Vidanta Elegant
Former names: VidantaWorld Elegant, Vidanta Alegria, MV Voyager, Alexander von Humboldt, Jules Verne, Walrus, Nautican, Crown Monarch
Vidanta Elegant current position
Vidanta Elegant current location is at Caribbean Sea (coordinates 20.51091 N / -86.95633 W) cruising en route to Cozumel. The AIS position was reported 6 minutes ago.
Current PositionSpecifications of Vidanta Elegant
Year of build | 1990 / Age: 34 |
Flag state | Bahamas |
Builder | Union Naval de Levante SA (Valencia, Spain) |
Building cost | USD 96 million |
Engines (power) | Bergen (13.2 MW / 17701 hp) |
Speed | 21 kn / 39 km/h / 24 mph |
Length (LOA) | 153 m / 502 ft |
Beam (width) | 21 m / 69 ft |
Gross Tonnage | 15595 gt |
Passengers | 298 |
Crew | 252 |
Decks | 8 |
Cabins | 149 |
Decks with cabins | 4 |
Last Refurbishment | 2018 |
Sister-ships | MV Discovery |
Former names | VidantaWorld Elegant, Vidanta Alegria, MV Voyager, Alexander von Humboldt, Jules Verne, Walrus, Nautican, Crown Monarch |
Christened by | Miranda Krestovnikoff |
Owner | Grupo Vidanta (via Hoteles Dinamicos SA de CV) |
Operator | Vidanta Cruises (via Cruise Management International Inc) |
Vidanta Elegant Review
Review of Vidanta Elegant
The 1990-built MS Vidanta Elegant cruise ship (aka VidantaWorld ELEGANT/fka "Vidanta Alegria" before June 2018) was constructed in Valencia (Spain) under the name "Crown Monarch". Vessel's previous owners were Club Cruise, Casino Ship, Cunard and All Leisure Holidays Group. Its sistership (MV Discovery) was scrapped in 2015.
The vessel (IMO number 8709573) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 309695000) and registered in Nassau.
IMPORTANT: In September 2024, Vidanta Cruises announced that starting 2025 (following a major refurbishment) the Vidanta Elegant ship will offer adults-only cruises under the new brand VidantaWorld. The deployment is seasonal (Europe/Mediterranean and the Caribbean) with Transatlantic crossing on relocation.
Since November 2024, the vessel can be full-ship chartered through QPS Marine Ships (Fort Lauderdale FL USA-based brokerage firm).
History - construction and ownership
The launched as "Crown Monarch", the cruise liner was built by Union Naval de Levante SA (shipbuilding company part of Van Aalst Group) for Commodore Cruise Line (Hollywood FL USA-based, 1966-founded/2001-defunct).
The 550-passenger ship MV Voyager joined the company Voyages of Discovery in December 2012, following a drydock refurbishment at Port Portland UK. Since All Leisure Group's bankruptcy in 2017, MV Voyager was moved to Cadiz Spain (at Navantia Shipyard). Following a drydock in 2017-2018, the liner re-entered service for its new owner (Grupo Vidanta) under the name "Vidanta Alegria ". However, in June 2018 the vessel was renamed "Vidanta Elegant" and again entered drydock (this time in Naples Italy).
After acquiring the vessel, Vidanta stripped and rebuilt its entire superstructure (from the hull up). The multi-million dollar project involved renowned maritime engineers and architects, including SMC Design (London UK). The extensive refit project lasted through mid-January 2019 and actually reconstructed the vessel by adding a new aft structure and interior spaces. By reducing the ship's cabins number and increasing the crew, Vidanta Elegant now features larger-than-average accommodations, more spacious public spaces, attentive Personal Concierge service (dedicated staff assigned to each cabin). Exclusive partnerships were signed with two French world-famous chefs - Eric Pansu and Pascal Molines (pastry chef).
Grupo Vidanta is a major leisure property developer (hotel and resort) in Latin America. The company also owns a private international airport (within a Mexican resort near Puerto Penasco, Sonora Mexico). Puerto Penasco is currently developed to become a new cruise port.
Grupo Vidanta (1974-founded) fully owns subsidiaries that specialize in design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of hotels, resorts and cruises, plus the associated infrastructure. Grupo Vidanta also owns Mar de Cortes Airport (aka Puerto Penasco International Airport, 2009-opened) with regularly scheduled domestic flights (via Aereo Servicio Guerrero SA) linking to Hermosillo (Sonora Mexico). The corporation is headquartered in Nuevo Vallarta (Nayarit Mexico), employs ~25,000 people and has annual revenue of ~USD 750 million.
In Mexico, Grupo Vidanta owns 7 premium golf courses (Vidanta Golf Brand) in Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit (featuring the world's longest golf cart suspension bridge), Los Cabos, Puerto Penasco and Acapulco.
