Line planning three-year cruise acquires larger ship

Ex-Aida vessel to operate under Life At Sea Cruises banner

A line planning a three-year world cruise has acquired a bigger ship to operate the 130,000-mile sailing.

The 1,266-passenger MV Lara is to operate the extended voyage for Miray Cruises instead of the smaller 1,074-capacity MV Gemini, which will continue operating short cruises around the Greek islands. 

The newer, larger vessel has been taken on “to accommodate the unprecedented enthusiasm from adventurous souls worldwide,” according to the Istanbul-based company running Life At Sea Cruises.

The former AidaAvita, built in 2002, operated for Carnival Corporation’s German brand Aida Cruises until the pandemic hit.

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The 42,000 gross ton vessel will cover 382 ports, seven continents and 148 countries during the three year journey starting from Istanbul on 1 November 2023. Prices start at US$43,860 for a standard inside cabin per person, per year.

The ship will feature redesigned cabins, a business centre with offices and a 24-hour on-call hospital with complimentary medical visits. Residents will experience a “neighbourhood-type feel” on board, says the company.

Miray Cruises chief executive Kendra Holmes said: “We are beyond excited to introduce the beautiful MV Lara for this incredible, history-making, three-year voyage. Our fleet is expanding due to the unprecedented demand for our long-duration circumnavigation voyages to responsibly explore every corner of our planet. Our residents are changing their lives for this opportunity, and we are honoured to be a part of their personal journeys.”

Chief operating officer Ethem Bayramoglu added: “Seeing such an overwhelming interest in our itinerary and unique ports where we will always be in summer is truly thrilling. This is evidence of the allure of our extended world cruise concept and the exceptional experiences that await our residents aboard MV Lara.”