There’s no doubt about it, 2018 is going to be a big year for ship building – which means an even bigger year for cruising! With each of the major contemporary cruise lines launching new ships, along with a few new vessels from the mid-size and luxury lines, there’s sure to be something new for every type of cruiser in 2018.
Continue below to learn about the incredible new cruise ships debuting in 2018:
Symphony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Maiden Voyage: March 31, 2018
Passenger Capacity: 6,870
Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas builds upon the popularity of existing Oasis-class ships with new dining experiences – Hooked Seafood, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Sugar Beach candy shop and El Loco Fresh authentic Mexican – and onboard entertainment. Challenge friends to a laser tag battle, face your fears in the 10-story Ultimate Abyss waterslide, conquer the rock wall and glide around the onboard ice skating rink.
Plus, a diversity of stateroom accommodations presents something for all types of cruisers and any budget, from multi-story Royal Suites with private balconies to interior rooms with Virtual Balconies offering real-time outdoor views simulated on floor-to-ceiling displays.
Highlights:
Water Park & Slides: Splashaway Bay aqua park features fountains, pools, water cannons and the infamous drench bucket. Nearby, you’ll find a trio of water slides dubbed The Perfect Storm – three multi-story slides where guests can race or be swirled around a “champagne bowl” before being spat out.
Live Entertainment: From the high-flying, “deck-defying” AquaTheater acrobatic shows or Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Hairspray, to the newest adventure on ice, 1977, featuring a time-traveling hero out to recover Her Majesty’s Crown Jewels!
Royal Suites: Enjoy the VIP treatment in one of Symphony of the Seas’ Royal Suites, including access to Royal Genies, priority reservations and other perks. The two-story Ultimate Family Suite features an indoor slide, air hockey table, bumper pool, 3D cinema, hot tub and more!
This crowd-pleasing Symphony debuts in Barcelona, Spain on March 31, 2018, kicking off a fun-filled summer of Mediterranean cruising. Symphony of the Seas is selling quickly; contact our cruise experts at 1-800-377-9383 to experience Royal Caribbean’s newest ship.
Carnival Horizon (Carnival Cruise Line)
Maiden Voyage: April 2, 2018
Passenger Capacity: 3,936
Carnival certainly knows how to bring the fun, and it’s everywhere you turn aboard Carnival Horizon. Indoors you’ll find an IMAX Theatre, the multi-sensory Thrill Theater, Lip Sync Battles and incredible live shows. Outdoors, meanwhile, towers the Dr. Seuss WaterWorks aqua park and Sportsquare, only minutes away from pure bliss at Cloud 9 Spa and adults-only Serenity Retreat.
When all that fun works up an appetite, there’s always Guy’s Burger Joint – bet you can’t eat just one! And Guy’s is just the start of a nearly endless array of dining options, including Bonsai Teppanyaki & Sushi, Seafood Shack, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, JiJi Asian Kitchen, The Chef’s Table, Cucina del Capitano and more!
Highlights:
Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ Smokehouse & Brewhouse: Guy Fieri inspired this authentic smokehouse featuring live music. Imagine baby back ribs, dry-rubbed chicken and melt-in-your-mouth brisket, all washed down with refreshing Parched Pig Craft Brews made onboard.
Sportsquare feat. SkyRide: Navigate the SkyCourse ropes course, play pool, go bowling, shoot hoops, putt-putt the SkyGreens and more. Overhead you’ll find SkyRide, a two-lane elevated bike course for thrilling races.
Havana Staterooms & Suites: Like a secluded island retreat aboard Carnival Horizon, Havana Staterooms and Suites offer private Havana Cabanas, hammock chairs and luxurious rain showers – plus special access to the Havana Bar and Pool!
In April of 2018, Carnival Horizon will launch in Barcelona for a few special Mediterranean itineraries, followed by a repositioning to New York City for a summer alternating between Bermuda and Caribbean voyages. Carnival Horizon is available to book; contact our cruise experts at 1-800-377-9383 to experience this new ship.
Norwegian Bliss (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Maiden Voyage: April 21, 2018
Passenger Capacity: 4,004
From wherever you fancy your pleasure, the aptly-named Norwegian Bliss offers plenty of it! Race go-carts, clash with friends in laser tag, dare to enter the Ocean Loops waterslide, eat your way around The Waterfront or just kick back and enjoy a craft beer accompanied by live music at The District Brew House.
