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New Ships for 2016
Watch the Horizon for New Cruise Ships Sailing Around the World

It's 2016 and the beginning of "Wave Season"—the time of year when winter doldrums set in and it's time to think of warm sea breezes and booking a cruise.

All New
2016 will see the introduction of ships that are first in their "classes" as well as some that follow a familiar profile. Cruise Diva is happy to introduce the Class of 2016.

2016 New Ship Launches:

• Koningsdam—In April 2016 Holland America will launch its first new ship since 2010. Koningsdam is the first ship in the line's all new Pinnacle Class and, while the 2,650 passenger vessel will be traditional Holland America in design, it will include some new features for the line, including ocean-view cabins for single travelers and families.
• Ovation of the Seas—The third ship in Royal Caribbean's high tech Quantum Class is designed for the expanding Asian market and will call Tianjin, China its home after its April 2016 debut; however, the 4,180 passenger ship will offer four Australia and New Zealand itineraries in December 2016 through January 2017.
• Viking Sea—The second oceangoing cruise ship from Viking Ocean Cruises offers its 930 passengers a boutique ship experience with a distinctly Scandinavian vibe, along with traditional cruise ship features such as multiple dining venues and two swimming pools.
• Carnival Vista—In May 2016, Carnival introduces the 3,954 passenger ship with a number of firsts—the cruise industry's first IMAX theater and the first cruise ship brewery. It will also have the line's longest water tube slide, which measures more than 450 feet long, and SkyRide, a suspended ride along an open-air track atop the ship.
• Harmony of the Seas—in June 2016, Royal Caribbean launches the world's largest cruise ship. At 227,000 tons, it will accommodate 5,497 passengers in double occupancy and 6,410 when booked to maximum capacity. An Oasis Class vessel, Harmony incorporates the"neighborhood" concept of themed areas as well as a new water slide area with three slides dubbed "The Perfect Storm" and a 10-story spiral slide called "The Abyss."
• Regent Seven Seas Explorer—Set to sail in July 2016, Regent Seven Seas' newest and largest ship will carry 738 passengers, all accommodated in a suite, which will feature top-of-the-line amenities, such as marble and stone details, designer toiletries, and private balconies. The ship will feature six restaurants and a Culinary Arts Kitchen, a first for the line.
• Seabourn Encore—To end the year, the 604 passenger Seabourn Encore will set sail in December 2016—the largest vessel in the fleet of all-suite luxury ships. In traditional Seabourn style, passengers will find a marina deck stocked with water toys for fun and a spa for relaxation. For enrichment, an extensive program of experts, such as explorers, chefs, and performers in fields such as arts, sciences, politics, and the humanities is planned.

What's Really NEW?
We'd like to share the insider details. Alas, the cruise industry is generally secretive when it comes to revealing all the new features they plan on adding to wow passengers. Instead of star-gazing for answers or predictions of what's to come, we'll continue to report the latest in Cruise News to keep you up to date.

Happy New Year!

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