LIFE'S RICH TAPESTRY
Avalon Waterways has launched its newest river-cruise vessel on the Seine, the first of its Suite Ships to float in France. Avalon Tapestry II will be joined by a second Suite Ship, Avalon Poetry II, relocated from the Rhine to the Rhone for further French itineraries. Meanwhile, the just-launched Avalon Tranquility II takes up operations on the Rhine. Avalon says Suite Ships offer 30 per cent more cabin space than the average competitor, and claims to have the newest fleet of any river cruise company, with an average ship age of three years.
Phone 1300 230 234. See avalonwaterways.com.au.
SOUTHERN BELLE
American Cruise Lines' new river-cruise ship, American Eagle, sets sail for the first time today from New Orleans. The ship carries 150 passengers and has the most spacious cabins of any Mississippi river-cruise boat. The majority of staterooms have private balconies with sliding glass doors and all the expected modern conveniences, although decor in public areas harks back to the classic age of Mississippi riverboats of the nineteenth century. American Cruise Lines will operate the new paddlewheeler primarily on the Lower Mississippi River between New Orleans and Memphis.
See americancruiselines.com.
PASSION FOR FASHION
Luxe Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has begun a new fashion-themed cruise format, starting with renowned designer Thomas Rath appearing on board two cruises this year: a Mediterranean itinerary in August and a South Africa cruise in December. The German fashion guru has worked for Windsor, Jil Sander and Mulberry. The cruises will feature fashion shows, workshops and stylings, and guests can discover the latest looks and accessories from the fashion world. Special shore excursions are designed to appeal to the fashion-conscious, and there will be an exclusive Rath boutique on board.
Phone 02 9977 7100. See hl-cruises.com.
SETTING SAIL
Specialist Australian travel company McLachlan Tours has formed an exclusive partnership with European river-cruise experts Amras Cruises to bring a new range of river itineraries to the Aussie market in yet another mark of how popular river-cruising is becoming. Amras' all-inclusive packages in Europe incorporate luxury on-board dining, fine beverages, shore excursions hosted by English-speaking guides, on-board concierge and guest services, Wi-Fi and entertainment. Amras operates on the newest ships of Austrian company Amadeus, including the new Amadeus Silver II, launched for the coming summer season in Europe.
Phone 1300 736 584. See amrascruises.com.au.
SIZE MATTERS
American small-ship cruise experts AdventureSmith Explorations is downsizing even more by using a 67-foot luxury cruiser in Alaska that can make the most of the indented coastline. Sikumi is built along the lines of an Alaskan fishing trawler, though with a luxury cruise-ship interior, and carries just eight passengers, plus four children if required. Its seven-day cruises aren't tied to a specific itinerary, but follow the whales, the wildlife and the Alaskan weather. Unscheduled stops may be made at sea-lion rookeries, glaciers or spots where brown bears are known to feed.
See adventuresmithexplorations.com.
