2018 was a pretty great year for cruising, but all signs indicate that 2019 might be an even bigger year for cruise ships. Not only will several new ships be entering service, many come equipped with some amazing new features, there will be additional activities in ports of call, and a generally there’s set to be a wide range of breathtaking new cruising experiences.
Below, we’re going to take a look at five of the most incredible cruise ships that will be entering service in the New Year.
Viking Jupiter
Launch: February 2019
Home-Ports: Various European and South American ports
Ship class: 6th Small-Class
Size: 47,842 gross tons
Crew: 550
Guests: 930
Viking Jupiter is the sixth ship that Viking Ocean Cruises has launched. The ship is very similar to her fleet mates, with features including outdoor/indoor Aquavit Terrace dining venues, nightly Chef’s Table with revolving theme menus, walkaround promenade, a high-tech planetarium, and a two-deck Explorer’s Lounge.
With only 930 guests, the Viking Jupiter will aspire to provide a more intimate feel. She will have everything anyone needs for a comfortable cruising experience, including a fitness center, spa, diverse dining options, a large bar area, and a “living room.”
MSC Bellissima
Launch: March 2019
Home-Ports: Genoa, Italy; Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Ship class: 2nd Meraviglia
Size: 167,600 gross tons
Crew: 1,400
Guests: 4,500
MSC Bellissima is one of the two ships that MSC Cruises will be launching in 2019. She will be the largest ship that’s ever been christened in the UK. Onboard the ship will be HARMAN, an AI virtual assistant that’s voice-enabled to not only communicate with guests, but also learn and anticipate their needs.
Some of the great experiences to look forward to onboard the MSC Bellissima include LED Dome ceiling in the promenade, an indoor SportsPlex, Arizona AquaPark, and new, original Cirque du Soleil shows among many other exciting things.
Spectrum of the Seas
Launch: May 2019
Home-Ports: Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Singapore; Shanghai, Hong Kong; China
Ship class: 1st Quantum Ultra class
Size: 168,667 gross tons
Crew: 1,551
Guests: 4,246
Spectrum of the Seas is one of several ships debuting in 2019 primarily targeted at non-English speaking cruisers. She also is the first Quantum Ultra class ship by Royal Caribbean. Spectrum of the Seas will be sailing through various ports in Asia.
One of the most awaited attractions on Spectrum of the Seas is the Skypad – a mix of virtual reality and trampolines. Other onboard features include a skydiving simulator, video arcade, roller discos, bumper cars, rock climbing, swimming pool, and many other family-friendly attractions.
Norwegian Encore
Launch: November 2019
Home-Ports: Miami, Florida; New York
Ship class: 4th Breakaway Plus class
Size: 167,800 gross tons
Crew: 1,716
Guests: 3,998
The Norwegian Encore will be the 4th and final ship in the Breakaway Plus class of the Norwegian Cruise Line. The go-kart at sea experience onboard the Encore will be big and thrilling, with a section of the track hanging out over the ship’s hull. There’ll also be a covered viewing area where spectators can watch from the center of the track.
The 10,000 square foot Galaxy Pavilion will be an indoor virtual reality complex onboard the Norwegian Encore. There also will be an open-air, Lost City of Atlantis-themed laser tag arena. The main theater on this ship will have a Broadway show.
Like other Norwegian cruise ships, the Norwegian Encore will be an eye-catching ship adorned with colorful hull designs. The ship will host lush cabins, dedicated spa suites, and amenities like hot tubs, multiple body spray jets, and waterfall showers.
Other spectacular attractions on the Norwegian Encore include a massive glass Observation Lounge, the exclusive Haven enclave, and a keycard entry complex for solo travelers.
Sky Princess
Launch: December 2019
Home-Ports: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia, Italy
Ship class: 4th Royal Class
Size: 141,000 gross tons
Crew: 1,346
Guests: 3,660
Princess Cruises will be launching Sky Princess as its fourth – and probably the best – ship in its Royal ship class. The ship will feature most of the Princess fleetwide favorites like the movie under the stars, adults-only sanctuary, the aft pool, and the Piazza atrium.
New features of the Sky Princess will include sky suites on the top deck that provide 700-square foot balconies and 270◦ views. There also will be a café in the Princess Live TV studio. The ship will also offer more tubs and more cabanas than any other Royal Princess-class ship.
About the Author:
Andrew Winston is a partner at the personal injury law firm of Winston Law. For over 20 years, he has successfully represented countless people in all kinds of personal injury cases, with a particular focus on child injury, legal malpractice, and premises liability. He has been recognized for excellence in the representation of injured clients by admission to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, is AV Preeminent Rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, enjoys a 10.0 rating by AVVO as a Top Personal Injury Attorney, has been selected as a Florida “SuperLawyer” from 2011-2017 – an honor reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the state – and was voted to Florida Trend’s ”Legal Elite” and as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Florida and one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the Miami area for 2015, 2016, and 2017.
