Sailing Into 2019!

Cruising is poised for another boom year, especially when it comes to new ships. From boutique to behemoth, the order books are brimming. And, thanks to innovative new onboard features, the wow factor will stay ramped up all year long.

Here’s a rundown of what’s new in 2019.

Carnival Cruise Line

Set for a November debut is Carnival’s third Vista-class ship, the 4,000-passenger, 133,500-ton Carnival Panorama, the first new Carnival ship to homeport on the West Coast in two decades. “Carnival Panorama will sail from the recently renovated Long Beach Cruise Terminal, further demonstrating our commitment to the West Coast,” said Adolfo Perez, Carnival’s senior vice president of trade sales and marketing.

Perez noted that the ship offers more ways for clients to “Choose Fun.” Features include the SkyRide aerial attraction, Smokehouse Brewhouse featuring BBQ favorites from Food Network star and longtime partner Guy Fieri, plus the Family Harbor with extra-roomy cabins and the Family Harbor Lounge.

Celebrity Cruises

On the expedition front, Celebrity plans to debut the 100-passenger Celebrity Flora in May. Built for the Galapagos Islands, the all-suite ship features staterooms and suites that range in size from 330 to 1,288 square feet. Room amenities include suite attendants, drinking water filtration systems and espresso machines, plus 24-hour in-suite room service. The ship also offers a stargazing platform and observatory.

Costa Cruises

Costa’s new purpose-built ship for Asia, the 135,500-ton, 5,100-passenger Costa Venezia, will homeport in Shanghai, China, starting in May. But, the line is marketing the ship’s March 2019 inaugural sailing – a 53-day cruise from Trieste, Italy to Yokohama, Japan—and its three segments to North Americans.

“How often, if ever, do you get the opportunity to enjoy a vacation experience in two iconic areas with two radically diverse cultures, cuisines and traditions? That’s exactly what guests from North America will be treated to when they cruise aboard the Costa Venezia,” said Scott Knutson, vice president of sales and marketing for Costa Cruises North America.

In November 2019, Costa will introduce its new flagship, Costa Smeralda. Named for Sardinia’s “Emerald Coast,” the vessel is the first in a new class and features the largest capacity ever (up to 6,600 passengers) for Costa. More significantly, Costa Smeralda can utilize clean-burning liquified natural gas (LNG) both in port and at sea.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Hamburg-based Hapag-Lloyd will introduce the 230-passenger Hanseatic inspiration in November 2019, catering to both the English and German-speaking markets. (A sister ship, Hanseatic nature, will launch in spring 2019 for the German-speaking market.) The Hanseatic inspiration features a watersports marina, PC6 ice-class rating and a shallow draft to ply remote polar regions. It also will venture to South America, the Amazon and even the Great Lakes.

Hurtigruten

In polar waters, few lines can compete with the history of Hurtigruten, which celebrated its 125th anniversary this year. But 2019 will make the record books, as well, when Hurtigruten debuts the 530-passenger Roald Amundsen in May as the world’s first hybrid electric-powered ship.

The greener propulsion reduces emissions by 20 percent and makes for a much quieter ride. And, ecologically minded clients needn’t compromise on luxury. The ship offers all outside staterooms and suites, an Explorer Lounge, large observation decks, three restaurants, an infinity pool, hot tubs, a gym, running track and wellness area, plus a science center.

MSC Cruises

The 4,488-passenger MSC Bellissima is set for a March debut. The second in the line’s Meraviglia class and a sister to MSC Meraviglia, it will include two original Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, a two-story promenade with a 260-foot LED ceiling, and a desert-themed water park. A new in-stateroom digital personal assistant will answer guest-relation questions in seven languages.

“Travel agents can use MSC Cruises’ unique experience as a key differentiator for their clients,” said Lori Sheller, vice president of strategic sales and groups for MSC Cruises. “With our deep Mediterranean roots, MSC Cruises is truly an international cruise line, and our heritage inspires our entire onboard experience.”

Another key selling point is the ship-within-a-ship concept, MSC Yacht Club.

“We find that our guests appreciate having a private, luxurious escape, but do not want to sacrifice the amenities of a larger ship,” Sheller said. “With MSC Yacht Club, we are able to create an ideal balance of experiences. Guests booking in the MSC Yacht Club gain access to a dedicated area of the ship with key-card access, a private pool, lounge and restaurant, 24-hour butler and concierge service, sophisticated stateroom touches, and more.”

