Become a Home Based Travel Agent

Even as our economy continues on a downhill slide and the prognosis for the travel industry is precarious, the building frenzy in the cruise industry keeps on churning. There are so many new ships to be entered into service in the next couple of years it is difficult for busy travel agents to keep track of all the upcoming additions. This guide is designed to serve as an aide to keep you abreast of the new ships scheduled to set sail in the next 2 years along with some of the latest innovations to be featured on the open seas.

Ship: AIDAluna / Estimated Launch: April 2009 / GRT: 69,200 / Passengers: 2,050
Details: Third ship in the Sphinx Series, she is sister ship to the AIDAbella and AIDAdiva; Highlights include a 4D movie theatre (a 3D movie with added physical effects), laser light shows on deck, a wellness spa with a couples Spa Suite, 7 restaurants and 11 bars.

Ship: Unnamed / Estimated Launch: February 2010 / GRT: 68,500 / Passengers: 2,030
Details: Fourth in the Sphinx Series and sister ship to the AIDAluna, this is part of the third generation of cruise ships based on Aida's special club concept.

Ship: Amalyra / Estimated Launch: March 2009 / Length: 360 ft / Passengers: 148
Details: Like her sister ships in this luxury river cruising fleet, the Amalyra offers an array of amenities designed for comfort, convenience and luxury. Highlights include bicycles for passenger use, an elevator, junior suites, a wellness area including a fitness room and plush staterooms.

Ship: Amadolce / Estimated Launch: May 2009 / Length: 360 ft / Passengers: 148
Details: Amadolce will be identical to the Amalyra and include all the amenities listed above.

Ship: Avalon Affinity / Estimated Launch: May 2009 / Length: 361 ft. / Passengers: 138
Details: Smallest of the Avalon ships, she is designed to reflect the uniqueness of the area. The ship will have a silent drive system, a hair salon, fitness center, 6 person whirlpool, elevator, 4 suites, and flat screen satellite TV and radio.

Ship: Avalon Creativity / Estimated Launch: July 2009 / Length: 361 ft. / Passengers: 140
Details: Similar to the Avalon Affinity she will be one of the smaller vessels in the fleet.

Ship: Carnival Dream / Estimated Launch: September 2009 / GRT: 130,000 / Passengers: 3,652
Details: Carnival Dream is designed to be the largest and most innovative floating resort in the "Fun Ship" fleet. First of the Dream Class, she will boast more outdoor deck space, more stateroom categories, the largest spa they have ever built, overhanging Jacuzzis, Carnival Waterworks and a new indoor/outdoor entertainment complex called Ocean Plaza.

Ship: Celebrity Equinox / Estimated Launch: August 2009 / GRT: 122,000 / Passengers: 2,850
Details: This is the second ship in the Solstice Class. Similar to her sister ship, the Solstice, the Equinox will include The Lawn Club, the Hot Glass Show, ten dining venues, larger standard staterooms (85% with verandahs), Aqua Class staterooms.

Ship: Celebrity Eclipse / Estimated Launch: June 2010 / GRT: 122,000 / Passengers: 2,850
Details: Third ship of the Solstice Class, she is the sister ship of the Celebrity Solstice and Equinox and will offer the same innovative features. It will be sailing from Southampton in the summer of 2010.

Ship: Costa Luminosa / Estimated Launch: June 2009 / GRT: 92,700 / Passengers: 2,260
Details: Costa Luminosa is the 13th ship in the Costa fleet. Highlights include more balcony cabins, an 18-hole golf course simulator, a double-deck Samsara Spa and a Grand Prix race car driving simulator.

Ship: Costa Pacifica / Estimated Launch: June 2009 / GRT: 114,000 / Passengers: 3,780
Details: Costa Pacifica is the third ship in the Concordia Class. Sister ship to the Concordia and Serena, she will include the Samsara Spa complex, giant outdoor movie screen and the Grand Prix race car driving simulator. Costa will celebrate her launch by christening both the Luminosa and Pacifica simultaneously in Genoa on June 5.

