18 exciting new cruise ships you’ll want to explore now

The shipping news

February 2019: Viking Jupiter, Viking Ocean Cruises

Initially renowned for its top-notch river cruises, Viking has expanded its fleet and currently has five ocean-going ships, with Jupiter bringing the number to six. Aimed at travelers who like to throw themselves into new cultures and experiences, Viking’s ships are quiet and refined affairs, with all 930 passengers aged 18 or over.

February 2019: Viking Jupiter, Viking Ocean Cruises

The ship will be offering itineraries around the Mediterranean and Norway during 2019 with sailings departing from Barcelona, Amsterdam, Venice and Bergen. As an added bonus, this smaller ship is just the perfect size to dock at some of Norway’s more petite ports, including magnificent Flam, taking passengers directly into the heart of the fjords. Departing on 23 May 2019, a 15-day Viking Homelands cruise costs from $6,173 (£4,790) per person.

March 2019: MSC Bellissima, MSC Cruises

When MSC Cruises’s Bellissima is launched at Southampton in March 2019 she will be the largest ship ever to be christened in the UK. There are 20 bars onboard, 10 restaurants, a shopping center and space for 4,500 passengers.

March 2019: MSC Bellissima, MSC Cruises

Spending its first summer sailing around the Mediterranean, cruises depart from Southampton, Genoa (pictured) and Marseille. Later in the year she moves to the Middle East leaving from Dubai. Departing 4 March 2019, an eight-night voyage from Southampton, UK to Barcelona, Spain costs from $965 (£749) per person.

March 2019: MS Amalia Rodrigues, CroisiEurope

Anyone who wants to slow down the frenetic pace of life is sure to love a European river cruise. With the added bonus of docking right in the heart of cities and ports along the river, they allow you to simply stroll off the ship, no coach transfers required. And what better introduction than on a brand new ship such as the MS Amalia Rodrigues? Set to launch in Porto on 20 March 2019, the ship joins six others in the CroisiEurope fleet and will operate itineraries on the Douro river, taking passengers through Portugal from the Atlantic Ocean to the Spanish border.

March 2019: MS Amalia Rodrigues, CroisiEurope

As the Douro valley is also home to one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in Europe there will be plenty of opportunity to try local tipples. Excursions cost a little extra but options include hiking along the Douro, a visit to Vila Real and Mateus Palace and a tour of Porto by tram. Departing on 19 March 2019, a seven-night Douro River cruise costs from $1,565 (£1,214) per person.

April 2019: Marella Explorer 2, Marella Cruises

Formerly known as Thomson Cruises, Marella has a new name and a second new ship: the Marella Explorer 2. She launches this spring and will spend her first winter season in Barbados – perfect if you’re looking to escape chillier climes.

April 2019: Marella Explorer 2, Marella Cruises

For its first voyage in 2019 the Marella Explorer 2 will be sailing around the Mediterranean. Then during the winter season the ship will relocate to Bridgetown, Barbados (pictured), making regular stops at tropical havens such as St Lucia, Aruba and the Grenadines. Departing on 23 April 2019, an eight-night Treasures of the Mediterranean sailing costs from $1,150 (£893) per person.

April 2019: Spectrum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Sailing from Shanghai, Spectrum of the Seas will be based permanently in Asia. She’s the first in Royal Caribbean’s “Quantum Ultra Class” of ships and offers some exciting features for her 4,246 passengers.

April 2019: Spectrum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Her first voyage departs from Barcelona, Spain, taking 51 nights to reach Shanghai. Afterwards, sailings from Shanghai start from June 2019, with 27 itineraries available incorporating new stops for Royal Caribbean such as: Niigata, Japan; Ilocos, Philippines (pictured); and Vladivostok, Russia. Departing on 18 May 2019, a three-night Tour of Malaysia costs from $835 (£649) per person.

April 2019: Avalon Envision, Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways is known for its sophisticated river cruises and the Avalon Envision, launching in April 2019, is no exception. Its route will show passengers highlights across the Danube. (Pictured is sister ship the Avalon Expression).