MSC Cruises’ second big reveal in 2019 comes in November, when the MSC Grandiosa, the first in its Meraviglia-Plus class, enters service. The new 4,880-passenger flagship will offer family-friendly cabins sleeping up to 10 guests. While sharing similarities with the Meraviglia Class, it will also feature “even more public spaces, new dining options, an even longer LED sky screen at sea, along with other soon-to-be-announced features,” said Sheller.

Norwegian Cruise Line

In November 2019, the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Encore is scheduled to debut, bringing with it a host of high-tech elements from lighting to check-in technology. Notable features include a two-story Horizon Lounge for The Haven guests; an Observation Lounge with 180-degree, two-deck-high views; and abstract hull art by Spanish artist Eduardo Arranz-Bravo. The ship’s debut will coincide with the opening of the line’s new space-age PortMiami terminal.

Potant

Luxury expedition with a French twist is Ponant’s hallmark. The line plans to introduce the third and fourth of six Explorer ships in 2019. The 184-passenger Le Bougainville and Le Dumont d’Urville debut in April and August, respectively. The eye-catching Blue Eye “multisensory lounge” is but one feature that makes the ships stand out in a crowded field, said Edie Rodriguez, brand chairman and corporate special advisor-Americas.

“First of all, we have 30 years of delivering amazing memories of a lifetime in the yacht expedition space, longer than our competitors, and we have the newest hardware. Size does matter in the yacht expedition world. Small is better,” she said. “With our new ships hosting just 184 guests in all outside staterooms and suites with verandas, the Blue Eye Lounge, a three-tiered marina and so much more, our new ships are the sexiest at sea.”

Princess Cruises

The 3,660-passenger Sky Princess, the fourth Royal-class ship for Princess Cruises, will make its debut in October 2019. In addition to balconies in 80 percent of the staterooms, Sky Princess will introduce Sky Suites for up to five guests. Other features include furnished 700-square-foot balconies, 270-degree views and a birds-eye vantage point for “Movies Under the Stars.”

Royal Caribbean International

Taking to the seas in April 2019 is the 4,200-passenger Spectrum of the Seas. The first in the new Quantum Ultra class, the vessel will be based in Asia, although North Americans willing to venture to Singapore, Shanghai or Hong Kong to board are welcome. Clients may find it’s well worth the trip.

Spectrum includes a new private enclave for Golden and Silver Suite guests. Amenities include a private elevator with keycard access, an exclusive restaurant and lounge, dedicated balcony for sunbathing, and an area for booking private shopping experiences. Other flashy features include a virtual reality bungee experience; augmented reality walls and floors in an enhanced SeaPlex; a new Asian specialty restaurant; and a two-level, 2,809-square-foot Ultimate Family Suite for up to 11 guests.

Scenic

The much-anticipated Scenic Eclipse is scheduled to make its debut in Antarctica in mid-April. The 228-passenger ship (200 in the polar regions) combines luxury with some flashy features. Among them: two Airbus H130 helicopters that seat up to six guests; a submarine that can descend to nearly 1,000 feet; nine dining venues; and a 6,000-square-foot spa.

In a year loaded with luxury expedition debuts, the line has this advice for agents: “The best way to sell the product is to put it in terms of discovery. Whether guests want to explore far-removed destinations or ones they have previously visited, Scenic’s program digs deeper and visits farther,” said Rob Huffman, vice president of sales-U.S. for sister companies Scenic River Cruises and Emerald Waterways.

Star Clippers

Adventure on the high seas isn’t limited to the expedition category. The romance of the “Golden Age of Sail” is alive and well at Star Clippers. The line’s long-awaited Flying Clipper sets sail in early summer of 2019. It’s the first newbuild for Star Clippers in nearly two decades.

The fourth and biggest ship in the fleet, Flying Clipper will carry 300 passengers. With 35 sails, it will be the world’s largest square rigger. The ship is a replica of the legendary France II, circa 1911. But today’s version features three pools, a glass Dive Bar, water sports platform, library, and several balcony stateroom categories. Hightech engines will provide power in a pinch.

Viking Ocean Cruises

The company will debut the 930-guest Viking Jupiter in February 2019, which will be the sixth in its class of 930-passenger ocean ships. Like its sisters, it is equipped with 465 veranda staterooms, blond woodwork and other Scandinavian touches, extensive spa facilities and al fresco dining venues. Named in honor of the planet Jupiter, the ship will operate on Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries during its maiden season.