An announcement for a new cruise ship is like Christmas to us. It’s like that giddy feeling you get right before you open the presents under the tree. And, of course, we cannot help ourselves, and we pore over every new detail that we can get our hands on.
With that, we give you a sneak peek at the new ships coming onboard in 2020. You’ll also find out how you can join a maiden voyage or a cruise or two this year – let’s start planning!
Norwegian Encore
While the Encore launched in 2019, it deserves your attention, especially if you want to cruise Caribbean from Miami or the Bermuda from New York in 2020. Norwegian Cruise Lines went all out to create a ship that’s an entertainment mecca – and boy does it deliver! The ship features a laser tag arena, VR playsets at Galaxy Pavilion, and even a go-kart track where you can feed the need for speed. The ship is also home to 29 dining venues (9 of which are included in your fare), 20 bars with a whopping selection of 77 beers, as well as the usual selection of broadway-style shows, casino, pools, spa and gym, keeping the 4000 cruising guests very happy.
Carnival Mardi Gras
Continuing Carnival’s tradition of fun, the Mardi Gras pays homage to the line’s first ship, while adding even more ways to enjoy your holiday at sea.
It boasts 6 distinct onboard zones for brand-new experiences. There’s Grand Central, the ship’s atrium… where you can shop, eat, play and more. The French Quarter is New Orleans onboard, lined with bars, eateries, restaurants, including Emeril’s Bistro 1396. You can also chill at Summer Landing, your pool area primed for play, picnics and BBQ joints to complete the experience. Then there’s La Piazza, as you may have guessed for a version of Little Italy; Lido, which is an onboard island paradise; and The Ultimate Playground, home to BOLT™, the first rollercoaster at sea and the largest Carnival Waterworks ever. Does the fun ever end?
Carnival Mardi Gras will debut in August 2020.
Odyssey of the Seas
If you’re planning to travel to some of the best European cruise destinations ever, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas can take you there! The Odyssey is your newest gateway to the Mediterranean, allowing you to set sail throughout the Mediterranean and beyond. Onboard, you’ll find a wealth of activities to keep the kids amused and even the most experienced cruisers on their toes. There’s a freefall simulator, gravity-defying VR Sky Pad experience, a laser tag arena named Clash for the Crystal City, bumper cars, shopping venues, spa and more. You’ll also have the choice between 15 exceptional dining venues and 8 bars, allowing for an onboard gastronomic adventure like no other.
Get ready to sail with Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas in November 2020.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity’s Edge series has always been at the *ahem* bleeding edge of cruising innovation, pushing modern travel sensibilities for cruisers who dare. When 2020 rolls in, fans of Celebrity Cruises have the Apex to look forward to. Cruising to the Bahamas and Caribbean, Celebrity Apex will carry several features from the already stunning Edge, and more. We are most excited with the inclusion of “The Magic Carpet” restaurant – first seen on Celebrity Edge, this roving deck moves up and down, and depending on which deck it is arrives at will change its service – like magic! For example, during the daytime, the area becomes an al fresco extension to the bar on Deck 5, before swapping decks and transforming at night to a happy hour location, or another exclusive restaurant.
Celebrity Apex also prides itself for two martini glass Jacuzzis, a luxurious Resort Deck, and its “infinite” balconies, which are brilliantly designed to seamlessly blend an indoor and outdoor look and there’s more.
The Celebrity Apex experience can be yours in November 2020.
Enchanted Princess
Cruising in style and luxury isn’t new for Princess Cruises, and their newest ship, Enchanted Princess, will bring new attractions to the world’s oceans come 2020. Taking travelers to the azure blue seas of the Mediterranean, Enchanted Princess features a brand-new suite category called Sky Suites at the top of the ship where passengers can enjoy 270-degree views, as well as enjoy Princess’ Movies Under the Stars from the comfort of their own cabins. These are also touted as the largest balcony cabins across the Princess fleet.
Apart from this, the Enchanted Princess will be home to all of the tried, tested, and beloved bells and whistles of the Princess fleet, including musical productions, world renowned dining and bars, the Sea Walk, and the multi-story Piazza atrium.
Be enchanted by Princess Cruises in June 2020.
P&O Cruises UK Iona
Heading to Western Europe and the Mediterranean in 2020 is the brand-new P&O Cruises UK ship, Iona. The ship is a perfect way for honeymooners, families and well-practiced cruisers to experience cruising at its finest. Onboard, you can expect excellent cuisines from celebrity chefs, a half-mile “Lanai” deck with al-fresco restaurants and bars, a new Atrium design with glass panels to maximise the sun and the sea views, a grand staircase, and a giant Sky Dome, the new home to aerial performances, interactive and immersive shows.
With 30 dining venues, including 7 specialty restaurants, 12 bars, 13 entertainment venues, four swimming pools and a whopping 13 whirlpools, P&O Cruises’ Iona is something we are truly looking forward to when she launches in May 2020.
MSC Virtuosa
Set to be the second MSC ship in the Meraviglia-Plus class, MSC Virtuosa will soon join MSC Grandiosa as one of the two largest in the MSC fleet. Sailing towards the Western Mediterranean, you’ll enjoy great views of the Greek Isles, Italy, the French Riviera, and other stunning locations. Enjoy too, the ship’s grand onboard entertainment, such as two new iconic Cirque du Soleil at sea shows. You’ll also have an easy time onboard with Zoe, MSC’s voice-enabled A.I. giving guests access to information without leaving their cabins, complimented with a new feature “MSC for Me” wristband, for easy access to various ship facilities and amenities. Want to sail with MSC Virtuosa?
Sail to your heart’s content in 2020 on a maiden voyage, or join a tried and true journey to everywhere! Simply login and search online at Vacation Rewards® orbook with our Travel Specialists