Of course, the fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets! Thanks to Social Comedy & Night Club’s impressive lineup of comedians, The Beatles cover shows at The Cavern Club, Broadway productions like Jersey Boys, and interactive original shows like Happy Hour Prohibition – The Musical.
Highlights:
Race Track: Race to the checkered flag on the largest racetrack at sea – featuring two stories of twists and turns navigated by special quiet-running electric go-carts.
Aqua Park: The Ocean Loops waterslide extends out beyond the edge of the ship with clear walls providing a quick glimpse at the sea below, while Aqua Racer pits guests against each other in a race to the bottom. Looking for a slower pace? Lounge by the pool or soak in the hot tub with a cool drink!
Jersey Boys: The ever-popular Jersey Boys Broadway production takes to the seas aboard Norwegian Bliss, telling the remarkable story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
Norwegian Bliss’ maiden voyage will take her across the Atlantic Ocean from London to New York City, from where she’ll soon after embark on a Panama Canal crossing to reach her Pacific Coast homeport of Seattle. It’s from Seattle, Washington that Norwegian Bliss will sail a season of awe-inspiring Alaskan voyages! Norwegian Bliss is available to book; contact our cruise experts at 1-800-377-9383 to experience Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship.
Seabourn Ovation (Seabourn Cruise Line)
Maiden Voyage: May 5, 2018
Passenger Capacity: 600
Seabourn Ovation takes ultra-luxury to a whole new level with spacious suites, modern public spaces and extraordinary culinary feats. Enjoy complimentary premium spirits and wines at The Observation Bar, dine al fresco on The Patio, dance the night away at The Club or keep that hot streak going at the casino.
Escape to The Retreat for a dip in the hot tub, feel the burn in the well-equipped fitness center or recharge at the Spa & Wellness center. And if it’s your appetite that needs recharging, Seabourn Ovation offers gourmet dining inspired by destinations around the world – or in-suite dining when your private balcony view tops them all!
Highlights:
Suites: The all-suite Seabourn Ovation features a variety of well-appointed accommodations with elegant bathrooms, rich materials and inviting touches. Words and even photos can’t do justice to the thoughtful beauty of The Wintergarden Suite, Signature Suite, Owners Suite and Penthouse Suites!
Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil: As if the world-class Spa & Wellness center weren’t enough, Seabourn Ovation also offers guests the opportunity to take advantage of a new enrichment program created with Dr. Andrew Weil, offering Mindful Meditation and other holistic wellness experiences.
The Grill by Thomas Keller: Seabourn partnered with world-class chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller to bring the culinary maestro’s gourmet dining to sea. The Grill by Thomas Keller is a refined venue exemplifying his mastery with modern takes on classic American cuisine.
Starting in May of 2018, Seabourn Ovation will grace the shores of the Mediterranean for a short season before repositioning to Northern Europe for a series of port-intensive itineraries. Seabourn Ovation is available to book; contact our cruise experts at 1-800-377-9383 to experience this new luxury ship.
MSC Seaview (MSC Cruises)
Maiden Voyage: June 6, 2018
Passenger Capacity: 5,179
True to her name, MSC Seaview offers unparalleled vistas with a wraparound Waterfront Promenade, open pool decks and outward-facing panoramic elevators. The real treat, however, may be what you find within MSC Seaview – including two full-size bowling lanes, the MSC Aurea Spa and the Metropolitan Theatre hosting unique Broadway-style shows each night.
Plus, like MSC Cruises’ current fleet of contemporary, Italian-inspired ships, MSC Seaview includes the impressive ship-within-a-ship that is the MSC Yacht Club – an all-inclusive experience with its own restaurant and exclusive access to the One Sun Deck and Top Sail Lounge.
Highlights:
Forest Aquaventure & Adventure Park: Enjoy tons of adrenaline-fueled fun at a multi-story aqua park with four different waterslides, including two racing slides that send guests speeding through clear tubes looping out beyond the side of the ship. For an entirely new experience, try Slide-boarding – best described as an interactive combination of a waterslide and video game.
Waterfront Promenade: Enjoy the changing scenery as you eat and drink your way around the outdoor Waterfront Promenade. While you plan your next adventure (or meal), take a break in the cool shade of the shops and boutiques lining the way.
