Six Perks of Sailing on a New Cruise Ship

Are you weighing the pros and cons of sailing on a new cruise ship versus one that has been sailing for years? Booking a cruise on a brand-new ship offers a variety of advantages that can enhance your vacation experience. You will be among the first to experience and stay in the newest and shiniest offering from the cruise line, which comes with a lot of special perks. The following are six perks to consider when sailing on a new cruise ship. 

1. Cutting-Edge Technology 

New ships are often equipped with the latest innovations in cruise technology, from state-of-the-art systems to advanced navigation, and enhanced Wi-Fi capabilities. Around the ship, you are likely to find tools to make your journey more convenient and comfortable, like integrated apps for easier booking and communication. 

Princess Cruises’ Medallion class technology is a great example of this. Guests sailing with the line receive a wearable device called a “medallion,” which is used for faster boarding, stateroom entry, accessing ship Wi-Fi, ordering drinking, finding your way around the ship, locating friends and family onboard, and several tools that synch with the guest’s Princess app. 

In the past few years, we’ve seen many new advancements that benefit all guests onboard, like innovative new smart elevator systems that enable passengers on larger ships to get around with ease and less waiting time. We’ve also seen more touch-free amenities come to public areas. Many new ships have equipped a system where guests/crew “wave” at door entrances or exits in high-traffic areas and bathrooms, eliminating the need to manually close them. 

2. Brand-New Dining Options 

New cruise ships typically debut with a wide range of innovative and new dining experiences. If you frequently sail with a particular line, you will find some of the staple eateries of the brand, but with reimagined dining spaces or a twist on the regular menu. 

Being among the first to sail on a new ship includes being the first to check out innovative restaurants, unique dining concepts, celebrity chef collaborations, and more diverse food choices than you might find on older ships. Expect new menus, specialized eateries, and high-quality culinary experiences that reflect current dining trends.

3. Modern Staterooms 

Accommodations on newer cruise ships are designed with comfort and luxury in mind. On many new ships, you will find updated interior spaces designed with better ways to utilize space. There may be more closet spaces, places under beds to store luggage, and room layouts that allow guests to maximize stateroom space. 

New ships often have more up-to-date technology in staterooms, such as smart TVs and digital controls for lights/window shades/temperature settings. You will also find that newer ships tend to have more plugs and even USB ports spread throughout the cabins. This is better to fit today’s modern traveler, who typically travels with multiple electronic devices that all (simultaneously) need charging.  

Many new ships often have new or re-designed stateroom categories that better accommodate various traveler groups. There are more stateroom options specifically for solo travelers, or convertible bed options and staterooms designed with families in mind. As you search to select the correct ship for your trip, keep in mind that newer vessels typically have more options when it comes to room sizes, especially on larger ships. 

4. Innovative Entertainment and Activities

One of the fun perks of sailing a new ship is being among the first to take advantage of the shiny new activities, entertainment, and amenities. It’s pretty much the equivalent of a kid getting to play with a new toy! 

You can be among the first to check out that ship’s debut of a Broadway-style show, spend the afternoon at a new water park, or enjoy the thermal spa at a barely-used spa facility. Be the first to try features like VR gaming, or thrills like the world’s longest dry slides or rollercoasters at sea. You will return from your vacation with something to brag about to friends and family! 

5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Features

As the majority of cruise lines work to bring more eco-friendly technology and environmentally responsible practices, newer vessels are designed with sustainability in mind. This can include reduced emissions, eco-friendly hull designs, the use of cleaner fuels (like LNG), new waste management and water system processes, and using sustainable materials onboard. All of this contributes to a more eco-conscious cruise experience.

6. Exclusive Early Access & Special Offers 

If you know where and when to look, you can find access to exclusive early-bird promotions for the inaugural season of many new ships. Look for repositioning or transatlantic voyages for new cruise ships, which often have longer lengths but may have a reduced price tag on a cost-per-night basis. 

Doing research can lead you to great discounts for new cruise ships. These deals can offer significant savings or additional perks like onboard credit, excursions, or complimentary upgrades, making the experience even more appealing.

Explore Deals on New Ships - Photo by Cruiseline.com/Canva

If you are considering a cruise on a new ship, check out sailings on that vessel with Cruiseline.com’s Find a Cruise tool. You can also use our FREE price alerts to receive an email notification every time the price of a specific cruise changes. Set as many alerts as you like for all the sailing dates you are considering. Watch for deals and special offers on new cruise ships when you sign up for our Deals Email.

Keep This In Mind

If you are on the maiden or one of the first voyages of a new cruise ship, you may find that some venues are still receiving final touches and may have limited use. Cruise lines aim to have all their venues and activities open by a ship’s launch; however, unexpected things can happen during construction. Don’t be disappointed if something is not open or ready for passengers to use, as you will still have bragging rights as one of the first onboard a new ship!

Also, the crew may still be in the process of learning their way around the vessel and figuring out their process for giving guests the best experience possible. Pack your patience and understanding when sailing on a new ship!  

Enjoy That New Ship Smell!

Booking a cruise on a new ship means you'll be among the first to experience the latest features, amenities, and technologies, all while enjoying an unforgettable vacation. It’s a highly memorable experience that you won’t regret!

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