Blue Water Holidays Blog
Read the latest small ship, luxury and river news and features from the experts.
Guide to what's new in 2014!
As we sail into 2014, it looks set to be another exciting year for river cruising, with new ships due to be christened and the launch of more fascinating itineraries in Europe and worldwide. Here is our guide to what’s new in 2014.
Christenings
US-owned Avalon Waterways will welcome the innovative and spacious Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Illumination and Avalon Impression to its superb fleet of modern river ships. All three ships will offer suites with wall-to-wall panoramic windows that open to create unique Open-Air Balconies ™.
Viking will launch 14 new Viking Longships this year which will sail along the rivers of Europe. All the ships will feature spacious cabins and the modern Aquavit Terrace, perfect for casual dining. In 2013, Viking set a Guiness World Record for ‘The Most Ships Inaugurated in One Day by One Company’ as it christened eight new longships.
The brand new AmaReina from AmaWaterways will cruise the picturesque River Rhine, while the contemporary AmaSonata will discover the historical gems of the Danube and colourful waterways of Holland. The all-suite ship AmaPura will explore mysterious Burma along the atmospheric Irrawaddy River, the “Road to Mandalay”.
SS Catherine will join the Uniworld fleet in spring and journey along the Rhone exploring Burgundy and Provence. Upper deck cabins and suites will have full open-air balconies and public areas will feature the company’s signature touches, including original hand-selected art.
Vineyards and chateaux of Bordeaux
Uniworld and Viking are launching brand new 7-night itineraries in spring 2014. Discover picturesque terraced vineyards which produce some of the most expensive wines in the world and explore magnificent chateaux as you journey along the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde rivers.
River Royale and Viking Forseti will both visit Pauillac on the Gironde River, the gateway to the Medoc wine-producing region, Blaye with its impressive 17th-century citadel and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saint Emilion. Enjoy wine tastings and visits to magnificent chateaux.
Burma and the “Road to Mandalay”
Burma (Myanmar) is an emerging destination rich in culture and history. Viking and AmaWaterways are offering exciting itineraries along the atmospheric Irrawaddy River, the “Road to Mandalay”. Shop for local delicacies at bustling markets, visit workshops of skilled craftsmen and see some of the country's most revered religious sites.
Enjoy an overnight stay in bustling Bangkok, see the impressive monasteries and pagodas of Mandalay and discover the famous temples at Bagan on board Viking Mandalay or Sagaing on a brand new 15-night cruise and land tour to Burma. Or join AmaPura and explore the cultural city of Yangon, visit Pyay, home to the magnificent Shwesandaw pagoda and discover the former royal capital of Sagaing on a fascinating 14-night itinerary.
The mighty Yangtze and China’s cultural gems
China is a fascinating destination, best explored on a Yangtze River cruise and land tour. APT is offering a superb value 13-night Travelmarvel itinerary as well as a fantastic all-inclusive holiday on the Yangtze with Freedom of Choice Touring and signature experiences. Explore the diverse cities of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, discover the breathtaking Three Gorges region and visit the famous Giant Pandas and Terracotta Warriors as you journey along the dramatic Yangtze river.
The Chobe River and Africa’s “Big Five”
AmaWaterways offers unique, once-in-a-lifetime safari cruise and land tours to southern Africa, combining a Chobe River cruise on contemporary ship Zambezi Queen and game drives in beautiful National Parks where you may be lucky enough to see the “Big Five”. Enjoy hotel stays in diverse Cape Town and the legendary Victoria Falls as well as at luxury lodges and camps in breathtaking National Parks.