Bertram's logbook

The new ships 2017

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[Translate to en:] AIDAperla (c) AIDA Cruises

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[Translate to en:] Silver Muse (c) Silversea

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[Translate to en:] Mein Schiff 6 (c) TUI Cruises

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[Translate to en:] Majestic Princess (c) Princess Cruises

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[Translate to en:] World Dream (c) Meyer Werft

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[Translate to en:] MSC Meraviglia (c) MSC

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[Translate to en:] Norwegian Joy (c) Norwegian Cruise Line

And always a hand's breadth of water under the keel...

There is a lot happening on the world's oceans in the new year: As many as ten new cruise ships are floating onto the market - although some of them will probably never sail in European waters as they were specially developed and built for the Asian market.

The two new German ships will seem much more familiar to us: With the AIDAperla, Aida Cruises is completing the dozen ships and at the same time relying on the tried and tested. The youngest member of the fleet and its older sister, the Prima, are completely identical in design. And that means that the completely covered and much-praised "Beach Club", which provides a Caribbean feeling even in windy weather, will also be back. The Perla's home port will be Palma de Mallorca. From there, she will set off in July (two months earlier than originally planned) on one-week Mediterranean cruises with stops in Barcelona, Corsica, Livorno, Civitavecchia and Marseille.

The new Mein Schiff 6 from TUI Cruises will also be based in Palma de Mallorca. No major changes to its predecessor are to be expected here either. Everything will be completely different, bigger and even more beautiful with the new Mein Schiff 1, which will be launched in 2018.

The ship that luxury travelers will be looking forward to the most this year is the Silver Muse. After the Seabourn Encore and Regent Seven Seas Explorer shook up the market for 5-star ships last year, all eyes are now on Silversea's new addition. No fewer than eight restaurants will be available to the maximum 596 passengers - so haute cuisine on the high seas will certainly be one of the most important themes. The Silver Muse will be christened on April 17 in Monaco. During the summer months, destinations in the Mediterranean are on the program, after which the ship will sail across the Atlantic and through the Caribbean towards the Panama Canal.

Viking is launching two new ships. Originally known as a provider of luxury river cruises, the company is now increasingly focusing on the high seas - and the two new additions to the fleet Viking Sky (from February) and Viking Sun (from the end of the year). Both ships offer space for up to 930 passengers and will only have balcony cabins. It is just a shame that Viking is focusing exclusively on an American and English clientele and is not actively serving the German-speaking market. After all, casual luxury and cosmopolitan charm at the very highest level also go down well with us ...

MSC is also setting sail with two new ships this year - and this is just the beginning. The world's largest privately managed cruise line plans to expand its capacity to a total of eleven ships by 2026. The MSC Meraviglia, which can accommodate no fewer than 5,700 passengers, will be the starting signal. Designed as a year-round ship for the Mediterranean, it will also have a covered pool and a covered promenade. We are also excited about the cooperation with Cirque du Soleil, which is set to revolutionize on-board entertainment. By contrast, the MSC Seaside will be anything but a year-round ship. "The ship that follows the sun" is designed exclusively for warm climates and is set to impress with its many open decks and spectacular views of the sea. Interesting for families: the first floating children's restaurant. Those who would like to get to know the Seaside in person will have the opportunity to do so in the Caribbean from December 2017.

And then there are the Norwegian Joy, the Majestic Princess and the World Dream - three mega liners that exclusively serve the ever-growing Asian market and will mostly be sailing from Shanghai.

Oh yes, we will have to wait a few months longer for the Flying Clipper from Star Clippers, which was also announced for the end of 2017. The maiden voyage of the world's largest square-rigged sailing ship with a bathing platform at the stern and diving pool over three decks has been postponed to the first quarter of 2018 as the construction work will not be completed in time. Never mind, because until then we still have plenty of other new ships to explore ...

Text: Jörg Bertram