Happy New Year!

With cruise lines having a record number of cruise ships on order, the cruise industry is growing like never before.  The cruise industry launches 11 new ocean-going ships in 2018 with berths for over 31,000 passengers.  2018 brings new ships ranging in size from about 200 guests to over 5,200. If you want to ride a go-kart on the top deck of a ship, stay in a two-deck family suite with a private slide that takes you from the bedroom to the living room, or have fun in a huge water park at sea, then one of the large ships can deliver these experiences or there are some that are expedition ships that take guests to exotic locales around the world.

Symphony of the Seas – Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship ever built when the vessel goes into service in the Spring of 2018. This 3rd Oasis class ship from Royal Caribbean will be 230,000 gross tons in size and carry over 6,000 guests.

Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises have introduced a revolutionary new cruise ship that will sail to the Eastern and Western Caribbean out of Port Everglades starting in December 2018. From the infinite verandas to the Magic Carpet, Celebrity Edge will have a boat load of features that no other cruise ships have.

Carnival Horizon/Carnival Cruise Line’s second Vista class ship, Carnival Horizon will sail to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Miami. The ship will feature a Dr. Seuss themed water park, new Family Harbor Cabins, and will have all of the great features of her sister ship Carnival Vista. This includes an IMAX, the Sky Ride, LED centerpiece in the atrium,  the Havana cabins and relaxation area among other features.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s first cruise ship built for Alaskan cruises, Norwegian Bliss will sail seasonally in Alaska and the Caribbean beginning in Summer 2018. At 168,800 gross ton, Norwegian Bliss will be the largest cruise ship to ever sail to Alaska and comes packed with attractions such as a bi-level electric race car track and an open-air laser tag course.

MS Nieuw Statendam – Launching in December 2018,  carries forward the nautical heritage, signature service and classic style for which Holland America Line is known—while raising the bar for 21st-century elegance. Sister ship to MS Koningsdam, she will be the second Pinnacle class ship from the cruise line.

Viking Spirit – Viking’s fifth ocean cruise ship will be nearly identical to their current award winning ships. Viking Spirit will have an aft infinity pool, thermal suite with snow room (complimentary), two story explorer’s lounge, and every stateroom comes with a private veranda, Wi-Fi, speciality restaurants, thermal suite, laundry room, and 24/7 room service which will all be complimentary.

That is just a taste of things to come, however there are a lot of you like myself who still enjoy the traditional cruise holiday without all the bling. Fortunately with all this choice there is enough to suit everyone’s taste. Just do your homework or consult with someone like myself and I can guarantee that you will have an amazing holiday in 2018!  So are you ready to book your cruise?

May 2018 bring you everything and more…..from my family to yours!