New ships for 2014

2014 will see four Ocean-going cruise ships entering service.

Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Getaway

Launches in January 2014 and will hold 4,000 passengers.  Being the sister ship of the Norwegian Breakaway (launched in 2013), she shares the key features, including water slides, a ropes course and ice bar.  The main difference is she will have more of a Miami/Cuban/Latin feel in terms of its bars and restaurant, which will include the Sugarcane Mojito Bar (which is where you would find me).  The ship will have a new dinner and magic show in place of the Cirque-like antics on Breakaway, a Grammy Experience and Broadway show Legally Blonde.

Princess Cruises – Regal Princess

Launches in May 2014 and will hold 3,560 passengers.  The Regal Princess is the sister ship to the Royal Princess (launched 2013) so will have the same features but just a different colour scheme.  The highlights of this ship is the glass-bottomed SeaWalk that extends 28 feet over the side of the ship, poolside cabanas in the adult only Retreat and Sanctuary (which I have personally viewed and was amazing), a TV studio and Chef’s Table Lumiere private dining experience.

Royal Caribbean – Quantum of the Seas

Launches November 2014 and will hold 4,180 passengers.  This is a new class ship with even more unbelievable firsts, including a skydiving simulator, bumper cars, roller skating ad inside cabins with virtual balconies.  At the back of the ship, Two70 is a huge lounge with panoramic views by day that become entertainment venue by night.

Costa Cruises – Costa Diadema
Launches in November 2014 and will hold 3,693 passengers.  This will be the biggest ship flying the Italian flag.  The ship will have Costa’s trademark Samsara Spa, which is over three decks and also has an outside area.  It has also been designed so venues have more of a sea view, in line with current new-build trends.  New features include a pizzeria, Japanese Tepppanyaki restaurant, Bavarian-style Birreria and a Portobello Market shopping area.