Pool Time: The top deck Panorama Pool offers incredible views from high above, and is connected to the aft South Beach Pool by two panoramic glass elevators. Want to stay dry but still join in the pool fun? Journey out onto the glass-floored skywalk which extends out over the South Beach Pool area!
Debuting in June of 2018, MSC Seaview will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean with departures out of Italy, Spain, France and Malta. MSC Seaview is available to book; contact our cruise experts at 1-800-377-9383 to experience this new ship.
Viking Orion (Viking Ocean Cruises)
Maiden Voyage: July 8, 2018
Passenger Capacity: 930
Viking Oceans continues its astounding growth with the addition of Viking Orion, another sister for its current fleet of award-winning ocean ships. Designed to bring the intimate atmosphere and destination-rich experience of river cruising to the high seas, Viking Orion’s succeeds in opening guests’ eyes to a world of wonder with spacious, all-veranda accommodations.
Share a drink and socialize with fellow guests in the open Atrium, enjoy The Restaurant’s local cuisine from a constantly changing menu, dine al fresco from the Aquavit Terrace, relax with afternoon tea in the Wintergarden or take a dip in the pool – open in all seasons thanks to a retractable roof!
Highlights:
The Spa: The Nordic-inspired spa aboard Viking Orion features a pool, sauna and snow grotto – a tranquil space where snowflakes lightly fall from the ceiling. For the true Scandinavian spa experience, try alternating your time between the hot sauna and cold snow room!
The Theater: Hosting live performances, feature films, port talks and guest lectures, The Theater aboard Viking Orion is an entertaining extension of Viking’s philosophy of connecting guests with the destinations visited. Enjoy comfy sofa seating while discovering the art, history and cultures of the world!
Infinity Pool: Even while swimming in the exterior pool aboard Viking Orion, you’ll feel connected to your surroundings thanks to the Infinity Pool’s glass wall extending beyond the ship’s stern. After your dip, step into the soothing hot tub or cross the teak deck to find a table for some al fresco dining at the Aquavit Terrace.
When Viking Orion debuts in July of 2018, she’ll sail multiple Mediterranean itineraries before moving on to Asia, and eventually Alaska! Viking Orion is available to book; contact our cruise experts at 1-800-377-9383 to experience Viking Oceans’ newest ship.
Azamara Pursuit (Azamara Club Cruises)
Maiden Voyage: August 1, 2018
Passenger Capacity: 690
Although Azamara Pursuit isn’t officially a new build (she was recently purchased by Azamara), the enormous scale of her overhaul will essentially transform the ship into something entirely different from her previous life, making her a new sister to the line’s current fleet. She will receive all of the luxurious boutique touches fitting of the Azamara experience, including the impressive Club Suites and spacious private balconies.
Grab a drink and mingle at the Discoveries Bar before a meal at the Discoveries Restaurant, all serving as your delicious precursor to a live musical performance at the Cabaret Lounge. If an eventful day of destination immersion has you seeking something a little more low-key, head to the Card Room or relax in the beautifully-appointed library.
Highlights:
Specialty Dining: As an alternative to the open-seating Discoveries Restaurant, Azamara Pursuit will feature two specialty dining venues, Aqualina and Prime C Restaurant. The former to serve authentic Italian while the latter inspires with mouthwatering surf and turf.
Sanctum Spa: Relax your mind and reward your body with a bevy of therapeutic spa treatments or a dip in the Thalassotherapy pool at the Sanctum Spa. Beyond spa treatments, Sanctum Spa also offers pedicures, hair styling, barber services and teeth whitening.
Pool & Sun Deck: Azamara Pursuit’s top decks offer every way to relax or enjoy some fun in the sun – whether it’s playing shuffleboard and table tennis, lounging by the pool, sipping a sunset cocktail or helping yourself to the self-serve frozen yogurt station, Swirl & Top.
Azamara Pursuit will make her debut on August 1, 2018 with a 12-night cruise to Norway. Upon her return, she’ll sail to Iceland and the British Isles before repositioning to the Mediterranean for a collection of unique voyages. Azamara Pursuit is available to book; contact our cruise experts at 1-800-377-9383 to experience this new ship.
