The big cruise lines have some exciting new cruise ships set to sail in the next couple of years, and we’re keeping our ears to the ground to let you know as much as we can, as soon as we know it. Holland America Line, for instance, have already begun construction of their new Pinnacle-class ship in Italy – set for completion in February 2016, but as-yet unnamed.
The new vessel is to be built by Marghera-based shipyard Fincantieri, the biggest shipbuilder in the Mediterranean. This was the company that most recently built HAL’s ms Nieuw Amsterdam in July 2010; the latest in a long succession of new cruise ships that began with the ms Statendam in 1993. The construction of their new ship marks twenty years’ experience and development between HAL and Fincantieri.
At 99,500 tons the fifteenth Fincantieri-built ship in the fleet will be the largest that the line has ever commissioned. The 2,648 passengers aboard HAL’s new vessel can expect plenty of additions that continue the company’s commitment to excellence, as one of the world’s most popular cruise lines.
The new ship’s first steel was cut in ceremonial fashion on 4th February at the Fincantieri shipyard, with the heads of the two companies hosting the event:
“This is a proud day for Holland America Line as we officially begin construction on our new Pinnacle Class ship,” said Stein Kruse, HAL president and CEO. “We’re thrilled to be back at Fincantieri for such a milestone, and the next two years are going to be exciting as we unveil a host of new features that will be found onboard.”
It’s not just Holland America Line with some futuristic new cruise ships on the horizon. Compagnie du Ponant have a new ship set to sail even sooner in spring 2015; another addition to their four-strong fleet of yachts where the emphasis has long been on an elegant experience that favours a leisurely French-inspired lifestyle. Shipbuilders Fincantieri have also been commissioned to build Compagnie’s new yacht, set to sail the Alaskan coast in the summer and Australia and New Zealand in the winter. The new ship is unnamed as yet, but with Jean-Philippe Nuel heading the interior design, as he has with the cruise line’s existing ships, you can bet it’s going to be pretty darn stylish.
Royal Caribbean have also announced new cruise ships, specifically additions to their Oasis and Quantum class fleets – with two new vessels due for completion in mid-2016. The line’s Quantum-class ships are well known for introducing industry firsts, like sky diving simulators, dodgems and high-rise viewing platforms, and the third ship in the class is bound to follow suit with this commitment to innovation. Their third Oasis-class ship could well be another family-friendly paradise vessel, very likely emulating its current sister ships’ enormous water park facilities, ziplines, climbing walls and surf simulators, in addition to huge live shows, park areas, salons and spa treatments.
Seabourn, too, have an unnamed ship due for completion in the second half of 2016. The emphasis, says the cruise line, will remain on a high ratio of space per guest – with almost one member of crew to each guest on board. The new cruise ship is rumoured to be a 604-passenger vessel, with larger public spaces on board and even an additional deck. Seabourn’s existing Odyssey-class ships are well known for their roomy verandas, stylish restaurants and beautiful boutiques, casinos and pool decks – and we can’t wait to see what they’ve got planned for their latest addition to the fleet.
With so many new cruise ships currently under construction, this is a really exciting time for the cruise industry and cruise lovers alike. If you’re looking for advice on the huge choice of cruise holidays available, or if you’d like to make a booking, you can call our award-winning cruise concierge team free and they’ll be happy to help with your enquiry.
Stay tuned for more news on these unnamed new cruise ships under construction, and we’ll keep you posted as soon as we know more. In the meantime, let us know which new ships you’re most excited about in the comments below!
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