Grupo Vidanta's cruise line offers an exclusive benefit that allows travelers to experience the luxury Mexican brand both on land and at sea. With one check-in, cruisers can enjoy a special "cruise and resort vacation" that includes both Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta (resort) and the cruise ship Vidanta Elegant.
The hospitality brand currently VidantaWorld operates two Mexican hotel resorts (VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta, VidantaWorld Riviera Maya) and the ship VidantaWorld ELEGANT. The brand manages hotel, entertainment and recreational facilities, and as part of Grupo Vidanta uses the company's direct-bookings assets (hotels, amusement parks and marine vessels).
Decks and Cabins
MS Vidanta Elegant staterooms number was reduced to 149 from 270 (on MV Voyager / Voyages of Discovery, of which and total 12 grades). The Voyages of Discovery ship had 35x Suites and 30x balcony cabins, and 87% of all staterooms were outside (with windows). The Vidanta cruise ship has all-outside cabins (100%) and its max passenger capacity was also reduced - from MV Voyager's 540 down to just 298, while its staff-crew was increased - from 215 to 252 (max).
The number of cabins was reduced (during drydock 2018-2019 refurbishment) to allow bigger-sized staterooms and more intimate travel experiences. Suite amenities include personal concierge service by a dedicated staff (assigned to each suite). All cruise suites were fully refurbished. Regardless of cabin category, all passenger staterooms are fitted with smart HDTVs, digital media players (complimentary access to a media library with documentaries, classical concerts, movies), large wardrobe, en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, single-sink vanity), individual air-conditioning, hairdryer, electronic safe box (in the closet), 2x lower beds or 1x double.
Of all the 8 decks, 4 are with passenger cabins. Cabins on decks 4, 6 (Promenade) and 7 (Bridge) are with 2x or more windows. Most cabins on Deck 3 are with 2x porthole windows (non-opening). Staterooms on decks 3-4 are with either portholes or large windows. Deck 4's Suites (3x, aft-located) and all Deck 7's Suites are with private outdoor terraces. Most Deck 6 cabins have step-out balconies, except the aft-located 6x cabins that are with large windows.
The ship has all 2 handicaps (wheelchair-accessible) cabins for disabled passengers.
All staterooms offer a digital interface with pre-loaded content accessed via smartphone and through the TV's infotainment system. All passenger cabins are double occupancy and without extra beds (bunk or folding).
Shipboard facilities and amenities
The Vidanta cruise ship has a total of 13 venues (bars, lounges, restaurants), including Almagave Haute Mexican Cuisine, Guo Asian Fusion Restaurant, Montelimar Mediterranean Cuisine, Hivata Buffet (Lido Restaurant), Lobby Bar, Mosaico Cafe, Mosaico Bar, Amura Bar & Entertainment (Theater Lounge), Solana Lounge, Pure Sky Deck, Tlax Snack, midship-located Sundeck with a swimming pool and Pool Bar.
The new ship's wellness complex (Nel Vento Fitness & Spa) is located forward on Deck 5 and consists of Gym, Sauna, Treatment Rooms (for massages), SPA Lounge (relaxation room), Beauty Salon. Most rooms are with floor-ceiling windows.
The list of shipboard entertainment options includes:
- ART CLASSES (course in watercolor painting) - guests can bring their own equipment and paints. Painting kits are available for newcomers
- CHOIR AT SEA (singing classes led by skilled choirmasters)
- CRAFT WORKSHOPS (including jewelry-making, sewing work, embroidery) led by experienced teachers and with provided kits with everything required,
- DIGITAL WORLD - digital photography, Internet, computer classes led by experienced tutors
- ZUMBA dance classes
Itineraries
Vidanta Elegant's itinerary program offers voyages leaving mainly from ports in Mexico and Latin America. The ship could be homeported in Puerto Penasco (currently developed as cruise port terminal). Puerto Penasco is approx 100 km (60 mi) from the Mexico-USA (Arizona) border. The port town is located on the small strip of land linking Baja California Peninsula with mainland Mexico.
Following the 2+ years pause due to the Coronavirus crisis, Vidanta Cruises scheduled its restart of passenger shipping operations for April 14, 2022, with a 2-night roundtrip from Puerto Vallarta to Mazatlan.
Starting in 2025 adults-only cruises under the VidantaWorld brand, Vidanta Elegant offers Caribbean itineraries (leaving from Dominicana and St Maarten) then (in April) repositions to Europe/Canary Islands starting voyages to destinations in mainland Portugal, the Azores and Madeira archipelagos. Follows a summer deployment in the Mediterranean/Adriatic, with visits to Spanish and Italian ports, the French Riviera, the Greek Islands.
