2019 was a big year for new cruise ships so you can expect nothing less from 2020. From brand new ship designs to new & improved sister ships, 2020 will see an introduction of many brand new ships and even new cruise lines, such as highly anticipated Virgin Voyages. Here is a list of top new ships debuting in 2020! You might find yourself booking a cruise on one of these ships in the near future!
Scarlet Lady – Virgin Voyages
Setting sail from Miami in 2020, Scarlet Lady is the first of four identical ships to be released by Virgin Voyages between 2020 and 2023.
The vision of designers who have never cruised before, Scarlet Lady is specifically thought-out to entice non-cruisers and first timers who have previously not been tempted by a cruise holiday. This approach results in Scarlet Lady being an exclusively adult-by-design ship, aimed specifically at attracting a new class of “sailors” at sea, the modern traveller who enjoy on-trend restaurants and immersive entertainment experiences, the next generation of cruisers.
You can expect the biggest change when it comes to dining. Scarlet Lady will have no main dining room, no set dining times, no dress code and no buffet. All restaurants will be included in the cruise fare, as will basic drinks such as soda, bottled and sparkling water, juices (not including freshly pressed juice), drip coffee and tea.
During Scarlet Lady’s inaugural year, sailors will be able to select from itineraries including 4 nights to Key West & Bimini, 5 night to Riviera Maya or Dominican Republic and 7 night special holiday sailings all departing from Miami.
Celebrity Apex – Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Apex is the second of four new Edge-class vessels. Apex will launch in spring 2020 and will feature several innovations debuted by its sister ship Edge. Among those first-at-sea features will be a movable deck cantilevered off the side of the ship, cabins with “infinite” balconies designed to blend indoors and outdoors with bi-fold doors and a Resort Deck, which features a large pool flanked by sculptural trees and two “martini glass” Jacuzzis that overlook the deck below.
Measuring 117,000 gross registered tons, Celebrity Apex and its three sister ships will have a double passenger capacity of 2,900 people, making them larger than the line’s Millennium-class ships but slightly smaller than the Solstice Class.
All four ships are being built at the STX shipyard in France. The two yet-unnamed ships will launch in fall 2021 and spring 2022. Even though she is going to be almost identical to her sister ship, Celebrity Edge, I have no doubt that Celebrity will make a few changes and improvements. I cannot wait to see all the small details that set them apart!
Celebrity Apex will spend her inaugural season sailing seven- to 12-night itineraries in the Mediterranean.
Iona – P&O
3rd XL/Helios/Exellence class ship, Iona is currently under construction in Germany and is one of two identical ships planned for P&O Cruises, Iona’s sister ship is planned to enter service in 2022. In addition to setting records for size, Iona is also the first British market cruise ship powered by liquified natural gas, a choice that P&O hopes will make the ship more eco-friendly and “green” versus other mega cruise ships that are powered by diesel.
Some of Iona’s highlights include a three-deck atrium, 17 restaurants (including eight specialty restaurants), 12 bars, 16 whirlpools, four swimming pools, a half-mile promenade deck and the SkyDome. The SkyDome is a glass-encased entertainment venue. Iona is also going to feature world’s first distillery at sea! P&O Cruises is collaborating with award-winning gin distiller, Salcombe Gin. The gin’s maiden production will take place in Iona’s custom-made still and will be distilled, bottled and labelled on board, allowing Iona’s guests to be the first to enjoy this one-of-a-kind gin.
Iona will offer a season of seven-night Norwegian fjords cruises between May and October 2020, featuring spectacular scenic cruising opportunities to five fjords.
Enchanted Princess – Princess Cruises
The Enchanted Princess will be an evolution of her sister ships with upgrades, which are also featured on the brand new Sky Princess, such as the redesigned Pool deck and the retreat pool, improved Retreat area and the addition of the Wakeview pool. Enchanted Princess will also include two Sky Suites which have the largest balconies at sea, they are centrally located on the top decks. Measuring 94 square metres (starboard side Sky Suite) and 88 square metres (port side Sky Suite) the furnished balconies will provide a private vantage of the top deck Movies Under the Stars cinema screen, offering 270-degree panorama views and sleeping up to five guests. They will feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a dining area with skylight as well as a host of exclusive amenities.
There is also the Princess Medallion Class experience, featuring the complimentary OceanMedallion wearable device.
Across the ship, there will be more than 25 dining venues and bars including the World Fresh Marketplace and speciality restaurants including La Mer, French Bistro, the award-winning Crown Grill Steakhouse and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria.
Enchanted Princess will spend her inaugural season sailing out of Southampton.
Mardi Gras – Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is switching gears with their ship Mardi Gras. She will be the first true Carnival Mega ship offering the ideal cruise for all types of guests, Mardi Gras introduces six zones onboard, with each one presenting a completely different atmosphere. There is plenty onboard for thrill seekers, but equally for those who simply want to unwind and relax. For all things delicious, explore the divine cuisine area! Or simply kick back with a drink and enjoy the entertainment. Mardi Gras has you covered from the start right until the end of your amazing vacation. Carnival Mardi Gras will also feature a unique navy blue hull art with red and white stripes, setting her apart from any other Carnival ship!
Six zones:
- Grand Central – A bustling spot where you can meet other guests, chill out on the luxurious furniture while, and enjoy spectacular views out of huge windows.
