New Cruise Experiences to Try This Spring

MSC Cruises' newest MSC Seaside is already sailing to the Caribbean year-round from Miami, Florida. The ship's greatest feature is its abundant deck space connecting guests with their surroundings. From the Waterfront Boardwalk skirting its perimeter to the Miami Beach Sun Deck high above, there is more al fresco area for roaming, dining and lounging outside than ever before.

Launching in March 2018 as the next new ship from Viking River Cruises, the Viking Ra will sail the Nile in Egypt on a 12-day cruise-tour visiting the legendary likes of Luxor, Qena, Esna, Aswan and Edfu roundtrip from mighty Cairo. Ra will deliver the comfort guests have come to expect of the line's signature Longships and more.

When Carnival Cruise Line's latest Carnival Horizon sets sail on its maiden voyage in April 2018, it will be very similar to sister-ship Carnival Horizon, though several fresh experiences will be along for the ride including Dr. Seuss WaterWorks, Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse and Bonsai Teppanyaki.

New to the luxury Seabourn fleet in May 2018 will be the Seabourn Ovation. While the intimate vessel will be mostly identical to its Seabourn Encore, the line's President, Richard D. Meadows, said, its "artwork is a completely different art program, so it will be bespoke for the ship."

At the end of May 2018, Norwegian Cruise Line will introduce its latest Norwegian Bliss for the Alaskan season. A pair of double-decker observation lounges will be perfect for taking in the passing scenery, but most anticipated will be the two-level electric race car track. The course will meander on deck for a length of nearly 1,000 feet.

Crystal Cruises recently redesigned its classic Crystal Symphony to appeal to a new generation of luxury travelers. Fresh onboard are not only updated penthouse suite accommodations and enhanced entertainment but also dining concepts like the rebranded Umi Uma & Sushi Bar as well as Silk Kitchen & Bar on the lido deck for contemporary Chinese cuisine alongside a living wall.

During a $40 million refurbishment, Silversea Cruises recently converted its original Silver Cloud into an ice-class polar expedition ship for Antarctica sailings. Now sailing for its Silversea Expeditions brand, the newly retooled vessel delivers adventurers luxuriously to one of the most remote places in the world.

After a January 2018 dry-dock refurbishment, Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Victory will emerge with several of the brand's latest Fun Ship 2.0 features including Guy's Burger Joint, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, Bonsai Sushi Express and Cherry on Top, as well as a rebranded deli and new accommodations.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' EUROPA 2 is even more appealing after its latest redesign. The luxury ship has revamped everything from its Belvedere observation lounge and Ocean Spa to the newly renamed Club 2 and Collins bar, handsomely seen here with its fresh wall mural. Even the Teens' Club has been improved with an entire relocation.

For its runs to Hawaii, Princess Cruises last updated its Star Princess with the line's plush Princess Luxury Bed across all accommodations and enhanced Sabatini's Italian Trattoria decor and menu. Also new onboard is the Camp Discovery Youth & Teen Center as well as upgraded Lotus Spa & Fitness Center, casino and shops for massage to retail therapy.