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2016 was a banner year for the launch of new cruise ships. And while Royal Caribbean and Carnival have no new ships on the docket for this year, we count 13 new ships that will hit the water in 2017 (not including river cruise ships).
These are big, modern smart ships — some of which cost upward of a billion dollars apiece (Norwegian Joy's price tag was $920 million) — with enhanced onboard amenities, outstanding dining options and wide-ranging itineraries. So the cruise industry continues to thrive as the Cruise Lines International Association estimates that 25.3 million people worldwide this year will take a cruise.
Want to book an early voyage? You better get a move on! Some of these ships' itineraries are already completely sold out for the first six months after launch.
Here is what's on tap: the 12 biggest cruise ship debuts of 2017, with ships appearing in roughly this order.
Cruise line: Seabourn
Launch date: Jan. 7, 2017 in Singapore.
Ship capacity: 604 passengers
Highlights: First out of the gate for 2017, Seabourn Encore was christened in Singapore on Saturday and is now en route to Australia. She'll head to New Zealand and Singapore before arriving in the Mediterranean in April. No plans for cruises in U.S. waters just yet. The uber-posh Encore, designed by Adam D. Tihany, features all-suite accommodations with larger verandas and bigger public rooms that will include a greatly expanded Seabourn Square (the ship’s hub with computers, books, barista-operated coffee bar and reception area). She also offers a new restaurant created by celebrity chef Thomas Keller. While the architecture of the ship is similar to the other three Seabourn ships, the interiors represent the kind of luxury found on private yachts.
A 1-minute Viking video on its new fleet of ocean ships.
Cruise line: Viking Ocean Cruises
Expected launch date: Feb. 25, 2017 in Barcelona. The only U.S. ports along the ship's itineraries are Boston and New York in October 2017.
Ship capacity: 930 passengers
Highlights: Viking plans to debut its third ocean cruise ship, Viking Sky, in February 2017. Similar to its sister ships, Viking Star and Viking Sea, the 930-passenger Viking Sky will focus on destination immersion, giving guests ample time to explore ports large and small. Viking provides free shore tours. A lovely three-deck atrium will let you watch musicians playing regional and classical music.
Cruise line: Celebrity Cruises
Expected launch date: March 23, 2017 in the Galapagos. This specialty luxury expedition ship sticks to the Galapagos region.
Ship capacity: 48 passengers
Highlights: When it debuts in March, the refurbished Celebrity Xperience will provide an array of all-inclusive cruises and a choice of all-inclusive vacations to the Galapagos. With 24 stylish staterooms — each featuring an ocean view and detailed extras that make a big difference — you'll be able to meet fellow passengers and receive an even higher level of personal attention. The ship's capacity of just 48 passengers and active itineraries attract a younger, better educated demographic.
Cruise line: Celebrity Cruises
Expected launch date: March 23, 2017 in the Galapagos. This specialty luxury expedition ship sticks to the Galapagos region.
Ship capacity: 16 passengers
Highlights: On the same day that Celebrity Xperience is launching, the small 16-guest catamaran Celebrity Xploration will also begin regular sailings in the Galapagos. Look for intuitive service and creature comforts galore on this intimate ship. Xploration is ideal for family get-togethers, getaways with friends and groups (friends, relatives, fellow hobbyists) that want to explore together. Celebrity Xploration features itineraries with ports of call no other cruise ship visits.
Cruise line: Princess Cruises
Expected launch date: April 4, 2017, out of Rome. She will then reposition to China.
Ship capacity: 3,600 passengers
Highlights: Majestic Princess sets sail with a voyages throughout the Mediterranean in April-May 2017 before she repositions to China. She is a sister ship to Princess's most recent ships, Regal Princess and Royal Princess. Majestic Princess will offer several new features with a Chinese flair, and she is also the first ship in the fleet to feature a brand-new Seawitch livery design at her bow with hair flowing toward the stern.
Silver Muse
Cruise line: Silversea
Expected launch date: April 10, 2017, in Monte Carlo. The first U.S. sailing will feature a 14-night itinerary to Canada and New England out of Ft. Lauderdale in September 2017.
Ship capacity: 596 passengers
Highlights: When it debuts in the spring, Silver Muse will become the flagship of this well-regarded luxury line. Silversea took the best of its Slver Spirit and extended her amenities and technological touches. Look for a new level of ultra-luxury ocean travel as Silver Muse wisks around the globe to places like Bordeaux, Lisbon, Quebec City, Bonaire, Buenos Aires and much more. (See all of Silver Muse's 2017 sailings.) Small-ship intimacy combines with spacious all-suite accommodations and first-rate service (including butlers) to add up to a memorable experience.