- Lido – Discover the main pool area, where you can splash around in the water, sunbathe on a lounger, or watch Dive-In Movies under the sun or stars.
- The Ultimate Playground – Enjoy this fun zone for adults and kids, which boasts some fantastic attractions including a rollercoaster that reaches 40mph!
- French Quarter – this gorgeous area is inspired by New Orleans and is home to a nightclub, a jazz club, lounges and restaurants. Sip a cocktail, or dance the night away.
- Summer Landing – The place for a little relaxation, here you can lounge by the pool with a book and a cocktail, knowing you’re close to bars and restaurants.
- La Piazza – in this European-style area you’ll find many restaurants such as Cucina Del Capitano, and entertainment during the day and into the night.
Mardi Gras will debut in August before her repositiong cruise to NYC. She will do a couple of NYC sailings then reposition again to her homeport Port Canaveral, Florida.
MSC Virtuosa – MSC cruises
2020 will see an introduction of a yet another amazing Meraviglia plus-class vessel! MSC Virtuosa will share the title of largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet along with her sister MSC Grandiosa. The ship will offer the most popular features found on other Meraviglia-Class vessels, including the LED domed Promenade, Galleria Virtuosa, with more venues to drink and dine, two all new Cirque du Soleil shows available per sailing, massive aqua park, over a dozen dining venues, F1 racing simulator and the exclusive MSC Yacht Club and Aurea Experience private areas. Guests will also be able to utilize ZOE, MSC Cruises digital cruise assistant. MSC Virtousa will share a lot of similarities with her previous sister ships but as we all know, MSC always finds a way to improve and to introduce something new on their new builds.
MSC Grandiosa will offer 7-night Mediterranean sailings from Genova.
Costa Firenze – Costa Cruises
Like its sister ship, Costa Venezia, Costa Firenze will featurenumerous innovations designed specifically for the Chinese market, where Costa Cruises was the first to operate in 2006 and is currently a leader in the Chinese cruise market.
At 135,500 gross tons with capacity for over 5,200 guests, this new Vista-class shipcontinues the trend of extra-large vessels joining fleets all over the world. The ship was inspired by the city of Florence, representing centuries of Italian culture and history. During the Costa Firenze cruises, passengers together with their families and friends will have a chance to immerse themselves fully in Italian beauty and aesthetic, which will take shape in various aspects of life on board: from luxurious interior design to dining, from entertainment to hospitality. Costa Firenze will head straight to China after her delivery on Sept. 30.
Spirit of Adventure – SAGA
Launching in summer 2020, Saga’s Spirit of Adventure will be the latest addition to the cruise line’s fleet. She will be a boutique ship offering two new speciality restaurants and vibrant new cabins which all include a private balcony for every guest.
She is a sister-ship to the Spirit of Discovery, which a few additions of her own. Spirit of Adventure will double the range of speciality restaurants at sea, though these are included in your cruise fare and don’t require any additional surcharges.
Spirit of Adventure’s inaugural season starts in summer 2020 with sailings to Norway, Mediterranean and British and Continental shores, as well as sailings to the Caribbean and Canary Islands. I just know that I won’t be checking this ship out anytime soon since Saga is a 50+ cruise line!
Odyssey of the Seas – Royal Caribbean
Arguably my favorite ship class of them all is getting a new member! Odyssey of the Seas will be the first Quantum-class vessel to homeport from Florida. The ship will feature the latest technology along with several interesting interactive elements. Like sister Quantum Ultra class ship Spectrum of the Seas, Odyssey will include class-specific venues like the Music Hall, Royal Esplanade, Two70, North Star, the SeaPlex and RipCord by iFLY. Plus, the best features from around the fleet including SkyPad, Lime & Coconut Pool Bar, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Splashaway Bay, FlowRider and solarium with pool, the most popular included and specialty restaurants, kids and teen spaces and Vitality Spa & Fitness Center. The ship will be the most unique Quantum class vessel, she will feature a redesigned Solarium area and the indoor pool area is now turning into a Caribbean inspired outdoor pool area.
Odyssey of the Seas will debut from Fort Lauderdale, Florida in November 2020 and offer 4 to 8 night cruises through April 2021 and will reposition to Europe for the 2021 Summer/Fall cruise season.
Seven Seas Splendor – Regent
Did anyone say “unprecedented luxury”? Because that is exactly what this ship offers! At approximately 55,000 gross-registered tons and carrying 750 guests, the new vessel will feature over 46,000 square-feet of Italian marble including the marble-detailed bathrooms in each of her 375 guest suites. Nearly 52,000 square-feet of balcony space is found on the all-balcony vessel – larger than the size of an American football field and averaging 138 square feet of balcony space per suite. Approximately 500 crystal chandeliers will illuminate the ship’s interior. Splendor will be the sister ship of Seven Seas Explorer, also known as “the most luxurious cruise ship ever built” so expect no less from Splendor. The vessel is set to debut in February 2020 with Captain Serena Melani – the first woman in cruise industry history to captain a new ocean cruise ship at launch!
It’s an exciting time to be a cruiser, so many new cruise ship are entering the industry every year. From family oriented mega-ships to luxurious boutique ships, there is something to satisfy everyone’s taste. Each one is unique and offers a different cruise experience, my only problem is that I want to cruise on all of them! Which one would you choose as your favorite or are you maybe booked on one of them?