There’s a host of new cruise ships setting sail in 2016. To help you find which one to try, we got Adam Coulter of Cruise Critic to give his lowdown on the new cruise ships for 2016.
Next year is a busy, and exciting year for cruises, with seven new cruise ship launches, five of which will take position as the largest in each line’s fleet, and one will be the largest in the world.
This is of course great news for travellers as it means more choice than ever. However, more choice can make selecting the perfect cruise more challenging, so here’s my take on what each will offer.
Holland America Line
Name: Koningsdam
Date: April 2016
Passengers: 2,650
Koningsdam will be the largest addition to Holland America Line’s fleet, and the first new ship in six years. Koningsdam will sail the Mediterranean shortly after its April 2016 launch, followed by a summer series of Baltic, British Isles and Northern Europe itineraries before it repositions to Fort Lauderdale. Onboard entertainment and activities include a music area featuring various music genres, and a 270-degree LED projection performance stage, which will immerse the audience in panoramic visual and sound effects. Wine lovers can create their own wine in a purpose-built blending room.
Royal Caribbean
Name: Ovation of the Seas
Date: April 2016
Passengers: 4,180
Ovation of the Seas joins sister ships Quantum of the Seas, and Anthem of the Seas. Packed with onboard entertainment and activities, it will also feature onboard bumper cars and a skydiving simulator, as well as the North Star viewing pod, meaning there is much on offer for families. Ovation of the Seas will be based in China year-round.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Name: Viking Sea
Date: April 2016
Passengers: 930
Building on the success of the Viking river brand, Viking Ocean Cruises launched in 2015. Viking Sea is the second of six ships to debut, and will incorporate riverboat features including an alfresco dining venue, an infinity pool with glass windows offering sea views, and a main pool, which includes a retractable roof. Viking Sea will offer destination-focused experiences, with few sea days.
Carnival Cruise Line
Name: Carnival Vista
Date: May 2016
Passengers: 4,000
Carnival Vista will be the line’s largest ship, and the first in the Vista Class, with a second ship scheduled for 2018. Features include an IMAX theatre; a 450-foot waterslide; a pedal-powered, open-air aerial ride, located 150 feet above the sea, and more than twenty dining and drinking options, including an at-sea brewery.
Royal Caribbean
Name: Harmony of the Seas
Date: June 2016
Passengers: 5,400
Harmony of the Seas is the third addition to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class, and will be joined by a fourth ship in mid-2018. These ships will be the largest cruise ships in the world. Features include a zip line, three multilevel waterslides and two surf simulators.
Regent Seven Seas
Name: Regent Seven Seas Explorer
Date: July 2016
Passengers: 738
Pledging to be ‘the most luxurious ship ever built’, Explorer will be the line’s first ship in more than a decade… and largest. Key features include a main theatre, which will host a wide range of activities, from cooking classes in the morning to concert recitals and theatrical performances at night. The ship will also host the line’s first culinary centre, which is designed to mirror the world-renowned cooking schools of France and includes 18 individual cooking stations.
Seabourn
Name: Seabourn Encore
Date: December 2016
Passengers: 604
Another addition to the cruise industry’s luxury options, Seabourn Encore is the first of two launches, and will be followed by Seabourn Ovation. These new ships will be the line’s largest. While onboard cruisers can enjoy food created by Thomas Keller, the chef behind Michelin-starred restaurants – The French Laundry, Per Se, and Bouchon.
