November 19, 2004

Timestravel

New ships set to launch in coming year

By Sean Eastwood
Staff Writer

Though the ship building frenzy in the cruise industry has slowed, there are still several new ships on the horizon. In the next 10-12 months, at least seven new ships will debut and one will begin cruising under a new name. Here’s a brief description of each of the new ships set to launch in the coming year, including when they launch and how many passengers they can service. Happy cruising!

- Costa Magica, Costa—Nov. 10—3,470 passengers
Sister-ship to the Costa Fortuna, the 5-star Costa Magica will feature a wide variety of amenities including a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, an Internet café, a three-deck theater and four swimming pools, including one just for kids. The décor in the ship’s lounges and public areas was inspired by some of the most famous and beautiful areas in Italy. Costa Magica is one of the largest Italian cruise ships.

- Carnival Valor, Carnival—Dec. 19—3,710 passengers
This 4.5-star ship is particularly family-friendly with a 4,200-square-foot kids’ area, an exclusive teens’ club and a video arcade. Adults can have their fun too in the spa, casino or one of the ship’s 22 bars and lounges. The new Carnival Valor will include a 4,200-square-foot kid’s area with the exclusive teen club and video arcade.

- Century Sky, Viking River Cruises—March 9—306 passengers
The 3.5-star Century Sky joins the Century Star, which debuted in 2004, on China’s enchanting Yangtze River. This ship features all balcony cabins and menus that include Chinese specialties created by celebrity chef Martin Chan as well as continental fare. Other amenities include a gym, sauna, beauty salon, coffee bar, business center and a sun deck.

- Viking Sun, Viking River Cruises—April 3—198 passengers
Cruise the legendary Rhine River in comfort and style on this 3-star ship. The Observation Lounge and Sun Deck allow for panoramic views in all kinds of weather. Other features include a library, a souvenir shop and cabins with windows that open.

- Sea Princess , Princess—April 28—1,950 passengers
Sister-ship to the Sun Princess and Dawn Princess, the Sea Princess originally made its debut for Princess in 1998. It was transferred to P&O Cruises in the spring of 2003 and is now making its way back to Princess’ fleet. Rated 4.5 stars, the Sea Princess features two main dining rooms, three alternative dining venues and three sparkling pools.

- Pride of America, Norwegian—June 25—2,146 passengers
After overcoming a few setbacks during construction, the 5-star Pride of America will be the first all-new, ocean-going passenger ship to fly the American flag in nearly 50 years. Construction began in Mississippi for American Classic Voyages (ACV). After ACV ceased operations, NCL purchased the unfinished hull of the ship and is having construction completed in Europe. The ship will include several firsts for NCL including a conservatory, a new category of family suites, a tennis court and an art gallery.

- Carnival Liberty, Carnival—July 20—3,700 passengers
A first for Carnival, the 4.5-star Carnival Liberty will offer regularly-scheduled Mediter-ranean cruises next summer. Sixty percent of this ship’s roomy staterooms have ocean views, and of those, 60 percent feature private balconies.

Other highlights include an Internet café with wireless Internet service, a full casino and four pools, including a children’s wading pool. The ship is already nearly full for the first sailing.

- Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian—Sept. 18—2,376 passengers
Sister-ship to the Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star, this ship was designed with “Freestyle Cruising” in mind. There are no fewer than 10 dining venues, including an Asian restaurant, a French restaurant, a Tapas restaurant and of course a casual grill and buffet. Kids and teens have areas to call their own, and there’s a video arcade that the whole family can enjoy.

For travel arrangements or more information, call Let’s Travel, (408) 972-0773.