All aboard 2013’s new cruise ships
For lovers of the novel, 2013 offers a whole raft of new cruise ships looming on the horizon. They vary in size, from boutique to juggernaut, and with almost everything else in between for that matter. So here’s a quick look at some of the most compelling new options over the coming twelve months.
MSC Preziosa – MSC
MSC has carved a radical, distinctive niche for itself, with the youngest and most modern fleet in the cruise industry. The debut this year of MSC Preziosa rounds out the quartet of Fantasia class vessels, constructed in France. Like her sisters, the 140,000 ton super ship will boast the ‘ship-within-a-ship’ MSC Yacht Club experience.
Le Soleal – Compagnie du Ponant
At the opposite end of the scale, Compagnie du Ponant will take delivery of Le Soleal, a third sister in the Boreal class. At a svelte 10,000 tons, the new ship will offer some quite incredible itineraries along the north west passage, for which demand is sure to be high. Like her highly rated sisters, Le Soleal will feature many balcony cabins and exquisite dining.
Norwegian Breakaway – Norwegian (NCL)
Norwegian continues to surge ahead, and 2013 sees the April delivery of the Norwegian Breakaway, the New York themed first of a pair of 140,000 ton twins. She will bring a slice of Manhattan to the Bermuda run from May, with an entire boardwalk of bars, shops and cafes, in a design that merges the best features of the Jewel class/Norwegian Epic including the famous Ice Bar, and a whole raft of casual, Freestyle dining options.
Europa 2 – Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated new build will be Hapag-Lloyd‘s sublime new Europa 2. Scheduled for May- to commemorate the debut of Hapag’s monumental Imperator a century earlier- Europa 2 will have an incredible space ratio of 76. All cruises, most of them a week long, will operate as joint German/English speaking. The new ship will be far more family friendly, with many interconnecting cabins. For those wanting the best of everything, this ship is an obvious draw.
Royal Princess – Princess Cruises
Not to be outdone, Princess Cruises will unveil the gargantuan, 141,000 ton Royal Princess this summer, the first of a pair of sisters from Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard. Royal Princess will highlight a pair of curved, glass floor walkways cantilevered out over the sides, and an expansive, adults only cabana and retreat style area on the upper deck.
Whatever your cruise style and preferences, these new cruise ships for 2013 have something for everyone. Best book early to make sure you get exactly what you want.
For more information on these new cruise ships or to find out about their upcoming itineraries, please call one of our Cruise Experts on 0800 008 6677.
Written by Anthony Nicholas 2013.
