In this week’s cruise news round-up, we’re seeing initiatives to inspire the next generation of female leaders, new itineraries in Eastern Europe, combination cruises, and more.

Disney Cruise Line launches youth programmes

With a collection of new initiatives, Disney Cruise Line is aiming to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the maritime industry. The debut of Captain Minnie Mouse, new youth programmes and the funding of scholarships are designed to empower girls and young women to pursue careers in the cruise industry and chart a course for success.

In 2019, Disney Cruise Line will sponsor four scholarships at the LJM Maritime Academy in The Bahamas for female cadets who aspire to be ship captains and shipboard leaders. The scholarships, one for each of the ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, will include tuition to the three-year programme. The scholarships will include two years of study at the academy and one year of service aboard a Disney ship.

“To inspire and connect with children”

“Our Disney characters have a unique ability to inspire and connect with children, and we know Captain Minnie will encourage young girls around the world to consider a career in the maritime industry,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Disney Cruise Line. “We are excited to work with LJM Maritime Academy to offer scholarships for young women who are pursuing their passions and following their dreams in our industry.”

Azamara’s 2021 and Winter/Spring 2022 Itineraries

Boutique cruise line Azamara Club Cruises has announced the complete list of its 2021 and winter/spring 2022 itineraries. Committed to its ‘Destination Immersion’ programming, guests can expect over 140 overnight stays around the world and deepen their discovery of Eastern Europe with expanded itineraries to the Black Sea and Turkey, including overnights in Istanbul and a chance to explore Antalya and Sinop.

Azamara will also offer new Grand Voyages where guests can book back-to-back sailings across the globe and receive Onboard Credit for each leg of their voyage.

Fred Olsen’s Balmoral commences record cruise season

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ 1,350-guest flagship, Balmoral, has commenced its 2019/20 cruise season from Newcastle on 21 April 2019, setting sail from the Port of Tyne on an eight-night ‘Cruising German Waterways’ voyage.

Balmoral’s ex-Newcastle cruise season will extend from April to June, from where the ship will reposition to Edinburgh (Rosyth), before returning to Newcastle from August to October, and then undertaking a further two departures in March 2020.

Seabourn’s Europe Combination Cruises

Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn is giving travellers an option to travel the Mediterranean, Baltic and more this year with a line-up of Europe Combination Cruises.

Running longer and delivering more destinations, the offerings combine multiple Seabourn sailings back-to-back, rewarding travellers with a more immersive experience, in-depth itineraries, ease in moving from place to place, and savings of up to 15% off of regular cruise fares.

Follow cruise news for more of the latest updates in the world of cruise.