In the latest cruise news, travelers can now bypass the notorious Drake Passage with Fly/Cruise options, offering a faster and smoother route to Antarctica, an appealing choice for uneasy cruisers. Meanwhile, European river cruising is getting a modern upgrade with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, debuting the revamped S.S. Victoria, featuring contemporary design and the largest suites on the European rivers. These developments bring fresh excitement to both polar and river cruising, blending innovation with luxury.
A WHOLE NEW UNIWORLD
Photo: Uniworld
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has signed a bareboat charter agreement with Seaside Collection and Riverside Luxury Cruises for two river ships. Before coming onboard Riverside’s fleet, the ships were part of Crystal Cruises’ fleet as the Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler. The super ship S.S. Victoria set sail in March 2024, while S.S. Elisabeth will launch in 2025 with an all-Uniworld crew.
According to Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, “We’ve made cosmetic changes to the interiors of the 110-passenger S.S. Victoria through our signature Tiny Noticeable Touches, to evoke the quintessential Uniworld feeling that our guests know and love. Guests will find renowned artwork such as Julian Opie’s ‘We Swam Amongst the Fishes,’ and trademark touches and décor via our branded pillows, towels, in-room amenities and more.”
On the latest contemporary design, Bettridge added: “Our loyal guests communicate their appreciation for our unique ships and that no two vessels or vacations with us are exactly alike.” The contemporary design of the S.S. Victoria, she adds, “does that and more with the largest suites on the European rivers, some featuring walk-in closets and fireplaces, incredible new room designs including our first-ever two- bedroom suite, and showstopping elements like floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms to enjoy the passing scenery.” This ship, she says, is suited for the affluent traveller seeking high-end luxury, “and, of course, a 5-star river cruise experience with impeccable service.”
S.S. Victoria is in good company. Some of the best contemporary designed river cruise ships include those by Riverside Cruises, AmaWaterways and Scenic.
FLIGHT OF PASSAGE
Photo: Scenic
Nearly 90 per cent of Antarctic-bound travellers arrive by cruise ship after sailing the Drake Passage, and it is something of a rite of passage. While it was once only possible to visit Antarctica sailing aboard a ship from either Chile or Argentina and risk being seasick crossing the infamous Drake Passage, some cruise lines are now offering Fly/Cruise options to spare your nerves.
This suits some travellers who are also looking for a shorter cruise – the crossing of the Drake Passage between Ushuaia, Argentina, and the South Shetland Islands typically takes two days – without compromising time on or off the ship, keeping the trips between 8 – 10 days, and others wishing to avoid possible seasickness.
Instead, charter flights allow guests to take a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. From there, you then cruise to reach the Antarctic continent or other islands. Note: The operation of the flights is dependent on visibility and the prevailing winds and, particularly in Antarctica, the cruise lines are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Since passengers may be kept on board a ship longer than expected due to the inability for flights to operate, or overnight at hotels in Punta Arenas while awaiting the flight’s return, cruise lines recommend booking flexible onward travel plans, or booking air directly with the cruise lines.
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TIP: Weight restrictions for baggage are strict with some charter flights allowing only a 15 kg checked bag and a 5 kg carry-on bag. Check with your cruise line on the weight restrictions. You can leave excess baggage with the cruise line or hotel in Punta Arenas and pick it up after the cruise. Fly/cruises are offered in one or both directions between Chile and the Antarctic by Quark Expeditions, Silversea, Scenic Cruises, Antarctica21 and, beginning in November 2024, Lindblad Expeditions.
