Our pick of the new ships launching this year...
CARNIVAL HORIZON HEAD to the IMAX cinema or pedal the Skyride, a revolutionary suspended two-lane bike course high above the deck. CELEBRITY EDGE THE Magic Carpet is the world’s first cantilevered platform 13 storeys above sea level; plus, enjoy private plunge pools in new Edge Villas. NIEUW STATENDAM SET FOR a December launch, the second Pinnacle-class ship for Holland America Line is designed for a new golden age of seafaring. MSC SEAVIEW SETTING sail in June, for an inaugural Med season, Seaview boasts 11 restaurants, 19 bars and lounges and two zipwires. NORWEGIAN BLISS
FEATURING the largest race track at sea, she will operate in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean from next month. LE LAPEROUSE THE first of Ponant’s six Explorer-class expedition ships will carry up to 184 to Iceland, Norway and the Arctic. SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS ROYAL Caribbean’s newest addition, the largest passenger ship ever built. SCENIC ECLIPSE A LUXURY expedition ship, she boasts all-verandah suite accommodation, an on-board helicopter, a seven-seat submarine and e-bikes. SEABOURN OVATION AN ultra-luxurious small ship with a capacity for up to 600 passengers. EXPLORER LAUNCHING in the summer, the latest Marella Cruises fleet addition features the first Champneys Spa at sea.