As in many other workplaces, the coronavirus pandemic created some temporary work delays and slowdowns at shipyards that build new cruise vessels. That’s changed the expected launch dates for some highly anticipated new ships, which usually take two to three years to design and build. While launch dates may change again, here’s what we know now about some great new ships you can look forward to sailing on.
MSC Cruises Virtuosa is expected to launch in early
2021. This ship, built to carry more than 6,000 passengers, is expected to have
unique entertainment spaces like a fine art museum, an onboard Cirque du Soleil
show, a multistory amusement park, and an indoor promenade covered with a
beautiful LED-lighted dome and lined with restaurants, bars and shops.
Odyssey of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s
second Quantum Ultra-class ship, is expected to launch in April 2021. It’s also
expected to have many of the most popular features found on other Quantum-class
ships, such as bumper cars, skydiving and surfing simulators, glow-in-the-dark
laser tag and the North Star, a glass-walled pod that rises up over the ship
for 360-degree views.
Set to be the third ship in Holland America Line’s Pinnacle
class, the Rotterdam is now expected to launch in summer 2021. Music
lovers will enjoy the ship’s “music walk,” featuring B.B. King’s Blues Club,
Lincoln Center Stage and the Rolling Stone Rock Room. The World Stage
entertainment venue will feature a wrap-around screen and a blend of live
performers and recorded music and dance. (This ship was originally announced
with the name Ryndam, but it went through a name change when the
1997-built Rotterdam was removed from service in summer 2020.)
Costa Cruises expects to introduce the new Toscana,
sister ship of the Smeralda, during 2021. This will be a very big ship,
with a passenger capacity of more than 6,500. It will use liquified natural gas
(LNG) fuel for 100% of its power needs, both in port and at sea.
And in 2022, Disney Cruise Line plans to launch the Disney
Wish, 10 years after debuting its first ship, the Disney Fantasy.
There aren’t many details yet, but it will be fun to find out how this first
ship in Disney’s new Triton class will differ from its older siblings.
To look at sailing on these and other upcoming ships, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AtthetaTravel
