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Be On The Lookout For A Bevy of Beauties! |
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No, not the Reid Travel Staff! But a large choice of newly built cruise ships is on the horizon ranging from small luxury yachts to mega vessels with lots of bells & whistles.
First out of the shipyard is the Seabourn Odyssey sailing June 24, 2009 from Venice. Larger than her sister ships, the Odyssey will accommodate 450 guests featuring 90% balcony cabins. Join Reid Travel on November 28, 2009 for a 12 day Caribbean cruise roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale for an introduction to the Odyssey.
The Silver Spirit, new from Silversea, will sail from Barcelona December 23, 2009 and arrive Ft. Lauderdale January 19, 2010. On January 21, join the Grand Inaugural Voyage featuring seven segments around South America calling in Los Angeles prior to a transcanal sailing terminating in either Ft. Lauderdale or New York in late April. The Spirit will accommodate 540 passengers in 270 suites including 26 Silver Suites.
Another Queen is on the way. The newly built Queen Elizabeth from Cunard is scheduled to enter service on October 12, 2010 and will be the second largest Cunard ship ever built, and the third new ocean liner to be introduced by Cunard in six years, giving one of the oldest names in shipping the strength of owning the youngest fleet in the industry. Itineraries are now open for reservations.
Not to be outdone, Oceania Cruises will introduce the Marina in late 2010. This is a new class of ship for Oceania accommodating 1250 guests in improved staterooms and suites. Also featured are six open-dining venues, and the onboard casual atmosphere will continue on the Marina.
The hype in the world of the mega ships all belongs to Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas debuting this December 2009 with its home port year 'round in Ft. Lauderdale. This 5400 passenger vessel is divided into "neighborhoods" that give you a feel of intimacy in spite of the size. It is an ideal destination ship for family groups as it features activities for all ages as well as attractions everyone will enjoy. Of special note is the Aqua Theatre which will highlight water shows on a regular basis.
Those of you have enjoyed Celebrity Cruise Lines glamorous newcomer, the Solstice, will be delighted to her that she will be joined by a sister ship, the Equinox. She will sail her inaugural voyage from Rome to Ft. Lauderdale on November 5, 2009 and begin a Caribbean season of 10-11 day itineraries roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale. Then in April 2010, the Equinox crosses to Europe for Mediterranean sailings including several two week itineraries to the Holy Land.
The addition of these new ships as well as others definitely in the planning stage offer a varied menu from which to choose your next cruise experience. The biggest plus you have as a traveler is access to the expertise of experienced travelcounselors to accompany your through the selection process. |
TRAVEL TIP
Plan a cruise for your whole tribe. Cruises are ideal for multigenerational vacations because they generally provide activities for all ages in a self-contained setting and a variety of accommodations to suit varied budgets. Most ships offer kids' programs, which free up time for the adults in the group to pursue their own interests. |
