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The world’s major cruise lines are set to make a big splash over the next three years, with some 15 new ships being delivered in 2010, and another 10 setting sail in 2011 and 2012. Among them will be some of the most spectacular and innovative vessels to ever cruise the Seven Seas. 

So what are the most exciting ships in the current wave of new builds, what should you expect from them, and when can you sail on one during its maiden season?

* Celebrity Eclipse: This 120,000 ton beauty is the third Solstice-class ship from Celebrity. Launched in late April, the Eclipse has lots of fabulous features including a water fountain that doubles as a dance floor, 10 different restaurants including a gorgeous two-storey main dining room, a beautiful pool area and enclosed solarium, a live glass-blowing show, and a Lawn Club on the top deck with a bocce patch, putting green and picnic area all sitting on real grass. Her inaugural season begins in Europe.

* Norwegian Epic:  NCL’s largest and most innovative ship to date was launched in late June with great fanfare, and so far it has lived up to its advance billing. And what else would you expect from a ship that has six bowling lanes, an aqua park with three water slides, rock climbing and rappelling walls, an ice bar, evening entertainment from the likes of Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group, more restaurants than most small cities, and dedicated cabins for singles. Her maiden season will be in the Caribbean.

* Seabourn Sojourn: The latest ultra-deluxe ship from the Yachts of Seabourn was christened in early June by British supermodel Twiggy before beginning her maiden voyage in Europe. Like sister ship Seabourn Odyssey, this 32,000 beauty boasts the largest spa afloat for a luxury vessel, four gourmet restaurants including one with a tasting menu, and the traditional Seabourn water sports platform at the stern of the ship.

* Nieuw Amsterdam: Holland America Line’s newest ship launches this month with a series of Mediterranean cruises. She will feature many of the same innovations as her sister ship, the Eurodam, including a pan-Asian restaurant that serves Indonesian specialties, and an open-deck area with private cabanas.

* Queen Elizabeth: Cunard Line’s third ship in a fabulous trio of ocean liners will begin her maiden voyage on October 12 when she sails from Southampton to the western Mediterranean. The Queen Elizabeth will carry the name of its original predecessor, the famed Cunard ship which was launched in 1938 as the world’s largest liner. It will also resemble the first QE in interior grandeur, décor and style. At 90,000 tons, the QE will be the same size as the Queen Victoria, but will feature a different interior design based on an art deco décor (the QV’s interiors reflect the grandeur of early 20^th century ships like the Normandie).

* Allure of the Seas: When it debuts in December, Royal Caribbean’s latest ship will share the distinction of being the world’s largest vessel afloat along with its sister-ship, the Oasis of the Seas. At 225,282 tons, the Allure will be double the size of the average cruise ship, and offer more spas, pools, bars, entertainment, restaurants and activities than the typical resort hotel.  In fact, while aboard both the Allure and Oasis you can zip line, play miniature golf, go rock climbing, surf in a special FlowRider pool, play basketball, have a massage, play volley ball, take a yoga class and work out in a huge state of the art spa. The ship’s official maiden voyage will depart Fort Lauderdale on December 5 and sail to the Western Caribbean.

* Oceania Marina: This will be the first custom-designed ship for the cruise line, and at 66,000 tons it will be double the size of the fleet’s other three ships. When it debuts in February of 2011, the Marina will feature special “owner’s suites” with Ralph Lauren décor, boccie courts, a Jacques Pepin inspired French restaurant with Lyonnaise-inspired dishes, and a special wine-tasting area called La Reserve by Wine Spectator.  The Marina’s maiden voyage will depart Barcelona on January 22 for Miami, where it will begin a series of trans-canal and Caribbean cruises.
As for the rest of 2011, there are a number of fabulous vessels scheduled for launch. For example, the 128,000-ton Disney Dream will splash down in January, the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic will debut in June, the 32,000-ton Seabourn Quest will leave drydock in July, and the 122,000-ton Celebrity Silhouette will arrive in the fall. Then a number of spectacular new ships will debut in 2012, including the Costa Fascinosa, the Carnival Breeze, the Disney Fantasy, the MSC Favolosa and the Oceania Riviera.

So with all these marvelous new ships ready to make big waves, the only question for cruise passengers should be which one they want to take first. Or perhaps more appropriately, how many maiden voyages they can fit into their budgets and schedules over the next two years!

