Before I get to today’s newsletter, I wanted to let you know that Norwegian Cruise Line has slashed rates on a variety of 7-night cruises departing between now and July 2010, exclusively for Vacations To Go customers. Click here to see a list of these special rates. Book by January 6.
It’s the time of year when we naturally think of things new and old, so what better occasion is there to announce what the cruise lines have in store for us in 2010?
In 2010, nine ships will embark on their maiden voyages for nine different cruise lines. All are new builds. That’s not counting Silversea’s Silver Spirit, which made its debut just last week, or the Disney Dream, which is set to launch in January 2011.
As is always the case when new ships hit the market, all of this new inventory will ensure a continuing supply of deep discounts — on virtually all ships — for Vacations To Go customers, especially those who can wait to book within 90 days of departure.
Below are some highlights of each ship launching in the next 13 months, plus Silver Spirit, including links to more information, departure dates and discounts. If you are interested in being among the first passengers on any of these vessels, I recommend calling us as soon as possible as the first sailing of any new-build is generally in very high demand.
Silver Spirit, Silversea — December 23, 2009 — 540 passengers
The Silver Spirit will offer the utmost in luxury and indulgence at sea, with all-suite accommodations that are the largest in the Silversea fleet. Ninety-five percent of suites on this 6-star ship will feature private teak verandas. Guests will be treated to champagne upon arrival, and they’ll find their suites adorned with fresh fruit and flowers, a stocked beverage cabinet, European bath amenities, robes, slippers and other personalized touches. Passengers will have an opportunity to rejuvenate in the ship’s spa, which will feature relaxation areas, a sauna, steam rooms and a whirlpool. Or choose to browse through the library, visit the Internet cafe or peruse designer collections in the onboard boutiques. The Silver Spirit will also offer a number of dining options — from elegant and intimate to relaxed and casual — and evenings will be highlighted by productions in the show lounge. For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Costa Deliziosa, Costa — February 5, 2010 — 2,828 passengers
Billed as one of the "diamonds" of the Costa fleet, the 4.5-star Costa Deliziosa will feature marble, mother-of-pearl and Murano glass accents, beautiful furniture and breathtaking art collections throughout the ship. Onboard entertainment will include a race car simulator, a 4-D movie theater, a roller rink and a golf simulator. The Deliziosa will also feature the Samsara Spa, which has become a popular feature on several other Costa ships. Spanning two decks and boasting panoramic views, the spa will provide its clients with the ultimate in relaxation. Though the inaugural sailing is still available, the second sailing of this ship is sold out. For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
MSC Magnifica, MSC — March 7, 2010 — 3,013 passengers
Sister to the Musica, Orchestra and Poesia, the 4.5-star MSC Magnifica will offer 236,000 square feet of public space, making her one of the largest ships in the fleet. Passengers can relax in the spacious, 13,000-square-foot spa or take a dip in one of the two pools. The ship’s main pool will feature a Magrodome (retractable roof) so guests can swim rain or shine. Dining options will include four unique restaurants, including a specialty sushi bar. For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Azura, P&O Cruises — April 12, 2010 — 3,100 passengers
The 4-star Azura will offer a wide selection of onboard activities and entertainment venues, including four pools, two show lounges, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a casino, a luxurious spa and an open-air cinema. Younger passengers will enjoy the four children’s clubs, designed to suit various age groups. Adults will appreciate the peaceful environments of the child-free pool and The Retreat, an exclusive outdoor spa terrace. In the evening, guests can take in a comedy act or a cabaret show in the two-tiered theater, go dancing or enjoy a nightcap in one of the many bars and lounges. For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity — April 29, 2010 — 2,850 passengers
Sister ship to the Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox, the 5-star Celebrity Eclipse will feature wireless Internet access, flat-screen televisions in oversized staterooms (85% of which will boast private balconies) and an excellent selection of onboard shops and boutiques. Other amenities and diversions will include the Hot Glass Show, a glassblowing studio created in collaboration with the Corning Museum of Glass; the Lawn Club, featuring real grass where guests can relax with a game of croquet or a picnic; and 10 distinct specialty restaurants. For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn — June 6, 2010 — 450 passengers
