The New Ships of 2009
If you missed the inaugural season of the Ruby Princess and the Celebrity Solstice -- fret not because there are at least 6 fresh opportunities to sail on a brand-new ship this year:
June 24: The Seabourn Odyssey sets sail from Venice for 14 nights of luxury-line bliss around the Greek Isles, ending in exotic Istanbul. She's bigger than the other Seabourn ships at 32,000 tons with passenger capacity of 450. After cruising the Med all Summer, she'll reposition to Ft. Lauderdale in November. Luxury lovers -- don't wait!
July 13: The MSC Splendida joins the fleet for 7-night voyages from Barcelona. Very popular itineraries for families and couples who can only get away on vacation for a week. Barcelona is a very easy destination to fly in and out of, and to get around in for an extra day or two. At 133,500 tons carrying 3300 passengers, she'll be an attractive alternative for people who would like to try something besides the Voyager of the Seas. She'll sail the Med year-round, opening up opportunities for holiday and off-season European cruising. Call me NOW if you want to do this for Christmas or New Year's.
August 8: The Celebrity Equinox, sister to the Solstice, makes her way from Southampton to Rome for a Summer in the Med before moving to Ft. Lauderdale. Luxury elements really place these two 117,000 ton - 2850 passenger ships in a class all their own.
September 21: The Carnival Dream begins a handful of cruises from Rome -- your only opportunity for a Carnival cruise in Europe this year. She's big -- 130,000 tons of fun with 3650 passengers. Great itineraries and amazing fares (would you believe 12 nights in a balcony stateroom for as low as $1699 a person?!?!) -- she's our Mediterranean "secret weapon." After Rome, she'll home-port in Port Canaveral, Florida.
December 5: The Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas -- largest passenger ship in the world at an astonishing 220,000 tons carrying 5400 passengers. Prepare to be dazzled! We have lots of print material and information about the incredible features they've packed onto this ship so let's get together if you're interested in this one.
December 23: Just in time for Christmas, the almost magical Silversea Silver Spirit debuts with a few inaugural sailings before her official naming in Ft. Lauderdale on January 21st. All-inclusive luxury does not get any better than the 36,000 ton, 540 passenger elegance of this little jewel.