25 Brand New Cruise Ships Under Contract

Did you know that over the next 4 years there are 27 new cruise ships either planned or under contract? In fact, 25 of the 27 are already under contract to be built. Imagine the possibilities!   Where can you go? Where to you WANT to go…THAT should be your question! This year alone there are 10 cruise ships that will debut. Here’s a TINY sample:

For 2009: in September the brand new Carnival Dream will set sail from Rome (Civitavecchia) on European itineraries ~ transitioning to the Caribbean later in the year. Celebrity Plans to debut their new ship Equinox. In July, this sophisticated sister to the Solstice will be sailing Northern European then Mediterranean finally transitioning to the Caribbean with departures from Ft. Lauderdale in November. Also planned this year is Royal Caribbean’s Genesis Class of ship ~ the first one named Oasis of the Seas (her sister Allure of the Seas will debut in 2010). Royal Caribbean claims “We Build Incredible” and boy do they ever! This Incredible new ship will be sailing the Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale through 2010. 

With Europe being the hottest destination right now, most of these new ships will be sailing European itineraries. The cruise lines are moving older ships to sail other itineraries from different ports. Expect to see more ships coming to smaller ports such as Baltimore, New Orleans, and maybe even Jacksonville and expect to see the oldest/smallest ships transitioned out of cruise lines fleets. I’ve already had to say goodbye to the ship that I held dear to my heart, Sovereign of the Seas. She was the first cruise ship I sailed on and Royal Caribbean sold her off last year to make room for the newer, more INCREDIBLE ships. I think perhaps Oasis of the Seas may fill that spot in my heart once owned by Sovereign of the Seas!  

Of course, as more and more people become aware that Cruising is the Best Vacation Value, the cruise lines will plan for more ships. Having seen some of the ideas being brought to life by the cruise lines, it’s hard for me to imagine any possible way to top what is already in production, but I’m sure they will find a way.

Interested in which cruise lines have new ships coming out? Here is a table I have put together with information I obtained from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).