New Cruise Ships Making Waves

Planners considering at-sea meetings or incentive programs in 2016 and beyond will have a host of new options for groups large and small.

Following is a lineup of the latest vessels that already launched or will begin sailing this year. For details on meeting facilities, charters and itineraries, contact the respective cruise lines.


2015
 

Anthem of the Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line 

Royal Caribbean's second Quantum Class vessel debuted in April in Europe and arrived at its home port of Bayonne, N.J., this past November. The 4,180-passenger Anthem of the Seas was designed with adrenaline junkies in mind: Onboard activities include a skydiving simulator, a skating rink, bumper cars and the North Star, a pod that extends up and over the ship for a 360-degree view. Another unique feature: Inside cabins have "virtual balconies," which are floor-to-ceiling LCD TV screens linked to a camera mounted on the outside of the ship. Anthem also has the first food truck at sea and a Bionic Bar where cocktails are shaken and stirred by two robot mixologists.

Note: Ovation of the Seas, RCCL's third Quantum Class ship with all the same bells and whistles as Anthem, will debut in August. It will be based in Asia to serve the burgeoning Chinese market.

Video: bit.ly/1SSdFDh 


 

Viking Star
Viking Ocean Cruises 

The 930-passenger Viking Star, Viking's first ocean-going vessel, was launched last year in its home port of Bergen, Norway. The ship features 465 staterooms, each with its own veranda. The style is decidedly modern Scandinavian design, with clean lines, woven textiles and light wood. A curated collection of Norwegian artwork bedecks the walls of the restaurants and public spaces.

The ship's spa is based on Scandinavian holistic wellness precepts and features Nordic elements such as a hydrotherapy pool and the first "snow room" at sea. In the Wintergarden, blonde wood "trees" stretch their branches up to the glass ceiling, forming a lattice canopy over a space where afternoon tea is served. Viking Ocean Cruises include complimentary excursions in each port, and an onboard cultural-enrichment program featuring academic lecturers, interactive demonstrations and more.

Note: A sister ship, the Viking Sea, will debut in April; the Sea will have the same number of rooms and features as the Star.

Video: bit.ly/1lU1JGb 

2016
 

Koningsdam 
Holland America Line 
Launch date: April 2016

The 2,650-passenger Koningsdam, the first new ship to join Holland America's fleet since 2010, also will be the cruise line's largest. Among highlights will be fine dining in several restaurants including Sel de Mer, a French seafood brasserie; and a farm-to-table dinner experience in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine.

To be based in Port Everglades, Fla., the ship also will feature single staterooms among its 1,331 guest accommodations. Onboard entertainment includes the Music Walk area, featuring all genres of music showcased in venues such as the Lincoln Center Stage, offering chamber music nightly; Billboard Onboard, where live musicians perform chart-topping hits, and B.B. King's Blues Club.

Video: bit.ly/1NV8iTJ


 

Vista
Carnival Cruise Lines 
Launch date: May 2016

It's been four years since Carnival added a new ship to its fleet. The 4,000-passenger Vista will be the line's 25th "Fun Ship." Following a summer in Europe, it will move to its home port of Miami in the fall. Among unique features are the Seafood Shack, a casual indoor/outdoor eatery with a New England theme; the Havana Bar & Pool; SkyRide at SportSquare (a bike course that runs high above the deck), and the first IMAX theater at sea. Vista also will be the first ship to brew beer at sea (at the RedFrog Pub). Guy's Burger Joint, designed by Guy Fieri, will be the ship's fast-food eatery.


Harmony of the Seas 
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line 
Launch date: June 2016

Harmony of the Seas, which can accommodate 5,400 passengers, will be Royal Caribbean's third Oasis Class vessel, the largest passenger-ship category afloat. Highlights will include the Perfect Storm, a trio of waterslides; Central Park, a tree-lined garden area (and one of Harmony's seven distinctive "neighborhoods"); a hand-crafted carousel; and the Ultimate Abyss, featuring the first-ever 10-story shipboard water plunge. The ship's home port will be Port Everglades, Fla.

Video: bit.ly/1jT90Vb


 

Explorer 
Regent Seven Seas 
Launch date: July 2016

Explorer will be the largest ship in Regent Seven Seas Cruises' fleet, with 369 suites ranging from 300 to 1,500 square feet, as well as the 3,875-square-foot Regent suite, complete with its own spa. The 750-passenger luxury ship will have six gourmet restaurants, a nine-deck atrium and a two-story theater.

Guests also can indulge in treatments at the onboard Canyon Ranch SpaClub, or learn to whip up decadent dishes in the ship's 18-station Culinary Arts Kitchen.
 

 

Encore 
Seabourn Cruise Line 
Launch date: December 2016

Some top names are behind the new 600-passenger Encore, to debut at the end of the year. Designer Adam D. Tihany is overseeing the entire look and style of the 300-suite vessel, and chef Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame will helm a signature restaurant. Among standard Seabourn offerings are "shopping with the chef" in local markets at ports visited, decadent "caviar in the surf" parties and traditional afternoon tea service.

Video: bit.ly/1Y8ngXZ