If you thought cruising was big in 2015, then you’re in for a massive shock this year as the industry prepares to welcome seven brand new vessels.
While 2014 and 2015 were all about technological advancements at sea, 2016’s new vessels will be all about individuality as they carry various capacity, their own unique entertainment and activities as well as new levels of luxury.
In the sizing department ships will vary from Carnival’s highly anticipated mass market Carnival Vista to Viking’s more intimate Viking Sea.
Technological advancements will cruise lines like Royal Caribbean offer guests more entertainment such as the world’s tallest waterslide at sea (Harmony of the Seas).
There’s a lot to look forward to, here’s the list of seven new ships coming this year:
1. Holland America’s Koningsdam: April 2016
The cruise line that lost two ships to P&O Cruises is replacing capacity in April next year with the arrival of its biggest ship to-date: ms Koningsdam.
The first Pinnacle Class ship in the fleet not only carries more people than any other Holland America vessel, but features the latest in onboard entertainment and technology.
Solo cabins will cater to the growing number of single travellers and family cabins will be in place for cross-generational holidaymakers.
New dining venues onboard include Sel De Mar – a seafood brasserie serving French classics with a contemporary twist. There’s also the Grand Dutch Cafe – a place to enjoy a pale lager or favourite coffee beverage with a Dutch snack.
The ship also has the line’s Culinary Arts Center where guests can learn to cook with visiting celebrity chefs and the ship’s own experts.
2. Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas: April 2016
This is the ship Aussies should REALLY be excited about, because she’s coming to Australia!
Ovation of the Seas will be the first Quantum-class vessel to sail our shores when she arrives next year for the 2016/17-wave season.
Onboard she’ll have all those technologically advanced Quantum-attributes such as the dancing robots, robot bartenders and transforming rooms.
She’ll also have Jamie Oliver’s ‘Jamie’s Italian’ restaurant along with sky-diving at sea. Click here for more information on Ovation and her first season from Australia.
3. Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Sea: April 2016
Viking Ocean Cruises may only be a little over a year old, but it is already getting ready to launch its second ocean vessel – Viking Sea.
The ship will be similar to its sister vessel, Viking Star, which launched earlier this year.
Features onboard Sea include Veranda staterooms measuring from 270 sq. ft as well as 14 Explorer Suites, which are two-room suites ranging from 757 to 1,163 sq. ft. that offer sweeping views from wraparound private verandas as well as the most amenities and privileges of any category onboard.
Guests will have access to two pools including the Infinity Pool off the stern or they can relax like a Viking in the Snow Grotto.
There are a number of food outlets such as The Restaurant and the World Café, serving a variety of global cuisines and regional specialties and Mamsen’s, which serves Norwegian deli-style fare.
4. Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Vista: May 2016
The highly anticipated vessel will be Carnival’s first brand new ship in over four years when she launches in five months time.
Carrying 3,954 passengers, Carnival has dubbed Vista a game-changer for the line as she introduces a range of firsts for the line including an IMAX theater which will play first-run movies. There’ll also be a 450-feet long water tube slide (the longest for the line) and the SkyRide – an open-air track.
Catering to the families, Carnival Vista will have the Family Harbor Staterooms and Suites located in a family cabin area. Here mums, dads and kids will be in close proximity to other travelling families and share a Family Harbor Lounge – an exclusive 24-hour spot with breakfast, snacks and concierge service.
Culinary highlights on the ship include the new Horizons Restaurant where guests can enjoy a selection of favourites at a bit table. There’s also the line’s popular Bonsai Sushi for traditional Japanese food or stop by Guy’s Burger Joint for delicious burgers and fries created by Guy Fieri.
5. Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas: June 2016
Care to try a 10-story water-slide that circles down several decks onboard the world’s largest cruise ship?
Hell yeah!
Royal Caribbean is preparing to launch its third Oasis Class ship, Harmony of the Seas, which will not only out-size Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, but out-entertain them with the tallest water-slide at sea and new full-length Broadway productions.
Coming mid-2016, Harmony will feature a number of Royal Caribbean’s signature experiences in addition to a number of firsts.
Among the new stuff at sea is Grease – the full-length products – which will be performed in the ship’s theatre during select cruises.
Couples and parents will love The Attic and Jazz on 4 – two evening social spaces featuring family shows, late-night adult comedy and guest entertainers.
In true Royal Caribbean style, the ship will be fitted with the latest at-sea technology such as the fastest internet connection on a cruise ship, the Bionic Bar featuring robotic bartenders; virtual balconies; and RFIC Wowbands – a wrist-band which replaces the keycard.
6. Regent Seven Seas, Seven Seas Explorer: July 2016
She’s been dubbed the world’s most luxurious ship at sea with grand rooms, high-end dining and first class design.
When she joins the line’s fleet next year Seven Seas Explorer won’t only be the largest ship in the fleet, but also the first ship to join the line since they were bought out by Norwegian Cruise Line.
In addition to sailing with an all-suite, all-balcony cabins, the ship will have one of the biggest rooms at sea measuring at 3,875 square feet – that’s around 50 percent larger than the average American home.
When it comes to dining, guests will be able to dine at the five-star restaurant, The Compass Rose, which offers a defined atmosphere in the midst of rich woods and light marble stones. The venue transitions from refreshing natural light during the day to a romantic ice blue lighting theme at night. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features an exceptional variety of Continental cuisine.
7. Seabourn Cruise Line’s Seabourn Encore: December 2016
The last ship of the year will be another luxurious vessel and one of the newest additions to the Seabourn fleet since 2011.
Onboard she’ll have all-suite cabins with private balconies carrying around 600 guests at double occupancy.
She’ll carry a new restaurant, which has a menu created by world-renowned chef, Thomas Keller.
