Carnival Magic, set to enter service in May 2011

New Cruise Ships for 2011
Watch Throughout the Year for These New Cruise Ship Launches

While some cruise ships scheduled for launch in 2011 are new vessels that are almost identical to existing ships (Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Magic, a Dream-class ship) or brand-new designs (Oceania's Marina), the introduction of a new ship into a cruise line's fleet is always exciting. At least one "new" ship is actually a refurbished older ship. P&O Cruises’ Adonia, launched originally as an R-class ship by the now defunct Renaissance Cruises, most recently sailed as Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess.

Without further ado, Cruise Diva is happy to preview the Class of 2011.

2011 New Ship Launches:

• Disney Dream—The first new ship to launch in 2011, at 128,000 tons, Disney Dream's double occupancy is listed at 2,500, but she will carry up to 4,000 passengers. Disney Cruise Line’s largest ship thus far is also their most lavish, distinguished for its classic early 20th-century design—reminiscent of the golden age of ocean travel—and state-of-the-art technology. Playful design accents cleverly incorporate the images of Disney characters and themes without overpowering the stylish décor. Artwork showcases the creativity of Disney artists and animators. The atmosphere is never stuffy. As on their earlier ships, vast areas are devoted to children's activity centers, outdoor activity areas, and swimming pools. The AquaDuck is a unique 765-foot-long water coaster that propels kids and adults alike on an thrill filled ride up, down and around four outside decks, over the side of the ship and through the forward funnel. Don't worry, you'll still find adults-only hideaways.
• Carnival Magic—The second ship in the Dream-class—set to launch in May 2011 at 112,000 tons and 3,006 passenger capacity—Carnival Magic incorporate the new layout and distinctive profile introduced on Carnival Dream. Features include Ocean Plaza, an indoor/outdoor café and live music venue featuring a large circular dance floor, a half-mile, open-air promenade encircling the ship where four “scenic” whirlpools are cantilevered out over the sea, a two-level Serenity adults-only retreat, and a huge Carnival WaterWorks aqua park. Brand new is the RedFrog Pub, a Caribbean-inspired watering hole with its own private label ThirstyFrog Red beer and bar snacks including conch salad, grouper fingers, and firecracker Jamaican chicken wings.
• Seabourn Quest—As the third of the new class of ultra luxurious ships to be introduced in nearly a decade, Seabourn Quest promise to continue the line’s tradition of understated elegance and signature features in a larger setting at 32,000 tons. With more space, there are more pools, more hot tubs, more dining options, and a two-deck spa for the enjoyment of her 450 guests.
• Oceania Marina—At 66,000 tons and carrying 1,258 passengers, Marina is the first brand new ship built for Oceania Cruises and, while it’s an all new design in a larger ship, it includes the basic deluxe features found on the smaller fleetmates—specialty dining in intimate restaurants, country club casual ambience, and enrichment programs. The emphasis is on destination cruising in style and the décor is classic and comfortable. With a larger ship, designers expanded some of the elements, such as the staircase in the grand foyer, which has a landing with two sweeping sets of steps.
•  Celebrity Silhouette—The fourth sister in the Solstice-class, Celebrity Silhouette won't fit her 122,000 tons through the Panama Canal, but there will be a lot on board for her 2,850 passengers to enjoy when she launches cruises from Hamburg, Germany this summer, sails a season of European voyages, and then repositions for a Caribbean season. Get a glimpse of the other Solstice-class sisters at Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, and Celebrity Eclipse.
• Costa Favolosa—A sister-ship to the Concordia-class vessels, among the largest ships built for Costa at 114,500 tons and capable of carrying 3,000 passengers, the fabulous Costa Favolosa will launch with a 20,500 square foot spa, spa accommodations, and a dedicated spa restaurant, along with two swimming pools (each to have a retractable roof—the largest such pools at sea), a huge outdoor movie screen, and a Grand Prix racing simulator.
•  Adonia—P&O Cruises' Adonia, the smallest ship in the fleet, carries only 710 all-adult passengers and is considered by the line a pathfinder ship, able to explore ports that larger ships are unable to visit. Originally launched by Renaissance Cruises in 2001, the 30,277 ton ship most recently sailed for Princess Cruises as Royal Princess. Specifics are scarce, but it is expected that Adonia will receive a makeover to appeal to British tastes before entering service in 2011.

What Else Is Coming Up?

Instead of star-gazing for answers or predictions of what's to come, we'll continue to report the latest in Cruise News and Cruise Diva's Blog to keep you up to date.

Happy New Year!

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