In
its 2014 Cruise Trends survey, Cruise Holidays International asked its experts across
the U.S. and Canada which is the most-anticipated new ship for 2014. The
overwhelming choice was Royal Caribbean
International’s Quantum of the Seas.
While this ship won’t launch until November, it’s been
open for booking since May 2013. With unique features like a skydiving
simulator, a glass capsule that rises 300 feet above the water for wonderful
360-degree views, and virtual balconies that bring outdoor visuals to inside
staterooms, it’s no wonder the ship accounts for nearly 20% of all Cruise
Holidays cruise bookings looking into 2015. Quantum
of the Seas will sail from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), N.J., to the Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean and
Southern Caribbean.
Viking
Cruises is ready to meet the growing demand for European river cruises with 14 new
ships set to launch this year. By the end of 2014, Viking will have introduced
30 new ships in a three-year period, the most rapid fleet expansion ever seen
in the cruise industry.
The
award-winning design of AmaWaterways’ AmaPrima
will be repeated in two new ships in 2014, the AmaReina and the AmaSonata.
Guests will enjoy a choice of dining venues, a pool and swim-up bar, and a
fleet of bicycles for riding along Europe’s scenic riverside bike trails.
When
Uniworld launches the S.S. Catherine
in April, it will be one of the river cruise line’s largest ships, ready to
welcome 159 passengers to elegantly furnished staterooms. The luxury ship will
be perfectly suited to sailing the rivers of France.
The
Regal Princess from Princess Cruises will
debut in May, a month earlier than originally planned. Special features include
a dramatic, glass-bottomed SeaWalk that extends more than 28 feet over the
water. This ship will sail six- and seven-day itineraries between Athens and
Venice.
In
addition, watch for the new river cruise ships Poetry II, Illumination
and Impression from Avalon Waterways;
the ms Inspire and ms Savor from Tauck River Cruises; and
the deep water ship Norwegian Getaway
from Norwegian Cruise Lines.
To
pick the new ship you’d like to experience this year, talk with Anita, your
Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
