Principal particulars:  92.600 GRT, 2050 passengers, length: 294m., number of decks 12 , speed 22 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:

The first cruise ship ever to be named in an Arabian country, the ships' godmother was the wife of the Emir of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum,Tala Dionisi. Because of the fact that Dubais is an islamic country, the ceremony was called a naming ceremony, the ship was not baptised, and of course the botlle did not contain champagne, but it was non-alcoholic... Nevertheless, Dubai organised an impressive show, with Arabian horse men, song and dance.

Costa Deliziosa is of modern disgn, with lots of exquisite materials used in its interiors: Murano Glass, marble, granite and Zebano wood. It features a 4D cinema, with scent added to a 3D movie complete with moving chairs. A golf simulator and actual sized Grand Prix racing car (you can choose whcih golf court or racing track to play or race on) are there for those looking for something more active. For relaxation visit the Samsarea wellness spa. If you book a wellness cruise, you will have a more luxury cabin, you can dine at he Samsara restaurant at no addiotonal cost and of course use all welness facilities in the spa for free.

Four restaurants and eleven bars are onboard Costa Deliziosa, and one of the passengers favourites is the Chocolate Bar, with its chocolate pastries, bon bons and chocolate fountain.

Principal particulars:  71.300 GRT, 2050 passengers, length: 252m., number of decks 13 , speed 22 knots

Yard: Meyer Werft, Germany

Remarks:

Again a new vessel for Aida Cruises, the fourth of the Sphinx class. AidaBlu has its' own brewery, made in the traditional German way onboard. The interior of the ship has been done in brown/ yellow colours, giving AidaBlu a warm atmosphere. A very large area has been dedicated to the Body & Soul Spa. Some cabins have direct accces to this area and these guests have a spa-butler to their disposal for welness advice.

The ships' most interesting feature is the open theatre mid-ships where at night every half hour shows are give of the genre "Cirque du Soleil".

Aida ships are known for their sports facilities onboard, and  AidaBlu is no exception, 45 training bikes are available in the gym, and another 80 for use in port, a relaxed way to get to know a port or a region. Eight restaurants so lots of choice here, some restaurants come with a small fee, like the Buffalo steak restaurant, the Sushi Bar and the more exclusive Rossini restaurant.

Principal particulars:  115.000 GRT, 3100 passengers, length: 290m., number of decks 14 , speed 22 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:

Principal particulars:  93.000 GRT, 2500 passengers, length: 294m., number of decks 13 , speed 23 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:

Elegantly appointed in typically subdued Italian MSC style.

Lots of dining facilities: restaurant Quattro Venti, two a la carte restaurants the Oriental restaurant serving Asian food and aft (part of the buffer restaurant) LÓasi serving delicacies from chef Mauro Uliassi. This reaturant features a hand painted ceiling and a picture of an oasis at night....

Principal particulars:  122.000 GRT, 2850 passengers, length: 315m., number of decks 14 , speed 24 knots

Yard: Meyer Werft, Germany

Remarks:
Celebrity ship of the Celebrity Solstice class of which this is the third vessel, are rated in the top segment of vessels that accommodate 2000plus passengers. Its interiors are very stylish, with exquisite materials used in terms of carpets furniture and drapes. Celebrity Eclipse and its sister ships have this mondane atmosphere. On non formal nights, passengers tend do dress up for their "night out" unlike on a growing number of cruise ships nowadays.

Also beds and furniture (with rounded edges) in the stateromms are of superb quality. Celebrity has itroduced its Celebrity Select formula, which enables passengers to dine on flexible times with fellow passengers of their choice. A nice feature is the wine tower in he main dining room, 2000 botles of wine stacked on one another.

Dining is a feast onboard Celebrity Eclipse. Three specialty restaurants ensure fine dining, a nice touch on the QSine restaurant is that the menu can be read on an Ipad......

And of course not to be forgotten is  the real lawn on its top deck, what is more relaxing than a pick nick on a lawn at sea... 

Principal particulars:  10.700 GRT, 224 passengers, length: 142m., number of decks 6 , speed 16 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:

Principal particulars:  155.800 GRT, 4100 passengers, length: 330m., number of decks 15, speed 22 knots

Yard: STX, France

Remarks:

Principal particulars:  32.000 GRT, 450 passengers, length: 198m., number of decks 11, speed 22 knots

Yard: Mariotti, Italy

Remarks:
Sister ship to Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn has added yet another ultra de luxe vessel to its fleet.

Its 225 suites, ranging from 27 m2 to 130 m2 have been beautifully appointed and guests will find sheets of Egyptioan cotton,  personalised stationary and toiletries of Hermes, Bijan and L'Occitane, all top brands.

Another splendid feature is the 11.000 square metre spa featuring a two-deck high waterfall where guests can enjoy thalasso therapy, steambaths, sauna etc.

Four dining venues serve delicious meals, prepared under supervision of famous chef Charlie Palmer. To fight overweight, passengers have the fold out marina at their disposal to practise an array of watersports.

Principal particulars:  86.700 GRT, 2100 passengers, length: 285m., number of decks 11 , speed 22 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:
Like her sister Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam is a Signature-class vessel, the 81st Holland america ship and the fourth to bear this name. She was named by HRH Princess Maxima of the Netherlands.