Voyages of Discovery MV Voyager itinerary program was based mostly on cruises in Europe. Longer itineraries visited ports all around the world. The ship used to sail in the Mediterranean and Around Britain (UK, British Isles), as well as to destinations in Africa, Indian Ocean islands, Caribbean, South Asia.
MV Voyager's voyages were mostly in Europe (Mediterranean Sea), but the boat also operated world voyages (visiting ports in Southeast Asia, South Africa, Indian Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Panama Canal) as well as Transatlantic crossings on seasonal deployment changes (RepositionCruises.com).
Vidanta Elegant ship related cruise news
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Vidanta Elegant Wiki
MV Voyager joined Voyages of Discovery at the end of 2012, following refurbishment in Portland (England, UK). The ship was formerly operated as "MV Alexander von Humboldt" (between 2008-2012), "MV Jules Verne" (between 2007-2008), "MV Walrus" (between 1996-2007), "MV Nautican" (between 1994-1996). The vessel was originally built for Crown Cruise Line as "Crown Monarch" and operated under this name between 1990-1994. After numerous refurbishments, refits and upgrades, MV Voyager boasted 87% outside cabins, including 30x Balcony Suites.
- CROWN MONARCH was initially owned by the company Palm Beach Cruises SA (when delivered in 1990), by Cruceros de Valencia (1991-92) and by Crown Cruise Line SA (1992-94).
- As NAUTICAN and WALRUS, the vessel was owned by Crown Cruise Line SA (1994-2006).
- As JULES VERNE, ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT, and ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT II, the vessel was owned by Champ Elysees Ltd (2006.-2009).
- As VOYAGER it was owned by All Leisure Holidays Ltd (2009-2012).
- As VIDANTA ALEGRIA and VIDANTA ELEGANT, the ship is owned by Hoteles Dinamicos SA de CV (since 2017).
The vessel (Union Naval Valencia yard/hull number 485) is powered by 4x Bergen marine diesel engines (model BRM-9) with total power output 13,23 MW.
The ship's last naming ceremony took place at homeport Portsmouth (South Hampshire, England UK) on December 4, 2012. The vessel (renamed to "Vidanta Elegant") was drydocked for a total refit and reconstruction in Naples Italy. The extensive project was conducted in 2018-2019.
Since October 2019, the vessel's technical and crew management services are provided by CMI-Cruise Management International. Other CMI-provided services by the contract include port arrangements (and fueling), project management, staff and crew administration.
On March 26, 2019, the new shipowner Grupo Vidanta officially announced the brand's entering into the luxury cruising market with a special itinerary program along the Mexican coastline. Vidanta's first ship (Elegant) was planned to start operations in 2019-Q3. Vidanta Cruises (Mexico's first-ever cruise line) provides access to exclusive routes and ports that no other cruise companies offer. Next is the Vidanta cruise brand's introduction video in English.
Next is the brand's introduction video in Spanish.
MV Voyager (Voyages of Discovery)
Voyages of Discovery ship Voyager had two speciality / at fee restaurants - Explorer Club (dinner-only, reservations required) and Explorer Grill (midship-portside on deck 5) plus two complimentary restaurants (both with open-seating) - Veranda (Lido Buffet with indoor and alfresco dining on an open-air terrace / aft on deck 7) and Discovery (Main Dining Room / midship-aft on deck 5).
New ship facilities included Scott's Lounge (show lounge / piano bar that serves cocktails in the evenings), the Lookout Lounge (bow-located lounge with floor-ceiling windows). A new terrace was added to Veranda Restaurant for alfresco dining. The new VIP Lounge (fka Bridge Club) was dual-purpose and also used for lectures and media presentations.
Other signature facilities on MV Voyager included Sunset Club, Sundeck (sunbathing area with seating), wellness complex (Gym-Beauty Salon-SPA-Treatment Rooms), swimming pool (Sundeck-midship) with outdoor Jacuzzis, Library, Internet hub, Boutiques (duty-free shops selling luxury brand merchandise). Uncommonly for most cruise liners, Vidanta Elegant doesn't have Casino (gambling lounge with gaming tables and slot machines).
- (deck 7) Lido Pool and Bar is an outdoor sundeck area for relaxation and sunbathing, featuring a swimming pool and two jacuzzis (outdoor hot tubs).
- (deck 8) The Bridge Club is a top-deck (aft-located) bar lounge with panoramic views.
- (deck 5) The fore-located Lookout Lounge is the ship's disco nightclub ("dancing lounge") with large dance floor and live band music performances.
- (deck 5) Darwin Lounge is the ship's theatre lounge hosting evening shows and daily enrichment and entertainment events, including port talks, lectures and media presentations by guest speakers.
- (deck 5) Scott's Lounge is a classy cocktail lounge offering live piano performances in the evenings.