and operate from Fort Lauderdale come winter.
Venus – Not unlike Viking’s other seagoing vessels, Venus, at a third the size of the megaships, is small and elegant. The vessel will reflect the Scandinavian-influenced décor found on Viking’s other ships. Venus fills the bill for those looking for an adults-only cruise option, as no passengers under the age of 18 are allowed. Venus will cruise various European itineraries during the ship’s first year.
RIVER VESSELS
the AmaSiena and AmaLucia are elegant 156 passenger ships offering guests plenty of space to unwind. In keeping with AmaWaterways’
standard design approach, the ships will offer guests inviting public spaces, comfortable twin balconied staterooms,
and award-winning dining options. The AmaSiena will
afford opportunities to experience the Rhine River while the AmaLucia will offer opportunities to travel both the Rhine
and the Moselle rivers. A much smaller vessel, the stunning AmaDahlia will accommodate 72 passengers and will provide a luxurious option and a wealth of amenities designed to surprise and delight you as you cruise the scenic Nile River.
ms Andorinha – Accommodating no more than 84 guests, the Tauck riverboat was built for cruising amidst picturesque villages along Portugal’s Douro River. A riverboat truly inspired by the destination, the vessel features beautiful Portuguese craftsmanship, a color scheme, and patterns typical of decorative Portuguese tiles. Onboard dining venues, and built- in amenities were custom designed with the intent to delight and provide an experience like no other.
Due to the popularity and demand to experience the newest debuting vessels, travelers seeking a reservation on one of the new vessels listed above, or on any of the other ships debuting this year are encouraged to contact your AAA travel agent at the first opportunity.
AmaSiena, AmaLucia & AmaDahlia – AmaWaterways is debuting multiple new ships this year. Sister ships to the award- winning AmaLea
and AmaKristina,
242 II SJEUPLTYE/AMUBGEURS/OTC2T0O2B0ER 2021