The Norwegian Epic sails today (June 24, 2010) from Southampton, England to New York City on her maiden voyage. Since being released from the STX shipyard in France last week, the Epic has done two mini-cruises for invited guests only, mainly media and travel agents. However, this voyage will be the first real test of her appeal and sea worthiness with a paying audience.

So far, much of the hype about NCL’s largest and most innovative ship to date has lived up to its advance billing. And what else would you expect from a ship that has six bowling lanes, an aqua park with three water slides, rock climbing and rappelling walls, an ice bar, evening entertainment from the likes of Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group, more restaurants than most small cities, and dedicated cabins for singles.

Not that getting one of the world’s most revolutionary ship designs to sea has been without its trials and tribulations.

When first conceived in 2006, the Epic was going to be the first of three ships built to this innovative new standard as part of a project known as “F3.”  However, a dispute between NCL and STX resulted in the construction of just one ship – the Epic.

Then a series of fires broke out on the ship during its final stages of construction in May and June of 2010, which many people thought (incorrectly) would delay its delivery to NCL. And this week, the Epic limped into Southampton with a propeller problem, which apparently has been fixed in time for today’s departure.

Despite the early teething problems and its rather ugly profile, the Epic looks like it’s going to be a winner for NCL. And the main reason is that it features a wide variety of innovative options for dining, entertainment, activities and accommodations. For example:

-  The water park features three waterslides, including one called the “Epic Plunge” that offers a ride on an inner tube. However, there have been reports that the slide is not yet working properly.

- While rock-climbing walls are not a first at sea, Epic has added a new dimension by adding a rappelling wall (you rappel down it rather than climbing up).
- The sports deck includes a full-size basketball court, batting cage, trampoline, and a 24-foot tall enclosed climbing cage called the Spider Web. There are also six bowling lanes.
- To keep the kids entertained at sea, NCL has partnered with Nickelodeon to offer character meet-and-greets, interactive game shows, and special character breakfasts and activities.
- The ship has more than 14 dining options including The Manhattan club (a 2-storey Art Deco supper club with a dance floor); O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill (a 24-hour neighbourhood pub); Moderno Churrascaria (an Argentine parilla); La Cucina (a Tuscan-style trattoria); and Teppanyaki (beef, chicken and shrimp prepared on an iron grill by Japanese chefs).

- Innovative entertainment options including Blue Man Group, Second-City, and Cirque Dreams and Dinner, the latter being a dinner theatre concept where waiters are part of the show.

- More than 125 cabins for single passengers that are priced for solo occupancy without any type of supplementary fee. While these are all inside cabins, they do offer a shared lounge area with a bar and room to socialize.

Once the Epic arrives in the U.S. on July 1, it will do a preview cruise before getting christened by Reba McEntire on July 2. Then it will play host to the Macy’s department store 4^th of July fireworks celebration in New York City.

After relocating to Miami, the Epic will begin its inaugural Caribbean season, where it will offer 7-day cruises to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. Then in April of 2011, the ship will move to Europe for the summer where it will be the largest ship ever to sail the Mediterranean.

While the Norwegian Epic may have faced some challenges on its way into service, the future looks bright for what has to be one of the most innovative ships to debut in the last decade. Along with Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, the Epic may well change the way we think about cruise ships for a long time to come.

When it debuts in December, Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas will share the distinction of being the world’s largest and most revolutionary passenger vessel afloat along with its recently launched sister-ship, the Oasis of the Seas.

The Allure’s inaugural season will begin this year with a four-night preview cruise on December 1 that will depart Fort Lauderdale for Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination in Labadee on the northern coast of Haiti. The ship’s official maiden voyage will then depart Fort Lauderdale on December 5 and sail to the Western Caribbean.

Like its predecessor, the Allure is an engineering marvel that will shatter many of the old rules about how a ship should be designed and what it should offer in the way of entertainment, activities, sports, food, atmosphere and fun. In fact, some industry experts believe these two Oasis-class ships are more like floating versions of Las Vegas or a Disney theme park, and that they were designed to attract people who have traditionally preferred to vacation in land-based resorts.

And they might be right.

At 225,282 tons apiece, the Allure is double the size of the average cruise ship, and offers more spas, pools, bars, entertainment, restaurants and activities than the typical resort hotel.  In fact, while aboard both the Allure and Oasis you can zip line, play miniature golf, go rock climbing, surf in a special FlowRider pool, play basketball, have a massage, play volley ball, take a yoga class and work out in a huge state of the art spa.