The 6-star Seabourn Sojourn will feature an elegant, yacht-like atmosphere and individualized service provided by a highly trained and incredibly attentive staff. The Sojourn boasts all-suite accommodations, 90% with private verandas. All suites will offer walk-in closets with personal safes; interactive flat-screen televisions with music and movies; fully stocked bars; refrigerators; and granite bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. Dining options will range from the formal, elegant atmosphere of The Restaurant to the laid-back ambience of the poolside Patio Grille. In addition to 24-hour room service, guests can also opt for private, course-by-course meals served in their suites. Other amenities will include a fitness center, six bars and lounges, and a built-in marina, which will allow guests to enjoy a variety of water-based activities, such as swimming, snorkeling and windsurfing, right from the stern of the ship. For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Norwegian Epic, Norwegian — June 24, 2010 — 4,200 passengers
As its name implies, the 4.5-star Epic will be the largest and most innovative NCL ship to date. New Wave staterooms feature curved walls, open living spaces and creatively designed bathrooms, and every outside stateroom will feature a balcony. For the budget-conscious traveler, a new category of inside cabins called The Studios will maximize space and offer access to The Living Room, a private shared space with TVs, Wi-Fi and a full bar. Daytime diversions include the Aqua Park with three multistory water slides, a rock-climbing wall and a rope adventure course. The ship will also feature the cruise industry’s first true ice bar, where the bar, walls, tables, stools and even life-size sculptures will all be made of ice. The Norwegian Epic will offer unparalleled evening entertainment including Blue Man Group, The Second City Comedy Troupe, Legends in Concert and Howl at the Moon. For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America — July 4, 2010 — 2,104 passengers
The design and decor of the 5-star Nieuw Amsterdam will reflect the glamour and history of New York City, which was known as Nieuw Amsterdam in the 17th century. The ship will feature several Holland America favorites, such as the Explorations Café and Pinnacle Grille, as well as new venues including a premium wine-tasting lounge, the Explorer’s Lounge Bar and a luxury jewelry boutique. Other amenities include the Greenhouse Spa and Salon; a huge fitness center; extensive youth facilities including the teens-only Loft; and the Culinary Arts Center, where experts will provide demonstrations and intimate classes in state-of-the-art kitchens. For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
See More of Europe for a Lot Less. Save on Round-Trip Flights from $380 on British Airways! 
Queen Elizabeth, Cunard — October 12, 2010 — 2,092 passengers
Recalling the rich heritage of the first Cunard ship to bear the name, the 5-star Queen Elizabeth will reflect the luxuries of the past and present. The ship will be outfitted in art deco furnishings, sparkling chandeliers and curved staircases, and passengers will enjoy browsing the extensive library, playing a round of croquet on the Games Deck, indulging in a treatment at the spa, or relaxing in one of the ship’s two hot tubs. The five main restaurants will be complemented by alternative dining options such as the Lido Buffet and the Golden Lion, which will serve classic pub cuisine. Elaborate shows will play each evening in the Royal Court Theatre, and guests can spend some time at the slot machines or playing card games in the casino, or simply relax in one of the many bars and lounges onboard. The inaugural sailing of this ship is sold out. For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean — December 12, 2010 — 5,400 passengers
Like its sister ship, Oasis of the Seas, the 18-deck, 5-star Allure of the Seas will feature seven themed "neighborhoods," including the Boardwalk and Central Park. Unique amenities and activities include a sloped-entry pool and two surf simulators; the AquaTheater, an amphitheater at the stern of the ship; an onboard zip line; and a full-size carousel. The bi-level Loft Suites come equipped with LCD televisions, upstairs and downstairs bathrooms, separate vanity areas and floor-to-ceiling windows. For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
Disney Dream, Disney — January 26, 2011 — 4,000 passengers
The 5-star Disney Dream will be the first new ship for Disney Cruise Line in more than a dozen years. With 14 towering decks, the vessel will build on the style of other Disney ships with an early 20th century design mixed with state-of-the-art technology. One of the technological highlights, for the first time in the cruise industry, inside cabins will have outside views! Inside staterooms will each have a porthole-shaped, flat-screen monitor on the wall, which will receive real-time footage of the sea or port from high-definition cameras mounted along the outside of the ship. Onboard entertainment will include 3-D movies in the Buena Vista Movie Theatre as well as other cruise-industry firsts like the AquaDuck, a combination waterslide/rollercoaster. Inside the ship, cinema-sized plasma screens will offer young cruisers the opportunity to interact with Crush from Finding Nemo, and the oversized play area called Andy’s Room will allow kids to experience the Toy Story set from a toy’s point of view. These features, along with elegant adults-only dining facilities and pools, mean the Disney Dream will offer unforgettable experiences for the entire family. For ship info, click here. For dates and prices, click here.
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March 11th, 2010 
