A number of new ships have taken to the waves and rivers in Europe this past week.
Norwegian Bliss, the newest ship from Norwegian Cruise Line, sailed a two-day inaugural preview cruise in Europe this past week before beginning a transatlantic crossing April 21. The new ship, the latest in the line’s Breakaway Plus class, will offer a series of two-night preview events in New York, Miami and Los Angeles before its official christening ceremony at its homeport at Pier 66 in Seattle. From there, the ship will sail a series of seven-day Alaska cruises this summer.
On Europe’s rivers, new river cruise brand U by Uniworld launched its second ship this week, The A. The A is a 120-passenger river cruise ship that will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, flowing through the Netherlands and central Europe. While on U’s ship, guests can take part in inclusions, such as mixology classes, silent discos, yoga, wine tastings, farm-to-table dining and more. Onshore, guests can experience cultural excursions, such as an evening tour in a medieval castle; a foodie tour through the Jordaan district of Amsterdam; strolling through Keukenhof’s tulip gardens; and a scenic bike tour and wine tasting at Eberbach Monastery, used as a filming location for “Game of Thrones.”
Looking ahead, May 28 will mark the official christening for another new river cruise ship, Crystal River Cruises’ Crystal Debussy, in the Port of Amsterdam. Broadway star Rachel York will serve as the ship’s godmother, Crystal announced this week. Once it sets sail, the Crystal Debussy will offer itineraries between Amsterdam and Basel.
Later this summer, Seabourn Ovation, the newest ship from Seabourn, will sail its inaugural season. Seabourn announced the lineup of shore excursions for the new vessel this week, which will focus on local culture, history and nature.
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