Celebrity Edge (Celebrity Cruises)
Maiden Voyage: November 21, 2018
Passenger Capacity: 2,908
Groundbreaking hardly comes close to describing the revolutionary innovations debuting aboard Celebrity Edge, including a “magical” cantilevered platform, hot tubs shaped like martini glasses, transformative garden spaces and the line’s largest pool ever.
Of course, staterooms aren’t excluded from the inventive introductions and state-of-the-art touches found throughout Celebrity Edge. Two-story Edge Villas, for example, offer unparalleled views and private plunge pools, while Edge Staterooms with Infinite Verandas feature a button to lower the top half of a glass exterior wall to create an instant open-air veranda. Plus, guests can really spread out with king-sized beds in nearly every stateroom!
Highlights:
Magic Carpet: This cantilevered, floating platform moves between decks to offer “Dinner on the Edge” at its highest location, a pool deck extension on Deck 14, another open-air dining venue on Deck 5 or a luxury embarkation station on Deck 2.
Rooftop Garden: This open-air, transformative space is described as a “living urban playscape inspired by childhood playgrounds.” The Rooftop Garden hosts live music and special events, such as A Taste of Film which combines food and film for a unique night of entertainment. Plus, the Rooftop Garden Grill serves up gourmet burgers and barbeque.
Resort & Pool Decks: Surrounding Celebrity Cruises’ largest pool ever are unique seaward-facing cabanas, a multi-story jogging track, the Magic Carpet and the two-story hot tubs resembling martini glasses. At the center of the Resort and Pool Decks is an abstract, yet elegant mirrored art installation.
As recently announced in The Cruise Web’s blog, Celebrity Edge will be completed ahead of schedule and, as a result, new maiden voyages have just been added. On November 21, 2018, Celebrity Edge will embark on her first “Edge Preview” voyage to the Bahamas. This will be followed by a couple more short Bahamas sailings, and then a collection of 7-night Caribbean itineraries. Celebrity Edge is available to book; contact our cruise experts at 1-800-377-9383 to experience Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship.
Nieuw Statendam (Holland America Line)
Maiden Voyage: December 5, 2018
Passenger Capacity: 2,650
With Nieuw Statendam, Holland America beckons guests to “Savor the Journey” with an elegant, yet modern shop that’s as sophisticated as she is inviting. Accommodations range from well-appointed romantic suites with private verandahs to unique Family Ocean-view staterooms intended for up to five guests – all thoughtfully designed to be open and elegant, guided by guest feedback.
Discover a multitude of dining options aboard Nieuw Statendam, highlighted by the awe-inspiring main Dining Room’s five-course meals, Tamarind’s Asian cuisine, Canaletto’s authentic Italian and Sel de Mer’s French seafood, among many others. The entertainment is just as diverse, with everything from poolside movies, big stage production shows and B.B. King’s Blues Club to intimate wine blending lessons at BLEND by Chateau Ste. Michelle, interactive culinary classes and Digital Workshops, powered by Windows.
Highlights:
Live Music: Music takes the center stage, literally, with Lincoln Center Stage – a daily showcase of chamber music from world-class performers – and Billboard Onboard’s live music and trivia. For something with a bit more funk, check out B.B. King’s All-Stars Band at the Queen’s Lounge.
World Stage: Thanks to its state-of-the-art audio, enhanced light projections and – most importantly – a 270-degree wraparound LED screen, World Stage presents breathtaking live performances from a variety of flexible stage arrangements.
BLEND by Chateau Ste. Michelle: Try your hand at winemaking at BLEND – an exclusive venue created in collaboration with Washington State’s Chateau Ste. Michelle winery. The intimate venue seats guests for a private tasting, including a lesson on the wine and its blending process.
On December 5, 2018, Nieuw Statendam will make her premiere voyage crossing the Atlantic to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where she’ll homeport for a season of Caribbean cruising. Holland America’s ms Nieuw Statendam is available to book; contact our cruise experts at 1-800-377-9383 to experience this new ship.
Looking for a little personal guidance to help you find the best ship for your cruising needs? Interested in learning more about these amazing new cruise ships? Comment below or, better yet, give us a call at 1-800-377-9383 to speak with one of our friendly cruise experts today!
Which new cruise ship are you most excited to see in person?
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