New York is the theme of this vessel, to be found it the Manhattan dining-room, the glass sky-scraper work of art in the atrium and the real New York taxi placed in the teenagers chill-room.

A novelty is the Master Chef diner, exclusive dishes served in the Pinnacle Grill specialty restaurant which can be served to a maximum of 18 guests.  And speaking about food, by special invitation, a high-tech kitchen is at the disposal of top chefs who give passengers courses in preparing the most exclusive dishes themselves.

Principal particulars:  90.900 GRT, 2090 passengers, length: 290m., number of decks 12 , speed 24 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:
The Queen Elizabeth is the third vessel of this name, Cunard chose not to name her QE3, to keep the meories of the first QE of 1940 equally alive. When her keel was laid, three coins have been welded to the ship, each of the year one of the QE's was built.

The current QE has been fitted out in the art deco style of the 1920s to 1940s like her predecessors, and she has a "heritage trail" onboard along which marvellous Cunard memorabilia can be found and of course ship models of Cunard liners,some of them measuring 4 metres in length.

Principal particulars:  225.800 GRT, 5400 passengers, length: 360m., number of decks 16 , speed 22 knots

Yard: STX, Finland

Remarks:
 

Together with sister ship Oasis of the Seas the largest and by far the most spectacular vessel in the world.

Impressive is its Central Park, a real park the size of a football field with real plants and trees. In the middle of it, the Piazza can be found with several restaurants where street artists perform and concerts are given. Really unique is The Rising Tide bar, which moves up and down between Central Park and three lower decks.

Unique features are the largest climbing-walls ever, a carousel and the Aqua Theatre, the deepest pool on the high seas where ballet- and watershows are given.

Its 14 restaurants take care of passengers appetite; for example the informal Central Park Cafe where you can have a picknick-style lunch or the elegant Central Park Restuarant which seats 150 pax.

Principal particulars:  69.200 GRT, 2050 passengers, length: 252m., number of decks 13 , speed 22 knots

Yard: Meyer werft, Germany

Remarks:
 

Principal particulars:  92.600 GRT, 2260 passengers, length: 294m., number of decks 13, speed 22 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:
 

Principal particulars: 114.500 GRT, 3000 passengers, length: 290m., number of decks 13, speed 22 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:
 

Principal particulars: 32.000 GRT, 450 passengers, length: 198m., number of decks 9, speed 19 knots

Yard: Mariotti, Italy

Remarks:
 

Principal particulars: 121.870 GRT, 2850 passengers, length: 317m., number of decks 14, speed 24 knots

Yard: Meyer Werft, Germany

Remarks:
Another new vessel in the Solstice-class series. It features a new cabin-category, Aqua Class staterooms, which include unlimited access to the Aqua Spa and the specialty restaurant Blu. There are three additional specialty restaurants, Silk Harvest offering asian food, Tuscan Grille serving italian cuisine and Murano with its european-style food.

And of course also on board this Solstice-class vessel on the top deck a real lawn is featured, the Lawn Club, and there is the spectacular Hot Glass Show, where glass-blowing demonstations are given.

Principal particulars: 133.500 GRT, 3270 passengers, length: 333m., number of decks 13, speed 23 knots

Yard: STX, France

Remarks:
 

Sister vessel to MSC Fantasia, MSC Splenidida is a spectacular vessel, not in the least because of Mrs Aponte's, the wife of the owner, involvement in the ships’ inerior design. Showcase of course are the two sweeping staircases adjacent to the reception, both constucted of Swarovski crystal and costing $ 2.8 million in total.

These ships are the largest ordered by a European cruise operator so far; Splendida is the 10^th vessel in the MSC fleet

Principal particulars: 130.000 GRT, 3650 passengers, length: 306m., number of decks 14, speed 20 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:
First of a new class of ships for Carnival and their largest vessel yet. Passengers can party in the new party centre The Piazza. The Dance Club offers the possibility in- and outdoor dancing.

Outside amenities have been greatly improved, with lots of deck-space and apart from the well known Outdoor Cafe, for the kids the Splash Park, a swimming paradise is featured and the mega waterslides in the Waterworks complex.

Principal particulars: 220.000 GRT, 5400 passengers, length: 360m., number of decks 16, speed 23 knots

Yard: STX, Finland

Remarks:
The largest and by far the most spectacular vessel in the world.

Impressive is its Central Park, a real park the size of a football field with real plants and trees. In the middle of it, the Piazza can be found with several restaurants where street artists perform and concerts are given. Really unique is The Rising Tide bar, which moves up and down between central Park and three lower decks.

Last but not least there is the Boardwalk, featuring amusement arcades, climbing-walls, a carousel and the Aqua Theatre, the deepest pool on the high seas where ballet- and watershows are given.

Oasis' 14 restaurants take care of passengers appetite; for example the informal Central Park Cafe where you can have a picknick-style lunch or the elegant Central Park Restuarant which seats 150 pax.