In addition to making sure there is plenty to do aboard the Allure, Royal Caribbean has gone out of its way to make passengers feel they are vacationing in a beautiful floating city rather than on a traditional ocean liner. For example, the ship’s public areas will be centered around seven distinct neighbourhoods based on various themes like a Boardwalk, a Royal Promenade, a Pool and Sports Zone, an Entertainment Place and a Central Park. The latter will feature an open-air garden lined with tropical foliage, boutique shops and several restaurants.

For families, the centerpiece of the Boardwalk neighborhood will be an old-fashioned carousel – the first ever at sea. Hand-crafted from poplar wood, this full-sized carousel will feature 21 figures suspended from stainless steel poles showcasing a time-honored menagerie of animals such as zebras, giraffes and lions, alongside a variety of hand-painted horses.

The Allure will have plenty of dining choices, including traditional first and second seating as well as an open seating option in the main Dining Room. The ship will also boast more than 15 other restaurants that offer everything from hamburgers, sushi, pizza and sandwiches to fine dining choices like steak, seafood and Italian cuisine.

When it comes to entertainment, the Allure will feature a variety of after-dark spaces including a nightclub called Blaze; a cozy music lounge filled with live jazz and blues; a comedy club; and a dance lounge featuring musically themed evenings, dance lessons and competitions. The ship will also feature popular Broadway shows like Hairspray, as well as a variety of fun entertainment such as a high-diving act in the AquaTheatre, and a skating show in the ice rink.

While these types of venues, facilities, and themed neighbourhoods (not to mention 2,700 staterooms) would be amazing to find in a single resort on land, what’s truly spectacular is that they are actually on a cruise ship that has to sail hundreds of miles from one port to another each week. To build a ship that could carry that much, Royal Caribbean had to work with naval architects, redesign port facilities and use new technology to redefine what a passenger ship could be.

The result is the world’s largest cruise ship that spans 16 decks, rises 213 feet above the waterline, displaces 225,282 tons (40% bigger than the previous titleholder), is 1,184 feet long, carries 5,400 passengers (double occupancy), has a beam of 184 feet (too wide by 78 feet to get through the Panama Canal), and cruises at 22 knots per hour.

In other words, she is truly a marvel of modern engineering and design that, along with her sister ship, could have a very positive impact on the public’s future perception of cruising.

We may be in the middle of a worldwide recession, but you wouldn’t know it from the billions of dollars being spent to build spectacular new cruise ships. In fact, over the next 18 months the world’s fleet of floating resorts will expand by 15 new ships. And millions more will be spent refurbishing a variety of older ships.

Here’s a guide to the billion-dollar beauties that will be making a big splash before the end of 2009:

Seabourn Odyssey: The first ultra-deluxe cruise ship built in the last six years was launched at the end of June. The 450-passenger ship features the highest space-per-passenger ratio afloat, 250 suites (most with full-sized balconies), and granite bathrooms with twin sinks. The ship also has four dining areas, six bars and lounges, and a fabulous spa with Finnish saunas, aromatic steam rooms, massage rooms and a thalassotherapy pool.

MSC Splendida: This mammoth vessel hits the water in July with 3,960 passengers and lots of amenities including four swimming pools, a children’s water park, basketball and tennis courts, squash court, a huge spa, miniature golf and a Formula One simulator. In addition, there’s the MSC Yacht Club, a VIP area complete with 99 spacious suites and 24 hour butler service.

Celebrity Equinox: The sister ship to the recently launched Solstice will debut in August and feature a half-acre top deck patio with real grass, areas for croquet, bocce and miniature golf, and a hot glass-blowing show. The 2,850-passenger ship will also have a solarium pool, a gorgeous two-storey dining room, a creperie, three alternative restaurants and cabins that are slightly larger than on most premium-priced ships.

