For 20 consecutive months, the world’s seas and waterways were largely empty of passengers as cruise ships sat idle or anchored, sidelined by a global pandemic. Only this summer have restrictions begun to ease, ports reopened and regulations relaxed enough for operators to cautiously resume sailings. The restart has been uneven, and predicting precisely when — or if — cruise lines will return to full regular operations remains uncertain. Travelers should therefore review a cruise line’s cancellation and refund policies carefully before booking.
Still, strong demand to return to the ocean has produced a surge of bookings. If current trends hold, 2022 could become one of the most notable years for cruising in recent memory.
To meet elevated expectations, cruise lines are introducing many new ships and offering itineraries to fresh destinations in 2022. The upcoming season’s schedule includes bucket-list voyages and distinctive itineraries that highlight what passengers have missed during the hiatus.
For example, 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. All five of Regent’s all‑inclusive ships are scheduled to be back in service, starting with a 16‑night Miami-to‑San Diego voyage through the Panama Canal departing Jan. 3, 2022. That sailing is one of 17 new cruises Regent plans as it welcomes guests back to sea.
Next year also commemorates an important milestone for Holland America Line: the 150th anniversary of the maiden voyage of its first Rotterdam in 1872. Holland America’s newest Rotterdam — the seventh vessel to carry the name — is expected to recreate that historic transatlantic crossing. The ship will depart from Rotterdam on Oct. 15, 2022, for New York City on a 12‑day voyage, a much shorter crossing than the original.
Hurtigruten Expeditions will mark its return to extended cruising in 2022 with a pole‑to‑pole itinerary: a 93‑day voyage aboard the battery‑hybrid MS Roald Amundsen. The 530‑guest ship departs Vancouver and calls in places such as the Aleutian Islands, Greenland, Newfoundland, Labrador, Boston, Miami, the Caribbean, Belize and the Panama Canal before reaching Antarctica.
Seabourn will introduce Seabourn Venture in 2022, a purpose‑built expedition ship with 132 oceanfront suites, furnished private verandas, 24 Zodiacs, multiple dining options and expert expedition leaders. Notable April itineraries include a 12‑day “Inaugural Wild & Ancient British Isles” cruise from London to Edinburgh and a “Scottish & Norse Legends Expedition” from Edinburgh to Tromsø; both sailings can be combined and extended with an additional Arctic expedition segment.
PHOTO: © ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES
At the opposite end of the globe, Atlas Ocean Voyages plans what it calls “the most adventurous destination wedding on Earth.” In 2022 the line is offering complimentary wedding ceremonies and vow renewals on a Valentine’s Day cruise to Antarctica. The itinerary includes complimentary airfare from Orlando to Ushuaia, Argentina, where the 196‑passenger World Navigator departs for the Southern Ocean. Ceremonies may take place on the ship’s bridge or on land, with seals and penguins as witnesses. Atlas will also introduce a second ship, World Traveler, offering all‑inclusive voyages across the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean seas.
NEW SHIP CALENDAR
Below is a selection of new ships expected to debut in 2022. Many launches were delayed by the pandemic, and supply‑chain disruptions and other factors could still affect actual delivery dates.
JANUARY brings the 378‑passenger Viking Octantis, an expedition vessel, followed by its sister ship Viking Polaris in August. Both ships are equipped with submarines and accommodate working research scientists.
MARCH welcomes Discovery Princess, a 3,660‑guest ship promoted for its large balconies, alongside Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, a 6,988‑guest vessel planned for Caribbean and European itineraries.
APRIL debuts Celebrity Beyond, a 3,260‑passenger addition to Celebrity’s Edge series.
MAY introduces Viking Mars, a 930‑passenger ship visiting northern Europe, and Azamara Onward (formerly Pacific Princess), carrying around 702 guests.
JUNE highlights Disney Wish, a new 4,000‑passenger ship featuring the AquaMouse water attraction.
AUGUST is a busy month, with Norwegian Prima (about 3,215 guests) from Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady (around 2,770 guests) set to debut. River and small‑ship entries include the 386‑passenger Viking Mississippi and American Cruise Lines’ 175‑passenger American Symphony on the Mississippi River.
NOVEMBER will see Carnival Celebration, a roughly 6,500‑guest ship that includes the BOLT roller coaster attraction.
DECEMBER closes the year with several large additions: P&O Cruises’ Arvia (approximately 5,200–6,200 guests) powered by LNG; MSC World Europa (around 6,850 guests) featuring advanced wastewater treatment systems; and Viking Neptune, a 930‑passenger ship offering a world cruise from Fort Lauderdale.