As you may know, the AmaMagna was the IT ship for 2019.  It’s a wonderful ship that sails the Danube River.  I talked a little about this in a podcast last week.  It’s twice the width of the average river ship.  It’s currently sailing on it’s inaugural season and it’s a wonderful ship!

So, what’s new for 2020?

AmaWaterways launched 3 new ships for 2019 including the AmaMagna.  For 2020 they’ll be introducing 1, the AmaSiena in July.  The AmaSiena will sail on the Main, Rhine, and Mosel.  Ama builds their own ships which is not a common practice.  Most river cruise lines lease ships.  Ama builds and owns them so they have all the say in how they want them build.  And they win awards all the time!

Tauck (luxury tour company in operation since 1925, fully all inclusive, and one of the best tour operators and river cruises in the world, these guys do it right).  Tauck is launching a new river ship for the Douro, ms Andorinha.  Very intimate with just 84 guests.  A beautiful ship to sail on Portugal’s river of gold.

Uniworld is going to be super busy in 2020.  They have 4 new ships (well, 3 new and 1 complete renovation).  Uniworld is ultra luxury and has a distinctive interior design that’s classically modern European elegance.

– S.S. La Venezia sails in Italy on the Po River.  This is their former ship, the River Countess.  It’s being completely redone and made into a Super Ship.  Uniworld has been busy refitting some of their older ships.

– S.S. Sao Gabriel will sail on the Douro.  Also intimate with just 84 guests.

– S.S. Sphinx launches on the Nile in Egypt this January 4.

– Mekong Jewel sets sail on the Mekong on January 3.  I did a Mekong river cruise last year and it was one of my favorite trips.  I highly recommend it.

And of course, there’s hardly a year without a new Viking river ship.  Viking has 1 coming in 2020, the Viking Osiris sailing on the Nile.

In the U.S.:

American Queen Steamboat company is introducing the American Countess sailing on the Mississippi.  This is a true paddlewheeler with a classic decor and that brings you back to another time.  It’s not completely new, the hull dates from 1995 but American Queen Steamboat Company is stripping it down to the steel frame, adding a new 60 foot midsection, so it’ll essentially be a new ship.

American Cruise lines has the American Jazz coming in August 2020 and the American Melody soon after.  Both will sail on the Mississippi – contemporary style and modern with a unique opening bow and retractable gangway at the front of the ship.

Feeling a bit more adventurous?  An Amazon River Cruise should be on your bucket list. It’s the wold’s second longest river and more than a third of the world’s animal species live in this vast river basin’s rainforest.

Aqua Expeditions (they sail luxury river cruises and yachts) is introducing the Aqua Nera.  Small ship with no more than 40 guests.  It’s a stunning ship, i’ll link some photos in the show notes.

There are several new mega ships coming out next year.  Virgin Voyages (new cruise line started by Sir Richard Branson) has the Scarlet Lady which is the first of 3 ships coming to Virgin, Celebrity has the Apex (not sure how much I like that name), Princess has the Enchanted Princess, Carnival has the Mardi Gras, MSC has Virtuosa, Royal Caribbean has the Odyssey of the Seas.  And there are another handful of new mega ships already slated for 2021.

But what about the smaller ships.

Hurtigruten has a new hybrid expedition ship coming.  This year they introduced the MS Roald Amundsen and a sister ship joins in 2020, the MS Fridtjof Nansen to sail on all corners of the globe including the polar regions.  Both ships are names after 2 heroes of polar expeditions.

Regent has the Seven Seas Splendor debuting in February.  With 750 guests it’s not exactly small ship but it’s a super luxurious and beautiful ship.

Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection is launching their new yacht line.  The first of 3 ships start sailing in February, called the Azora.  This yacht is amazing.  Under 300 guests.  World class accommodations and amenities.  Michelin starred chef, marina at the back of the ship.  Helicopter.  It’s not a ship, it’s a yacht!

Ponant is introducing 2 new ships – Le Bellot and Le Jacques Cartier).  They’ll have 6 new yachts since 2018 so they’ve introduced 2 every year the last few.  Ponant is a French luxury cruise line sailing to all corners of the world including the polar regions.  Their ships are named after French explorers.  Ponant’s unique feature to their ships is a multi-sensorial underwater lounge called the Blue Eye lounge.  Located beneath the water line, here you’ll be able to see and hear the passing marine life.  This is a world’s first and it looks totally amazing.  I’ll include a link to see some photos in the show notes and on my website, upclosetravel.com

Scenic is introducing the Scenic Eclipse II.  The Scenic Eclipse I debuted this year.  Scenic is an ultra-luxury river cruise line sailing all over the world.  They’re new to ocean cruising but the ships look magnificent.  They are a 5-star experience.  So, I have no doubts that their ships will be a huge hit.

