The RV Charaidew, a small colonial-style river ship, cruises the Lower Brahmaputra River in Assam, India.
Hot on the heels of the launch of Royal Princess, Princess Cruises announced that Captain Ed Perrin would helm its next new ship, Regal Princess, scheduled to launch next June. There has been a rash of ship launches recently, plus orders for new ones and bookings for multimillion-dollar makeovers.
Royal Caribbean is spending billions of dollars on expanding its 22-ship fleet over the next few years. It has ordered a third Oasis-class vessel (to match the world's largest cruise ships, Oasis and Allure of the Seas) for delivery in 2016, with an option to build a fourth for 2018.
Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line, the third-biggest cruise operator in the world, has ordered two Breakaway Plus ships, which will be delivered in 2015 and 2017. They will carry 4200 passengers and join Breakaway and next year's Getaway in Norwegian's Breakaway class of ships.
Clive Palmer plans to launch his Blue Star Line's Titanic II from its shipyard in China in 2016, and the appointment of Lloyd's Register to review the design and safety features of the ship adds credibility to the project. ''Titanic II will be a regular feature on the transatlantic route between the UK and USA,'' Palmer says.
In the luxury market, Regent Seven Seas has signed a contract with the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy to build what it calls "the most luxurious cruise ship in the era of modern cruising" at a cost of $US450 million ($485 million). The ship will be named Seven Seas Explorer and will accommodate 738 guests. Seven Seas Explorer is due to join the fleet in 2016.
On a smaller scale - but still up there in the luxury stakes - French small-ship operator Compagnie du Ponant has ordered a new ship from Fincantieri. The ship, due to launch in spring 2015, will join the four boutique ships in Ponant's fleet: Le Ponant, Le Boreal, L'Austral and Le Soleal.
Two more luxury ships are due to undergo makeovers this year. Regent's Seven Seas 700-passenger Voyager is going into dry dock in Marseille in October and Crystal Serenity is off to Spain to have a $US17 million redesign in November. When the refurbishment is complete, Crystal Cruises will have spent $US52 million on Crystal Serenity's ''Extreme Makeover'' in the past two years.
SHIPSHAPE
RV Charaidew
LAUNCHED RV Charaidew was built in 1973, converted in 2003; small colonial-style river ship.
PASSENGERS & CREW 20 passengers (double occupancy); 16 crew.
ACCOMMODATION 10 comfortable, airconditioned, twin-bed cabins with en suite bathrooms and large windows.
REGULAR HAUNTS Lower Brahmaputra River in Assam, north-east India.
PERFECT FOR Well-travelled, adventurous couples andsingles.
DINING International and Assamese dishes are served in the airconditioned dining room, which can be opened on both sides for views and breeze. A selection of wines, spirits, beers (and of course Assamese teas) is available.
PARTYING This is definitely not a party boat.
DOING Trips include visits to local villages and temples, and elephant safaris in Kaziranga and Orang National Parks.
DID YOU KNOW? There is no casino, internet access or TV on-board RV Charaidew, so you really are in another world.
THE DETAILS The eight-day Assam Wildlife & Nature package departs Guwahati (via Kolkata) pre- and post-monsoon. In January and February 2014 fares are $2530 and include a four-day cruise, transport by car, jeep and elephant, game lodges and an English-speaking guide. 1300 783 188, activetravel.com.au.
DEALS
OFFER OF THE WEEK
Book a 16-day 2014-15 holiday to Vietnam and Cambodia with APT and you fly for free, saving up to $3350 a couple. The 15-day Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery (from Hanoi to Angkor Wat) is priced from $5695 a person. Includes an eight-day cruise on RV AmaLotus and a Luke Nguyen-inspired meal at Xu Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. Valid to September30. 1300336932, aptouring.com.au.
OTHER DEALS
CRYSTAL CRUISES Book by August30 and save up to $US2500 ($2705) on 34 luxury Asia voyages in 2014. From five to 29 days on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. 1800 251 174, wiltrans.com.au.
EWATERWAYS Two cruises for the price of one on two Amadeus Brilliant European river itineraries, departing on October 11 and 18. Fares from $1040. 1300 503 669, www.ewaterways.com.au.
DISCOVER THE WORLD See Norway in winter with special deals on Hurtigruten voyages (six, seven, 11 or 12 days), departing November 1 to December 31. Seven-day Bergen to Kirkenes cruise from $1160. 1800 623 267, discovertheworldcruising.com.au.
TIP
Staying connected while you're cruising has never been easier - all the major cruise lines have Wi-Fi. However, internet access is usually slow and expensive, and it's best to buy a package rather than pay by the minute. For example, on Celebrity ships the flat rate is US75¢ (81¢) a minute and packages start at 38 minutes for $US24.95. Minimise your spend by avoiding downloads and use the internet early in the morning and late at night, when fewer people are online.
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