As cruise travel continues to grow, major lines have introduced a string of new ships, bringing fresh designs, amenities and cabin options. This year Holland America Line launched the 2,650-passenger ms Koningsdam, its largest vessel to date and the line’s first new ship since 2010, adding solo and family cabins to its offerings. Royal Caribbean International debuted the 4,180-passenger Ovation of the Seas, which sailed directly into the expanding China market and introduced features such as a skydiving simulator, onboard bumper cars and “virtual balconies” for inside staterooms. Regent Seven Seas Cruises entered the market with the 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer, billed as one of the most luxurious ships afloat and boasting an industry-leading space-to-guest ratio. Viking Cruises added the 930-passenger Viking Sea, a ship that reflects the company’s river-cruise roots with abundant deck space and a wrap-around promenade. Seabourn is set to launch its largest vessel yet in December, the all-suite, all-balcony, 604-passenger Seabourn Encore.
Looking ahead, cruise lines are planning even bolder and more luxurious vessels. Holland America plans a sister ship to this year’s Koningsdam in August 2018. Royal Caribbean intends to add two more Quantum-class ships in 2019 and 2020. Viking expects to operate six ocean-going ships by 2020. Seabourn has plans to christen a second 604-passenger luxury ship, Seabourn Oration, in 2018. Silversea Cruises will introduce its largest ship to date, the 596-passenger Silver Muse, in April 2017 and has signaled plans for additional ultra-luxury ships through 2020.
Many new ships of varying sizes and specialties are scheduled to launch next year, featuring enhanced technology and upgraded amenities. Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic will introduce the first of two new 100-passenger expedition ships in 2017. Star Clippers will bring out the 300-passenger Flying Clipper, the world’s largest square-rigger, next year. Celebrity Cruises is building two Project Edge ships, each carrying nearly 3,000 guests, with deliveries planned for 2018 and 2020. Princess Cruises will deploy the 3,650-passenger Majestic Princess to China in April 2017 and follow with two additional ships of the same size in 2019 and 2020.
Other lines are expanding as well. Ultra-luxury Crystal Cruises plans to introduce three new all-suite, all-veranda ships beginning in 2019; each ship will carry about 1,000 passengers, feature one-to-one crew-to-guest ratios and offer a selection of top-deck residences. Crystal will also add all-suite riverboats with butler service for European itineraries in 2017 and 2018.
Refits and upgrades are complementing newbuilds. Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 recently completed a thorough remastering that refreshed staterooms across categories, added 15 single-traveler cabins, updated public venues such as The Verandah and Carinthia Lounge, upgraded dining areas including the Queens Grill and Princess Grill, and improved the ship’s kennel facilities.
While there are no plans for passenger ships substantially larger than today’s largest vessels, the industry is poised for new entrants. Richard Branson’s Virgin Cruises has announced a three-ship order for 2,860-passenger vessels, with the first expected in early 2020 and a focus on attracting younger travelers and the millennial market.