During the last several years of economic recovery, a few cruise lines were betting on the future with the planning, designing, and construction of new Cruise. The entire process can last between 2 and 4 years, and thinking back 2 or 4 years ago, these ships were gambles – and they should payoff as we slowly climb out of the global recession.
We noted on last-year’s list that mega-ships were noticeably absent.
The outlook over the next few years also indicates ships that carry over 6,000 passengers may have been a phase – and one that wasn’t overly profitable – since neither Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line, two lines with mega-ship experience, have any plans of expanding their mega-fleet size.
Below is a list with some details the new cruise ships in 2013, 2014, and Beyond.
2013
MSC Preziosa (MSC)
Passengers: 3502
Maiden Voyage: March. 2013
Notes: Preziosa is the last of four Fantasia-class ships from MSC.
Norwegian Breakaway (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Passengers: 4028
Maiden Voyage: May, 2013
Notes: Sister ship of the 2014-launching Norwegian Getaway. The Breakaway will reportedly have additional dining and entertainment options previously not offered by NCL.
Royal Princess (Princess Cruises)
Passengers: 3600
Maiden Voyage: June 10, 2013
Notes: The Royal Princess brings size to the Princess fleet as the largest ship. 20% larger, in fact.
2014
Norwegian Getaway (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Passengers: 4028
Maiden Voyage: January 2014
Notes: Sister ship of the Norwegian Breakaway, which will have debuted 8 months prior in April of 2013.
Regal Princess (Princess Cruises)
Passengers: 3600
Maiden Voyage: Spring, 2014
Notes: The sister ship of the Royal Princess (debuts June 2013)
“Project Sunshine #1” Royal Caribbean
Passengers: 4100
Maiden Voyage: Fall 2014
Notes:
2015
(Name TBD) P&O Cruises
Passengers: 3611
Maiden Voyage: March 2014
Notes: Britain’s most popular cruise line introduces a new ship, it’s largest by 22%.
“Project Sunshine #2” Royal Caribbean
Passengers: 4100
Maiden Voyage: Spring 2015
Although smaller in size, a notable newcomer is Viking Ocean Cruises, an ocean-bound fleet spinoff from the successful Viking River Cruises brand, will welcome two 900 passenger ships to their fleet. One in the Spring of 2014, and another in the Spring 2015.