Silversea will replace its Galapagos island ship with the new Silver Origin.  This new ship will be environmentally conscious while sailing in this delicate region.  But it is Silversea, so you can expect luxury, all suite, butler service, and the best Ecuadorian inspired cuisine.

Crystal Cruises is launching the Crystal Endeavor.  This is Crystals first expedition ship.

Lindblad is building their first new polar ship in its line’s history.  The National Geographic Endurance is coming in early 2020.  Fully stabilized with the highest ice class (PC5 Category A) of any purpose-built passenger vessel.  This means the Endurance will provide access to more polar environments opening previously unexplored opportunities.

Quark is also building a new ship designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, the Ultramarine.  2 twin engine helicopters on board, a robust portfolio of adventure activities – the Ultramarine will sail in Antarctica when it launches in 2020.

Viking Ocean has been on a tear building new ships. They’ve built 6 since 2015.  They have none scheduled for 2020 but starting in 2021 they have 12 scheduled over a 6-year period.

These are some amazing ships!

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us anytime at 305-814-8184.

Ready to plan your trip?  You may think that the best place to plan and book your trip is using a site like Priceline, Kayak, Expedia or any of those other online.

I’m here to tell you that you’ve got another option.  A travel advisors.  Yes, we are still out there!   

Many people think that the internet wiped us out.  But it actually made us stronger and better at our jobs! 

There are several advantages to booking with a travel advisor: 

• Speak to a real life human.  We can give you recommendations, other options you may not have thought about, and we can answer questions that you have now, or later on after you’ve booked your trip. 
• Access to us.  When you book with me, you have my cell number and can reach me 7 days a week by phone call, text, or email.   
• Exceptional service.  Like having your very own travel concierge. 
• A better rate!  Most people think that you’ll get the best rate by booking on those other sites online.  99% if the time, a travel advisor will do better!   
• We don’t cost you anything!  You’re not paying a penny more for the better service.   

There’s many more pluses!  Contact me to find out more.  And if you prefer to call someone else, there’s tens of thousands of us all over the country! 

And one more thing, by using a travel advisor, you’re supporting a small business!  I thank you for that!

Picture yourself golfing on some of Europe’s leading championship golf courses.

Now imagine golfing in different countries all in one trip, surrounded by gorgeous nature preserves, on the top of beautiful European hillsides and even nestled into their valleys.

Check out the video on the Golf Concierge Program!

AmaWaterways is introducing a new Golf Concierge Program for 2019.  You’ll be able to combine a luxury river cruise on the Danube with up to 5 rounds of golf at some of Europe’s leading championship golf courses.

All AmaWaterways river ships are spectacular.  But the Golf Concierge Program will sail on an even more spectacular river ship!  The AmaMagna!

It’s Ama’s newest ship for 2019.  The AmaMagna is a revolutionary new ship that’s almost twice the width of a normal river ship.  The extra space gives you larger staterooms & suites, more dining options, more public space, a water sports platform and much more! All this, with only 20% more people than the normal river ship.

The 7-night cruise itinerary sails on the Danube between Budapest and Vilshofen with 3 nights in Prague.

With the AmaWaterways exclusive golf program, guest will enjoy a seamless golfing experience… you’ll be whisked off the ship and driven to your golf course in a private Mercedes car.  Arrive at the course and get ready to tee it off!  Your clubs, golf balls, golf cart, will be ready for you in advance.  Have lunch in the clubhouse and when it’s time to head back to the ship, your car will be waiting for you.  Your golf equipment will be cleaned and ready for next day’s golf course.

Here’s a snapshot of the 5 world class golf courses you’ll be visiting!

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

In addition to the wonderful selection of experiences and amenities available during your river cruise, both on board and ashore, our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program provides a seamless golfing experience from the moment you arrive to the moment you bid us farewell.

• Concierge service, including club care
• Private luxury Mercedes transportation to and from courses
• A la carte lunch at each course with beer and wine
• 1 round per golfer at each golf course
• 1 shared golf cart per round
• 1 range token per round
• 1 Welcome Packet: a dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls per golfer, 1 pitch repair tool, 4 or 5 course guides, leather shoe bag
• Club cleaning after each round

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

• 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
• Computer for internet access
• Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
• Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
• Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

• Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
• Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
• Internet and Wi-Fi access
• Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
• Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
• Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
• Daily entertainment including cultural performances

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

• Immersive tours in every destination
• Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
• Bike tours and hikes
• Special Interest Tours
• Knowledgeable guides
• Personal headset for easy exploration
• Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

The 2 itineraries the Golf Concierge Program sail on is:

• Melodies of the Danube – 2 nights in Budapest, 7-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen and 3 nights in Prague.
• Romantic Danube – 3 nights in Prague, 7 night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest.

The AmaMagna is THE hot new river ship and the golf program is super popular!  For more details, feel free to give us a call at 305-814-8184!

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