So many new and exciting ships have been delivered in 2018, from MSC’s Seaview, to Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas and Norwegian Bliss (see more here on Bliss). The year has come to a close with the delivery of arguably the most anticipated ship in a while, Celebrity Edge.
The next year will be just as exciting with more new ships debuting throughout the year, as well as some exciting enhancements coming to other ships. Let’s see what we have to look forward to.
MSC Bellissima, MSC Cruises, March 2019
The year will kick off with the delivery of MSC Bellissima in March. The sister to the much-loved Meraviglia (See more here), she will feature Cirque du Soleil at sea, an indoor promenade with an LED roof, 12 restaurants and the line’s signature and exclusive Yacht Club Suite Complex. I’ve been following her construction closely and will join her sailing from the shipyard to Southampton before she is named in March. See more here.
She will be joined by MSC Grandiosa later in the year in October. The first of the Meraviglia-Plus class, she is 20m longer than her sister with more venues. space and excitements.
Spectrum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International, April 2019
The first in the Quantum Ultra Class of ships for Royal Caribbean, she builds on the success of Quantum, Anthem and Ovation of the Seas. She will feature favourites such as the Royal Esplanade indoor promenade, the multi-purpose Two70 innovative entertainment space, the North Star London Eye-style observation pod and skydiving at sea. In addition, she will feature a number of new features for Royal including a new suite only area, new dining venues and Sky Pad, a virtual reality trampoline experience found on other ships.
Marella Explorer 2, Marella Cruises, April 2019
The sister ship to Marella Explorer which debuted in 2018, she will be the first adults-only ship for Marella. She will feature a Champneys Spa and a number of new shows and venues, such as the Asian fusion restaurant Kora-La, Shake Shack and Surf and Turf.
Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Cruises, May 2019
Celebrity Flora will be the first ship of its kind to be designed and built specifically for the Galapagos Islands. The suite only ship will feature an outward facing design that connects the passenger with its beautiful destinations.
Viking Jupiter, Viking Cruise Line, June 2019
The sixth sister ship for Viking’s Ocean fleet, Jupiter will feature the same beautiful scandi-design found on the other ships, plus perhaps some other surprises. The ship will be christened in Oslo, Norway in June 2019. To read more about my adventures with Viking Cruises take a look here.
Spirit of Discovery, Saga Cruises, July 2019
The first new-build for Saga will be an intimate experience, with only 540 cabins (of which 100 will be designed for solo travellers). The ship will have a range of restaurants and bars, including a free Asian restaurant and al fresco dining.
Sky Princess, Princess Cruises, October 2019
The fourth in the Royal Class of ships, Sky Princess will build on the successful formula of the Royal Class, including a three-deck Piazza, Movies Under the Stars and a newly reimagined lido deck. She will also feature updated and new venues and dining options, together with not one, but two of the biggest suites at sea.
Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Cruise Line, Fall 2019
The latest in the NCL Breakaway-Plus class, she will continue many of the features found on board Norwegian Joy and Bliss. She will also feature the largest go kart at sea, with elements cantilevered over the edge, an updated water park and slides, and the biggest outdoor laser tag at sea.
Costa Smerelda, Costa Cruises, October 2019
The first in a brand-new class for Costa, this will be the largest ship in the Cost fleet, as well as being the first for the international market and will be capable of using LNG fuel to power the ship. She will feature a new style atrium, or Colosseo, which will be lined with bars shops. The rear of the ship will feature Piazza di Spagna, a large stairway on three decks facing astern. It will be the ideal place for entertaining guests of all ages, with an open-air balcony on the top deck that has a glass floor that gives you the impression of flying over the sea.
Carnival Panorama, Carnival Cruise Line, November 2019
Carnival Panorama is the sister to Carnival Vista and Horizon with all the features guests love on Carnival. New features includes Sky Zone, an indoor trampoline park and challenge zone.
Other notable ships coming out include the first of the Exclusive Class for Crystal Cruises. The ship will be designed to sail to the far reaches of the world, including polar and arctic regions. A number of other yachts and expedition ships will also be delivered in 2019, including the Ritz-Carlton Azora yacht and Hurtigruten’s MS Roald Amundsen, featuring a state-of-the-art hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption.
Ship enhancements
Cruise lines are always refurbishing and updating their fleets of ships but there are a number of notable changes coming in 2019.
Of particular note is the Celebrity Revolution. Over the coming years Celebrity are set to overhaul their entire fleet and introduce a whole new level of design introduced on Celebrity Edge. First off will be Celebrity Millennium and Summit, with overhauled staterooms, newly redesigned venues with lighter and airier décor, an updated spa and new suite areas.
Oceania will also be refurbishing its fleet. Staterooms will get new furnishings and décor, venues will be redesigned with a more modern design. Things don’t stop there; Royal Caribbean will continue to update its fleet, with Navigator of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas being reimagined with new activities, water slides, laser tag, bars and dining venues.