This week is CruiseWorld 2020, an annual event held in Miami where agents from all over dive into all the cruise industry has to offer. This year, for obvious reasons, it has gone completely virtual. Although the sunny, Florida weather and amazing cuisine is missed, the plethora of information is still being shared and absorbed. Topics from social media marketing to expanding the value of cruise credits to just maintaining a positive mindset are all being explored. The cruise industry has always been an evolving system and now more than ever this is true. Today I am going to highlight some of the top cruise lines and what they have new on the horizon. Hopefully it will inspire you to think beyond the pandemic and get excited about cruises again.

1. Seabourn
Seabourn has always been synonymous with luxury. With first class service, gourmet dining and exceptional suites it's an experience that can't be beat. Combine all of that with trips to remote destinations and adventurous excursions and you have a trip onboard the new Seabourn Venture. This 132 suite, polar class 6, expedition ship is expected to be launched in Dec 2021. A sister ship that is yet to be named will be launched shortly after in 2022. Both ships will be equipped with double sea kayaks, mountain bikes, e-bikes, zodiacs and, amazingly, two custom built submarines for underwater exploring. Sales are currently open for the 25 voyages that will explore destinations from the Antarctic to the Amazon.

2. Princess Cruises
For over 50 years Princess Cruises has been connecting travelers to amazing destinations in style. They have garnered many accolades over they years to include 12 time winner of best cruise itineraries, best cruises for food lovers, healthiest cruise line, best spa on a cruise ship and USA Today's best entertainment on a cruise ship. They have been especially innovative with their technology in the form of their Princess MedallionClass. MedallionClass elevates the cruising experience with seamless and touch free transactions via a small, wearable Bluetooth device. With this device you can pay for items with a scan of your wrist, unlock your room door as you approach it and when mailed to your home beforehand you can enjoy quick, touchless boarding. The device syncs with an app and allows you to see where your loved ones are on the ship. You can even place an order in one part of the ship and staff will locate you if you decide to move to another part. It is truly an amazing introduction to cruising and especially helpful during these covid times.

3. Celebrity Cruises
If you've been keeping up with our weekly blog then you know that Celebrity Cruises is amongst one of our favorites. This cruise line brilliantly elevates the cruise experience from mass market to premium. They offer stunningly designed ships and world class cuisine. They are also one of the few major cruise lines that visit the Galapagos Island. Their newest Galapagos ship, the Celebrity Flora is awe inspiring with luxury, all-inclusive amenities. Their packages range from 10- 16 nights with options to explore Quito, Ecuador or the illustrious Machu Picchu. During the day you can revel in the majesty of the gigantic tortoises and blue footed boobies as you're led by a native, Ecuadorian tour guide. At night you can sleep and dine under the stars with Celebrity's exclusive, onboard glamping experience. To top it all off, Celebrity's promotions include half of the second guest and roundtrip airfare from major gateways. The 2021 season is booking quickly so don't hesitate to jump on this lovely, esoteric experience.

4. Atlas Ocean Voyages
Adventure is calling and Atlas Ocean Voyages has answered the call. Newcomer to the cruising industry, Atlas is ready to deliver. They are set to launch in July 2021 with their first ship the World Navigator. Their second ship, World Traveller, is already being built and is set to launch mid 2022. This cruise line boasts once in a lifetime adventures in the world's most extraordinary places. This cruise line is perfect for the solo traveler or family who seeks more beyond ordinary cruising. One of their fabulous itineraries part of their Holy land cruises is the 24 night Max Shore: Magical Cappadocia. You embark in Odessa, Ukraine and go on to visit 19 ports in 7 countries before stopping in Istanbul, Turkey. But it doesn't end there. Enjoy a complimentary 4 day land immersion in Cappadocia complete with a morning hot air balloon ride. You rejoin the ship in Kepez and continue sailing for 15 days throughout Turkey and Israel before disembarking in Jerusalem. What makes this cruise line even better is it's all inclusive, all the way. Airfare, top shelf beverages, butler service, gratuities, excursions, dining and more are all part of the fare. Not a bad way to explore the wonders of the world.

5. U by Uniworld
Last, but certainly not least, we have U by Uniworld. When you think of river cruising you likely picture an older crowd and elaborate, French inspired staterooms and décor. Often reviewed as river cruising for the millennial, Uniworld takes what it does best and gives it a facelift to appeal to a younger generation. They have two ships that are simply named the A and the B. But that is where the simplicity ends. They have remodeled these ships to become modern floating hotels. The striking black ship has a stylish monochromatic theme, eclectic artwork and neon mood lighting throughout. The rooms are equipped with marble showers, usb plugs and bluetooth speakers. Select rooms even have bunk beds with their own individual, built-in flat screens. Guests can take advantage of mixology classes, a nightclub with international DJs and top deck yoga. And lets not forget the destinations! These ships still visit all the favorite stops along the Rhine and Danube rivers with high- energy shore excursions included. This cruise line is not only for the young, but also the young at heart so don't hesitate to book one of these magnificent cruises.

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