In 2010 alone, more than ten new cruise ships will make their debut – from the world’s second 6,300-passenger behemoth to a stately British ocean liner and an ultra-luxurious vessel carrying just 450 privileged guests. Here’s our line-by-line look at several of the new stars scheduled to shine by year’s end.
CELEBRITY CRUISES
The 122,000-ton Celebrity Eclipse, sister ship to both Celebrity Solstice (which debuted in 2008) and Celebrity Equinox (which debuted in 2009), is another stunning option for cruisers in search of a more sophisticated ambience. The ship boasts a glassblowing studio, a solarium with indoor pool, several upscale “alternative” restaurants, and Celebrity’s innovative Lawn Club. Celebrity Eclipse debuted in Europe back in April and has since repositioned to Florida. She will embark upon a series of alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings (departing from Miami) beginning in late November.
COSTA CRUISES The 92,700-ton Costa Deliziosa is distinguished by her exotic homeport – following her maiden voyage back in February, this 2,260-passenger vessel took up residence in Dubai to begin a series of weeklong cruises to the equally-exotic ports of Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Fujairah, and Muscat. Guests will find some very exotic “toys” onboard, too. Highlights include PlayStation®3 consoles in every stateroom, a 4-D cinema, a racing car simulator, and a golf simulator that allows players to choose from 37 different 18-hole championship courses.
CUNARD LINE
The 92,000-ton Queen Elizabeth, the latest addition to Cunard’s historic fleet, made her official debut in Southampton, England on October 12th. This 2,068-passenger vessel boasts an enormous ballroom (with orchestra), a grand theater (with box seats), and an extensive onboard enrichment program. Guests opting to stay in the ship’s Princess and Queen’s Grill suites will also enjoy al fresco dining nightly in a private courtyard, as well as access to separate restaurants serving some very sumptuous food. Queen Elizabeth’s inaugural voyages are scheduled for the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Once completed, she will then set sail on a 103-day “World Cruise” visiting 35 unique ports of call in 23 different countries.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
The 86,000-ton Nieuw Amsterdam, featuring private cabanas that may be rented for the day, debuted in Venice (Italy) on July 4th. The ship’s specialty restaurants are especially elegant – both the Tamarind and the Silk Den Lounge boast stunning sea views, while guests of the Pinnacle Grill enjoy fine steak and seafood served on Bvlgari china and Frette linens. Passengers can also indulge their passion for gourmet food and wine via the interactive lessons available in the Culinary Arts Center’s state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen. After a brief stay in the Mediterranean, Nieuw Amsterdam will reposition to Fort Lauderdale for a series of 7-night Caribbean cruises beginning in mid-November.
MSC CRUISES
The 2,500-passenger MSC Magnifica entered service back in March and spent her inaugural season cruising the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic for New York. The fourth in a series of 93,000-ton MSC vessels, this Italian cruise ship is home to a 16,000-square-foot spa, five restaurants, and three pools (one of which features a retractable roof, so that cruisers may still lounge on deck whenever the weather doesn’t cooperate). After an autumn season of Canada/New England cruises (a first for MSC, and highly unusual for a European cruise line), Magnifica will make her way to Ft. Lauderdale for a series of Caribbean sailings commencing at year’s end.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Arguably the biggest star on 2010’s roster of new ships, Norwegian’s 153,000-ton Norwegian Epic is sure to please cruisers of all ages. Guests enjoy a choice of 14 restaurants or 18 different bars/lounges, and cutting-edge features abound. Kids will love the ship’s Aqua Park (home to the only inner-tube slide at sea) and live performances by their favorite NickelodeonTM characters. Active cruisers will appreciate the ship’s repelling wall, rock-climbing wall, and bowling alley. Nightlife options include an ice bar, the POSH Beach Club (featuring private cabanas and a huge cascading waterfall), and live performances by Blue Man Group© in the ship’s 685-seat theater. Staterooms for solo cruisers, who will also enjoy access to a private meeting lounge, are among the ship’s innovative accommodation options (as are Norwegian’s Courtyard Villas, lavish suites offering exclusive entrée to a pool area boasting a restaurant and grill). Norwegian Epic debuted in New York City on July 4th. The ship has since moved to Miami, her year-round homeport, where she continues to embark on a series of weeklong Caribbean itineraries.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
Like her sister ship (the mold-breaking Oasis of the Seas), the 225,282-ton Allure of the Seas will offer travelers a selection of 7-night Caribbean cruises sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale (Allure will alternate Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries beginning on December 5th). Expect to find the same amazing onboard innovations, too, including themed “neighborhoods” (BoardwalkSM is home to a huge wooden carousel and lavish AquaTheater performances, while Central Park’sSM trees and other foliage accent the area’s restaurants, lounges, and shops) and Allure’s exclusive DreamWorks® Experience (featuring Shrek®, Kung Fu PandaTM, and other popular favorites). Tailor-made for active families seeking non-stop excitement and lots of dining/entertainment options.
THE YACHTS OF SEABOURN
The 32,000-ton Seabourn Sojourn, which entered service on June 6th, is the ultimate in pampered luxury. Boasting some of the largest suites in the industry, this 450-passenger cruise ship offers guests a choice of four restaurants, an enormous spa with sybaritic treatments, and some of the world’s most exotic itineraries. As is customary with Seabourn, your fare includes practically everything – your stateroom, your airfare, gratuities, and all beverages (including wine and liquor). Following her inaugural season in the Mediterranean, Seabourn Sojourn will make her way to Fort Lauderdale to embark on a series of Caribbean sailings.
by Anne Campbell
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