Setting Sail in Style: Exploring the Most Exciting Cruise Ships of the Year
Examine the lineup of new ships making an appearance across the globe, a world of spectacle and glamour is revealed. After years of giving their passengers the best vacations possible, each cruise line has finely tuned these vessels to feature only the most exquisite accommodations and exciting activities. In addition to welcoming this newest round of ocean liners, this year we bid adieu to the Oceania Insignia, as she will be chartered to Hapag-Llyod, a German company.
Each year, new ships are introduced and fleets are renovated. What is truly remarkable, though, is a cruise line’s ability to constantly innovate and their unconditional respect and attention to a cruiser’s ever-changing needs. Take a journey across the world (or just the Caribbean!) and experience what a cruise can really be like on one of these landmark ships.
Here is an exclusive look at six of the most fabulous ships hitting the high seas.
Carnival Breeze
Chock full of innovative new Carnival Fun Ship 2.0 highlights like the BlueIguana Tequila bar and RedFrog pub, featuring Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red beer, the Breeze is set to wow energetic Carnival cruisers. In addition to a large LED outdoor movie screen and elaborate water park, passengers will delight in a brand new Caribbean inspired décor in all of the staterooms, with a contemporary style spanning the ship. Carnival has provided tons of material to pump up cruisers, but our favorite is a virtual tour with commentary of the ship’s highlights.
Celebrity Reflection
The final ship in Celebrity’s Solstice Class, Reflection includes cruiser favorites from previous Solstice ships and beyond. This ship will introduce a surplus of new activities, including the brand new Lawn Club Grill and first ever Art Studio, which offers classes in design, cooking, and mixology. Cruisers can also enjoy all the comforts of a Celebrity cruise such as superb dining and world-class service with a 2:1 passenger to staff ratio.
Disney Fantasy
As grand as it is perfect for families, Disney’s Fantasy is a full 40% larger than the Magic and Wonder and bursting with 1930s glamour. AquaDuck, which was designed by Disney Imagineers, takes riders on a journey through a water coaster that encircles the ship before dropping into a lazy river. New activities around every corner keep kids busy, while parents relax in gorgeous adult only lounges and deck areas.
Oceania Riviera
The epitome of luxury, the mid-size Riviera boasts fine touches designed to capture the attention of high-end cruisers. Offering a whopping ten dining venues, with only four that require a surcharge, this ship gives each guest a wide breadth of options for what may be the finest dining at sea. If passengers want to get involved in their gastronomical experience, they can attend the first cooking school at sea, Bon Appétit Culinary Center.
MSC Divina
Created through a partnership with De Jorio Design International, the Divina features the finest in Italian design on MSC’s now largest vessel. A breathtaking infinity pool on the aft of the ship compliments an unmatched elegance of intricate design and superior service at your fingertips. Explore the romanticism of Divina while strolling under the stars or enjoying a dazzling show in a state of the art theatre.
Costa Fascinosa
Costa’s new gem, the Fascinosa, will hold approximately 3,000 passengers and will embark on European itineraries in May 2012. Showcasing Costa favorites like the expansive Samsara Spa, four stunning pools (two have retractable roofs), and world-class dining, there is no limit to what else this magical ship can offer.
Now that you’ve had a chance to learn about these new ships, imagine yourself here on the docks in San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge shimmering in the distance, and each ship floating in front of you. Which one would you board?
Personally, knowing as much information as I do about each ship makes it even harder! In the end though, you’ll find me stepping aboard Celebrity’s Reflection to experience their award winning cuisine and service, while learning how to mix cocktails at the Art Studio and playing bocce ball on the lawn.