Carnival Dream: With a two-level miniature golf course, a WaterWorks Aqua Park, an indoor/outdoor café with live music, and an extensive children’s area, the latest entry from Carnival promises to be a great family ship when launched this September. The Dream will carry 3,645 passengers and offer several new categories of cabins including balcony staterooms located close to the water line as well as whirlpools that sit on the sides of the ship and overlook the ocean.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas: When launched in December, this beauty will carry 5,400 passengers and claim the title of the largest passenger ship ever built. This maritime marvel will feature seven distinct themed areas including a Central Park, a Boardwalk with an Aqua Theater, a Royal Promenade, a Pool and Sports Zone, a Sea Spa and Fitness Centre, an Entertainment Place and a Youth Zone. It will also have the first zip line at sea stretching 82 feet and suspended across the Boardwalk, diving performances, and an Adventure Ocean Theater and carousel for kids.

Silversea’s Silver Spirit: The ultra-deluxe ship will debut in December with 540 guests who will be indulged with some of the largest staterooms afloat (95% with a private balconies) and one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea.  The décor designed by Italian architect Giacomo Mortola will lend a sophisticated 1930s Art Deco ambience to the public areas, and newly designed wellness and dining venues will further enhance the shipboard experience. There will also be a choice of six restaurants, including an alternative venue for Asian-inspired fusion cuisine and an innovative supper club offering contemporary foods and all-night entertainment.

Coming in 2010: In addition to the six new ships referenced above, another nine new vessels will debut next year. They include the Norwegian Epic from NCL in July and the much anticipated Queen Elizabeth from Cunard in October.

The 2,090-passenger Queen Elizabeth will carry the name of its original predecessor, the famed Cunard ship which was launched in 1938 as the world’s largest liner. It will feature elegant double and triple height public rooms on a grand scale, intricately detailed interiors replete with rich wood panelling, mosaics, gleaming chandeliers, and cool marbles.

As a successor to Queen Elizabeth 2, the ship will also reflect this great liner via artwork and memorabilia and will have its very own ‘Yacht Club,’ named after the lively aft lounge on QE2. Offering guests 270 degree views and the perfect setting for activities and gatherings during the day, it will also double as a dramatic evening venue for cocktails and dancing.

Images and plans for Cunard’s newest ship – the Queen Elizabeth – were revealed this week at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping convention in Miami, Florida.

Cunard’s third new ship in the last six years, the Queen Elizabeth will enter service on October 12, 2010 and will feature unique  traditions linking her with sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, and their predecessors. She will also debut some exciting features that will give the vessel her own style and personality.
The Queen Elizabeth will carry the name of its original predecessor, the famed Cunard ship which was launched in 1938 as the world’s largest liner. It will also reference the first QE in interior grandeur, décor and style, but with a modern twist.
The new Queen will feature elegant double and triple height public rooms on a grand scale, intricately detailed interiors replete with rich wood panelling, mosaics, gleaming chandeliers, and cool marbles. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth, and will allow the new ship to reflect a more civilized era of travel.

As a successor to Queen Elizabeth 2, the ship will also reflect this great liner via artwork and memorabilia and will have its very own ‘Yacht Club,’ named after the lively aft lounge on QE2. Offering guests 270 degree views and the perfect setting for activities and gatherings during the day, it will also double as a dramatic evening venue for cocktails and dancing.
The ship’s distinctive public spaces include:
Queens Room - a new take on the traditional Cunard ballroom, with artwork depicting views from royal palaces, and photography of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family, along with its 1000 square foot dance floor for Grand Balls and Tea Dances at sea.
Garden Lounge - with its magnificent vaulted glass ceiling creating a conservatory feel inspired by the glass houses of Kew Gardens, beneath where guests will enjoy Supper Clubs, and mix dining with dancing under the stars.
Games Deck - Named after the same deck on the original Queen Elizabeth, the Games Deck will offer paddle tennis, croquet and traditional British bowls.