Ship: Costa Deliziosa / Estimated Launch: January 2010 / GRT: 92,700 / Passengers: 2,260
Details: Sister ship to the Costa Luminosa, highlights include the18-hole golf course simulator, a double-deck Samsara Spa and a Grand Prix race car driving simulator

Ship: Queen Elizabeth / Estimated Launch: Fall 2010 / GRT: 92,000 / Passengers: 2,092
Details: The new Queen Elizabeth will be the second-largest Cunarder the company has ever built. Her opulent public rooms will reflect the grandeur which has been associated with Cunard ships.

Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam / Estimated Launch: Fall 2010 / GRT: 86,000 / Passengers: 2,106
Details: The fourth Nieuw Amsterdam will be the 15th ship in Holland America's fleet. This new addition will feature many signature amenities such as glass elevators, the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and gourmet cuisine courtesy of the Pinnacle Grill, the Canaletto family-style Italian restaurant and the Culinary Arts Center.

Ship: MSC Splendida / Estimated Launch: June 2009 / GRT: 133,500 / Passengers: 3,887
Details: Sister ship to the MSC Fantasia, the Splendida will feature a well-being center, 4 restaurants and 2 buffet areas, 4 pools, 12 hydro massage pools, a FORMULA 1 simulator, 4D interactive cinema, a squash court and a new MSC Yacht Club (a VIP area with 99 elegant suites, dedicated butlers and communal spaces).

Ship: MSC Magnifica / Estimated Launch: December 2009 / GRT: 86,600 / Passengers: 2550
Details: Fourth ship in the Musica Class, the Magnifica will feature a central foyer with a triple-deck high waterfall, a therapeutic hydro massage, 4 restaurants and 7 themed areas.

Ship: Unnamed F3 Class / Estimated Launch: May 2010 /GRT: 150,000 / Passengers: 4,200

Details: The F3 is the third generation of NCL's Freestyle cruising vessels and will be the largest ship in their fleet. NCL revealed the nightclubs on the new F3 ship will create never-before-seen experiences at sea and feature multiple uses for day and night, along with exclusive, adult-only venues. The five venues include the industry's first true Ice Bar; POSH Beach Club, a first of its kind beach club at sea that offers an exclusive, adults-only setting at the top of the ship; Halo, the Ü ber Bar, a private bar and lounge in the ship-within-a-ship villa complex; Bliss Ultra Lounge, NCL's all-day entertainment and nightclub complex with four-lane bowling alley; and Spice H₂0, an adults-only aft pool deck experience.

Ship: Marina / Estimated Launch: September 2010 / GRT: 65,000 / Passengers: 1252|
Details: First of the Oceania-class ships, the Marina will feature verandah staterooms about 50% larger than those on their Regatta-Class ships. They will incorporate larger sitting areas and marble-clad bathrooms with separate tub and shower. The new ship will retain the design elements and signature amenities of the Regatta-Class while adding many new luxury amenities. The new ship will be awash in rich, dark woods, Italian marble, lustrous granite, fine wool carpets and sumptuous leather. Cruising speed will be 20% faster and have greater range enabling them to cruise all corners of the globe.

Ship: Azura / Estimated Launch: April 2010 / GRT: 116,000 / Passengers: 3,597
Details: For the first time in the P&O Cruises fleet, Azura, a Grand Class ship, will feature 18 single staterooms. Catering to an adult market, other features of Azura will include an Indian restaurant created by Michelin Chef Atul Kochbar, an open-air cinema and wine bar created with help from TV wine expert Olly Smith.

Ship: Pearl Mist / Estimated Launch: May 2009 / GRT: 7,600 / Passengers: 214
Details: Pearl Sea Cruises introduces a brand new fleet of small, all-suite cruise ships. The new fleet of luxury ships will travel faster and have the latest technology in navigation and communication equipment. The interior of the ships will offer luxury accommodations with oversized staterooms, all with private balconies.

Ship: Unnamed / Estimated Launch: Summer 2009 / GRT: 7,600 / Passengers 214
Details: Sister ship to the Pearl Mist and second new-build from this new luxury cruise line.