Cruise line: American Cruise Lines
Expected launch date: May 6, 2017 out of Baltimore
Ship capacity: 163 passengers
Highlights: Who says you need to go abroad to enjoy a great cruise getaway? American Constellation from born-in-the-USA American Cruise Lines was designed to navigate the inland waterways of the East Coast. She begins service with two seven-night round-trip sailings from Baltimore on the Chesapeake Bay, followed by 10-night sailings out of Boston. Passengers can expect complimentary Wi-Fi, evening entertainment that focuses on music and history, onboard historians and naturalists, and a roomy atmosphere on board.
Cruise line: MSC Cruises
Expected launch date: June 4, 2017, out of Genoa, Italy. There are no U.S. ports on the horizon for this ship.
Ship capacity: 4,500 passengers
Highlights: MSC Meraviglia will be the first of several next-generation smart ships from Swiss-based MSC Cruises. (Meraviglia, pronounced mair-uh-VEAL-ya, is the Italian word for amazement or wonder.) Look for a 315-foot-long indoor promenade with LED dome, several new dining venues, family-friendly attractions including a super amusement park, full-size bowling alley and an Aqua Park with four waterslides. The ship features an extended MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive area that spans three decks with 78 suites and luxurious accommodations.
Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Expected launch date: April 2017, will home port in China
Ship capacity: 3,900 passengers
Highlights: Styled for Chinese travelers, passengers on Norwegian Joy can expect an upscale resort-style vacation with top entertainment, fine international dining and duty-free luxury shopping with the freedom and flexibility found on all Norwegian ships. A sister of Norwegian Escape, which launched in late 2015, Norwegian Joy matches Escape as the largest in the Norwegian fleet. The ship will feature the highest crew-to-passenger ratio of any contemporary-class ship. Activities and entertainment include a two-level go-cart racetrack on the top deck — the first ever at sea — in which 10 guests in electric carts will compete in a 5- to 6-minute race. There’s also an al fresco laser tag course and a new Galaxy Pavilion entertainment complex, complete with interactive video walls.
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Cruise line: Lindblad Expeditions
Expected launch date: June 26, 2017, starting in Seattle
Ship capacity: 100 passengers
Highlights: The first of two upcoming ships from adventure cruise line Lindblad Expeditions, the $48 million National Geographic Quest will sail Alaska's Inside Passage, followed by a series of cruises in the Pacific Northwest. This fully stabilized vessel has been designed to navigate narrow inlets and wildlife-rich passageways inaccessible to larger ships. Along with spacious viewing decks, Quest will carry innovative exploration tools, including a SplashCam and a hydrophone to enable passengers to look and listen beneath the waves, as well as a full complement of Zodiacs, sea kayaks and snorkeling gear. A photo instructor, video chronicler, undersea specialist and wellness specialist will accompany every voyage.
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Cruise line: Viking Ocean Cruises
Expected launch date: Nov. 17, 2017, out of Miami
Ship capacity: 930 passengers
Highlights: Viking's fourth ocean cruise ship, Viking Sun will focus on destination immersion, giving guests time to explore ports large and small. The ship debuts with a cruise to Havana, Cuba, as well as Cozumel, Mexico, Belize City and Key West, Fla., followed by cruises throughout Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea and Mediterranean. I was on one of the early Viking Star voyages (Viking's first ocean ship) in November 2015, a 10-day cruise in the Med, and it was fantastic: a perfectly sized ship with free shore excursions, great spaces on board to meet and mingle, a modern, airy design, great service, a free high-end spa and a lovely infinity pool. Not for kids, though.
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Cruise line: MSC Cruises
Expected launch date: Dec. 23, 2017, out of Miami
Ship capacity: 5,179 passengers
Highlights: The second new smart ship from MSC debuting this year, MSC Seaside will sport an elegant design with innovative touches and revolutionary architecture, including bringing guests closer to the ocean for a memorable experience. With connecting inside and outside public areas, you'll find a cool waterfront promenade that wraps around the ship, offering a variety of places to shop, dine and sunbathe while panoramic elevators provide glorious sea views. The ship will also offer a large Aquapark at Sea and an interactive waterslide geared toward the family.
Does a cruise on any of these ships look tempting? Contact a Cruiseable travel advocate and our Business Department will make sure you get the lowest price, the best value and all the perks. Call us at 1-877-322-3773 to speak to an expert travel professional, or send us a query.
When you're considering new ships, don't forget the ships that were launched or refurbished in 2016, including:
And don't forget some of the ships debuting in 2018 that are already open for bookings:
Updated in December 2017.
