New ships to set sail in 2017

Last year it seemed like there was a new ship setting sail every other week. This year however cruise lines are keeping it low-key and concentrating their efforts on a few strategic launches. There are five key ships entering the UK cruise market this year and despite the lower number of inaugurations, there’s no denying that are still some exciting trends emerging.

2017 will see two identical ships set sail – giving consumers double the opportunity to cruise amongst contemporary finishes. While two high-end cruise lines are launching new medium-sized ships – something not usually seen in upscale cruising. And one of the launches proves that the demand for innovative and quirky cruising is not going anywhere – and is potentially getting louder.

Seabourn Encore

Luxury cruise line Seabourn has made a bold decision with the design of their newest ship. Now the biggest ship in their fleet, it can hold 600 passengers at any one time – potentially creating a brand-new market for luxury cruising.

While this new size sails against the norm in the high-end cruise marketplace, Seabourn has assured cruisers that this greater size is fitted with many spacious features. There’s now plentiful more dining options including the cruise line’s first ever Japanese restaurant and an evening-only restaurant created by US chef Thomas Keller.

Sets Sail: January 2017

Viking Sky and Viking Sun

If you’re heart has ever dropped because a ship you’ve been set on is booked up, this double-launch might help. Both the Viking Sky and Viking Sun are identical so you’ll have twice the opportunity to set sail.       

On board you will find your traditional cruise ship features such as a theatre, spa and atrium. New and distinctive touches are found in the form of a winter garden, wraparound promenade and the understated Scandinavian design Viking is known for.

Sets Sail: February 2017 (Viking Sky) and October 2017 (October 2017)

MSC Meraviglia

The newest ship from the MSC fleet has been designed with the tech-savvy cruiser in mind. New state-of-the-art features include an Aquapark with three flumes, a ceiling with LED screen of stars, and a Super Amusement Park that includes a 4D cinema, bowling, arcade games, flight simulator and sports bar. Passengers will also receive a high-tech wristband that will allow them to book dinning times, make payments and geo-locate their children.

Once it is launched, this 5,700-passenger ship will be the largest ship at sea in terms of passenger capacity. The ship has also been designed with green technology in mind with scrubber technology to neutralise the carbon dioxide emissions; and will be able to boast zero water emissions.

An identical ship - MSC Bellissima – is in production and is due to launch June 2017.  

Sets Sail: May 2017

Silver Muse

It’s not just Seabourn that is entering new waters with a mid-sized luxury ship. The Silver Muse will welcome 596 passengers during each voyage and has the highest number of large suites in the Seabourn fleet. On board are eight fine-dining restaurants and other public areas include a high-tech theatre and scrumptious open-air pool deck.

Sets Sail: April 2017