Principal particulars: 36.000 GRT, 540 passengers, length: 196m., number of decks 8, speed 20 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:
 

Silver Spirit, Silversea’s latest newbuilding features several improvements compared to its existing vessels such as  Stars Supper Club, an Asian-themed restaurant, an expansive 8,300-square-foot spa, a resort-style lido area with pool and four whirlpools.

The largest suites in the Silversea fleet are offered and of all suites,  95% have private verandas.

In 2011, Silver Spirit will navigate around the world on an 119-day inaugural world cruise.

Principal particulars: 115.000 GRT, 3100 passengers, length: 290m., number of decks 14, speed 22 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:
With their new ship Ventura, P&O aims at a younger clientele and tries to lose their somewhat stuffy image. Being 30% larger than any other vessel in the fleet, there is plenty of room for spectacular facilities like the Cirque Ventura for anyone who wants to learn the trapeze, a video wall showing live footage of seven top city skylines in the Metropolis Bar and a big play area for kids.

The ship caters for the British market and although it will attract younger passengers it is certainly not a glitzy vessel.

A large part of deck 16 is devoted to teenagers. There are play areas and playstations for the younger kids (Noddy will be there to entertain the two to four-year-olds and Mr Bump is present for the four to sevens) and there is even a rock school where teens can learn to play the guitar or drums.

Principal particulars:  92.400 GRT, 2550 passengers, length: 293m., number of decks 12, speed 22 knots

Yard: Chantiers de l'Atlantique, France

Remarks:
MSC Poesia is a sister ship to MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra. She is the first ship in the MSC Cruises fleet to be officially named outside of Italy, at the Port of Dover, Kent on April 5, 2008 by Sophia Loren. She is the ninth ship in the MSC fleet and the third in the Musica class, preceded by MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra.

 MSC Cruises has created more stylish designs with each new-build in the Musica class. The color schemes, themes and fabrics change in the different public areas, which was never so on the lines' previous vessels.

Examples of some fine details in her interiors: Black marble in the intimate Poker Room and Australian green marble applied to the spacious atrium which features a three-deck-high waterfall.
 

Principal particulars:  69.200 GRT, 2050 passengers, length: 252m, number of decks 11, speed 22 knots

Yard: Meyer Werft, Germany

Remarks:

Principal particulars:  154.400 GRT, 3600 passengers, length: 339m., number of decks 14, speed 22 knots

Yard: Aker ards, Finland

Remarks:

Principal particulars:  113.000 GRT, 3000 passengers, length: 290m., number of decks 14, speed 19.5 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:

The Carnival Splendor was originally designed for Costa Cruises (she is a sister ship to Costa Concordia and Costa Serena) and at 113.000GRT is the largest ship ever to sail for Carnival Cruise Line. On her two forward decks she has a 2000 square meter indoor spa which features a thermal suite, several health and beauty rooms and a Thalasso therapy pool. There is a one time fee of $35 for these facilities. Encircling the spa top level is a winter garden and a tea house. Situated at the back of the ship is a sports deck featuring arena-style seating for games and other events, while a reservations-only supper club is located atop the poolside Lido restaurant, providing diners with magnificent ocean vistas.

Principal particulars:  86.000 GRT, 2100 passengers, length: 254m., number of decks 11, speed 22 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:

Especially for guests who want to enjoy the outdoors privately, cabanas were created onthe Observation deck where the area is aptly called The Retreat and on the Lido deck of the Eurodam. Beautifully furnished, alle cabanas feature bathrobes and plush towels, fans, an Evian spray mister and Ipods preloaded with great music.

There are 14 cabanas in the retreat and another 8 ones near the pool on the Lido deck. The cabanas may be
rented for the day or for an entire cruise. The Retreat cabanas are $45 on port days and $75 on sea days, while the Lido cabanas are $30 and $50 respectively. Meals (breakfast, lunch) can be served, so "Cabana-service" is available....

Principal particulars:  113.650 GRT, 3114 passengers, length: 290m., number of decks 15, speed 22,5 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:

Principal particulars: 122.000 GRT, 2850 passengers, length: 315m., number of decks 13, speed 24 knots

Yard: Meyer Werft, Germany

Remarks:
The Celebrity Solstice is the first offour ships of the new Solstice-class, the largest vessels in the Celebrity-fleet. Alle spacious cabins offer flatscreen TV's  and have especially selected bedlinen. 85% of these have their own balcony. Guests booking a so called Aqua-class cabin on board (there are 130 of these) are privileged to unlimeted acces to the Spa en Persian Garden which features aromatheropy and a sauna. Also, guests occupying Aqua-class cabins can dine exclusively in the restaurant Blu which seats just 130 guests and offers a la carte meals.

Principal particulars: 133.500.240 GRT, 3400 passengers, length: 333m., number of decks 15, speed 23 knots

Yard: STX Europe, Italy

Remarks:

Principal particulars: 110.240 GRT, 2974 passengers, length: 290m., number of decks 12,       speed 20 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks: This years series of new cruise ships will start when the Carnival Freedom makes its debut on March 5 with a nine-night Mediterranean cruise after which it will begins its schedule of 12-night Mediterranean cruises from Civitavecchia/Rome on March 14.
Not really related to her name, the theme of the ship will be a journey through the centuries with each public room featuring a different time period and culture. The Babylon Casino's interiors relate to Hammurabi's Palace, the King Supper Club remembers the 18th-century glory of Louis XIV and the Studio 70 dance club has the atmosphere of a disco in the 1970s. In this respect the names of the two dining rooms, The Chic and the Posh seem to be a bit awkward. In the Carnival Seaside Theater (inspired by Princess Cruises' Movies Under the Stars); the big screen (12 ft. high by 22 ft. wide) which hangs over the big pool will feature movies. Sixty percent of the ship's 1,487 cabins will offer ocean views or balconies, and wireless Internet access will be available everywhere onboard.
 

