Latest news about new ships.
Starting this week with the Seabourn Odyssey and going through December 2010, 16 ships are scheduled to make their debuts for 12 different cruise lines. Fifteen of these ships will be new-builds, and one is an existing ship that will be extensively refurbished and renamed. Below are some highlights of each of these ships, plus links to more information, departure dates and discounts.
Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn --- June 24, 2009 --- 450 passengers
Boasting one of the highest space-per-passenger ratios at sea, the first new 6-star vessel in six years will have 225 suites, 90% featuring full-size balconies. All accommodations on the Seabourn Odyssey will have granite bathrooms with a separate tub and shower and twin sinks. Public spaces include four dining venues, offering options from casual grilled food to gourmet tasting menus; six bars and lounges, where complimentary fine wines and spirits flow freely; and the spa, which features a thalassotherapy whirlpool, Finnish saunas, aromatic steam rooms, a gym and an aerobics area. The first two sailings on this ship are sold out.
MSC Splendida, MSC --- July 4, 2009 --- 3,959 passengers
MSC Splendida will accommodate guests of all ages with a plethora of onboard activities, amenities and entertainment. The 4.5-star ship's state-of-the-art Aurea Spa will feature a sauna, yoga and a complete beauty salon, while younger guests will enjoy the children's water park or hanging out in teen centers with video games and karaoke. Passengers can also try their hand at basketball, tennis, swimming, virtual auto racing and miniature golf. The Splendida will feature a diverse selection of dining venues, each serving up its own unique cuisine. Another highlight is the large percentage of cabins and suites with balconies, allowing guests to privately take in the ocean views.
Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity --- August 8, 2009 --- 2,852 passengers
The second in Celebrity's new Solstice class, the 5-star Celebrity Equinox will feature the innovative Lawn Club, a half-acre area with real, growing grass and a country club atmosphere. The Patio on the Lawn offers a spot where passengers can relax and mingle or take in glassblowing demonstrations and lectures at the Hot Glass Show. Staterooms on the Celebrity Equinox and sister Solstice-class ships will be 15% larger than those on other Celebrity vessels and boast flat-screen televisions and wireless Internet access.
Carnival Dream, Carnival --- September 21, 2009 --- 3,646 passengers
When it launches, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream will be the largest vessel in Carnival's "Fun Ship" fleet. Featured among the 4.5-star Dream's services and amenities are a two-level miniature golf course, the WaterWorks aqua park, the Piazza -- an indoor/outdoor cafe and live music venue -- and extensive children's and teens' areas with activities for three age groups. Adults will enjoy the 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 spa, Carnival's largest health and wellness center to date, as well as the scenic whirlpools extending beyond the ship's beam. The Carnival Dream will offer several new categories of staterooms including "cove" balcony staterooms located close to the waterline, deluxe oceanview staterooms featuring two bathrooms, and spa staterooms and suites with exclusive amenities and spa privileges.
Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean --- December 1, 2009 --- 5,400 passengers
Easily the most anticipated ship in recent history, the 5-star Oasis of the Seas will truly be one-of-a-kind. With 18 decks, the largest ship ever built will be divided into seven "neighborhoods," each offering unique experiences. In Central Park, guests can peruse the art gallery or unwind in the sophisticated wine bar, while more adventurous passengers can head toward the Boardwalk to try out the world's first onboard zipline. The heart of the ship will lie in the Royal Promenade, with a variety of dining and entertainment options, including Rising Tide -- a levitating bar that ascends and descends over three decks. When passengers are ready to indulge their appetites, they'll be able to choose from a wide range of restaurants, including Chops Steak House, Sorrento's Pizzeria, Seafood Shack and Johnny Rockets.
Ocean Princess, Princess --- December 2, 2009 --- 688 passengers
Formerly the Tahitian Princess, the 4-star Ocean Princess will provide her passengers with spacious cabins and a cozy atmosphere throughout the ship. Guests will enjoy traditional dining as well as a range of alternative dining venues: Sabatini's Italian Restaurant, Sterling Steakhouse and a 24-hour buffet. The ship's library will feature richly upholstered sofas and chairs and a welcoming fireplace, and the variety of onboard activities will include classic shuffleboard and a golf practice cage. With the majority of the ship's cabins sporting balconies, plus an excellent array of onboard entertainment options, the Ocean Princess will deliver a great cruising experience in an intimate environment.
Silver Spirit, Silversea --- December 23, 2009 --- 540 passengers
The Silver Spirit will offer the utmost in luxury and indulgence at sea, with all-suite accommodations that are the largest in the Silversea fleet. Ninety-five percent of suites on this 6-star ship will feature private teak verandas. Guests will be treated to champagne upon arrival, and they'll find their suites adorned with fresh fruit and flowers, a stocked beverage cabinet, European bath amenities, robes, slippers and other personalized touches. Passengers will have an opportunity to rejuvenate in the ship's spa, which will feature relaxation areas, a sauna, steam rooms and a whirlpool, or choose to browse through the library, visit the Internet cafe or peruse designer collections in the onboard boutiques. The Silver Spirit will also offer a number of dining options -- from elegant and intimate to relaxed and casual -- and evenings will be highlighted by full-scale productions in the show lounge.
Costa Deliziosa, Costa --- February 25, 2010 --- 2,828 passengers
Billed as one of the "diamonds" of the Costa fleet and featuring a one-of-a-kind design palette, the 4.5-star Costa Deliziosa will feature marble, mother-of-pearl and Murano glass accents, beautiful furniture and breathtaking art collections throughout the ship. Onboard entertainment will include a race car simulator, a 4-D movie theater, a roller rink and a golf simulator. The Deliziosa will also feature the Samsara Spa, which has become a popular feature on several other Costa ships. Spanning two decks and boasting panoramic views, the spa will provide its clients with the ultimate in relaxation. For ship info, click here.
