Explore New Ships

2016 is shaping up to be a very exciting year in the cruising industry, with notable new shipsdebuting in almost every niche imaginable! If you are a cruiser, keep an eye out for new features, itineraries, and experiences from industry favorites such as Royal Caribbean International, Viking Ocean Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Seabourn. Check out this month's highlights, and you'll know what to do – explore new ships!
First to hit the high seas is Holland America Line's new ship, ms Koningdam, due to debut in April. The first new ship since the Nieuw Amsterdam in 2010, this highly anticipated ship will usher in an entirely-new Pinnacle Class. Notable features are the sleek and elegant interior designed to mimic the inside of an instrument, and the emphasis of light throughout. As with other ships in the line, music and cuisine is a primary focus, and the 2,650-passenger ship will have various itineraries to Europe and the Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean is set to debut two new ships in 2016—Ovation of the Seas in April, homeporting in China, and Harmony of the Seas two months later in June. Both ships are going to further the cruise line's reputation for innovation with high-tech features, VOOM high-speed internet, floor-to-ceiling LED screens, and so much more. Entertainment and activities are also going to be a highlight, with a notable new-to-fleet water slide area on Harmony of the Seas with three slides—Typhoon, Cyclone, and Supercell—that comprise the "Perfect Storm."
Also debuting in April is the second ocean-going vessel from Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking Sea. A combination of the small-ship intimacy the brand is known for and some of the bells and whistles of bigger ships, the ship is poised to make waves. Cruisers also get to take advantage of a lot of complimentary extras, such as beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner; Wifi; shore excursions; and more.
Debuting one month later in May is Carnival Cruise Line’s new Carnival Vista, the first new ship for the line in four years. The “Fun Ship” will bring with it numerous firsts for Carnival, such as an IMAX interactive movie theater, a 450-foot long water slide, and Skyride, a two-lane course where cruisers pedal around a track suspended nearly 150 feet above the sea. The first cruise ship brewery, RedFrog Pub, will also be on board, featuring a wide variety of domestic and craft-beers, including a variety of suds brewed right on the ship!
There are new ships entering the luxury market from Regent Seven Seas Cruises in July and Seabourn in December. Seven Seas Explorer is touted as Regent's most luxurious ship so far, with all-suite staterooms with private balconies and high-end touchesthroughout. The ship will also include six restaurants, as well as the cruise line's infamous all-inclusive fares, which include airfare, specialty dining, drinks, gratuities, excursions, and more. Seabourn's new vessel, Seabourn Encore, will be the largest in the fleet with a 604-passenger capacity. Exciting offerings include cuisine from world-famous Chef Thomas Keller; a marina deck from which guests can windsurf, kayak, and pedal boat; a show lounge that hosts expert-led discussions; and dining, drinks, and gratuities included in the fare.
There's no doubt 2016 is going to be an exciting year for the cruising industry, and there's something for everyone! If you'd like to be one of the first passengers on one of these ships, you don't have to worry about wading through all the choices yourself; pick up the phone and contact your Cruise Planners Travel Advisor for expert advice in selecting your next cruise!