April 2019: Avalon Envision, Avalon Waterways

East or westbound itineraries along the Danube are available, taking in some of central and Eastern Europe’s most spectacular cities including Prague, Budapest and Vienna (pictured). Excursions range from lunch and wine tasting in the Hungarian countryside to classical music concerts in Vienna. Departing on 21 April 2019, the 11-night Blue Danube Discovery costs from $3,470 (£2,696) per person.

April 2019: AmaDouro, AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways has long held a reputation for being the leaders when it comes to luxury and is launching three new ships in 2019. The AmaDouro will be its second ship on the Douro river, sailing across Portugal.

April 2019: AmaDouro, AmaWaterways

The cruise will showcase the Douro River Valley (pictured), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is known for its vineyards and offers plenty of wine-tasting opportunities. Departing on 6 April 2019, a seven-night Porto to Porto cruise costs from $2,972 (£2,310) per person.

May 2019: AmaMagna, AmaWaterways

A few weeks later, AmaWaterways will launch AmaMagna, one of the largest ships on the Danube. If you’re used to larger ocean-going ships and are nervous about trying river cruising then she could be the vessel to convert you. Carrying 196 passengers, AmaMagna offers different experiences from many river cruisers with a watersports platform, choice of restaurants and fitness facilities.

May 2019: AmaMagna, AmaWaterways

AmaMagna will be cruising along the Danube in Europe from May 2019, with many itineraries going from Budapest (pictured) to Vilshofen and also the reverse. Pick from wine cruises to romantic-themed sailings that take you through Germany, the Czech Republic and Hungary. Departing on 5 May 2019, a seven-night Romantic Danube cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest costs from $3,699 (£2,784) per person.

May 2019: Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Cruises

Packed with unique wildlife, the Galápagos Islands are a nature lover’s dream. And there’s no better way to see them, moving from island to island, than on a small ship such as the 100-guest Celebrity Flora. The first of Celebrity Cruises’s new launches to appear in our list, she’s been specifically designed to operate in the Galápagos.

May 2019: Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Cruises

Inner and outer loop routes are available with stops including Baltra, Rabida, Tagus Cove, North Seymour Island and Punta Pitt, to name a few. Departing on 2 June 2019, a seven night Galápagos Inner Loop Itinerary costs from $10,575 (£8,199) per person.

September 2019: Emerald Harmony, Emerald Waterways

There will be three itineraries available taking in stops including Hanoi, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City (pictured). Departing on 27 September 2019, an 18-night Treasures and Temples of Vietnam and Cambodia cruise costs from $6,041 (£4,695) per person.

October 2019: Sky Princess, Princess Cruises

Glitzy and glamorous, Princess Cruises’s offerings are for those who like a bit of sparkle with their relaxation. Sky Princess is the fourth “Royal-class” ship in its fleet with space for 3,560 guests. Fittingly for a regally-named ship it continues the tradition of formal nights, where putting your glad rags on is a must.

October 2019: Sky Princess, Princess Cruises

Before she arrives at her home port of Fort Lauderdale, Florida in December 2019, Sky Princess will be touring the Mediterranean, taking in destinations including Rome, Athens and Barcelona. Then, after crossing the Atlantic, she will be sailing Eastern and Western Caribbean routes until April 2020. Departing from Athens on 20 October 2019, a six-night cruise currently costs from $1,863 (£1,448) per person.

October 2019: Greg Mortimer, Aurora Expeditions

One for travelers who really like to get off the beaten track, Aurora Expeditions specialize in polar voyages. This new expedition vessel is named after the company’s co-founder and is packed with state-of-the-art features, meaning you don’t have to scrimp on luxuries when in the world’s coldest corners.

