New Cruise Ships Are Increasing Again

Cruise ship new-builds are on the move again as Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Viking River Cruises, and now, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises are taking orders for ships about to hit the water.

Regent Seven Seas has contracted with a shipyard in Italy for a 738 passenger ship featuring a completely different design than the three existing vessels, the Mariner, Voyager and the Navigator.

The Regent Explorer will entertain 738 guests in luxury experience featuring all suites and all balconies, ranging in size from 300 sq. ft. to 1500 sq ft. For your dining pleasure, there will be six open seating restaurant options, each with a unique theme. Delivery on the Regent Explorer is expected for the 2016 season.

Royal Caribbean has opened for booking their new Quantum of the Seas, the latest design in multi-generational cruising, featuring 2-bedroom staterooms, the exclusive North Star Capsule revealing 360 degree views, 300 feet above the sea.

A revolutionary space transforms from a panoramic floor-to-ceiling view by day to light shows and digital scenery at night.

The Quantum sets sail in November from Cape Liberty, New Jersey to a variety of ports in the Caribbean.

In 2015, the Quantum will be joined by the Anthem of the Seas.

Viking River Cruises will continue their success with the introduction of 6 more “Longships” cruising the Danube, the Rhine, the Rhone, the Main and the Douro Rivers through the heart of Europe.

Viking has also introduced a “Chateaux, Rivers and Wine Cruise” for 2014, featuring Bordeaux, and Saint Emilion. These unique Longships feature the largest suites on the European rivers, some with wraparound verandas providing 270 degree views, and new 2 bedroom suites for family privacy travel.

We would decribe these ships more like a hotel on water.

In Asia, Viking will be traveling on a brand new itinerary from Bangkok with a flight and overnight in Mandalay.For 2015, Viking is venturing to the ocean ports of Europe with the introduction of the Viking Star, a 938 passenger, all-balcony ship.

The Star will continue with the value tradition of their river boats, including shore excursions, Wi-Fi, beverages and a selection of wines. Early reaction to the Star’s coming out has been nothing short of amazing, with many of the value verandas already sold out. The Viking 2 for 1 early booking fares and lenient change of mind policy has encouraged travelers to book far in advance.

Silversea Cruises, the ultimate in small ultra-luxury cruise ships, is venturing to the Galapagos with the addition of the new Silver Galapagos.

This new Silversea vessel joins the Silver Explorer, which travels to the Arctic and Antarctica and will entertain only 100 guests in all ocean-view accommodations, most with private balconies and all offering the personalized services of a professional butler. Every cruise will have an on-board expedition team certified by the Galapagos National Park Service, with complimentary shore excursions.

Celebrity Cruises newest addition, the Reflection, takes the Solstice-class line of award-winning ships to the next level.

This “Modern Luxury” ship, based on the the design of the Eclipse, Equinox, Silhouette and Solstice, includes three new classes of staterooms: the Reflection Suite, the Signature Suite and the upgraded Aqua-Class Suites. The Celebrity difference compared to other lines in its class is quite apparent as soon as you step aboard: very spacious, very elegant, with a wide selection of fine dining and a friendly staff to insure a memorable vacation experience.

Call your Key Traveler specialist today to save on all these new additions to the cruising experience, and ask for your Key Rewards on EVERY sailing.