2008 began with a bang, with two new ships already in service at the beginning of the year. Already in service, Queen
Victoria and Norwegian Gem both were launched in the last quarter of 2007. For the remainder of 2008, five new ships that will interest North American cruisers will be launched into service: Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas, May; Holland Amercia Line's Eurodam, July; Carnival Splendor, July; Ruby Princess, November; and Celebrity Solstice, December. What's so special about each?
Big New Ship: After its maiden season of European cruises from Southampton, Royal Caribbean's Independence
of the Seas will reposition to Port Everglades for the 2008/09 Caribbean season. Independence will become the first Freedom-class vessel to sail from Fort Lauderdale. From late November 2008 until early April 2009, Independence will operate six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Eastern Caribbean cruises.
Deluxe Dining: Holland America Line's Eurodam will
feature three alternative dining venues when she launches in July. The new
venues include a pan-Asian restaurant on deck 11 overlooking the swimming
pool. Adjacent to the 142-seat restaurant is the Silk Den Bar. A 66-seat
Italian specialty dinner restaurant called Caneletto's will operate evenings
in the Lido restaurant.
Going South: After its debut in Europe, Carnival
Splendor returns stateside to cruise a series of seven-day Caribbean voyages until January. Splendor then operates Carnival's first-ever South America cruises through March.
Hit Parade: Princess crowns a new ship in November. Ruby
Princess will be nearly identical to the recently introduced Emerald Princess and Crown Princess. Princess' newest ship will sail from Fort Lauderdale on Caribbean itineraries through April 2009.
Winter's Solstice: Just announced: Celebrity
Solstice will feature new gathering spots, including the Cellar Masters
wine bar (offering "unexpected" wine pairings), Quasar (contemporary design
nightclub with a hint of the disco era), the Sky Observation Lounge (with
floor-to-ceiling windows) and Galleria Tastings (for a variety of samplings
of food and beverages). Celebrity Solstice will sail seven-night Eastern
Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale starting in December next
year.
