Cruise Buzz

Cruisers will have their pick of ship to suit every lifestyle choic

Cruise lines belonging to the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) introduced 14 new ships in 2009 and another 13 vessels large and small are scheduled to arrive in the next 12 months.

2009 marked a new era in cruising with the arrival of Royal Caribbean International’s 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas. Dubbed the largest ship at sea, the Oasis offers guests plenty of opportunities to customize their cruise experience through multiple dining venues, onboard entertainments, and a variety of cabin options. Another ship that will allow guests to take advantage of numerous onboard choices to promote a flexible cruise experience is Norwegian Cruise Line.

Norwegian Cruise Line will introduce its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ship, the 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic, featuring, among many other attractions, a ship-within-a-ship suite complex comprised of 60 suites and villas on two private decks. The Epic will be the largest ship in the NCL fleet.

 2010 is going to have almost as many new ships as 2009

Maybe not the largest, but certainly floating masterpieces are more new cruise ships that will launch in 2010. Celebrity Cruises will introduce the third of their Solstice-class ships with the 2,850-guest Celebrity Eclipse. The Eclipse will feed cruisers wanderlust in Europe and the Caribbean.

Variety is the spice of life

Costa Cruises’ Costa Deliziosa, carrying 2,260 guests, will make her debut in Dubai, another reflection of the globalization of cruising.  The 2,518-passenger MSC Magnifica blends comfort with the latest design and technology.

Holland America Line will introduce the 2,100-passenger Nieuw Amsterdam. The Nieuw Amsterdam, joins the recently launched Eurodam to further define and expand the Holland America Line premium brand with new concepts such as the innovative pan-Asian Tamarind restaurant and Silk Den lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool.

Be on the lookout for Cunard Line’s 2,092-passenger Queen Elizabeth. This gorgeous ship will enable guests to relive the high society glamour of the 1930’s and 1940’s.  Ocean travel and tradition are the hallmarks of this line.

Smaller ships catering to less cruise guests are also introducing new ships. Oceania Cruises will introduce the Marina. The Oceania-Class Marina represents an evolution of the lines extremely popular Regatta-Class ships. Since the inception of Oceania Cruises, their ships have delivered an unparalleled onboard experience. of its Regatta class vessels, the brand-new, 1,260-guest Marina, a mid-sized ship with no lack of amenities includes six restaurants.

Rounding out our survey of new ships is the all-suite Seabourn Sojourn.  She will offer four dining venues, six bars and a luxury spa for 450 world travelers. 2010 will be a great year to cruise new or old vessels.