Trying to decide which cruise to book? Here are the top new cruise ships launching in 2019 we can’t wait to see…
Cruising is becoming more popular year on year and it’s no wonder, what with the new advances and exciting entertainment and offerings on board. Cruising is just as much about the ship you are sailing on, as it is the places you sail to and this is why we have put together our top new cruise ships launching in 2019 we can’t wait to see…
MSC Bellissima
A bit about it: MSC Bellissima is set to carry 4,415 guests and will offer 12 international dining venues and 20 bars, as well as two brand new Cirque du Soleil shows designed specifically for the MSC Belissima. There will be the longest LED dome at sea with the entire ceiling of the inside promenade covered by a giant 480 sq.m LED screen. There are all new pools, a desert themed Water Park, Full size bowling alley and so much more.
We Love: The new digital cruise assistant Zoe – this will use smart-watch technology and will see you secure dinner reservations, make purchases, geolocate your family members and review your shipboard account. It will totally revolutionise the way you cruise.
When it’s launching: March 2019
More info: MSC Bellissima
Norwegian encore
A bit about it: The Norwegian Encore is the fourth in the Breakaway Plus-Class NCL vessel, joining sister-ships Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss. It is set to carry 4,200 passengers with the majority of the staterooms on-board being balcony rooms. There will be 11 complimentary dining options as well as signature speciality restaurants such as Le Bistro, La Cucina, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Bayamo. There will be 2 whirlpools, a thermal suite, a Ferrari race track, open-air laser tag course, Aqua park with double aqua loop as well as two main pools.
We Love: The launch of “Haven” an exclusive area with an outdoor terrace, private restaurant, courtyard area covered with retractable roof, swimming pool, whirlpools, spa treatment rooms, sauna and private sundeck.
When it’s launching: November 2019
More info: Norwegian Encore
Sky Princess
A bit about it: Sky Princess is the newest Princess addition and will hold 3,660 guests on board. It is set to feature sixteen bars and restaurants as well as a luxurious spa to relax and indulge in. The majority of cabins have private balcony views and this ship also introduces the new Sky Suites cabin category – these are the fleet’s largest cabins with the largest balconies, sleep five people and feature 270 degree top-deck views. There are three included dining options as well as other speciality options which require a fee to eat there. Entertainment wise, there is a large theatre, casino, LED screen outdoor cinema, games lounge and swimming pools.
We Love: Princess Live – a new entertainment venue where you can enjoy a range of food and drinks as a host of everchanging live performances take to the stage.
When it’s launching: December 2019
More info: Sky Princess
Viking Jupiter
A bit about it: Viking Jupiter offers an intimate, all-veranda ship with a host of benefits included such as luxury linens and king size beds. The ship is set to hold 930 guests, and will include a spa with rooms such as a snow grotto and sauna. There will be a main pool with a poolside bar and a movie screen to watch films under the stars in the evening. There will be a theatre which will show first-run movies, destination themed entertainment, live performances and so much more. There is no additional charge for multiple dining options and there is carefully curated destination-focused dining based on your itinerary.
We Love: The main restaurant that can be converted from an open air venue to a cosy dining room with a simple press of a button.
When it’s launching: February 2019
More info: Viking Jupiter
Carnival Panorama
A bit about it: Carnival call themselves the Maximisers of Fun and the new Carnival Panorama is a fine example. Set to carry 3,960 passengers, it will be Carnival’s largest ship. It will feature the industry’s first open-air pedal-powered aerial ride where riders have to climb on-board a hanging bike and “cycle their way around an 800ft suspended track, 150ft above sea level. There is also a SkyCourse ropes circuit, Ping-Pong, Dr Seuss Waterworks themed water park, mini golf and a Thrill Theatre alongside numerous pools. Dine in over ten restaurants and bars, from a burger joint to a Japanese restaurant, steakhouse and seafood restaurant.
We Love: SkyZone – a new two deck high indoor trampoline park (the first one at sea) in partner with Sky Zone. that includes several courts for jumping, bouncing and also games or dodgeball and basketball.
When it’s launching: December 2019
More info: Carnival Panorama
Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady
A bit about it: Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady is the first Virgin Cruise ship to launch and is aimed at those aged 18-35. Set to hold 2,750 guests it will feature 20 different restaurants and bars and unlike traditional cruise dining, bosses reveal plans to switch up meal times. In a “Virgin Twist” on formal dinners, they promise to turn buffet meals and assigned seats on their heads. As well as pools and theatre shows, there will also be a tattoo parlour on board as well as mixology classes and a host of other activities. The interiors are set to be more lifestyle focused and contemporary, curated by designers who have worked on the Ace Hotel chain and Virgin Atlantic Upper Class. There will be a focus on wellbeing, with a Crows Nest that not only offers a 360-degree view, but also a spot for secluded sunrise and sunset yoga. There will be a Virgin red running track, outdoor training zone with boxing ring, strength and gym equipment, bike rooms, MyBeast, an artistic adult playground and fitness apparatus, will add a Venice Beach-like atmosphere to the pool.
We Love: At night you can attend evening spa parties and to get pampered you can head to the standalone dry bar, barbershop and mani-pedi spa.
When it’s launching: Bookings start in February 2019, ready for it’s first sail in 2020
More info: Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady
These are our top cruise ships launching in 2019 – which are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below!
