Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas
During the past two decades, cruising has experienced tremendous growth. And prior to the economic downturn, no end was in sight. To keep up with demand, many cruise lines ordered new cruise ships — more than a dozen of which have debuted recently.
While several new ships are virtually identical to other vessels already in the fleet, others introduced exciting innovations and amenities that have never been available before. These next-generation ships provide passengers with unforgettable entertainment, dining, and activities.
Here’s our list of the Top 10 New Cruise Ships:
1) Oasis of the Seas
Carrying 5,400 passengers, Oasis is not only the largest cruise ship ever built, with a zip-line that soars over a live garden and a bar that ascends and descends like the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, it’s also the most ambitious. The vast array of accommodations includes two-story loft suites and interior cabins with views of Central Park. Entertainment features Broadway blockbusters like Hairspray and shows performed in a the deepest pool at sea. And seven different neighborhoods offer passengers a wide variety of experiences. Sister ship, Allure of the Seas, will debut later this year.
2) Seabourn Odyssey
The first new ship for the luxury line in five years, Seabourrn Odyssey carries twice as many passengers as the previous Yachts of Seabourn. Many wondered if a 450-passenger vessel could provide the intimate, upscale experience for which Seabourn is know. But any concerns vanished after her maiden voyage last year. Odyssey provides the same casually elegant experience but gives guests more space and more amenities. From the 11,500-square-foot spa with its accompanying 750-square-foot spa villas to the water sports platform, Odyssey Seabourn Sojourn is a clear winner. She’ll be joined by Seabourn Sojourn in June 2010.
3) Norwegian Epic
This year, everyone’s excited about the launch of Norwegian Epic. The 4,200-passenger ship features innovations like the first ice bar at sea, studio staterooms designed for solo travelers, an aqua park with a tubing slide that drops 200 feet, a pool that transforms itself into a dance floor, and performances by Blue Man Group, Second City, and Cirque Dreams. NCL should be commended for continuing to offer unique experiences to their passengers.
4) Carnival Dream
Carrying 3,652 passengers, Carnival Dream is the line’s biggest ship. Deck 5 features a promenade around the ship, the indoor-outdoor Ocean Plaza, and cantilevered whirlpools with terrific views of the sea below. A corkscrew waterslide twists and turns its way down four decks. And family-friendly cabins can accommodate up to five guests comfortably. Sailing from Port Canaveral, Dream has a top-notch program for kids, the most extensive spa in the Carnival fleet, and an excellent steakhouse.
Silversea Silver Spirit
5) Silversea Silver Spirit
With capacity for 540 passengers, Silver Spirit is significantly larger than the other Silversea ships. And it has one of the largest space-per-passenger ratios of any cruise ship. All of the staterooms are ocean view, and all but six have balconies. At 8,300 square feet, the spa is the line’s largest. And Silver Spirit has two new additional dining venues — the Stars Supper Clun for dinner and dancing and the Asian Seishin restaurant. Desserts created by Pierre Marcolini are another new treat.
6) Celebrity Equinox
When Celebrity Solstice launched in 2008, she was quickly proclaimed the best new cruise ship by travel industry insiders. Her sister ship, Equinox, has many of the innovative features that set Solstice apart, including a glass-blowing studio, lawn sports played on half an acre of real grass, and one of the most dramatic dining rooms at sea. Spa suites have their own exclusive restaurant, and three reservations-only dining options provide plenty of variety.
Celebrity Equinox Dining Room
7) P&O Azura
Physically, Azura is a virtual twin of P&O’s Ventura. But she’s designed to appeal to couples, not families. She sails longer voyages — most are two weeks in length — and features the cuisine of Michelin-star Indian chef Atul Kochar and the Glass House Wine Bar. There are 18 single cabins available with no surcharge, and an adults-only Sanctuary with sun beds and private cabanas. Azura offers a traditional British cruising experience with thoughtful updates.
8) HAL Nieuw Amsterdam
A sister ship to the critically acclaimed Eurodam, which launched in 2008, the Nieuw Amsterdam has innovative amenities like a Digital Workshop staffed with technology experts, a Culinary Arts Center, and Exploration Café, powered by the New York Times. Private poolside cabanas, first-rate Asian and steakhouse restaurants, and good kids’ facilities — especially for teens — make these ships less staid than older HAL vessels.
9) Costa Luminosa
While most cruise lines are building bigger and bigger ships, Costa has bucked the trend with the introduction of Luminosa. At 2,828 passengers, she’s smaller than the other Costa vessels. Carnival designer Joe Farcus used optical art, reflective fabrics, mirrors, Murano glass, and lots of windows to flood the ship with light. And natural materials like ebony and mother of pearl complete the affect. Younger passengers will appreciate the 800-seat 4-D cinema and Play Station 3 consoles. And adults will enjoy the suites adjoining the Samsara Spa and cuisine overseen by Ettore Bocchia. Sister ship Deliziosa will launch later this year.
10) MSC Splendida
Launched in July of 2009, the 3,300-passenger Splendida is a sister ship of MSC Fantasia. More than three quarters of the staterooms have balconies, and 99 of the suites in the Yacht Club feature a ship-within-a-ship experience, complete with 24-hour butler service. Piazza San Marco features upscale boutiques, a café, and a gelato stand. And the spa complex offers a wide array of health and beauty treatments. Splendida has won several awards for ecological responsibility.
Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas Image Flickr: plasmastik
Silversea Silver Spirit Image Flickr: Josh Friedman Luxury Travel
Celebrity Equinox Dining Room Image Flickr: Tom Mascardo 3