Recently, we took a look ahead at the exciting year that 2020 is shaping up to be, but now it’s time to see what’s happening a little closer to now. A new year means new ships and 2019 has some great vessels lined up for cruise customers like yourself to enjoy. From yet another giant Royal Caribbean arrival to a custom-built addition for Saga Cruises, there’s plenty to look forward to.

So, here are some of the fantastic vessels launching next year, which may well become the setting for your own 2019 cruise.

Spectrum of the Seas

We start with the largest incoming ship for 2019, Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas. Weighing in at over 168,000 tonnes and with the capacity for 4,200 passengers at double occupancy, she will sit between the Quantum Class and Oasis Class ships in the fleet, creating a class of her own known as Quantum Ultra.

This means that Spectrum of the Seas will feature all of your favourite facilities from Anthem, Ovation and Quantum of the Seas (North Star, Two70 and RipCord® by iFLY®), but will also offer some brand new extras. These include a Teppanyaki restaurant, Ultimate Family Suites (only previous seen on Symphony of the Seas) and the Splashaway Café. Spectrum may have been built for an Asian audience and will be launched in Shanghai, but she will be followed by more ships in this brand new class.

Norwegian Encore

With the aim of making guests want to do everything ‘Again! Again!’, Norwegian Encore will join the Breakaway Plus class of NCL ships in October 2019. Encore takes some of the latest inclusions on vessels such as Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss and makes them bigger and better than ever. The top deck go-kart track has been extended and now has a 13-metre-long section that protrudes off the side of the ship. Likewise, the laser quest arena will be bigger, making it the largest open-air laser tag venue at sea.

Also on board this time around will be multi-Tony-Award-winning Broadway show, Kinky Boots – a performance that will wow you alongside other spectacular entertainment. The usual Norwegian Cruise Line staples will return, such as the Haven, and the ship will begin life with a 10-night transatlantic cruise from Southampton.

Spirit of Discovery

When compared to the mammoths above, Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery is tiny, but this may well be the one new addition you are looking forward to in 2019. Built specifically for the British market, the vessel will offer luxury in abundance and plenty of areas where you can relax. Every cabin will have a balcony and maximum capacity is just 999 guests. The spa area and the so-called Secret Terrace are sure to be popular areas in which to unwind.

As well as the main dining room, Asian-inspired East to West and al fresco venue Verandah – which you may be familiar with from other Saga ships – Spirit of Discovery will offer a steak supper club in comparison with Jools Holland. The Club will play music from the 1950s and ensure each diner has one or two carefully crafted cocktails to enjoy with their food. What’s more, all the speciality dining areas will be included in the price of your cruise.

MSC Bellissima

One of the first ships to arrive next year will be MSC Bellissima, the sister of MSC Meraviglia which debuted in 2017. Inside and out, she will be identical to her predecessor. That means you can look forward to depth-defying performances from Cirque du Soleil, walks under the ever-changing LED ceiling in Galleria Bellissima and meals in a range of sumptuous restaurants. Restaurants that cater to lovers of Asian cuisine, prime cuts and Italian flair, whilst never forgetting guests with a serious sweet tooth.

MSC Cruises will also launch a second ship for 2019 in November. MSC Grandiosa will feature much of what has been mentioned above, along with a fine art museum, multi-level indoor amusement park and cluster cabins for families who want to stay near each other.

Sky Princess

You will have to wait until late 2019 for Sky Princess to sail for the first time, but there’s plenty to look forward to when she does. As the fourth ship in Princess Cruises’ Royal Class, she will have lots in common with Royal, Regal and Majestic Princess, but there’s also plenty of exclusives and new features. The headline addition has to be the chance to stay in an opulent Sky Suite and enjoy a 700-square-foot wrap-around balcony.

Other new inclusions come in the shape of restaurants such as Crafted by Curtis Stone, entertainment venues like Princess Live!, and shows akin to The Voice of the Ocean (complete with iconic spinning chairs).

If you would like to be one of the first people to sail on board any of these ships in 2019, we can help find an itinerary that suits you. Call us on 0808 250 7052 or click here to submit your enquiry through the website.