Between May 2012 and July 2013, ten ships will embark on their maiden voyages for nine different cruise lines. Seven will be new-builds, and three are existing ships that will be extensively refurbished and renamed.
As is always the case when new ships hit the market, all of this new inventory will ensure a continuing supply of deep discounts -- on virtually all ships -- for Vacations To Go customers, especially those who can wait to book within 90 days of departure.
Below are some highlights of each new ship, including links to more information, departure dates and discounts. If you are interested in being among the first passengers to sail on any of these vessels, I recommend calling us as soon as possible. The early sailings of any new-build are generally in very high demand.
First the new-builds:
MSC Divina, MSC Cruises --- May 27, 2012 --- 4,363 passengers
The 4-star MSC Divina is modeled after sister-ships MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, taking on some of their most popular features, but also incorporates several enhancements. The MSC Yacht Club suite complex will be expanded and will include a private, V.I.P. area with its own restaurant, bar, pool, solarium and concierge. Yacht Club suites also offer butler service.
The state-of-the-art Pantheon Theater will host nightly entertainment, and young guests are sure to like the video game room, called Virtual World. An infinity pool will be situated at the aft of the ship, giving passengers a unique view of the ship's wake and the horizon.
For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Carnival Breeze, Carnival --- June 3, 2012 --- 3,690 passengers
Like its sister-ships Carnival Magic and Carnival Dream, the 4.5-star Carnival Breeze will feature the WaterWorks aqua park, the tranquil, kids-free Serenity area and extensive children's and teens' areas with activities for three age groups. Adults will enjoy the huge Cloud 9 spa, as well as the scenic whirlpools extending beyond the ship's beam.
Other new features include the laid-back RedFrog Pub, home to Carnival's exclusive house brew, ThirstyFrog Red and Cucina del Capitano, a specialty restaurant featuring family-style Italian fare. Accommodation options include "cove" balcony staterooms located close to the waterline, deluxe oceanview staterooms featuring two bathrooms, and spa staterooms and suites with exclusive amenities and spa privileges.
For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Queen of the Mississippi, American Cruise Lines --- August 11, 2012 --- 150 passengers
This 4.5-star ship will have the look of a traditional paddle wheeler as it plies the waters of the Mississippi and its tributaries, but will feature the enhanced technologies and amenities of a brand new vessel. Large, comfortable staterooms, most with private balconies, boast flat-screen TVs, DVD players and hair dryers. Other features include six lounges, a library, a putting green, shipwide Wi-Fi and an elevator.
For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity --- October 12, 2012 --- 3,030 passengers
When it debuts, the 5.5-star Celebrity Reflection will be the fifth and final ship in Celebrity's popular Solstice class. Now-familiar Solstice-class features, such as the Lawn Club and AquaSpa are represented, along with new venues such as the Lawn Club Grill; The Alcoves, a cabana-style retreat; and the Art Studio, with hands-on instruction in things like painting, drawing, beading, mixology and cooking.
New AquaClass Suites feature 40-inch LCD televisions, large verandas and the service of a butler. Guests staying in these suites receive priority seating at the exclusive Blu restaurant, and unlimited access to AquaSpa facilities, including the Persian Garden and Relaxation Room.
For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian --- April 30, 2013 --- 4,000 passengers
As the newest member of an innovative fleet, the 5-star Norwegian Breakaway will incorporate the most popular elements of all of Norwegian's existing ships, as well as introduce some exciting new features. Staterooms will have a contemporary feel with clean, modern lines and a neutral palette with splashes of color. The extremely popular Studio staterooms from the Norwegian Epic, designed and priced with solo travelers in mind, will be featured, as well as an exclusive area called The Haven, a private enclave home to the most luxurious accommodations on the vessel, tucked away near the top of the ship.
Norwegian's ships are known for their unique hull artwork, and Norwegian Breakaway will be no different. Renowned pop artist Peter Max, whose other large projects have included an airplane and a stage for Woodstock, will paint the ship's hull. Few details about this ship's public spaces have been released at this time.
For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Royal Princess, Princess --- June 16, 2013 --- 3,600 passengers
Innovative features aboard the 5-star Royal Princess include the SeaWalk, a glass-floored, enclosed walkway that extends from the ship's top deck and the SeaView Bar, also with a glass floor and cantilevered out from the port side of the ship. Also on the top deck is Princess' largest-ever onboard pool. At night, guests can enjoy a water and light show here.
The Royal Princess boasts an enhanced Movies Under the Stars screen and several new dining venues, such as the Ocean Terrace seafood bar and Gelateria, serving Italian-inspired gelato. All oceanview cabins on the Royal Princess feature private balconies, and mini-suites and suites each have two flat-screen televisions, a spacious closet and a bathtub.
For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Le Soleal, Ponant Yacht Cruises --- July 23, 2013 --- 264 passengers
Rated 5.5 stars, Le Soleal was specially designed to safely navigate the extreme waters of the regions it will visit -- its inaugural season will be spent plying the Arctic. A Zodiac vessel will allow passengers to get even closer to shore to observe the flora and fauna in areas most ships cannot reach.
The ship also features an advanced navigation system that eliminates the need to drop anchor, protecting the seabed, and an underwater detection system that helps the ship avoid collisions with marine life. All staterooms and suites on Le Soleal feature ocean views and 94% have private balconies.
For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
And now, the ships that will be refurbished and renamed:
MV Voyager, Voyages of Discovery --- December 4, 2012 --- 556 passengers
Formerly the Alexander von Humboldt, the 3-star MV Voyager is small enough to reach off-the-beaten-path ports, yet large enough to offer all the comforts of cruising on a much larger ship. Eighty-six percent of staterooms feature ocean views, and all have a TV, hair dryer and safe. Suites come with a few extra perks, such as bathrobes, slippers, a fruit basket and bottle of champagne.
There are three restaurants onboard, two with open seating, plus four bars, an Internet center, a swimming pool, two hot tubs and a gym.
For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Tere Moana, Paul Gauguin Cruises --- December 29, 2012 --- 90 passengers
Currently sailing for Ponant Yacht Cruises as Le Levant, this 5-star ship will undergo renovations in November and early December, and make its debut as Tere Moana in late December. Tere Moana will accommodate just 90 guests in oceanview staterooms.
Two restaurants will feature open seating dining, and an onboard watersports marina will allow guests to enjoy windsurfing, kayaking and other activities right from the ship. As with the line's other ship, Paul Gauguin, the upfront price for Tere Moana's sailings includes gratuities, soft drinks and select wines and spirits.
For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Carnival Sunshine, Carnival --- April 12, 2013 --- 3,006 passengers
Currently sailing as the Carnival Destiny, this ship will undergo an extreme makeover before emerging as the 4.5-star Carnival Sunshine. As part of the revitalization, two decks will be expanded and a new partial deck will be added.
Seven new restaurants, including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina and Cucina del Capitano will be added, as well as 10 new bars and lounges, 182 cabins, the SportSquare recreation complex, the kids-free Serenity area and Punchliner Comedy Club.
For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Sincerely,
Alan Fox
Chairman & CEO
Vacations To Go
To send a copy of this newsletter to a friend or friends,
click here.
To see a copy of our current newsletter,
click here.
To subscribe to our weekly newsletter, absolutely free of charge,
please click here.
