The first quarter of the year is just about ready to end in a few weeks – have you signed up for your dream cruise yet? If you haven’t or are still in the process of planning your most-anticipated trip, you’d want to take note of three of the newest cruise ship set to launch, to bring you the best travel memories for the year 2016.
Take note, start saving up, and scope out the best available deals when you’re done reading:
Holland America Line’s Koningsdam
MS Koningsdam promises to bring cruisers on an elegant journey on the high seas, in a ship whose design was inspired by the fluidity and beauty of music. Launch is on April 2016, and is set to explore the most desirable destinations like the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Bahamas.
Its public areas are light-filled wonders that allow cruisers to ‘interact’ with the architecture – making it an entirely refreshing experience. The activities available on the Koningsdam are also delightful treats both to the new and veteran cruiser. Wine connoisseurs are sure to enjoy BLEND, which brings Washington State’s best – Chateau Ste. Michelle onboard the ship. They offer wine tasting sessions and guests can also blend their own wine.
Luxury and shopping find their ocean address at the Merabella boutique, which features high-end jewelry and watches from distinguished designers. The ship also offers a Culinary Arts Center where cooking demos and classes by celebrity chefs are held.
The Koningsdam’s pool area is an art piece of its own – set in a retractable glass-domed arena where one can find al fresco dining areas and a huge outdoor movie screen where feature films are played.
Viking Ocean Cruise’s Viking Sea
Preparing for your first cruise? Set to launch in April 2016 as well, the Viking Sea brings river cruising to yet another level by offering a heady experience of Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Baltic region in a state-of-the art and sophisticated setting onboard.
You will feel the strong Norwegian influence in the ship’s decor, where clean lines meet rich and deep shades of blue, grey, and polished dark wood. It can accommodate 930 people, in spacious cabins measuring 224 square feet at the very least. Rooms are decked with king-size beds, branded toiletries, and other luxuries.
Numerous dining venues abound in the Viking Sea, which include Manfredi’s, Wintergarden, The Chef’s Table, the Kitchen Table, and The Restaurant (main dining) among many others. All of which offer exquisite culinary delights worth experiencing during the duration of your cruise trip.
Two pools flank this ship, the Infinity Pool and the Main Pool, where you can lounge and feel refreshed while appreciating the view around you. The Viking Sea also has a main theater where you enjoy live performances by world-class talents, that showcase the beautiful culture of your port of call or destination. The relaxed pace of activities on The Viking Sea is perfect for couples, those going solo, and families who want a comfortable and luxurious cruise to their dream destination.
Royal Caribbean International’s Harmony of the Seas
If you’re ready for the big league, then you might want to set your cruise schedule back to the Spring 2016 launch of Royal Caribbean International’s newest offering – the ocean’s giant, Harmony of the Seas. It promises to accommodate 5749 passengers, and has 16 decks offering prime square footage for individuals, couples, friends, families, and just about any group of people who want to have the time of their lives onboard.
Accommodations range from studio cabins from 96 square feet to Royal Loft Suites that go as big as 1,599 square feet! The Royal Loft suite has its balcony area, with its own whirlpool and dining area.
Those who decide to go on this cruise ship will get to enjoy seven free dining stops, which include a two-deck Main dining room, Sorrento’s Pizzeria which offers delicious pizza, the Windjammer Marketplace which offers exquisite Asian dishes, and the Park Cafe which is the best stop for paninis and sandwiches.
For a fee, you can be in gastronomic heaven at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, which serves up an interesting array of dishes set in an Alice in Wonderland-themed space. There are other restaurants that can be enjoyed for a fee, which include Japanese dishes, diner-style food, Italian fare, and more. Care for a drink? There are 11 bars on Harmony of the Seas.
Brace yourself for the onboard adventure you get to enjoy – there are rock climbing walls, the tallest slide on a cruise ship (10 stories high!), Flowrider simulators, an ice skating rink, a zip line, and multi-story waterslides. Kids will also have the time of their lives with the ship’s 3D movie theater, the Splashaway Bay kids’ water park, and a Dreamworks experience where they get to meet characters of movies like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.
Of course, for those who really just want to zone out and relax, there is a full-service Vitality Spa which offers an extensive range of treatments. The ship is also equipped with a fitness center, a Central Park-inspired space with a garden, dining venues, and stores. There are also four pools and 10 whirlpools onboard.
The Harmony of the Seas is set to explore the beauty of the Mediterranean, the Eastern, and the Western Caribbean destinations.
