As one who would rather look forward than back, I’ll be focusing on what’s new and interesting in 2008.  New ships are frequently the most exciting part of the cruise industry so I’ll start with this. While fewer vessels will enter service in 2008 than in previous years, there will be an enormous number of new berths to fill.  Both Celebrity and Holland America will launch vessels that will be the largest in their fleet. 

If there’s one “star” slated to begin service next year, it’s Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice, the first in a series of solstice-class ships.  Since Celebrity has a history of building beautiful, innovative ships, I’m particularly looking forward to visiting the ship.

Independence of the Seas, Royal Caribbean.  The 4,375-passenger ship enters service May 17, 2008.  A sister ship of Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, she will join the ranks of being the largest ocean-going passenger vessels afloat.  Like its sisters, Independence of the Seas will feature an interactive water park with the FlowRider wave generator, a rock-climbing wall and ice-skating rink, whirlpools that extend from the ship’s sides, and a full-size Everlast boxing ring. Each cabin contains a flat-screen television, and there is Wi-Fi capability throughout the ship. More than 800 cabins feature private balconies, and a few of the ship’s suites can accommodate up to 8 guests.

Eurodam, Holland America, is the largest ever constructed for HAL.  Carrying, 2,044 passengers, she enters service July 2, 2008 and will spend part of her first season cruising from New York. New innovations to be featured throughout the ship’s 11 passenger decks include a topside Pan-Asian restaurant and lounge surrounded by spectacular views, a new Italian specialty restaurant, more shops,  a new atrium bar area, a reconfigured show lounge with theater-style seating.  This ship has her own blog, Eurodam News, where you can watch each step of the building. 

Carnival’s newest, largest and most innovative ship to date, Carnival Splendor will feature the Seaside Theatre, a retractable sky dome and a two-deck spa providing an extensive array of treatments and facilities. Guests who stay in one of 68 “spa staterooms” will receive private access to the spa, as well as complimentary fitness classes and wellness-oriented cabin amenities. While parents relax and unwind, younger passengers can stay entertained at the onboard water spray park, the teen club and the two-level, 5,500-square-foot children’s play area, the largest in the Carnival fleet.

Ruby Princess, Princess, scheduled to enter service November 15, 2008, is sure to be another big hit for Princess.  As sister ship of the beautiful Emerald and Crown Princess, Ruby Princess will carry 3,080 passengers.   Expect the lovely piazza-style atrium lined by cafes and eateries and “street performers” . In addition to three main dining rooms, the 5-star ship will offer a variety of specialty restaurants including Sabatini’s Italian trattoria; Crown Grill, serving steak and seafood; and an adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary. Onboard amenities include the Lotus Spa, the poolside Movies Under the Stars, an extensive children’s and teen’s center and a wedding chapel.

Entering service December 14, 2008 is Celebrity Solstice, the first of Celebrity Cruises new Solstice class.  She will carry 2,852 passengers, boast larger cabins and suites and more storage space.  The Solstice’s cabins will feature flat-screen televisions and spacious bathrooms. Celebrity will debut an all-new class of veranda staterooms on the Solstice, called “AquaClass.” Passengers traveling in these accommodations will have unlimited access to the AquaSpa relaxation room and the Persian Garden, a unique aromatherapy steam room. Additionally, AquaClass guests will receive complimentary dining in Blu, an exclusive and intimate specialty restaurant.

RE-NAMED OR REFURBISHED

Norwegian cruise line has scaled back it’s Hawaii cruise program.  The former Pride of Hawaii (built in 2006) will start sailing as Norwegian Jade February 16, 2008.  Carrying 2,816 passengers, Norwegian Jade will offer 12 international restaurants, including French Mediterranean; Asian fusion; Japanese teppanyaki, sushi and sashimi; and an all-American steakhouse. Onboard nightlife options include 10 different bars and lounges and Broadway-style shows in the Stardust Theater. Top-of-the-line accommodations include the immense 5,750-square-foot Garden Villas, which share a private-access courtyard with a pool, hot tub, exercise room, sundeck, cabanas and other deluxe amenities.

Cruise West will introduce the Spirit of Glacier Bay  May 6, 2008 on the company’s popular Alaska itineraries.  Carrying 102 passengers, the ship is the ex-
Spirit of Nantucket.  The interior of this 3-star ship is stylish and quietly elegant with light wood accents, and the Observation Lounge features expansive picture windows, a video and lending library, plus plenty of cozy spaces for private conversations. All staterooms have ocean views, featuring wide picture windows or portholes.

(New vessels really do have a ”new cruise ship smell”!)  As I said, I’m most looking forward to Celebrity Solstice.  Any of the above new cruise ships sound particularly enticing to you? 

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