2018 promises another impressive collection of new ships to choose from. With the variety of style, size and amenities that these new ships offer, the advantages of choosing a megaship compared to a midsize vessel are huge!
Take a look at some of the upcoming new ships and sailings for a cruise holiday in 2018.
Symphony of the Seas
Entering as Royal Caribbean’s third ship in the Oasis class (Oasis and Harmony are her sisters) is the Symphony of the Seas. Symphony won’t be an exact copy of her sisters and promises to take the best of both ships and create an even bigger wow factor.
Besides Oasis Class staples such as the Central Park, the Bionic Bar and the Ultimate Abyss slide, Symphony of the Seas has a first in the cruise industry with its mobile check in service. This uses facial recognition technology and will speed up the process at the terminal. Long and time consuming queues will be a thing of the past.
There will be two new eateries onboard the Symphony, El Loca Fresh focuses on Mexican quick bites that can be taken away. Seafood lovers can obtain a casual meal at Hooked Seafood with its vast array of seafood and raw shellfish.
After her launch in late March, sailings taking place feature Western Mediterranean ports from Barcelona. The calls will include Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, La Spezia, Civitavecchia and Naples.
A 12 night Transatlantic Westbound journey is available on the 28th of October when she will reposition in Miami which will become her permanent home. Sailings will be 7 night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruises.
Carnival Horizon
Carnival is introducing its second ship in the Vista class called Carnival Horizon. The corporation states that it is scheduled to be “the most family-friendly ship” ever.
Carnival is crafting some of the best in outdoor spaces with a first at sea 3 deck Multiplex IMAX theatre. Another unusual first that daredevils will love is the Skyride. It will have all the thrills of a high-in-the-sky roller coaster zip liner. In April 2018, she will set off on her 13 day maiden voyage.
The early voyages are scheduled for the eastern and western Mediterranean departing from Barcelona. Ports of call will vary and include Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples, Dubrovnik, Corfu, Messina, Valletta and Sardinia.
This will be followed by two seven day cruises on the 15th and 22th of April 2018 and then finishing up in the Med with a 10 day voyage.
The ship relocates to New York on the 9th of May and will embark on a series of 8 night Caribbean cruises. Finally, on the 22nd of September she arrives at her homeport of Miami for a permanent year round schedule of 6 and 8 night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.
MSC Seaview
The MSC Seaview is the sister ship to the MSC Seaside which is based in Miami. According to MSC Cruises Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago the “MSC Seaside promises to bring forth a new era for the cruise line.”
The ship will contain new design elements onboard featuring a 360 degree wraparound boardwalk with glass railings. This area will offer more open air space and is destined to become the ship’s hub.
A variety of al fresco dining venues, bars and boutiques will draw in the passengers and allow them to enjoy “some of the best sea views in the world”. MSC Seaview’s inaugural season will be based in the sunny Western Mediterranean.
The ship will allow passengers to embark in Genoa, Barcelona or Marseille. Cruising on the Seaview will be a delightful way to discover and experience a taste of the ports of calls which include Naples, Messina and Valetta.
An exciting itinerary awaits passengers in December 2018, when the Seaview will be based in Brazil for the winter 2018/2019 season. The ports of call will include Santos, Ilha Grande, Buzios, Porto Belo and Camboriu.
Nieuw Statendam
The Nieuw Statendam is the sister ship to the Koningsdam. She will become the largest Holland America ship to date. With similar design elements to the Koningsdam, Holland America says there will be changes with this ship as a result of passenger feedback.
Dining experiences will be enhanced further at the Sel de Mer and The Culinary Arts Centre. Entertainment options include a two levelled Lido pool with a movie screen. A “new” Music Walk will be unveiled on the ship featuring the highly successful B.B. King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard and Lincoln Centre Stage.
The maiden voyage aboard Nieuw Statendam departs on 5th of December from Civitavecchia. Crossing the Atlantic to Ft. Lauderdale, port calls include Cartagena, Malaga and Madeira. Once in Ft. Lauderdale, she will spend several months sailing the Caribbean with seven to ten night cruises and varying itineraries.
Passengers seeking fun in the sun will enjoy (depending on sailing date) the Dominican Republic, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Half Moon Bay, Ocho Rios, San Juan and St. Thomas. The 21st of April 2019 brings her to Amsterdam when she will operate Northern Europe and Norwegian fjords sailings.
Celebrity Edge
Celebrity cruise’s newest ship, the Celebrity Edge, is aptly named as it truly is on the cutting edge of the cruise industry.
The Edge is also due to have a sister ship named Celebrity Beyond, which will share many of the same features. One of the most unique innovations and a first at sea will be an outward facing deck space that is moveable.
The area sized similar to a tennis court will serve two purposes. Known as the ‘Magic Carpet’, it will elevate between the second and 17th decks. During different periods and locations, besides transporting guests, the Magic Carpet will serve as an alternative restaurant, a bar at dusk and a disco.
The Rooftop Garden is due to make a return, with all of its iconic amenities returning. These include the daytime yoga sections and movies under the stars with Celebrity’s “A Taste of Film” concept. There will be a casual grill and guests will love sitting outdoors under the sun or under the stars.
There are perks to those booking a suite category. Exclusive access to The Retreat is one, which is a lounge and pool area.
A dining venue named, Luminae @The Retreat, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner is limited to suite guests only. Celebrity Edge begins sailing on the 16th of December, with her maiden voyage out of her winter home port of Ft. Lauderdale.
Western and eastern Caribbean is where she will sail for the winter season with varying ports including Costa Maya, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Key West, San Juan, St. Maarten and Tortola.
She will reposition back to Civitavecchia in Italy with varying 10/11 night Eastern and Western Med cruises in the spring of 2019. If you would like a quote on any of these ships please get in touch. Written by Veronica Shine