October 2019: Greg Mortimer, Aurora Expeditions

Despite the swanky facilities you won’t want to stay onboard long. Aurora Expeditions offers a huge range of activities such as polar skiing, where you can tour glacial slopes, see penguins and follow Shackleton’s footsteps in South Georgia. You can also try ice camping, kayaking and snowshoeing, while only the very brave take the “Polar Plunge”, stepping off the ship into the icy waters, before being quickly plucked from the sea by waiting crew. Departing on 30 October 2019, the 12 day Spirit of Antarctica cruise costs from $10,500 (£8,157) per person.

December 2019: Carnival Panorama, Carnival Cruises

Carnival Panorama will be sailing the Mexican Riviera, departing from Long Beach Cruise Terminal (near Los Angeles) on seven-day itineraries. Stopping at three ports along the way you’ll see the highlights of Cabo San Lucas (pictured), Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Departing on 18 January 2020, a six-night cruise costs from $524 (£407) per person.

April 2020: Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises’s ships are renowned around the world for their high-end and luxurious interiors and Celebrity Apex will be no exception. The second Edge-class ship in the fleet (sister ship Celebrity Edge was launched in November 2018), her 3,000 guests can chill out in one of the spa’s suspended cozy cocoons, tuck in at one of the 29 restaurants and enjoy evening entertainment in the state-of-the-art theater.

April 2020: Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Apex will be sailing a brand new Capital Cities Cruise with visits to iconic spots including Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Oslo and Paris. Departing on 13 April 2020, the 10-night cruise costs from $1,995 (£1,550) per person.

Spring 2020: Ganga Vilas, Exotic Heritage Group

May 2020: Iona, P&O Cruises

Iona has several unique features, including 95 new conservatory-style cabins with an extra lounge area. Public spaces include the SkyDome, a glass-roofed area with natural light. During the day you grab a coffee or lounge by the pool, while by night the space is the place to let your hair down as it’s transformed into a theater-style venue featuring aerial performers and party nights.

May 2020: Iona, P&O Cruises

Sailing exclusively around Norway, passengers on Iona will get unbeatable views of fjords, waterfalls and countless river passages. Geirangerfjord (pictured) is one of the iconic sights planned in the ship’s route. Departing on 23 May 2020 from Southampton, a seven-night cruise costs from $1,350 (£1,049) per person.

June 2020: Enchanted Princess, Princess Cruises

Like the Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess also features a Sky Suite with a 700-square-foot veranda that has a 270-degree panorama and a private view of the ship’s Movies under the Stars screen. Inside, the suite itself doesn’t scrimp on luxuries, which include four flat-screen TVs, two refrigerators and complimentary 24-hour room service.

June 2020: Enchanted Princess, Princess Cruises

Enchanted Princess’s inaugural cruise will leave from Rome and sail to Southampton, taking in destinations such as Rome (pictured). Departing on 18 June 2020, prices for the 10-night cruise start from $1,788 (£1,389) per person.

August 2020: Silver Moon, Silversea

Carrying just 596 passengers, this is a vessel for those who enjoy the finer things in life. There are nine grades of cabins, from the Veranda Suite with a marbled bathroom to the Owner’s Suite with its down duvet covers, afternoon canapés and bar stocked with your favorite drinks. Pictured is the Silver Suite, a two-bedroomed option with lots of space for families.

August 2020: Silver Moon, Silversea

Public spaces include quiet areas such as Connoisseur’s Corner, where guests can sample premium whisky and cognac. On the highest level of the ship you’ll also find Tor’s Observation Library – perfect for taking in the views with a good book. While the ship might be comparatively small in size the dining options are extensive with six restaurants and cuisine inspired by global destinations. Spaccanapoli, named after a street in Naples, Italy, serves up pizza, while Kaiseki is the place to head to for teppanyaki, sushi and sashimi.

August 2020: Silver Moon, Silversea

Silver Moon’s inaugural journey will take you from Trieste to Rome, sampling the beaches and cities of the Adriatic Sea along the way including the old town of Dubrovnik (pictured). Departing on 6 August 2020, prices for the 11-night cruise start from $7,067 (£5,490) per suite.

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