Cruise news: First floating cabanas in the Bahamas and more

This week in the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean introduces the first floating cabanas in the Bahamas, Windstar announces its 2021 Alaska season and more.

First luxury floating cabanas in the Bahamas

Holidaymakers can now book to experience the ‘first floating cabanas in the Bahamas’ on an exclusive private island that’s only accessible to guests of Royal Caribbean International.

The USD 250 million CocoBay private island is offering a slice of paradise, from plunging down the tallest waterslide in North America and travelling up to 450 feet in the air in the Up, Up and Away helium balloon, to relaxing in Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, Oasis Lagoon.

When it officially opens on 31 January 2020, Coco Beach Club will complete the exclusive island and with floating cabanas, an ocean-view infinity pool and upscale dining experiences.

Explorer Dream’s maiden call to HK

Explorer Dream, the newest member of Dream Cruises, made her maiden call to Hong Kong on 8 October. She will then continue her 19-night voyage with calls to Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia and Australia, ending in Sydney, Australia, where she will begin the first-ever homeport deployment of Dream Cruises outside of Asia.

Built with German craftsmanship, Explorer Dream measures 268 meters in length and 32 meters in width. She has a total gross tonnage of 75,338 tons, 928 cabins and lower berth capacity of 1,856 passengers. The signature, luxury “ship within a ship” enclave of Dream Cruises — The Palace, provides “True Asian Luxury”, with the majority of its suites at over 40 square meters.

MSC Meraviglia makes North American debut

MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises’ first Meraviglia Class smart ship, made her inaugural visit to North American shores, arriving at Manhattan Pier in New York City.

With a double-occupancy capacity of 4,488 and gross tonnage of 171,598 GRT — MSC Meraviglia is MSC Cruises’ largest ship sailing from the US and sets the record for the largest ship to ever port in Manhattan.

As she continues sailings along the east coast, MSC Meraviglia will also be the largest ship ever to call Boston, as well as Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine.

Windstar Cruises announces 2021 Alaska season

Windstar Cruises has announced its 2021 Alaska season, offering nine different journeys from June through September on four itineraries, including a new seven-day option from Vancouver to Juneau and the reverse. Scenic Alaska will feature coastal wilderness cruising along the Canadian Inside Passage, as well as time in Alaska’s Misty Fjords plus Tracy or Endicott Arms, with stops in Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway (a first-time port for Windstar), and Juneau.

All 2021 Windstar Alaska sailings will take place aboard the reimagined 312-passenger Star Breeze, with 50 new suites, two new restaurants, an enhanced spa and fitness centre and more.

Follow cruise news for the latest updates in the cruise industry.

You may also send press releases via cruise@traveldailymedia.com.