High tech games, high speed internet service, high definition television; we’re definitely on a high!  The cruise industry is no different.  Entrepreneurs know there is no better way to get the markets salivating than to offer a new and improved version of whatever is already a consumer driven product.

For our current year of 2007, the cruise industry triumphs again in providing what consumers want.  There will be ten ships to make their maiden voyages in their specific markets.  While some are newly built, others are being refurbished and revived!  These cruises will be some of the first to fill up literally overnight as word spreads about their availability.  You’ll want to keep looking on the horizon for your ship to come in – so you can sail out on the ship of your dreams!

The newest Carnival ship is Carnival Freedom .  Carrying a capacity of 2974 passengers, each room will be a montage of historical significance.  Those passengers who are young in body or young at heart will enjoy sliding down Freedom’s 214 foot waterslide.   This new ship is a high-tech vessel of the seas!  Ship wide cell phone service and bow to stern Internet access as well as a 270 square foot LED screen will show movies, concerts, and sports events.  Rated 4.5 stars, passengers will enjoy immersing themselves in the 13,300 square foot spa.  This immense ship is scheduled to visit the Greek Isles beginning March 2007.  

Another vessel scheduled for March 2007 is the River Ambassador by Uniworld.  The 132 passenger ship is undergoing renovation for her Rhine River itineraries.  Offering panoramic views and open seating dining, the River Ambassador, a 3 star river vessel, will feature spectacular views of the castles along the Rhine river cruises.  Who will enjoy these cruises?  History buffs and medieval enthusiasts,  wine connoisseurs and those who love visiting quaint towns.

Emerald Princess is a 5 star 3,120 passenger vessel which is the newest of the Grand-class ships.  A 300 square foot screen located on the pool deck will show movies with outdoor seating.  Another outside amenity is a nine hole putting green.  Specialty and casual dining experiences await those passengers who are food connoisseurs.   Emerald Princess will sail April 2007.

Royal Princess with over three quarters of its 355 suites will have private balconies.  This beautifully appointed ship features an ambiance of intimacy.  This 4 star vessel features alfresco dining and exotic ports of call.  Although not a new built vessel, the overall refurbishing of the ship creates the illusion of a maiden vessel.  Get excited about Royal Princess as she embarks upon her first refurbished journey, April 2007. 

Through a tryst of purchases, Celebrity Cruise Lines  purchased the renamed Celebrity Journey.  This 710 passenger ship is rated 4.5 stars and features more sophisticated intimacy and specialty cuisine.  Beginning May 2007, guests will enjoy staff ratios of two guests to one staff member. 

Mega ship Freedom of the Seas has been inched out by Liberty of the Seas as Royal Caribbean’s newest mega ship.  Featuring a water park with surf pool, rock climbing wall, cantilevered whirlpools extending out over the sea, mega activities for all ages and shops galore!  This 3,634 passenger ship sails May 2007. 

The new Costa  Flagship, Costa Serena, will be the ship of space and light. Its name symbolizes harmony and serenity.  The prestigious Samsara Spa spreads over two decks and will be a haven of wellness and relaxation. The beautiful Samsara Suites have direct access to the spa. Over 500 cabins will have balconies. Choose from 13 bars and 5 restaurants. There are 4 swimming pools, two with retractable glass roofs. The decks are spacious and panoramic, and the stylish public areas are designed with your comfort and relaxation in mind.  Costa Serena, a 4.5 star mega ship of 3,780 passengers, sails in May 2007. photo # 3 Serena

MSC cruise line  hosts a new jewel, Orchestra, a 2,550 passenger Art Deco and Art Nouveau ship with 18 decks, a fitness/relaxation area, a jogging track, a sauna, Turkish bath, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, restaurants, pizzerias, theatres, nightclubs, shopping areas and a mini club, three deck waterfall, transparent crystal flooring.  The hallmark Italian style will overwhelm the crustiest of sailing passengers.  Get ready for this dream of the seas by June 2007. photo # 4 turkish bath

Norwegian cruise line hosts their newest Norwegian Gem, a 2,384 passengers, 4.5 cruise ship with twin sister Norwegian Pearl.  A bowling alley and adjoining family cabins set this ship apart.  Her maiden voyage is scheduled for October 2007

Queen Victoria, Cunard ruise line  is the newest addition to the Cunard Queen’s fleet.  A 5 star vessel with over 6,000 titles in the two leveled  library along with roaring nightlife sets the pace for this very exclusive ship.  Traditional English pubs, champagne bars, along with a Royal Court theater will keep guests busy.  White star service and globe trotting itineraries are sure to keep bookings filled.  Queen Victoria sails December 2007.  Now that you have 10 different ways to cruise this year, Happy Cruise Traveling!

(photos are courtesy of Carnival, Uniworld, Princess, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruise, MSC, NCL, and Cunard cruise lines)