Over the next 16 months, five all-new cruise ships will be launched for four different cruise lines. That’s not counting the Seabourn Quest, which set sail on its maiden voyage earlier this month.
As is always the case when new ships hit the market, all of this new inventory will ensure a continuing supply of deep discounts — on virtually all ships — for Maduro Travel Aruba customers, especially those who can wait to book within 90 days of departure.
Below are some highlights of each of these exciting new vessels, including. If you are interested in being among the first passengers to sail on any of these ships, I recommend calling us as soon as possible. The early sailings of any new-build are generally in very high demand.
Seabourn Quest, Seabourn — June 9, 2011 — 450 passengers
Like her sister-ships Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest is three times larger than the original ships in Seabourn’s fleet, but carries just over twice as many passengers, ensuring one of the highest space-per-passenger ratios at sea. The 6-star ship has 225 suites, 90% with full-size balconies. All accommodations boast a roomy, granite bathroom with a separate tub and shower and twin sinks.
Public spaces include four dining venues, offering options from casual, grilled food to gourmet tasting menus; six bars and lounges, where complimentary fine wines and spirits flow freely; and the spa, which features a thelassotherapy whirlpool, Finnish saunas, aromatic steam rooms, a gym and an aerobics area. Several of this ship’s early sailings are sold out.
Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity — July 23, 2011 — 2,850 passengers
The fourth ship in Celebrity’s Solstice class, the 5.5-star Celebrity Silhouette will feature wireless Internet access, flat-screen televisions in oversized staterooms (85% of which will boast private balconies) and an excellent selection of onboard shops and boutiques.
Other amenities and diversions will include the Lawn Club, featuring real grass where guests can relax with a game of croquet or a picnic, as well as several specialty restaurants, including Qsine, featuring out-of-the-ordinary, artfully presented dishes; Tuscan Grille, a steakhouse with Italian flare; and the new Lawn Club Grill, which focuses on the joys of outdoor grilling..
Disney Fantasy, Disney Cruise Line — March 31, 2012 — 4,000 passengers
Sister-ship to Disney Dream, the 5-star Disney Fantasy is 40% larger than the line’s current ships (Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) and in typical Disney style, offers fun for the whole family. Kids will love meeting some of their favorite Disney characters onboard while participating in age-appropriate, supervised activities in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab. ‘Tweens and teens can chill out in spaces designed just for them.
When you’re ready for some adult time, parents and grandparents can retreat to one of the kids-free areas of the ship such as the Cove Café, featuring coffee, cocktails and Internet access; the Quiet Cove pool; Palo or Remy, specialty restaurants featuring Italian and French cuisine, respectively; or Meridian, a bar with indoor/outdoor seating that sits between Palo and Remy.
Riviera, Oceania Cruises — April 14, 2012 — 1,258 passengers
Sister-ship to the Marina, the 5.5-star Riviera is about twice the size of the other ships in Oceania’s fleet. Six open-seating dining venues offer a variety of cuisines, from Italian to Asian Fusion, and from French to American Continental. Fans of Oceania’s signature spaces such as The Patio, Horizons and the Grand Bar will not be disappointed, as each of these venues have a place on this ship.
More than 95% of accommodations boast private balconies and all have large, marble-and-granite bathrooms, LCD flat-screen televisions and exclusive Tranquility beds. Other amenities on the Riviera include the Bon Appétit Culinary Center, offering cooking lessons with experienced chefs, and the Artist Loft, providing instructional courses in fine arts.
Carnival Breeze, Carnival — June 3, 2012 — 3,690 passengers
Like its sister-ships Carnival Magic and Carnival Dream, the 4.5-star Carnival Breeze will feature the WaterWorks aqua park, the tranquil, kids-free Serenity area and extensive children’s and teens’ areas with activities for three age groups. Adults will enjoy the huge Cloud 9 spa, as well as the scenic whirlpools extending beyond the ship’s beam.
Other new features include the laid-back RedFrog Pub, home to Carnival’s exclusive house brew, ThirstyFrog Red and Cucina del Capitano, specialty restaurant featuring family-style Italian fare. Accommodation options include “cove” balcony staterooms located close to the waterline, deluxe oceanview staterooms featuring two bathrooms, and spa staterooms and suites with exclusive amenities and spa privileges.
Celebrity Reflection — October 12, 2012 — 3,030 passengers
When it debuts, the 5.5-star Celebrity Reflection will be the fifth and final ship in Celebrity’s popular Solstice class. Now-familiar Solstice-class features, such as the Lawn Club and AquaSpa are represented, along with new venues such as the Lawn Club Grill; The Alcoves, a cabana-style retreat; and the Art Studio, with hands-on instruction in things like painting, drawing, beading, mixology and cooking.
New AquaClass Suites feature 40-inch LCD televisions, large verandas and the service of a butler. Guests staying in these suites receive priority seating at the exclusive Blu restaurant, and unlimited access to AquaSpa facilities, including the Persian Garden and Relaxation Room.