Six Cruise Lines Plan to Launch New Vessels this Year

The cruise ships planned to be launched in 2012 are all new vessels. Each one is almost identical to existing sister-ships. Brand-new classes won’t be making an appearance until 2013 when Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line will launch Royal Princess and Norwegian Breakaway.

Here are some highlights of all upcoming launches:

Disney Fantasy, Disney Cruise Line

Sister-ship to Disney Dream is 40% larger than the line’s other two ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, and in typical Disney style. The 5-star Disney Fantasy seating 4,000 passengers will be launched on March 31, 2012.

Riviera, Oceania Cruises

Sister-ship to the Marina, the 5.5-star Riviera is about twice the size of the other ships in Oceania’s fleet. She will be introduced on April 24, 2012, accommodating 1,258 passengers.

Costa Fascinosa, Costa

The 4.5-star Costa Fascinosa is a sister-ship to the Costa Favolosa offering 3,800 seats. The launching ceremony is scheduled for May 11, 2012.

MSC Divina, MSC Cruises

The 4-star MSC Divina is modeled after sister-ships MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia. With the accommodation capacity for 4,363 passengers, she will be given a start on May 27, 2012.

Carnival Breeze, Carnival

Like its sister-ships Carnival Magic and Carnival Dream, the 4.5-star Carnival Breeze will offer comfort and entertainment that will be eagerly presented to 3,690 passengers on June 3, 2012.

Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian

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 to 4,000 passengers. She will be enthusiastically introduced on April 30, 2013.

The ships that will be refurbished and renamed are as follows:

Costa neoRomantica, Costa

Formerly the Costa Romantica, this 4-star ship is being completely restyled and refurbished before it emerges as the neoRomantica. Two half-decks and more than 100 cabins are being added, and an additional 120 cabins and suites will receive private balconies. She will be designed to accommodate 1,800 passengers. The launching is set for February 20, 2012.

MV Voyager, Voyages of Discovery

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 to 556 passengers. She will see the light of day on November 17, 2012.

[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, January 5, 2012; Image: Princess Cruises