One of the most highly anticipated ships is Quantum of the Seas from Royal Caribbean
International. When the ship launches in November, its 4,180 passengers will be
able to ride bumper cars in the ship’s “Seaplex” entertainment area; take a
thrilling turn in a skydiving simulator; and get an expansive, sky-high view in
the North Star, a glass capsule that extends up and over the ship. Another
amazing feature will be the “virtual balconies” in windowless interior cabins:
large LCD screens will display the image from an on-deck camera. Quantum of the Seas will sail from Cape
Liberty, NJ, to the Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean.
There’s also lots of buzz about Norwegian Cruise Line’s 4,028-passenger
Norwegian Getaway, sister to last
year’s New York-based debutante, Norwegian
Breakaway. Launching in February from Miami, the Getaway will offer 27
dining venues and lots of entertainment, including a magic show-themed dinner
theater; the popular Broadway show “Legally Blond;” a Grammy Award museum; and
a pirate-themed water park for the kids. The ship’s fun and fresh vibe will
begin with distinctive hull art by pop artist David “LEBO” LeBatard. The Getaway
will cruise the islands of the Eastern Caribbean.
Beyond 2014, early 2015 will bring a brand-new ocean cruise
experience from Viking, known for its river cruises. The 930-passenger Viking Star, the first to sail under the
new Viking Ocean Cruises brand, will bring popular features of Viking’s river
cruise ships to the open sea. These include verandas for every stateroom; a
pool with a retractable roof; and the Aquavit Terrace lounge, where
floor-to-ceiling windows open to create an al
fresco experience. The intimate, 930-passenger ship will also have a
sumptuous spa and multiple dining venues.
Cruises on each of these ships, as well as others debuting
in the next two years, are already accepting bookings: to make yours, talk with
Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.