Midships Bar - will pay homage to her namesake liner, the first Queen Elizabeth, with memorabilia displayed from that era.
The ship’s dining venues include:
Queens Grill and Princess Grill - The ship will also feature the line’s celebrated five-star Grills accommodation and dining, with its al fresco dining option on a private deck terrace - first introduced on Queen Victoria - beautiful restaurants, Grills Lounge and sunbathing deck.
The popular Britannia Club, having first debuted aboard Queen Mary 2, features a private dining room with single seating dining for those guests in the top Balcony staterooms.
Britannia Restaurant - Art Deco decorative flourishes create a dramatic backdrop for this two-tiered dining room featuring a sweeping staircase ideal for making a grand entrance.
Queen Elizabeth’s maiden 2010 season will consist of six voyages, calling on 32 distinct ports in 18 countries. Her Maiden Voyage will depart from Cunard’s homeport of Southampton on 12 October 2010, en route to the Atlantic Isles. The 13-night voyage will call at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira (Funchal). Fares start from $2,995 per person.
The ship will then embark on five celebratory inaugural voyages:
Mediterranean Premiere - A 14-day voyage departing Southampton on 25 October 2010 with maiden calls to Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Cartagena and Gibraltar. Fares start from $2,795 per person.
Aegean Introduction - An 18-day voyage departing Southampton on 8 November 2010 calling on Malaga (for Granada), Malta (Valletta), Venice, Dubrovnik, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Athens (Piraeus) and Alicante. Fares from $3,295 per person.
Gallic Debut - A five-day voyage departing Southampton on 26 November 2010 with maiden calls to Rotterdam (for Amsterdam), Brussels/Bruges (for Zeebrugge) and Cherbourg. Fares start from $1,195 per person.
Iberian Discovery - A 13-day voyage departing Southampton on 1 December 2010 with calls to Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira. Fares start from $2,395 per person.
Festive Debut - A 22-day holiday voyage departing Southampton on 14 December 2010 with calls in the Caribbean, including Madeira (Funchal), Tortola, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and Azores Islands (Ponta Delgada). Fares start from $4,795 per person.
Reservations for Queen Elizabeth’s maiden voyages and inaugural season will be open for booking on April 2. The ship’s maiden voyage from England to the Canary Island is expected to sell out quickly.

We may be in the middle of an economic recession, but you wouldn’t know it from the number of new cruise ships being launched in 2009. It’s almost like the CEOs of the world’s major cruise lines have been watching Kevin Costner in the old movie “Field of Dreams.” You know, the one where Kevin is standing in his corn field wondering why he should build a baseball field there when the voice says: “Build it and they will come.”

Well, cruise ship executives better hope passengers keep coming this year because they will be adding a bevy of billion dollar beauties to their fleets. And that means cruise lovers will have plenty of extraordinary amenities, gorgeous facilities and fantastic new staterooms to choose from when they walk up the gangplank in 2009 – not to mention some pretty attractive cruise fares.

Here’s a brief summary of some of the best new builds that will launch in 2009:

Pearl Mist: The first small ship to have all-balcony accommodations, the latest ship from Pearl Seas Cruises will weigh 7,600-tons and carry just 210 passengers. After her launch in March, she will sail the Caribbean, Eastern Canada, and the Great Lakes.

Oasis of the Seas: Launching in November, this 220,000-ton floating mammoth from Royal Caribbean International will feature a revolutionary new neighourhood concept with a variety of themed areas including an old fashioned seaside pier, an aqua theatre, and an open air gathering place called Central Park. She will kick off her maiden year in the Caribbean.

Seabourn Odyssey: She’s the first new ship from Seabourn in 20 years. The 450-passenger luxury vessel will be launched in June and will feature balconies on 90% of her staterooms. She’ll start sailing in the Mediterranean.

Silver Spirit: The fifth vessel in Silversea Cruises luxury fleet of small ships, the Silver Spirit will be delivered in November and begin her life sailing around South America. The 540-passenger ship will include an upscale supper club, an Asian-themed restaurant, and an ultra-luxurious spa, and more than 95% of her staterooms will have balconies.

Costa Luminosa & Pacifica: The Luminosa will weigh 92,000 tons and carry 2,260 people, which is a return to a smaller sized vessel for Costa. When she launches in June, the Luminosa will be sailing in Northern Europe. The 114,000-ton Pacifica will carry 3,000 passengers and resemble her sister ships the Serena and Concordia. She is also scheduled for a June launch and will initially sail in the Mediterranean.

Carnival Dream: At 130,000 tons, she’ll be the largest Carnival ship ever built, which means we can expect even more great public rooms and facilities than ever. The Dream will carry 3,652 passengers, and begin her life this October sailing in the Mediterranean.

Celebrity Equinox: The sibling to Celebrity’s recently launched Solstice, this beauty will carry 1,800 passengers, weigh 118,000 tons and offer many of the same features as her sister ship. When she’s launched in December, she’ll begin her maiden season in the Caribbean.

MSC Splendida: Like its sister the Fantasia, this 133,500 ton-monster will carry 3,300 passengers when it is launched in July. She’ll begin her life in the Mediterranean.