It’s a new year — time to ring out the old and ring in the new. And for 2016, many cruise lines have taken this old saying to heart and are introducing a slew of new ships, ports and features that they hope will attract new cruisers while also luring back old customers.
New Cruise Ships
If all goes as planned, cruisers can expect to see 11 new ocean ships and 2 new river cruise ships in 2016. Some of these ships are going to offer some truly astounding new features and amenities. Don’t believe us? Then check out these new ships.
Ganges Voyager II. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s all-suite ship will set sail on India’s River Ganges. This ship will carry a maximum of 56 passengers and will be the most luxurious ship to cruise this sacred river. 
The ms Koningsdam. Holland America’s new ship, which will have a capacity of 2,650 passengers, will offer 12 cabins built specifically for solo cruisers. These cabins will measure between 127 and 172 square feet and will boast views of the ocean. The ms Koningsdam will also be offering large family staterooms that can comfortably fit up to five guests. 
Seven Seas Explorer. Want to feel spoiled? Then you need to book a cruise on this new, all-suite luxury ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises. One of the best reasons to sail with this ship? Regent’s cruise price includes unlimited free shore excursions. 
Harmony of the Seas. This ship, which is set to debut for Royal Caribbean in June 2016, will be the largest in the world and will be big enough to carry 5,479 passengers. One of its most distinctive features will be two ten-story dry slides. This ship will also boast an ice rink, a zip line and two FlowRider surf machines. Royal Caribbean has even added virtual balconies to some of its rooms so that you can enjoy real-time views of the ocean even if you have an interior stateroom. 
Crystal Esprit. This luxury yacht cruise ship marks the beginning of one of the most significant brand expansions in luxury travel and hospitality history. This ship is the first of many changes including 5 new river cruise ships and ocean ships for the brand in the next two years.
Avalon Imagery II. This new ship from Avalon will be taking guests from Namur, Belgium to Amsterdam via the Meuse and Ghent Rivers. It is the only cruise line currently offering cruises on the Meuse, which is one of Western Europe’s most important waterways.
New Ports
Cruisers in 2016 will have at least two new ports to choose from.
- Cuba. Now that the United States and Cuba have re-established diplomatic relations, several lines have announced that they will be offering itineraries to this island nation. Carnival, for one, is planning on offering cruises that will visit Havana and Santiago de Cuba starting in May. While passengers on luxury line, Haimark’s ships will have the opportunity to visit six UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Harvest Caye, Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line will be adding this private island as a new stop on some of its Caribbean itineraries. At Harvest Caye, you can go snorkeling, explore mangrove estuaries or visit the ruins of an ancient Mayan site.
More Overnight Stays in 2016
One of the chief complaints that some travelers have about cruising is that they aren’t given enough time at ports to really get to know a destination. The cruise lines have been listening and are beginning to add overnights in some ports as well as extended stays in others.
For example, Princess Cruises is planning to offer overnight stays on some of their itineraries in the Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruise Lines will have over 207 overnight stays in 48 cities.
Other New Options
- Looking for a quick getaway between world cruises? The cruise lines understand that there are a lot of people who really deserve a vacation, but just can’t get away for a full week or more. So they’ve added more short cruises (five days or less) for 2016.
- Do you feel a need to be connected at all times? Then you probably hate it when you have to pay exorbitant prices for WiFi access. Regent Seven Seas understands your frustration, and so it is now offering free unlimited WiFi starting in the spring of 2016.
The Cruise Specialists team is thrilled to have relationships with these amazing cruise lines, which ensures we can offer you the best service, amenities and bookings!
Contact us today to start planning your getaway! (888) 681-7408
