The cruise industry seems like its received a high dose of Ritalin and it is literally exploding with new and more innovative ships and opportunities, which we will see within the next few months. Three of the most popular and mainstream lines are debuting new ships within the next year and I wanted to share the early details that have me excited to see more.
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Harmony of the Seas by Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean will debut their newest Oasis Class ship, Harmony of the Seas, in spring of 2016. With a 5,479 passenger capacity it will become the largest cruise ship at sea. It will start with a Mediterranean itinerary in the spring and summer months and then head down to Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades) to run it’s Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries starting in the fall and throughout the winter of 2016.
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This ship will host many firsts for the Royal Caribbean brand such as a huge waterpark complex and waterslides as well as some firsts for the Oasis class like the Bionic Bar and the two-story, mystical Wonderland restaurant. Guests will also have access to the RIFD Wowbands, technology used on the Quantum class ships, which will allow travelers to access their state rooms, make purchases and reservations while onboard.
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There will also be the addition of more interior staterooms featuring the innovative virtual balconies- floor to ceiling LCD screens that will display real time views of outside the ship. This particular feature debuted on the Quantum Class ships (Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas) and have been a total HIT with cruisers.
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Norwegian Escape by Norwegian Cruise Lines
I think the Norwegian Escape is the most exciting of the new ships to me. I have never been on Norwegian Cruise Lines but they have caught my attention with the new Breakaway class of ships; Escape is the first addition to the Breakaway PLUS class. The Escape will be launching in the Caribbean with Eastern and Western sailings in November 2016! I cannot wait!
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The renderings of the new suites and newly designed areas like the grotto are just stunning. I am a total sucker for the modern, clean vibe they have going in their design choices; it carries a luxury feel but at a remarkable value.
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The Waterfront, which is an open air promenade, seems quite amazing, especially the fact that many of the specialty restaurants on that deck have outdoor dining areas on the Waterfront. And speaking of dining, a new addition to the specialty dining will be Bayamo, a latin fusion restaurant by Iron Chef Jose Garces. With these creative options and sleek details, I’m sure the Norwegian Escape will be a unique addition to the fleet.
Carnival Vista by Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival’s new ship is full of surprises and innovations for the line. This beautiful ship will launch in spring 2016 in the Mediterranean and after spending the summer doing itineraries there, it will travel to it’s home port in Miami. Besides the mega water park/splash park they have planned, and the first at-sea IMAX theatre, there is going to be a unique feature called the SkyRide which is a foot pedal powered ride high up around the perimeter of the upper deck. It looks totally cool.
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In addition to a 4,000 square foot kids club area called Camp Ocean, this ship will have a unique family hang out area called Dr. Seuss Bookville. Here families will find reading areas and play areas designed after the fun world of Dr. Seuss.
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The addition of Family Harbor comes with the debut of the Vista. This location features 96 family sized suites with separate sleeping areas for kids and adults, extra space and TWO bathrooms. Suite guests will also enjoy special perks such an exclusive lounge featuring breakfast and snacks with large screen TVs, a family concierge to help with any needs that may arise and free dining for kids under 12 in the specialty restaurants.
These are just a few of the intriguing options available on the new ships coming out later this year and in 2016. With something for everyone, cruising is quickly becoming a more popular vacation option for families and travelers in general.
Have you heard anything about these new ships? What features of these modern cruise ships are the most exciting to you?
2 Comments
My wife, children, and I have NEVER been on a cruise. Now we know who to ask for advice when we start planning our first–the TRAVELING MOMMY. 🙂
Hey, anytime! You know where to find me 😉