MSC Magnifica, MSC --- March 7, 2010 --- 3,013 passengers
Sister to the Musica, Orchestra and Poesia, the MSC Magnifica will offer 236,000 square feet of public space, making her one of the largest ships in the fleet. An impressive 80% of the staterooms aboard this 4.5-star ship will offer ocean views. Passengers can relax in the spacious, 13,000-square-foot spa or take a dip in one of the two pools. The ship's main pool will feature a Magrodome (retractable roof) so guests can swim rain or shine. Dining options will include four unique restaurants, including a specialty sushi bar.
Azura, P&O Cruises --- April 12, 2010 --- 3,100 passengers
The 4-star Azura will offer a wide selection of onboard activities and entertainment venues, including four pools, two show lounges, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a casino, a luxurious spa and an open-air cinema. Younger passengers will enjoy the four children's clubs, designed to suit various age groups. Adults will appreciate the peaceful environments of the child-free pool and The Retreat, an exclusive outdoor spa terrace. In the evening, guests can take in a comedy act or a cabaret show in the two-tiered theater, go dancing or enjoy a nightcap in one of the many bars and lounges.
Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity --- April 29, 2010 --- 2,850 passengers
Sister ship to the Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox, the 5-star Celebrity Eclipse will feature wireless Internet access, flat-screen televisions in oversized staterooms (85% of which will boast private balconies) and an excellent selection of onboard shops and boutiques. Other amenities and diversions will include the Hot Glass Show, a glassblowing studio created in collaboration with the Corning Museum of Glass; the Lawn Club, featuring real grass where guests can relax with a game of croquet or a picnic; and 10 distinct specialty restaurants. F
Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn --- June 6, 2010 --- 450 passengers
The 6-star Seabourn Sojourn will feature an elegant, yacht-like atmosphere and individualized service provided by a highly trained and incredibly attentive staff. The Sojourn boasts all-suite accommodations, 90% with private verandas. All suites will offer walk-in closets with personal safes; interactive flat-screen televisions with music and movies; fully stocked bars; refrigerators; and granite bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. Dining options will range from the formal, elegant atmosphere of The Restaurant to the laid-back ambience of the poolside Patio Grille. In addition to 24-hour room service, guests can also opt for private, course-by-course meals served in their suites. Other amenities will include a fitness center, six bars and lounges, and a built-in marina, which will allow guests to enjoy a variety of water-based activities, such as swimming, snorkeling and windsurfing, right from the stern of the ship.
Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America --- July 4, 2010 --- 2,104 passengers
The design and decor of the 5-star Nieuw Amsterdam will reflect the glamour and history of New York City, which was known as Nieuw Amsterdam in the 17th century. The ship will feature several Holland America favorites, such as the Explorations Café and Pinnacle Grille, as well as new venues including a premium wine-tasting lounge, the Explorer's Lounge Bar and a luxury jewelry boutique. Other amenities include the Greenhouse Spa and Salon; a huge fitness center; extensive youth facilities including the teens-only Loft; and the Culinary Arts Center, where experts will provide demonstrations and intimate classes in state-of-the-art kitchens.
Norwegian Epic, Norwegian --- July 17, 2010 --- 4,200 passengers
As its name implies, the 4.5-star Epic will be the largest and most innovative NCL ship to date. New Wave staterooms feature curved walls, open living spaces and creatively designed bathrooms, and every outside stateroom will feature a balcony. For the budget-conscious traveler, a new category of inside cabins called The Studios will maximize space and offer access to The Living Room, a private shared space with TVs, Wi-Fi and a full bar. Daytime diversions include the Aqua Park with three multistory water slides, a rock-climbing wall and a rope adventure course. The ship will also feature the cruise industry's first true ice bar, where the bar, walls, tables, stools and even life-size sculptures will all be made of ice. The Norwegian Epic will host Blue Man Group and The Second City Comedy Troupe, who will provide unparalleled evening entertainment.
Queen Elizabeth, Cunard --- October 12, 2010 --- 2,092 passengers
Recalling the rich heritage of the first Cunard ship to bear the name, the 5-star Queen Elizabeth will reflect the luxury of the past while enhancing the modern allure of the line. The ship will be outfitted in art deco furnishings, sparkling chandeliers and curved staircases, and passengers will enjoy browsing the extensive library, playing a round of croquet on the Games Deck, indulging in a treatment at the spa, or relaxing in one of the ship's two hot tubs. The five main restaurants will be complemented by alternative dining options such as the Lido Buffet and the Golden Lion, which will serve classic pub cuisine. Elaborate shows will play each evening in the Royal Court Theatre, and guests can spend some time at the slot machines or playing card games in the casino, or simply relax in one of the many bars and lounges onboard.
Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean --- December 12, 2010 --- 5,400 passengers
Like its sister ship, Oasis of the Seas, the 18-deck, 5-star Allure of the Seas will feature seven themed "neighborhoods," including the Boardwalk and Central Park. Unique amenities and activities include a sloped-entry pool and two surf simulators; the AquaTheater, an amphitheater at the stern of the ship; an onboard zip line; and a full-size carousel. The bi-level Loft Suites come equipped with LCD televisions, upstairs and downstairs bathrooms, separate vanity areas and floor-to-ceiling windows.