Ship: Oasis of the Seas / Estimated Launch: December 2009 / GRT: 220,000 / Passengers: 5,400
Details: First of the Project Genesis ships, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world. She will span 16 decks and be the first ship to tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The first-ever two-level loft suites will be introduced, as well as interior staterooms with a view of Central Park are just two of the unique stateroom innovations. There will be 2 rock-climbing walls and the first zip-line at sea. Other firsts include a handcrafted carousel as the centerpiece of the Boardwalk, the AquaTheater that will serve as a pool during the day and be the location for theatrical performances and fountain shows at night and the Rising Tide Bar, a moving bar that will traverse 3 decks allowing cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they ascend into Central Park.

Ship: Allure of the Seas / Estimated Launch: August 2010 / GRT: 220,000 / Passengers: 5,400
Details: Second of the Project Genesis, Allure of the Seas will be a sister ship to the Oasis of the Seas.

Ship: Sea Cloud Hussar / Estimated Launch: Spring 2010 / Length: 135 meters long / Passengers: 136
Details: A sister ship to the Sea Cloud, it will be the largest full-rigged three mast passenger ship ever built. Setting new standards in luxury travel it will provide 5-star comfort. In addition to the sailing experience a generous spa area and infotainment system in every cabin will be featured.

Ship: Seabourn Odyssey / Estimated Launch: June 2009 / GRT: 32,000 / Passengers: 450
Details: Seabourn Odyssey will be three times larger than other ships in the fleet, but carry only twice as many passengers, thus allowing for more spacious accommodations. The spa will span two decks and have both indoor and outdoor treatment rooms. A unique feature of the fitness area will be a Kinesis wall. 90% of all suites in this all-suite ship will have verandahs.

Ship: Seabourn Sojourn / Estimated Launch: Summer 2010 / GRT: 32,000 / Passengers: 450
Details: Second in a class of three, the Soujourn will be an identical sister ship to the Seabourn Odyssey.

Ship: Silver Spirit / Estimated Launch: December 2009 / GRT: 36,000 / Passengers: 540
Details: Silver Spirit will feature the largest suites in the fleet, 95% of which will have private verandahs. The onboard décor of the public spaces will have a 1930s Art Deco ambiance and highlights will include an indoor/outdoor spa, three whirlpools and choice of six dining venues including the innovative Stars Supper Club and an Asian restaurant.

Ship: Unnamed / Estimated Launch: 2010 / GRT: 7,400 / Passengers: 296
Details: Set to be the largest, most expensive sailing vessel ever constructed, the vessel will be modeled on France II. The five-masted vessel will carry 37 sails and designed to make it capable of operating independently of any port infrastructure. Facilities will include a two-level dining room, an additional private dining room, a piano lounge and two-level Tropical Bar. A retractable marina on the stern will provide access for watersports.

Ship: Swiss Jewel / Estimate Launch: April 2009 / Length: 361 ft. / Passengers: 118
Details: Third new riverboat in a three year span, the Swiss Jewel will be sister-ship to the Swiss Sapphire and Swiss Emerald. Floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies grace 85% of the cabins. Other features include an on-board fitness center, a 24 hour whirlpool and an alternative bistro dining featuring lighter fare.

Ship: Victoria Jenna / Estimated Launch: April 2009 / GRT: 8,000 / Passengers: 400
Details: The Victoria Jenna will be the largest in the company's fleet and boast the highest passenger capacity of vessels sailing the Yangtze.

Ship: Viking Legend / Estimate Launch: April 2009 / Length: 443 ft. / Passengers: 189
Details: The Viking Legend will be the longest in the Viking fleet. Staterooms will have hotel-style beds, 26" flat screen televisions and a refrigerator.

Nancy Norris
Owner, Portside Travel
Cruise Editor

Nancy Norris, a former editor of CruiseReviews.com and PortReviews.com where her reviews are still the top performers, is the feature writer for The Heart of Lake County Magazine's travel section, contributing author of travel guide books for consumers and educational resources for agents. She is a home-based travel agent specializing in cruising and maintains a strong presence on the Internet as administrator and moderator for various travel agent forums.


Home	FAQ	Advertise	Articles	About