Principal particulars:  69.200 GRT, 2050 passengers, length: 252m, number of decks 11,       speed 22 knots

Yard: Meyer Werft, Germany

Remarks:

On 16 April 2007 Meyer Werft delivered the 69,200-gt cruise ship AIDAdiva to  AIDA Cruises in the German port of Emden. The AIDAdiva is the first ship out of a series of four the Papenburg shipyard is building for AIDA Cruises. The ship is designed for the German market (Germany is the world's third largest market for cruise passengers) and will offer the informal, club-like atmosphere which has become the trademark of Aida Cruises.

Principal particulars:  113.650 GRT, 3114 passengers, length: 290m., number of decks 15,       speed 22,5 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks: In April, Princess will introduce one new as well as a new-to-Princess vessel at the same time. The 3,100-passenger Emerald Princess (sister ship to the Crown Princess), will make her debut on April 11. She will meet with the smaller 710-passenger Royal Princess (exRenaissance Cruises' R8 and currently Swan Hellenic's Minerva II) in Santorini on May 12 for an industry first—a dual christening ceremony.
The Emerald Princess will offer several features those who have sailed before with Princess are familiar with, e.g. a poolside movie screen, adults-only Sanctuary sun lounge located forward on Sports Deck, a piazza-style atrium etc. The ship will sail Mediterranean cruises through the summer and Caribbean itineraries in the fall during her first year of operation.
 

Principal particulars:  11.647 GRT, 272 passengers, length: 114m., number of decks 6,        speed 20 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks: Fram is the first cruise vessel  ever to be built exclusively for the waters of Greenland. Although small in size, Fram features all the amenities found on the other vessels of the fleet of the coastal express service Hurtigruten which operates several of her vessels on cruises since a few years. Fram's maiden voyage starting in the Mediterranean and then around Western Europe to Norway has been divided in four parts, each named after a famous explorer (Amundsen, etc). A  really spectacular voyage Fram will embark upon after finishing her first season in Greenland is the "Pole to Pole cruise" during when she will sail from Greenland to Antarctica along the North and South American coast.

Principal particulars:  114.150 GRT, 3000 passengers, length: 290m., number of decks 14,       speed 19.5 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks: The Costa Serena (derived from the Carnival's Destiny-class platform) will set sail from Venice on its inaugural voyage on May 26. From June through November, Costa's newest ship will cruise out of Venice on seven-night voyages, stopping at Bari, Italy; Katakolon, Greece,  Izmir and Istanbul, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. The Costa Serena will carry 3,000 passengers at double occupancy. Like Costa's last new ship, the Costa Concordia, the new ship will feature a Grand Prix race car driving simulator (with  braking, accelerating and G-force simulations like the real Formule I drivers experience), an enclosable pool deck, and the huge Samsara spa with 99 suite whose guests will be be offered special wellness cuisine. These suites have direct access to the spa facilities via a private staircase.
 

Principal particulars:  92.400 GRT, 2550 passengers, length: 293m., number of decks 12,       speed 22 knots

Yard: Chantiers de l'Atlantique, France

Remarks: The MSC Orchestra, another musically named ship in the MSC fleet, will be christened on May 29 in Venice. The ship is an exact sister ship to the MSC Musica (and another two will follow). Eighty percent of the ship's cabins will have ocean views, with 65 percent of those staterooms sporting balconies. The emphasis will be on airy open spaces and a wide variety of entertainment options. One of the most impressive public spaces is the large Bali-influenced spa. The 2,550-passenger ship will sail seven-night Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Croatia cruises from June through October and an 11-night Mediterranean cruise on November 3.

Principal particulars:  154.400 GRT, 3600 passengers, length: 339m., number of decks 14,       speed 22 knots

Yard: Aker ards, Finland

Remarks: By May 2007, Royal Caribbean will operate two ships that share the title of the world's largest. The Liberty of the Seas will join her sister Freedom of the Seas this spring. The best of the Freedom's innovations are repeated in The Liberty of the Seas, such as onboard surfing, the H2O Zone aquatic park, whirlpools cantilevered over the ships side, an ice skating rink and a boxing ring. Her most spectacular accommodation is the Presidential Family Suite, which has room  for 14 people.
Both Freedom and Liberty of the Seas will sail from Miami on alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.

