Top 10 Cruise Ships

Aside from Oceania’s spectacular new Marina, most of the new cruise ships for 2011 are carbon copies of their predecessors. Sure, there’s a new bar here, and a few new suites there, but for the most part the ships that were introduced last year stole the show.

The big innovations this year were in river cruising, where Avalon, Uniworld, and Viking all introduced exciting new ships that will make river cruising more competitive than ever.

Here’s our list of the Top 10 New Cruise Ships for 2011:

1) Oceania Marina
Oceania established itself with three of the old 700-passengers, R-class vessels that once belonged to Renaissance Cruises. Marina is their first newly built cruise ship, and she’s nearly twice the size. The line has always put special emphasis on food, and gourmets will appreciate the best culinary center at sea and the ten restaurants, which are overseen by Jacques Pepin. Best of all, there’s no extra charge for the specialty restaurants. The upscale but casual ambience of the other ships remains — there are no formal nights or ties required — but with Versace china and Balinese day beds out on deck, there’s certainly no roughing it.

2) Seabourn Quest
The third of Seabourn’s Odyssey-class ships, Quest has an enormous, two-story spa, some of the best restaurants in cruising and a water-sports marina in the stern. Carrying 450 passengers, Quest is nearly all inclusive with tips and drinks included in the fare. The ambiance is like that of a stylish boutique hotel with plenty of space to lounge outdoors. Due to shorter itineraries, passengers are younger than on Seabourn’s older vessels. Nearly 90% of the staterooms have balconies.

3) Disney Dream
Designed for children and those who love them, Disney Dream is giving Royal Caribbean and Carnival a run for their money. It’s Disney’s first new ship in more than a decade. With the first water coaster in cruising, magic portholes that use video cams to give inside staterooms a real-time view, fireworks displays, and Broadway-level entertainment, Dream is one of a kind. Thoughtful stateroom design, child-safe balconies, and first-run Disney movies make her a great choice for families — but there are plenty of adults-only spaces. Top-of-the-line kids’ programs are another plus.

4) Celebrity Silhouette
Very similar to sister ships, Solstice, Equinox, and Eclipse, Silhouette introduces The Porch — an outdoor café overlooking the lawn — and a grill where passengers can barbecue the steak of their choice outside. There’s a new art studio that offers classes and demonstrations, and a bar with 64 craft beers. When you’re ready for a break, try one of the hammocks or cabanas on the lawn.

5) Carnival Magic
The second of Carnival’s Dream Class ships, Magic has two water slides, a large adults-only Serenity Area, and “family camps” with two bathrooms. At the Red Frog pub, passengers can enjoy private-label ales. And there’s a ropes course, outdoor fitness area, and two-level golf course. You can even play soccer at the SportsSquare complex. Sailing in the Mediterranean, Carnival offers both adults and children a lot of options.

6) Cunard Queen Elizabeth
A ship designed to evoke the golden age of cruising, Queen Elizabeth is just the ticket if you like ballroom dancing in formal attire. The décor is Art Deco with lots of wood accents, photos of British royalty, crystal chandeliers, and lots of marble. Passengers are assigned to one of three dining rooms, based on class of stateroom, and you can also dine in the superb French restaurant, The Verandah for an extra charge. The wine list and enrichment programs are heads above the rest.

7) Ponant l’Austral
Although you may not have heard of Compagnie du Ponant, if you win the lottery, you’ll want to know about it. Their 130-cabin mega yachts are the next best thing to having one of your own. The size of the vessels allows them to call at smaller ports and many of the staff came from private yachts. Expect to share the experience with lots of Europeans and to hear more French than English.

8) Costa Favolosa
With a teen center with a 4-D movie theater, new suites with private verandahs and Jacuzzis, and Michelin-starred restaurants, Favolosa continues to build on the success of Costa’s Concordia Class ships. Like her sister ships, she has cool amenities like a Grand Prix driving simulator, Play Stations, and a dreamy Samsara Spa. Costa appeals to a diverse passenger mix from all over the world.

9) Avalon Panorama
The big news here is the Panorama Suites, which have 11’ x 7’ windows that slide open to let the outside in. At 200 square feet, the suites are bigger than most, and when the windows are open, the small seating area becomes a lovely balcony. The sky deck runs the length of the ship and has lounge chairs, a shade system, whirlpool, and an outdoor bistro. There’s also a covered outdoor observation area at the front. This is one of the most appealing river cruise ships afloat.

10) Uniworld S.S. Antoinette
The first river ship built by Uniworld, S.S. Antoinette breaks new ground with an indoor swimming pool, a top-drawer cinema, and alcoves that convert to balconies with the flip of a switch. The Leopard Bar and l’ Orangerie are indoor/outdoor venues that can be enjoyed in any kind of weather. And the design — which is an homage to the age of Marie Antoinette — is smashing with a Baccarat chandelier, Venetian glass, and dazzling mosaics.

Read about more new cruise ships.

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Image Flickr: garybembridge
Spa deck on Oceania Marina Image Flickr: Josh Friedman Luxury Travel
Oceania Marina restaurant Image Flickr: Josh Friedman Luxury Travel

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