New Cruise Ships Launching in 2018

Each year, cruise lines continue to wow us with innovations and unique offerings aboard their brand-new vessels. For 2018, we’re going to see a ship built specifically for Alaska, a few new megaships, the world’s first discovery yacht, and even a suspended “Magic Carpet.” Here's what’s in store for the cruise industry next year!

Carnival Horizon

Photo by Carnival Cruise Line

Cruise Line / Launch Date: Carnival Cruise Line / March 2018

Size: 133,500 gross tons / 3,960 guests

Homeports: Barcelona, New York, and Miami

Itineraries: Mediterranean, Bermuda, and the Caribbean

Highlights: 

• Dr. Seuss-themed WaterWorks water park
• Lip Sync Battle competitions
• The suspended pedal cycling SkyRide attraction 
• Guy’s BBQ Smokehouse and Brewhouse with craft beer brewed onboard
• Havana and Family Harbor staterooms and suites

Norwegian Bliss

Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line

Cruise Line / Launch Date: Norwegian Cruise Line / April 2018

Size: 168,800 gross tons / 4,000 guests

Homeports: Seattle and Miami

Itineraries: Alaska and the Caribbean

Highlights: 

• Go-Kart racetrack
• Outdoor laser tag course
• A Texas-style BBQ smokehouse with live music
• Coco’s chocolate cafe
• Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville at Sea
• Indoor observation Deck with floor-to-ceiling windows, purpose-built for Alaska cruises

Symphony of the Seas

Photo by Royal Caribbean International

Cruise Line / Launch Date: Royal Caribbean / April 2018

Size: 227,000 gross tons / 5,535 guests

Homeports: Barcelona and Miami

Itineraries: Mediterranean and the Caribbean

Highlights: 

• Will be the largest cruise ship in the world
• The tallest slide at sea - Ultimate Abyss
• Indoor laser tag
• AquaTheater shows with diving stunts and acrobatics
• El Loco Fresh, a casual Mexican restaurant
• Bionic Bar with robotic bartenders
• Ultimate Family Suite staterooms with a private cinema, pool table, and slide

Celebrity Edge

Photo by Celebrity Cruises

Cruise Line / Launch Date: Celebrity Cruises / December 2018

Size: 117,000 gross tons / 2,918 guests

Homeports: Fort Lauderdale, Rome, Barcelona, and Southampton

Itineraries: Caribbean and the Mediterranean

Highlights: 

• Magic Carpet cantilevered space on the side of the ship that changes purpose depending on the deck it’s on, including a specialty restaurant
• The Rooftop Garden holds activities during the day, and movies or music at night.
• The Retreat, a “ship-within-a-ship” area with a private pool, lounge, and butler service
• Staterooms with infinite verandas 

Nieuw Statendam

Photo by Holland America Line

Cruise Line / Launch Date: Holland America Line / December 2018

Size: 99,500 gross tons / 2,650 guests

Homeports: Fort Lauderdale

Itineraries: Caribbean

Highlights: 

• Wine blending classes at BLEND onboard
• America’s Test Kitchen cooking demonstrations
• The “Music Walk” with B.B. King’s Blues Club, Lincoln Center Stage, and Billboard Onboard
• BBC Earth experiences including themed trivia, “Frozen Planet” footage scored by a live orchestra, and a game show to test your knowledge of nature
• Tamarind Asian specialty restaurant
• An LED atrium ceiling with changing images, like clouds or starry constellations

MSC Seaview

Photo by MSC Cruises

Cruise Line / Launch Date: MSC Cruises / June 2018

Size: 154,000 gross tons / 5,179 guests

Homeports: Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, and Santos

Itineraries: Mediterranean and South America

Highlights: 

• Outdoor promenade that wraps around the entire ship
• Eataly Italian restaurant and store
• Panoramic exterior elevators
• Two unique Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows in the purpose-built Carousel Lounge

Viking Orion

Photo by Viking Cruises

Cruise Line / Launch Date: Viking Cruises / July 2018

Size: 47,800 gross tons / 930 guests

Homeports: Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Venice, Mumbai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Bali, Sydney, Auckland, Tokyo, and Vancouver

Itineraries: Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, and Alaska

Highlights: 

• Five categories of all-veranda staterooms
• The Wintergarden space to relax and enjoy afternoon tea
• The Kitchen Table excursion and onboard cooking class
• Manfredi’s Italian restaurant - some say the best Italian venue at sea

AIDAnova

Photo by Meyer Werft

Cruise Line / Launch Date: AIDA Cruises / fall 2018

Size: 183,000 gross tons / 5,000 guests

Homeports: Tenerife and Grand Canaria

Itineraries: Portugal and the Canary Islands

Highlights: 

• Covered pool deck with retractable roof
• Fuego Restaurant, a complimentary venue for families complete with a kid’s buffet
• Buffalo Steakhouse - an American-style a la carte restaurant
• Beach Club area with activities based on the four elements: fire, water, air, and earth
• Sports Deck with waterslides and a rock climbing wall

Scenic Eclipse

Photo by Scenic Tours

Cruise Line / Launch Date: Scenic Tours / August 2018

Size: 16,500 gross tons / 228 guests

Itineraries: Mediterranean, Arctic, and Antarctica

Highlights: 

• Scenic’s first ocean vessel, which they are calling the world’s first “discovery yacht”
• Two helicopters, a submarine, a fleet of Zodiacs, and kayaks
• Every cabin is a suite with a veranda.
• Both indoor and outdoor swimming pools
• Included drinks, internet, and shore excursions