Principal particulars:  92.250 GRT, 2384 passengers, length: 294m., number of decks 12,       speed 24 knots

Yard: Meyer Werft, Germany

Remarks: Norwegian will unveil its next gem of a ship in October 2007. The Norwegian Gem is the line's fourth Jewel-class ship, along with sisters the Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, and the Pride of Hawaii. Like these ships, the Gem will be outfitted with multiple restaurants and lounges, family-friendly accommodations, luxurious Courtyard and Garden Villas, and a bowling alley. After its launch, the ship will homeport in Barcelona and sail a variety of seven- to 12-night cruises. On December 3, Norwegian Gem will sail across the Atlantic to Boston before settling into a series of 10- and 11-night southern Caribbean and seven-night Bahamas and Florida cruises from New York.
 

Principal particulars: 89.500 GRT, 2014 passengers, length: 294m., number of decks 12,       speed 22 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks: Cunard doesn't take new ships into service very often, so it's always interesting when a new one debuts. This December, the Queen Victoria arrives on the scene. Her two maiden voyages in Europe were sold out in no time. On January 6, 2008, the ship embarks on a 106-night world cruise. The Queen Victoria will bring new features to the Cunard fleet, such as private boxes in the theater, alfresco dining for Grill guests, a museum of Cunard memorabilia, and a two-story library.
 

Principal particulars: 82.318 GRT, 1848 passengers, length: 285m., number of decks 12,       speed 22 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:

As the last in the Vista-class series, Holland America will take the Noordam into service on February 22. She is HAL's first ship to be exclusively designed for the "Signature of Excellence" program. She will sail from New York to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. Compared to her fleetmates, several amenities are improved. The Explorations Cafe, a game room, a coffee bar doubling as internet cafe and library all managed by the New York Times. The Pinnacle Grill will be extended. Othe features include a Culinary Arts Center with cooking demonstrations, classes and wine tastings, an expanded spa, and an upgraded children's area with a teens-only lounge.
 

Principal particulars: 154.400 GRT, 3600 passengers, length: 339m., number of decks 14,       speed 22 knots

Yard: Aker ards, Finland

Remarks:
When Freedom of the Seas enters service, she will be the largest cruise ship in the world. At 158.000 GRT, she will be 10.000 GRT larger than Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. Her most innovative features are on her top decks: she has whirlpools cantilevered over the side, an interactive water park called H2O Zone and a flow rider, which anables passengers to surf in a pool which has waves. There will be a range of six family-focused stateroom categrories to choose from. In total 3,600 guests will sail in 1,817 staterooms. Freedom of the Seas will sail 7 day Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.
 

Principal particulars:  93.558 GRT, 2224 passengers, length: 294m., number of decks 12,       speed 24 knots

Yard: Meyer Werft,Germany

Remarks:

TV screens all over the ship show passengers which of the 10 open-seating restaurants, ranging from a steakhouse to French, Asian and Italian restaurants have vacant tables or what the wait time will be when they are filled to capacity. Most spectacular passenger accommodations are the two 4,000 square feet, three bedroom, Garden Villa suites and the somewhat smaller Courtyard Villas which share a private sundeck area and swimming pool. For all passengers to enjoy, Pride of Hawaii also features an indoor swimming pool. There are 12 bars on board.
 

Principal particulars: 113.650 GRT, 3114 passengers, length: 290m., number of decks 15,       speed 22,5 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:
Since four years, a Princess ship will sail from New York and call at Bermuda. This vessel will be Princess’ brand new Crown Princess. Later in 2006, she will reposition to the Caribbean.
Crown Princess has most innovative interiors like a redesigned Wheelhouse Bar and Skywalkers Disco and a new feature: a steak and seafood bar which has a theatre style kitchen. Also new is the Sanctuary, a quiet retreat with private cabanas, lounge chairs, lots of greenery where passengers can enjoy a drink and light snacks. Crown Princess also features a wedding chapel and the unoffical Princess trademark: a giant video screen outside on her top deck showing movies. Appr. 900 staterooms will have private balconies.

Principal particulars:  92.400 GRT, 2550 passengers, length: 293m., number of decks 12,       speed 22 knots

Yard: Chantiers de l'Atlantique, France

Remarks:

When the Musica debuts on Juky 1, she will be MSC's largest, as she is 50 percent larger than the MSC Lirca and the MSC Opera. 80% of her staterooms will be outside staterooms and 65% will have their own balcony. She features an extended spa area, a three deck high waterfall in the central foyer and several entertainment venues. Musica will offer eastern Mediterranean cruises from Venice in her inaugural year.

Principal particulars: 114.150 GRT, 3000 passengers, length: 290m., number of decks 14,       speed 19.5 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks:  The CostaConcordia, launching July 14, has accommodation for 3,000 passengers. The interior décor is themed around European architecture. Even the room names are European oriented – Grand Bar Berlin, Cafeteria Helsinki, and dining rooms Milan and Rome. For those seeking an interesting activity the ship will have a Formula One driving simulator! Costa Concordia also has two swimming pools with retractable covers, and a two-deck spa with a gym, spa, sauna and Turkish bath which can be accessed directly from 55 staterooms and 12 suites.The new cruise ship will sail year round in the Western Mediterranean for Rome’s Civitavecchia port.

