April marks the start for another exciting year for the Carnival Corporation. The world’s largest leisure travel company, is preparing itself for the launch of four new cruise ships in 2018. Over the next few months Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Seabourn and AIDA Cruises will each launch a new ship.
Having launched three new ships in 2017, Carnival is looking forward to the delivery of four new spectacular ships that will help continue providing extraordinary cruise vacations at an exceptional value.
The four new ships are part of Carnival Corporation’s ongoing fleet enhancement strategy which includes the launch of 18 new ships between 2018 and 2022.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE – CARNIVAL HORIZON
Just a few days ago Carnival Cruise Line t ook delivery of its 26th ship. Carnival Horizon offers a number of unique innovations, including the first Dr. Seuss WaterWorks aqua park, the line’s first teppanyaki dining venue and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse | Brewhouse, a new restaurant that combines BBQ offerings created by Food Network star Guy Fieri along with four specifically designed craft beers brewed at an onboard brewery.
Carnival Horizon also offers many of the popular indoor and outdoor dining, bar, entertainment and activity options that debuted on Carnival Vista in 2016. These include the bike-ride-in-the-sky SkyRide attraction and an IMAX Theatre.
Guests will enjoy a wide range of accommodations including spa cabins with exclusive privileges at the luxurious Cloud 9 Spa, extra-roomy staterooms in Family Harbor and tropical-inspired Havana staterooms and suites with exclusive daytime access to a Cuban-themed bar and pool.
The 133,500-ton Carnival Horizon will debut with a 13-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona – the first of four round-trip departures from the port. Carnival Horizon will then reposition to the U.S. with a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to New York on May 9-23, 2018, positioning the vessel for a summer schedule of four-day Bermuda and eight-day Caribbean departures from the Big Apple. Carnival Horizon will shift to Miami to launch a year-round schedule of six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises beginning Sept. 22, 2018. On September 20 the ship will offer a special two-day cruise to Nassau from Miami.
SEABOURN – SEABOURN OVATION
Following in the footsteps of Seabourn Encore, launched in early 2017, Seabourn Ovation is set to debut in May 2018.
Designed by design icon Adam D. Tihany, the ship features contemporary interiors, modern design elements and innovations consistent with Seabourn’s reputation for understated elegance and impeccable service.
The fifth all-suite ship in Seabourn’s fleet will carry just 600 guests, based on double occupancy. The ship offers a number of in-suite amenities to provide guests with a “home away from home” onboard experience including a private veranda in each suite. Guests will also find a number of innovative offerings and programs, including “An Evening with Tim Rice,” the new theater-style experience created exclusively for the line in association with Belinda King Creative Productions and through the brand’s partnership with Sir Tim Rice, the acclaimed English musical theatre lyricist of Broadway, West End and film. The experience highlights some of his most loved work – from “Jesus Christ Superstar” to “Aladdin” and “The Lion King.”
For a closer look on board the luxury Seabourn ships visit “Seabourn Quest – a visit to luxury at sea“.
Following the ship’s delivery, Seabourn Ovation will embark on an 11-day inaugural voyage departing May 5, 2018, from Venice (Italy) to Barcelona. The ship will spend the majority of her maiden season cruising the waters of Northern Europe, offering a variety of Baltic and Scandinavian cruises, which will include the line’s signature three-day stay in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Seabourn Ovation will also sail on longer 14-day voyages, visiting the majestic Norwegian fjords and British Isles. Select sailings will also include the Ventures by Seabourn program, which are optional for-charge expedition-style excursions featuring a team of experts, Zodiacs and kayaks with a focus on allowing guests to experience nature up close.
AIDA CRUISES – AIDANOVA
Arriving in December 2018, AIDAnova will be the first cruise ship fully powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel, with nearly zero emissions.
AIDAnova’s next-generation, fully LNG-powered design is an evolution from the brand’s previous award-winning class of ships that includes AIDAprima and AIDAperla, the first two cruise ships in the world to use LNG while in port. AIDAnova will be followed by six additional fully LNG-powered ships scheduled to be delivered across several Carnival Corporation brands by 2022.
Onboard AIDAnova guests can enjoy an onboard brewery featuring the first-ever beer garden, a beach club and “Four Elements”, complete with three water slides, a new escape room for puzzle lovers, the line’s signature 360-degree Theatrium and Studio X, a TV studio at sea.
Other highlights include 20 different stateroom types, a two-deck Body & Soul Spa, two private outdoor sun islands for couples, 17 restaurants, 23 bars offering a variety of culinary trends from around the world and the new Time Machine restaurant, blending experience and culinary art to take guests on a dinner trip through time.
For a closer look at AIDAnova’s onboard amenities visit AIDAnova: new highlights from bow to stern.
Starting December 2018, AIDAnova will offer seven-day trips around the Canary Islands. Prior to the Canary season, AIDAnova will make a stop in Hamburg.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE – NIEUW STATENDAM
Nieuw Statendam is the second Pinnacle Class ship for Holland America Line, joining ms Koningsdam, which launched in April 2016.
The 99,500-ton ship is the ultimate expression of the brand’s evolution, with grand light-filled spaces, visual drama and sumptuous interiors inspired by the fluid curves of musical instruments, all created by leading hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany and designer and architect Bjorn Storbraaten.
The ship will carry 2,666 guests and feature fine-dining options at alternative restaurants Sel de Mer – a French seafood brasserie, and Tamarind – an Asian fusion concept, in addition to the Grand Dutch Café with traditional Dutch treats and European beer.
When Holland America Line’s new flagship sets sail from the shipyard it will have more staterooms than sister-ship Koningsdam and all stateroom categories will be reimagined to showcase more thoughtful touches and innovative additions. For a closer look at Nieuw Statendam’s accommodations visit “Artfully inspired staterooms and suites onboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam“.
Onboard entertainment will include the popular Music Walk area featuring all genres of music showcased in venues including Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and the dynamic B.B. King’s Blues Club. With the 270-degree LED projection at World Stage, show-time performances will immerse the audience in panoramic visual and sound effects. The ship will also launch with the newly created Exploration Central, a comprehensive resource and engagement center with interactive screens and a Virtual Bridge.
Holland America Line’s first ship to be called Statendam sailed in 1898, and this will be the sixth ship in the company’s history to carry the name. In combining the Dutch word for “new” with the classic “Statendam,” Holland America Line is celebrating the company’s past, present and future.
Nieuw Statendam is scheduled to depart Dec. 5, 2018, on its maiden voyage with guests – a 14-day transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale. The ship will then spend the winter season cruising roundtrip from the South Florida port on seven-day Caribbean itineraries, with select three-, four- and 10-day options.