Will there ever be too many ships?
There is nothing I love more than breaking news of a another cruise ship being built so needless to say excitement levels are at an all-time high right now with more and more new ships being built. I feel like every morning I awaken my lethargic eyes and check my phone for news there is an alert for another new ship – is cruising taking over the world?
It is clear this industry is rapidly growing and becoming a holiday phenomenon. Cruising is now the fastest growing sector in the travel industry and attracts millions of new cruisers every year. Last year alone saw over 20 million people go on a cruise worldwide.
Everyone loves a new ship – new innovations, new designs, new cabins and every cruise line trying to up their game in this extremely competitive market. Every time a new ship is announced we spend months speculating what will be onboard and watch anxiously to see news unveil. The rush to be on the maiden voyage then starts, preparation for the naming ceremony and announcements of where she will homeport all come to place. The journey of a new ship is an exciting time for not only the line but for the whole world.
There has never been a more exciting time for the industry and here is what new ships are still to come...
Viking Star
Cruise line: Viking Cruise Line
Coming: December 2013
Size: 47, 800 GT
Where in the world: Sailing Mediterranean itineraries, she will homeport in Rome and Barcelona.
At a glance: Famous for their river cruising vessels, Viking decided to venture into ocean cruising and first ship Viking Star is set to bring all the loved river features to the cruise world. Intimate interior spaces will create the perfect setting for enjoyable days and evenings onboard. The Atrium Lobby is set to a grand foyer area that will stun people from their first steps.
Quantum of the Seas
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean Cruises
Coming: November 2014
Size: 167, 800 GT
Where in the world: To be based in China and sail Asia itineraries.
At a glance: Doing what they do best, Royal Caribbean are set to push all industry boundaries once again. Taking at sea innovation to a whole new level, Quantum of the Seas is set to have an indoor sky dive simulator, bumper cars and an elevating pod that will take people 300 feet above sea level. Other key features will be the new dynamic dining experience that will have people rotate between three different restaurants instead of having one main dining room.
Costa Diadema
Cruise line: Costa Cruises
Coming: October 2014
Size: 132, 500 gross tons
Where in the world: First cruise is set to sail from Savona.
At a glance: The new flagship of the fleet, she will be the most innovative ship in the Costa fleet. Seven restaurants will take everyone on a culinary journey through Italian, Brazilian and Asian eateries. The new Samsara Spa will be a large 7, 800 metres and span four decks with eight hot tubs, steam rooms and a state of the art gym.
Britannia
Cruise line: P&O Cruises
Coming: March 2015
Size: 142, 000 GT
Where in the world: To sail from Southampton on Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Baltic and Canary Island itineraries. In the winter she will sail the Caribbean.
At a glance: The largest ship every built exclusively for the British market, she is set to represent what P&O are famous for along with a range of exciting twists. With a large union flag on her bow, her interior will feature an elegant and sophisticated design. Showcasing the best in cruise dining, there will be five celebrity chefs working alongside each other including Marco Pierre White and Atul Kochar.
Seven Seas Explorer
Cruise line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Coming: February 2015
Size: 54, 000 GT
Where in the world: No details yet revealed.
At a glance: Ready to define luxury once again, Seven Seas Explorer will be the most expensive luxury liner ever built. Upscale yet timeless, the interior design will be neutral and elegant. There will be an extensive range of gourmet dining onboard from six different restaurants. An extravagant art collection is also set to be displayed throughout the ship.
Norwegian Escape
Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Coming: October 2015
Size: 163, 000 GT
Where in the world: Her maiden voyage will sail from Southampton to Miami
At a glance: Norwegian Escape will be another revolutionary breakthrough from Norwegian Cruise Line and this family-friendly ship will feature a number of cutting edge features to amaze every guest. The onboard entertainment will be a huge hit once again with award-winning shows, live music, cabaret acts and the world renowned Blue Man group.
Oasis III
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
Coming: 2016
Size: 225, 282 GT
Where in the world: No details yet revealed.
At a glance: No details have yet been released about Oasis III but it is speculated she will feature many of the innovative amenities Oasis and Allure of the sea has including a Central Park, Aquatheatre, Zipline and Carousel.
Holland America Unnamed
Cruise line: Holland America Line
Coming: February 2016
Size: 99, 000 GT (estimated)
Where in the world: No details yet revealed.
At a glance: No details have yet been revealed about the new Holland America ship, even its name is still a mystery. It will be the first ship for the line since the debut of Nieuw Amsterdam in 2010.
Carnival Vista
Cruise line: Carnival Cruise Line
Coming: November 2016
Size: 135, 500 GT
Where in the world: No details yet revealed.
At a glance: Carnival Vista is set to showcase a new design from other carnival ships, yet still have all the fun amenities they are famous for. Rumoured to boast some new innovations that have not yet been revealed, she will be ooze fun from bowl to stern.
Norwegian Bliss
Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Coming: Spring 2017
Size: 163, 000 GT
Where in the world: No details yet revealed.
At a glance: The second of the Breakaway-Plus ships, she will be similar in design to Norwegian Escape. With revolutionary entertainment, exciting cuisine and innovative staterooms, she will be a floating master-piece to create ever lasting memories for the whole family.
Princess Royal-Class Three
Cruise line: Princess Cruises
Coming: 2017
Size: 142, 700 GT
Where in the world: No details yet revealed.
At a glance: After the success of Royal Princess and Regal Princess it has been revealed a third sister ship will be built for delivery in 2017. Built at the same ship yard in Italy she will feature similarities to her sister ships with some added innovations new to Princess Cruises.
Norwegian Breakaway-Plus x2
Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Coming: 2018 and 2019
Size: 163, 000 GT (estimated)
Where in the world: No details yet revealed.
At a glance: It has just been announced that Norwegian Cruise Lines have signed an agreement with Meyer Weerft shipyard to build two new Breakaway-Plus class ships. The ships are set to cost €1.6 billion to build and carry around 4, 200 guests each.
MSC x4
Cruise line: MSC Cruises
Coming: 2 x 2017, 2018 & 2019
Size: 154, 000 GT (estimated)
Where in the world: No details yet revealed.
At a glance: MSC Cruises have announced plans to build four new ships. Said to be game changers in the MSC fleet they will feature never-before-seen amenities including panoramic lifts with sea views. With over 469, 000 square feet of public space, there is sure to be surprises along the way.