Principal particulars: 86.800 GRT, 1848 passengers, length: 290m., number of decks 12,       speed 22 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks: On board Arcadia only adults are allowed. This fourth ship bearing the namer Arcadia cost 200 million pounds to build and features 14 bars and six dining venues welke alle 6?ontworpen door top kok Gary Rhodes : the two-tiered Meridian Restuarant, the Orchid Restaurant, Arcadian Rhodes,  The Belvedere, the Neptune Grill and the Caffe Vivo.  Elevators faced outwards add to her modern appearance.  Special attention  has been paid to onboard signage. Signs were created by Lenco International and are works of art in themselves. 975 cabins, of which 218 are inside and 685 haveoprivate verandah's offer a wide range of choice. Contemparary British artists have created 3000 works of art: paintings, sculptures, photography and textiles. On April 6th Arcadia arrived at her homeport Southampton for the first time, and after a week of inaugural celebrations she was christened by Olympic athlete Dame Kathy Holmes.

Principal particulars:  81.000 GRT, 2100 passengers, length: 284m., number of decks 12,       speed 21 knots

Yard: Lloyd Werft, Germany

Remarks: Originally designed by now defunt American Classic Voyages, she was planned to have been the first ship to be built by a US ship yard in half a century The ship was only partially constrcted when the company went bankrupt  as a result of te September 11 attacks. At once NCL bought the vessel and shipped the partially completed hull to the German Lloyd Werft where she was completed in June 2005. A severe storm in 2004 caused the ship to sink at her fitting out berth which postponed her delivery date for a year. To make matters worse, the Lloyd Werft went bankrupt a few months later but the yard was saved and work was restarted. She is the first vessel ever to be built specifically for the Hawaiian trade. Pride of America sails on week long cruises from Honolulu to Maui, Kauai, Kuna and Hilo. Her interiors reflect her name: the theme is "America". For example her atrium, the Capitol Atrium has a ceiling which is a copy from the original Capitol building. The atrium also features a replica of the Washington monument. Another example of the American theme is the Skyline Restaurant which features miniature skyscrapers and  has windows shaped as those of the Chrysler building.

Principal particulars:  110.240 GRT, 2974 passengers, length: 290m., number of decks 12,       speed 20 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy

Remarks: Carnival Liberty is the 23rd ship of the Carnival fleet. An enlarged version of the Destiny class, measuring 110.00 GRT. She is targeted to family cruising. Carnival Liberty is one of the vessels which must conquer Europe for Carnival Cruise Line, she is the first ship of the company to be positioned in the Mediteranean. Of course life onboard this newest Fun Ship is action packed in true Carnival-style with spectacular shows, comedians, a grand casino, a jazz bar, in all 22 (!) lounges offering her passengers an unrivalled choice to have a marvellous time until late at night. On the outer deck an enormous screen is featured where films are shown.

Principal particulars: 93.000 GRT, 2400 passengers, length: 294m., number of decks 13,       speed 24 knots

Yard: Meyer Werft, Germany

Remarks: Norwegian Jewel is the fourth purpose built Freestyle-cruising vessel for NCL. She includes some very innovative features: Bar Central where connecting bars each have their own ambiance : a martini bar, a champagne bar and a beer and whishy pub. There are 10 dining options ranging fron the Italian style trattoria Mama's Italian Kitchen to the tapas restaurant Tanya's and asian food served in Chin Chin. Courtyard Villas are introduced, a completely new type of cabin featuring  a private courtyard and sun deck which is shared by all ten staterooms each, measuring 5750 sq. ft. Norwegia Jewel represents the latest in Freestyle cruising, developing this concept further from her sister vessels Norwegian Star and Dawn.  Another spectacalur novelty is the introduction of an electronic reservations sytem to avoid waiting lines and thus waiting time in the various restaurants. Screens situated all over the ship show how busy each restaurant is and in how many minutes time a table will become available. A few months after her delivery, this system will be available on all cabin televisions also.

Principal particulars: 151.400 GRT, 2620 passengers, length: 345m., number of decks 14,       speed 29 knots

Yard: Chantiers de l'Atlantique, France

Remarks: Built with a strengthened hull for Transatlantic service for an astronomically high price of $800.000. QM2 is the world's largest and longest cruise ship. As Cunard Cruise proudly state, she is as long as 41 London double decker busses or 147 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall..   Her 14 decks feature shops, bars, lounges like for instance the Winter Garden with a garden line setting, a casino, bookstore and the largest library afloat, a planetarium, a college-at-sea called Cunard ConneXions. There is a collection of art objects on board with a combined value of $5 million. QM2 offers a total of 10 (!) restaurants and guests enjoy room-service 24 hours a day. Her most lavish accomodation are two Grand Duplexes, two marvelllous suites featuring living quarters and balcony downstairs, a bedroom upstairs and two marble baths. 80% of QM2's staterooms have ocean views and over 90% of her outside cabins have balconies.

