Cruising On The Edge

The much anticipated Celebrity Edge was christened this month, as the first in class ship begins its inaugural season. Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzi was chosen as the ship’s godmother and named the ship at an exciting naming ceremony. The event also saw performances from recording artist Andra Day, focussing around the theme of the empowerment of girls’ voices around the world.

Celebrity Edge is Celebrity Cruises first ship in six years and offers cutting edge design and many first-at-sea offerings, including enhanced dining choices for guests and the much discussed ‘magic carpet’. The stunning ship will begin her inaugural season sailing alternating seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries before transferring to the Mediterranean in 2019.

Further exciting news from Celebrity sees the announcement that Edge’s sister ship, Celebrity Apex, will arrive in 2020 and be christened in Southampton, England. Two further Edge class ships will arrive in 2021 and 2022.

© Celebrity Cruises

Old Name New Features

Carnival Cruise Line made two exciting announcements this month concerning its latest ship due to debut in 2020. In a nod to the past, it was announced that the new ship would be called the Mardi Gras. The new XL-class ship will see the reintroduction to the fleet of the name of the first Carnival ship that entered service in 1972.

The Mardi Gras will be the largest ever Carnival Cruise Line ship and will be six times the size of her earlier namesake. Currently under construction in Finland, she will also be the first ship in North America to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

In a further announcement, Carnival also revealed that the Mardi Gras will feature the first ever roller coaster at sea. The Bolt all electric roller coaster will allow two riders in a motorcycle-like vehicle to race along a track 187 feet above sea level, enabling guests to experience the sea in an exciting new way with breathtaking 360-degree views. Definitely not one for the feint hearted!

© Carnival Cruise Line

New Features For A Rousing Encore

This month saw the keel-laying ceremony for upcoming Norwegian Encore, due to be delivered in 2019. The event saw the announcement that the Broadway and West-End hit show ‘Kinky Boots’ will be coming to the sea for the first time. The award-winning show will feature alongside other fantastic entertainment including The Choir of Man and the Cavern Club.

For thrill seekers, NCL also announced the evolution of their highly popular Go Kart race track, with an enhanced two level track on Encore which extends over the edge of the ship. In addition, there’ll also be an indoor virtual reality complex, the Galaxy Pavillion, and the return of the open-air laser tag arena so popular on Norwegian Bliss. This is one encore we’re certainly keen to see.

© Norwegian Cruise Line

The Evolution Continues

It’s exciting times for Holland America Line, as they recently took delivery of the 15th ship in their fleet, the Nieuw Statendam. Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president described how the new Pinnacle Class ship “represents our continued evolution of adding exciting new experiences while maintaining the hallmarks that have made Holland America Line a leader in premium cruising.”

The ship will offer many of the same design touches as her sister ship the Koningsdam, however HAL have looked to up their game even further on this latest ship. For example, the innovative Music Walk, so popular with guests, returns on the Nieuw Statendam with increased features such as the debut of the New Rolling Stone Rock Room. The ship will shortly cross the Atlantic ahead of its naming ceremony, which will take place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on the February 2nd and we’ll bring you more details of the ship when she’s christened.

© Holland America Line

MSC Announce New Exclusive Cirque Du Soleil Shows

MSC Cruises have announced details of two new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows that are being created exclusively for the MSC Bellissima. With excitement already building ahead of the Christening of MSC Bellissima in Southamton, England in March 2019, this latest announcement is set to raise expectations even further.

The new breath-taking shows will be called SYMA – Sail beyond Imagination and VARÉLIA – Love in Full Colour and final preparations are underway ahead of the Bellissima coming into service. The shows see MSC building on the long-term partnership established with Cirque du Soleil and follow in the footsteps of the much loved VIAGGIO and SONOR shows currently seen onboard the MSC Meraviglia. The only challenge now will be picking a favourite from these innovative, original shows.

© MSC Cruises

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