Every year the cruise industry launches brand new ships. Some years, those new ships are simply stunning and bring breathtaking new technology mixed with cool, innovative ideas.
5 cool cruise ships that launched in 2014
Norwegian Getaway. This ship takes the best features from her sister ship – Norwegian Breakaway – and adds some new ones of her own. Getaway has the multistory sports complex with ropes course, rock-climbing wall and zip line, outdoor promenade for dining and drinks and more than 20 restaurants and bars. Unique to this Miami-based ship are tropical-inspired artwork and applicably themed spaces the Tropical Room, Flamingo Bar and Grill, Sunset Bar and Sugarcane Bar. On the hull, you’ll find mermaids and pelicans as done by Pop artist David “Lebo” Batard. If you’re a music lover, you’ll enjoy the ship’s Grammy Experience – featuring performances by past Grammy winners and nominees. Hear our Norwegian Getaway broadcast here.
Quantum of the Seas. A first-in-class ship, this new offering from Royal Caribbean launched with much fanfare in November of this year. It was well worth the wait for this new, innovative ship which features the following first at sea offerings: skydiving simulator, bumper cars and the “North Star” – an enclosed glass capsule that rises 300 feet above sea level. In addition to the new features and entertainment, this ship also introduces revamped cabin spaces including solo staterooms and virtual balconies for inside cabins. Hear our Quantum of the Seas broadcast here.
Regal Princess. Another sister ship launch, Regal Princess follows in the elegant footsteps of Royal Princess. Fans of the ship who love the SeaWalk (the glass-enclosed walkway that extends over the ship’s edge and 128 feet above the water), the stunning adults-only pool, private poolside cabanas and Princess Live! Television studio will find all of the features on the new ship. New to Regal Princess is a promenade deck that runs the entire length of the ship. Hear our broadcast aboard Regal Princess here.
photo VRC
Viking River Cruises. With Viking this year, it’s not just about one new show stopping ship, it’s about the launch of 16 new ships this year. 14 of the new ships are Longship-class ships and are sailing on the rivers of Europe: Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine and Rhone, along with a brand-new itinerary on the rivers in France’s Bordeaux region. New this year will be two ships sailing on Portugal’s Douro River. With Viking, each suite features two rooms, French balcony and full balcony. Hear our broadcast aboard Viking Odin here.
photo: wiki
Costa Diadema. You may not have heard of this ship, yet. Based in Europe, this is Costa’s newest and largest ship in the fleet. Carnival fans may recognize the bold décor on this ship as its being designed by Joe Farcus. Diadema features split-level rooms overlooking the sea and an outdoor promenade. For your taste, you’ll find a Bavarian-style beer garden, Japanese Teppanyaki, and Piazza Pizza. The Portobello Market Square is filled with shops, outside walkway and cabanas. For the ultimate relaxation, you’ll find the three-story Samsara Spa – the largest in the fleet. You can find out more about Costa Diadema here.
Did you get a chance to sail on any of these cool ships this year? Which one are you looking forward to sailing the most in the coming year?
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By Sarah Phillips