Principal particulars: 86.000 Grt, 2124 passengers, length: 290 m., number of decks: 12, speed 22 knots

Yard: Kvaerner Masa, Finland

Remarks: A new type of vessel with a new design although somewhat smaller than the Destiny-class is the 8000-series. These ships measure appr. 86.000 tons and the first one was delivered in 2001, the Carnival Spirit followed by Carnival Pride the same year. Carnival Legend followed in 2002 while Carnival Miracle closes the series in 2004. Prototype of the 8000-series was the Costa Atlantica  (see ship description) which was delivered to Costa Crociere, a Carnival subsidiary in 2000. Carnival Miracle's (20th vessel of the company) focal point is her stunning 11-story atrium, called the Metropolis, which is topped by a red glass ceiling. 80% of her cabins are outside and 64% of these have balconies. Other outstanding public areas are her discotheque called Frankensteins Lab where the dance floor is watched over by the monster himself, and her supper club, Nick and Nora's (Dashiel Hammett's famous detectives) where a spectacular dome which from the outside looks like a part of the base of the funnel, incorporates a huge black and white photograph of New York.

Principal particulars:  116.000GRT, 26706 passengers, length: 290 m., number of decks: 12, speed 22 knots

Yard: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki, Japan. Christened by Yoshiko Tsukuda.

Remarks: Member of the Grand Class of cruise ships. She is an enlarged version of the first vessel of this series of (near) sister ships, of which the prototype was the Grand Princess. She has a very distinctive look, with her futuristic funnel and discotheque/ night club Skywalkers aft, which offers passengers a spectacular view of the sea deep down below and looks somewhat like a spoiler. A 125 ft balcony has been added adjacent to the Skywalkers discotheque. An incredible 750 cabins have balconies. Her aft show lounge, the high-tech Club Fusion features 42 large video screens. Her internet cafe is one of the largest afloat (29 work stations). Into playing golf? There are a 9 holes golf course and two simulators available. Diamond Princess  has four specialty restaurants and a main dining room. It is possible however when having ones meal in the main dining room to order dishes from one of the themed restaurants. The other way around is also possible: the themed restaurants offer dishes from the regular menu.

Principal particulars: 116.000 GRT, 3000 passengers, length: 289 m., number of decks 13, speed 22.5 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy.

Remarks: Member of the Grand Class of cruise ships. She is an enlarged version of the first vessel of this series of (near) sister ships, of which the prototype was the Grand Princess. She was christened by actress Jill Whelan, who played the part of Captain Stubing's daughter in the tv series The Love Boat . That same night, she married her fiance Michael Chaykowsky onboard the brand new vessel.  A very succesful new feature onboard is a 300 square foot LED screen above the center pool area.The brightness of the screen allows it to be used also during the daytime.

Principal particulars: 90.900 GRT, 2100 passengers, length: 293 m., number of decks: 12,  speed 25 knots

Yard: Meyer werft, Papenburg, Germany, Christened by Kathy Mellor

Remarks: Last vessel of the so called Radiance class of vessels. 12.000 square meters of glass, offers seaviews from most of it's lounges and bars. She features glass elevators facing the sea. Endless array of facilities: rock climbing wall, sportsdeck with golf simulator, 9-hole mini golf court, basketball court, and a billiard room called The Colony Club with pooltables which are self-levelling when the ship moves at sea! Apart from the two-level main restaurant, two Cafés, Windjammer and Seaview and two specialty restaurants are available for meals and snacks. Coffee specialties are served in Latté-tudes, a coffee bar. Jewel of the Seas features high-tech conference facilities with colour touch screens and teleconferencing equipment available. Focal point of the vessel is the ten-story glass constructed atrium.

Principal particulars: 85.000 GRT, 1848 passengers, length: 290 m., number of decks: 12, speed 24 knots

Yard: Chantiers de l'Atlantique, France. Christened by Dutch actress Renee Soutendijk

Remarks: Third vessel of the Vista-Class of ships. Oosterdam and Zuiderdam are sister ships already in service, while the last unit of this series the Noordam will be delivered in 2006. These ships are named in dutch after the four points of the compass rose. Two glass elevators on the side of the ship faced outwards to the sea offer magnificent views. Westerdam interiors are very different from those of her sister ship Zuiderdam. While Zuiderdam has glitzy interiors, those of Westerdam are more refined, almost classical, with color schemes done in warm colors (blue, purple, burgundy end gold), but there are exceptions such as the bright yellow of the atrium bar stools. Apart from her many other dining choices, the Pinnacle Grill (reservations only) serves specialty food (seafood and steaks). Her atrium spans just three decks, which is small compared to those found onboard many of her competitors which are 7 - 10 stories high.... The centerpiece is a Waterfold crystal sailing ship with crystal sails, of course a reminder of the long 130 year history HAL has in passenger shipping. As is usual on HAL vessels, there is an extensive art collection on board and the theme onboard Westerdam relates to the influence of the Dutch in the New world. Hallways give the impression of small museums. The wellness center comprises of a gym, sauna, thalassotherapy room and the Greenhouse Spa which is operated by Steiners (massages and many other treatments).

Principal particulars:  58.600GRT, 1756 passengers, length: 251 m., number of decks: 12, speed 22 knots

Yard: Chantiers de l'Atlantique, France. Christened by Sophia Loren.

