7 Reasons to Take an Inaugural Cruise

CruiseCompete has released its list of seven reasons why travelers should consider taking an inaugural cruise, noting that avid cruisers often add these voyages to the top of their vacation lists due to the many perks and bonuses of the sailings.

There are currently 79 ships scheduled to debut from 2017 to 2020. CruiseCompete’s list of seven things to love about an inaugural cruises includes:

1. Global Celebrations- Depending on the significance of the ship, there may be an inaugural ceremony, with guests from all over the world. Additionally, the arrival of a new ship in port may be cause for local celebrations throughout the voyage, with festivities in several cities during the course of the itinerary.

2. A Memorable Voyage- The lines frequently offer mementos to passengers of a maiden voyage. When Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 launched, she offered “Limited Edition” QM2 maiden-voyage commemorative items, such as t-shirts, playing cards, cups and saucers, stamps, baseball caps and key chains and painted ostrich eggs. Some lines offer a special present in each cabin, usually customized, worth $50 or more.

3. Introductory Pricing- Some maiden voyages offer rates on an itinerary that will be priced significantly higher in the future, since public opinion has not yet been formed.

4. The Excitement of Exclusivity- Travelers will be “been written into a page of history as a member of the elite group of passengers present for the very first sailing of a new ship.”

5. Special Amenities- Lines may offer special food options, entertainment and activities. Passengers on a maiden voyage can take advantage of perks that may not exist on future sailings.

6. An “Immaculate, Sparkling Environment”- Accommodations have no wear and tear, and there’s no sign of the passengers who have come before. Every part of the ship is in untouched condition including the rooms, carpets, dishes and linens.

7. Customized Services- Because the shipboard routine is still fluid, the ship’s staff tends to be flexible with things like menus, seating options and the scheduling of on-board activities.

The 596-passenger, all-suite Silver Muse is Silversea’s first new-build since 2009. It will be the largest ship in the Silversea fleet and will serve as the line’s flagship.

Onboard highlights include four two-bedroom, apartment-style Owner’s Suites measuring 1,389 square feet; eight restaurants (including three outdoors); and a sophisticated indoor/outdoor cigar and whisky bar.

Of the eight restaurants onboard, all will be included in the cruise fare except one. Kabuki will be the ship’s Japanese eatery with teppanyaki tabletop grills for dinnertime, and sushi and sashimi available during the day. Silver Note is a jazz club that doubles as a tapas bar, with musicians playing jazz and blues at dinner. Hot Rocks will be a fun outdoor, pool deck venue where cruisers can grill their own seafood and meats.

Among the suites on offer on Silver Muse will be entry-level rooms starting at 387 square feet, with spacious 64-square-foot balconies and more signature Silver Suites (measuring 786 square feet) than on any other Silversea ship. Here is a video of the changing of the flags on the Silver Muse.

Silver Muse Itineraries: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada, Caribbean, South America, Africa, Asia

So have we whetted your appetite to take an inaugural cruise?

Come and talk to our cruise experts and book soon!