112 CRUISE ORDER BOOK certain operating conditions. The ship will initially sail in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. In expedition cruising, Antarctica21’s Magellan Discoverer is designed specifically around voyages to Antarctica. The 94-metre vessel will carry up to 76 guests and is being built by ASENAV in Chile for operation during the 2026-27 Antarctic season. Magellan Discoverer will combine diesel engines with a hybrid-electric propulsion system, while heat-recovery systems and Tier III-compliant emissions technology will support more efficient operations. A wet science laboratory will also support research activities during Antarctic voyages. With 40 cabins across three passenger decks, Magellan Discoverer is designed to maintain the boutique atmosphere of Magellan Explorer while adding new environmental and scientific capabilities. The emphasis on specialised expedition cruising becomes even more pronounced with Captain Arctic, a 70-metre vessel being developed for Selar Expeditions, a new expedition cruise line. The ship will carry just 36 passengers alongside 24 crew and is designed around wind and solar power. Its small size will support a flexible expedition model focused on smaller communities and natural environments. Destination-specific design is also evident in the river cruise market. AmaWaterways’ AmaNubia, due to enter service in Egypt, will carry 76 guests in 38 staterooms, including 15 suites. The ship has been designed specifically for Nile cruising, with Egyptian-inspired interiors, regionally influenced dining and an onboard Egyptologist. On the Seine, Emerald Cruises is preparing to introduce Emerald Lumi in March 2027. The 110-metre, 130-guest river ship has been designed specifically for the river, allowing it to operate between Paris and destinations including Honfleur. Emerald Lumi will feature all-weather balconies, a restaurant, bar and lounge, as well as a heated indoor pool that can be converted into an evening cinema. Its initial programme will focus on an eight-day Seine and Normandy itinerary. Another example of destination-led shipbuilding is Aranoa, the new vessel being introduced by Aranui Cruises for French Polynesia. Scheduled to begin sailing in 2027, the 116-metre ship will carry 198 passengers and combine passenger accommodation with cargo operations, continuing the mixed passenger-freighter model that has characterised Aranui’s service in the region. The US market is also continuing to expand its fleet of smaller vessels. American Cruise Lines’ American Anthem, due in 2027, will carry 180 guests and operate on the Columbia and Snake rivers. The ship forms part of the line’s continuing expansion of its domestic river and coastal cruise fleet. At the luxury end of the market, Seven Seas Prestige demonstrates that smaller capacity does not necessarily mean a smaller vessel. The 77,000-grosston Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship is the first in a new series of three ships that will accommodate up to 850 passengers in 434 suites, and will feature a theatre, spa, four lounges and 11 distinct dining venues. Built by Fincantieri, the first Prestige Class vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2026. The design of river cruise ship AmaNubia has been inspired by Egyptian history and culture Image: AmaWaterways
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