Cruise industry prepares for 14 ship launches and increased growth - the latest cruise news

The great news is the UK cruise industry is predicting further long term growth according to the latest figures released at the Association of British Travel Agents travel convention in Gran Canaria this week.

The Passenger Shipping Association confirmed that 1.5 million British holidaymakers are expected to take a cruise this year and predicted a further two to three per cent growth for 2009. “We’re still a relatively young and expanding industry,” William Gibbons said, “with plenty of opportunity to grow as new ships come into service. With the present difficult economic climate, cruising is better placed than many other sectors as the inclusive nature of a cruise holiday makes it easy to budget for while continuing to offer exceptional value for money. Fourteen ship launches are planned for 2009 and we are anticipating the number of British cruise passengers to exceed 1.6 million cruise passengers in 2010.”
 
2009 ship launches

The ships planned for 2009 vary from ultra luxury to family orientated ships....
Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, which is due to launch in November 2009 and will be the largest cruise ship in the world. Spanning 16 passenger decks, and weighing 220,000 tons, she will carry 5,400 guests and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will feature seven distinct themed ‘neighbourhood’ areas, including Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade.

Other great family ships launching in 2009 include Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Dream, which prides itself on some of the most elaborate children’s facilities at sea, including expansive play areas and a huge Carnival WaterWorks aqua park. Other features include ‘scenic whirlpools’ extending over the ship’s beam and a variety of new stateroom categories.

Italian brands Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises show the strength of the European cruise market by launching four ships between them in 2009, the Costa Pacifica, Costa Luminosa, MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica . Sister ship to the Costa Serena, the Costa Pacifica will launch in June 2009 and have a host of new features including a sliding glass roof over the outdoor pools, a Samsara Spa, huge movie screen and Grand Prix racing car simulator. The Costa Luminosa is set to launch simultaneously with all the great features of the Luminosa and more besides, including an innovative golf simulator, 4D theatre, and the highest percentage of balcony staterooms for any Costa ship. Launching In Barcelona the month after, the MSC Splendida will feature the exclusive all-suite, butler-served luxury MSC Yacht Club, whilst the MSC Magnifica will be in the ‘Musica’ class and launches at the end of 2009.

The other strong trend for 2009 is the introduction of new ultra-luxury cruise ships for Yachts of Seabourn and Silversea Cruises. Set to launch in summer and winter 2009 respectively, these ships demonstrate the ultra-luxury sector’s success at attracting luxury travellers to cruising. Indeed, 2010 and 2011 also see further new ships from Yachts of Seabourn and Oceania Cruises.

Following the introduction of Silversea Cruises’ first expedition ship, Prince Albert II earlier in 2008, specialist niche cruise companies are also adding new ships. The Spirit of Adventure fleet will double in size as Quest For Adventure takes her inaugural cruise in July 2009. With 450 passengers, this ship is slightly larger than Spirit of Adventure but will still be able to visit many of the smaller ports around the world. In addition, river cruise specialist Viking River Cruises is launching the 189-passenger Viking Legend, which at 443ft will be the longest ship on the European rivers.

Lastly, Holland America Line has announced $200 million in enhancements to five ships as part of its ongoing Signature of Excellence programme. Over the next two years, the ms Statendam, ms Ryndam, ms Maasdam, ms Veendam, and ms Rotterdam will all be refurbished to offer guests more luxurious accommodation, and even higher levels of service.

New destinations and excursions

2009 is the year that cruising goes exotic, with cruise lines adding a range of exciting long-haul destinations to their programmes.

Orion Expedition Cruises has added a range of new and exciting destinations, from Papua New Guinea to Melanesia, to its 2009 programme, giving guests the rare chance to interact with remote island cultures overlooked by tourism. Princess Cruises has launched new itineraries to Africa, Asia, Australasia, India and Tahiti, with new ports including Muscat in Oman, Qingdao in China, Fukuoka in Japan and Topolobampo in Mexico, whilst Holland America Line has added four days at the Great Barrier Reef to its 2009 schedules.

Cruise lines are moving with the times, adapting to guests’ desire for experiential excursions. P&O Cruises has introduced new ‘Once in a Lifetime’ shore excursions for the 2008/9 season with a range of must-do activities and experiences on land, sea, and in the air. These range from driving a Ferrari F430 in Italy through to zip wiring across a rainforest in Brazil.

Ocean Village has also launched a brand new Action Ashore programme for 2008/09, allowing passengers to pick and choose the way they explore each destination. From as little as £20 per person, holidaymakers can enjoy touring destinations through activities such as land sailing, yacht racing, and quad biking. Similarly, NCL Freestyle Cruising has launched new five-star exclusive ‘Ultimate Touring’ excursions, enabling guests to explore ports of call in tailor-made, VIP style.

New themed cruises

Themed cruises are also looking popular for 2009, with most cruise lines continuing former themed cruises such as Hurtigruten’s digital photography cruise, Orient Express’ wine cruise, and Thomson Cruises’ Strictly Come Dancing cruise with stars Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova. Meanwhile several other lines have introduced new options:

Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s new ‘Civilisations’ programme offers the perfect blend of relaxation and intellectual stimulation. Escorted by guides, travellers can learn more about the history and culture of destinations through programmes including The Age of Discovery, Polar Exploration, The Great Artists, and Ancient Mythology.

Windstar Cruises has also announced the return of its Signature Collection Series featuring distinguished guest lecturers who will sail on selected cruises throughout the 2009 season. Taste and learn about wine from top wine makers, or enjoy a culinary themed cruise with acclaimed chef David Shalleck.