Remarks: Same hull form as Mistral (prototype of this series of ships built for now defunct Festival Cruises in 1999). Sistership to  MSC Lirica. She features a mini-golf course, jogging area, 2 pools and 2 whirlpools. Two restuarants, shopping gallery, internet cafe, pizzeria, grill, discotheque, casino and a theatre make the array of facilities complete. All her public spaces are designed in the same style, in contrast to many other contemporary vessels, where styles differ significantly between decks or even lounges. This makes Opera a ship with a subdued, quiet atmosphere, which is just the cruise MSC offers. Although at 58.600GRT she is considered a "medium sized vessel" her roomy interiors give the impression she is much larger. Focal point is a small, 2 deck atrium with a coffee bar on the upper level encircling the atrium and a stairway leading to the reception area below which is fitted out in marble. Of her 878 cabins , 200 of these have their own balcony.

Principal particulars:  116.000GRT, 26706 passengers, length: 290 m., number of decks: 12, speed 22 knots

Yard: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan. Christened by Nancy Murkowski, First lady of Alaska

Remarks: Sister ship to Diamond Princess (see remarks above). Her intended name was Diamond Princess, but a serous fire while she was under construction at the Mitsubishi ship yard in Nagasaki, Japan, delayed her entry into service. So she swapped names with her sistership Sapphire Princess and both ships could enter service on time. During her inaugural ceremony, the world's largest carved sapphire, the Millennium Sapphire was at display on board. Personal Choice Dining, a Princess concept to offer passengers more flexible dining arrangements is practised in the main dining room (fixed seating arrangements) as well as in four smaller themed restaurants. Club Fusion replaces the Vista Lounge found on other ships of the Princess Fleets, and features high-tech sound equipment and video screens. Like other vessels of the Princess fleet, Sapphire Princess  makes it possible to be married at sea by the ship's captain in her wedding chapel called Hearts and Minds. Main goal of the ships designers was to continue the trend already started on the first ship of the Grand Class series of cruise ships: to realize smaller public rooms and to create an atmosphere of intimacy.

Principal particulars: 34.728 GRT, 1800 passengers, length: 177, number of decks 9.

Yard: Aker Finnyards, Rauma, Finland. Christened by Arja Saijonmaa, famous singer in Sweden and Finland.

Remarks: Birka Paradise is the second vessel Birka Cruises operate in the 24 hour cruise trade from Stockholm to Mariehamn on the Aland Islands. This moderately sized vessel -one of the most environmental friendly passenger ships in the world- has taken over on this route from her fleetmate Birka Princess, a smaller vessel measuring   22.412 GRT dating from1986 which will now switch to 2-and 3-day cruises to St. Patersburg, Tallin and Helsinki. Her most interesting feature is her top deck, which can be closed by a sliding glass roof (magrodome). Lamps, a kind of artificial suns have been installed to ensure sunshine together with wind machines, which produce a gentle breeze. By ensuring the exclusive rights on this unique feature, Birka Paradise will for sure be the only vessel in Baltic offering her passengers a sunny cruise for several years to come. Apart from this, she offers a spectacular number of choices to have ones meal: the main restaurant, the Four Seasons, is divided into four subdivisions Le Bistro (french food), Leonardos (italian food), the Compagniet with it's colonial style and the Oriental where asian food is served. In addition to this, The Grand Buffet is split up in three sections, Rivieran, Karibien and Skandinavien and offers an endless variety in buffet style presented food.

Principal particulars: 105.000GRT, 3470 passengers, length: 272 m.,number of decks 13, speed 22 knots

Yard: Fincantieri, Genoa, Italy.  Christened by Spanish actress Paz Vega

Remarks: Sister ship to Costa Fortuna which entered service in 2003 and was Cosa's first vessel to pass the 100.000grt limit. Both ships represent an investment of over 1 billion Euros. They have a total of 1358 cabins, of which 875 are outside cabins. 522 cabins have a private balcony. A large number of 58 suites are available, all of these have a Jacuzzi! Public spaces include: 2 two level restaurants, a la carte restaurant, self-service buffet, pizzeria, 11 bars, three-deck (!) show lounge, two-deck discotheque, internet cafe, casino, four pools and an enormous wellnes centre covering 1500 square meters (sauna, gym, Turkish bath). Her terraced sun deck has the shape of an amphitheatre. Costa Magica's aft pool can be covered by a magrodome (sliding glass roof which closes the area in inclement weather). Onboard an incredible 4.860 works of art are present (cost Eur 1.7 mio), of which 312 are originals and the rest reproductions.

Principal particulars: 110.000 GRT, 2974 passengers, length: 290 m., number of deks: 12, speed 22.5 knots 

Yard: Fincantieri, Italy.Christened by Katie Couric, known from the NBS News, "Today"

Remarks: Enlarged version of prototype Carnival Destiny, and the third of the Conquest-class. Carnival Valor features the theme "Heroes and Heroics" in her interior. She is the largest cruise ship sailing from the port of Miami, and will be employed on a schedule of alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Carnival Valor has two twin level dining rooms, a New York style deli, a pizzeria open around the clock, a sushi bar, a patisserie, a steakhouse-style restaurant (reservations in advance necessary) and poolside restaurant offering Asian and American food. In all 22 bars and lounges are at the disposal of passengers, the show piece being a 3-level theatre. For those who bring their kids, the 4,2000 sq ft enclosed play area as well as the pool with the 214 ft-long water slide will keep them busy. The Camp Carnival program represents a variety of supervised activies for kids ages 2 to 15.