New cruise ships for 2016
Carnival Vista (Photo courtesy of carnival-news.com)
Sailing aboard a new ship and taking advantage of the latest features – along with our art auctions at sea in new galleries – is a great experience, and four new ships are making waves in 2016.
We are always excited when our cruise line partners unveil new ships. Take a look at the ships coming out in 2016, many of which are slated to be among the biggest ships in their respective lines.
Holland America Line
Koningsdam (April 2016)
Holland America’s Koningsdam (Photo courtesy of koningsdam.hollandamerica.com)
Holland America Line is set to launch the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam, set for delivery in the spring. This is the first Pinnacle-class vessel for the cruise line, offering optimal travel accommodations for both solo travelers and families.
The ship’s interior design is based on the lines and shapes of musical instruments. An atrium three stories tall, for instance, represents a string quartet. Among the features is Blend, a purpose-built wine-blending venue at sea, and a space dedicated to digital workshops.
Cruise itineraries: Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, Western Mediterranean, transatlantic
Royal Caribbean International
Ovation of the Seas (April 2016)
Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas (Photo courtesy of media.royalcaribbean.com)
This new ship from Royal Caribbean International is the third and final of the line’s Quantum-class ships. The 167,000-ton, 4,180-passenger Ovation of the Seas features a number of innovations that appear on its sister vessels, Quantum and Anthem of the Seas. These include a skydiving simulator, the North Star ride that rises 300 feet above sea level, and the Two70 lounge that provides 270-degree ocean views.
The vessel is specifically built for the Chinese cruise market, which is becoming one of the biggest cruise markets in the world.
Cruise itineraries: Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Baltic Sea, Europe and the British Isles.
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Harmony of the Seas (June 2016)
Royal Caribbean International’s Harmony of the Seas (Photo courtesy of royalcaribbean.com)
Debuting in June 2016 is Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, which is being touted as the world’s largest cruise ship at 227,000 gross tons and 5,400 passengers. Harmony of the Seas will have features found on both the Quantum-class and Oasis-class vessels, including three multi-level water slides, a first for the cruise line.
The ship offers exclusive spaces for both teens and adults, and includes many of the high-tech features seen on the Quantum-class ships like RFID WOWBands that allow passengers to access their rooms, make reservations and even pay for purchases.
Cruise itineraries: Bahamas, the Caribbean, Europe, British Isles, Western Mediterranean, transatlantic.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Vista (May 2016)
The entrance to the Havana Bar aboard Carnival Vista (Photo courtesy of carnival-media.com)
Carnival Cruise Line is setting sail with the 3,936-passenger Carnival Vista in May 2016, the line’s first new ship since 2012. This is Carnival’s largest ship within its fleet and is the first of its Vista-class ships. The ship has many Cuban-themed features, such as the Habana Cavanas on deck 5 with outdoor patios, or hammocks in the Havana suites.
The ship will boast the first IMAX Theatre at sea along with SkyRide, a suspended open-air cycling ride, and more outdoors hangouts than any other Carnival ship, such as the Havana Bar and Pool. An at-sea brewery in its RedFrog pub will brew beer in large copper-topped glass kettles.
Cruise itineraries: Caribbean, Europe, transatlantic.
Be sure to visit us at our onboard art auctions when sailing these new ships!
