Boutiqe British cruise line launches revamped Voyager

The 540-passenger Voyager has embarked on its maiden voyage from the United Kingdom for the Caribbean. Part of the boutique cruise line Voyages of Discovery, the ship will sail Caribbean and South American routes this winter, and Northern Europe and Mediterranean itineraries during the summer. Next winter, it will sail in Asia.

Voyager, which previously sailed as the Alexander von Humboldt, underwent extensive retrofitting in England, adding balcony cabins. It now features 270 staterooms, 35 of them suites. Nearly nine out of ten rooms feature ocean views.

The ship, which has been decorated in an explorer theme, offers open-seating dining in three restaurants, including a specialty venue, The Explorer Club. Other amenities include Scott's Lounge, a classic piano bar; a panoramic lounge at the front of the ship; and a terrace with an all-weather area for outdoor dining as part of the Veranda restaurant. Before setting sail this week, it was formally dedicated by BBC-TV history and wildlife presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff.

The ship, which offers passengers soft adventure, is small enough to visit lesser-known destinations. It will stay in port longer than typical cruises, and feature lectures by experts on the areas visited.

After its 20-day sailing to Barbados, Voyager will sail in the Caribbean and offer a 20-day sailing through the Chilean fjords, and visit Buenos Aires. Other trips will call on Uruguay and Brazil, the Amazon and Venezuela.

For more information and booking, visit VoyagesofDiscovery.com.

This item was written by Larry Bleiberg, former Travel Editor of The Dallas Morning News and Coastal Living magazine. Bleiberg is serving as Guest Editor of The Cruise Log while USA TODAY Cruise Editor Gene Sloan is away.