2009 Cruises
2009 Promises Bigger, Better, and CHEAPER
Smooth seas ahead for cruises in 2009
The news for those contemplating a cruise in 2009 is all good. With fuel prices falling, cruise lines are eliminating those hefty fuel surcharges. New, greener luxury liners and updated ships are filling cruise line brochures, and not to be outdone by an onboard skating rink last year, this year heralds the first seagoing carousel.
The Ships of 2009
Just when you think cruising can’t get any better, the cruise lines parade out their latest fantastic creations and exceed even your wildest dreams. This is the era of innovation, luxury, and unsurpassed technological expertise, all designed to float you across the seas on a cruise of a lifetime.
May: Costa Luminosa
Costa Cruises 92,700 ton masterpiece will carry 2,828 guests. The ship’s 4-D cinemas feature sound, lighting, images and special effects unlike anything ever found on a ship. This summer the Costa Luminosa will be sailing from Amsterdam to the Baltics. This winter the ship will transition back to the Mediterranean.
June: Costa Pacifica
Costa Cruises will once again make headlines with their 114,500-ton Costa Pacifica, a 3,780-passenger cruise ship making seven-night sailings year-round from Rome.
June: Seabourn Odyssey
Seabourn Cruises will launch its first new yacht in eleven years. The ultra-luxury 32,000-ton Seabourn Odyssey has been described as the most luxurious ocean liner afloat. Seabourn Odessey itineraries will begin with sailings through the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and across to the Caribbean, before embarking on a 108-day world cruise to 42 ports in five countries.
June: MSC Splendida
MSC Cruises’ MSC Splendida is a 133,500-ton, 3,300-passenger ‘Fantasia-class’ ship. The Splendida features 4-D cinemas with sound, lighting, images and special effects for a multi-sensory experience. The ship will sail year-round in the Mediterranean.
August: Celebrity Equinox
Celebrity Equinox is Celebrity Cruises’ second ‘Solstice-class’ ship to be launched. The 122,000-ton, 2,850-passenger vessel will sail the Mediterranean before crossing over in early November to set sail from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean.
October: Carnival Dream
The 1000 foot Carnival Dream is Carnival Cruise Lines biggest “Fun Ship” to date. Carnival Dream will set sail with 3900 passengers on Mediterranean itineraries and will then cross the Atlantic Ocean to New York. This fall it will cruise down the Atlantic coast to its homeport of Port Canaveral, Florida where it will remain, sailing 8-day Western and Southern Caribbean itineraries.
November: RC Oasis of the Seas
Royal Caribbean launches the largest and most incredible ship of 2009. With 16 decks and weighing in at 220,000 tons, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas will carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy in 28 ultra-modern loft suites and 2,700 spacious staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is scheduled to sail year-round from Fort Lauderdale on 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Oasis of the Seas unique design features seven distinct neighborhoods, including Central Park, the Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade. At sea for the first time: a zip-line and carousel.
December: Silver Spirit
Silversea Cruises will launch its glittering 1930s art deco Silver Spirit as its first new ship in eight years. The 36,000-ton, 540-passenger Silver Spirit will sail in South America in early 2010 and will return to the Mediterranean for the spring and summer, 2010.
New looks for old friends
With heavy competition from the new ships of 2009 cruise lines must modernize older vessels and offer cruise bargains if they are to compete in today’s tight economy.
Holland America’s Rotterdam and Veendam will be updated with the line’s “Signature of Excellence” enhancements to cabins, pool decks and entertainment areas.
Silversea Cruises’ Silver Wind and Silver Cloud are getting major upgrades, with all suites being fitted with modern luxury bathrooms, new lounges, enhanced spas, and eight additional suites.
Carnival’s makeover of the line’s Fantasy-class ships continues. “Evolutions of Fun” brings ongoing updates to the Carnival Paradise, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Elation, Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Fascination with major pool upgrades and stateroom enhancements.
Princess Cruises will upgrade both the Sea Princess and Caribbean Princess with an adults-only Sanctuary. In addition the Caribbean Princess is scheduled to have seven new suites, while their Atrium will be transformed into Princess Cruises’ signature Piazza.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner are undergoing a complete refit, with new lighting, carpeting, wallpaper, furniture and fabrics, including upholstery, and drapes. There will also be fabulous new dining options on the pool deck this year.
ByeBye Fuel Surcharges
Recent decreases in fuel prices may be the salvation for cruise lines which had been forced to institute fuel surcharges last year when the price of fuel went up to $140 per barrel. At this writing the majority of cruiselines have suspended their fuel supplement surcharges, but reserve the right to reinstate surcharges should the price of oil rise above $65 per barrel in the future.
In all, anyone planning a cruise in 2009 can look forward to unsurpassed options, and if travelers shop around, cheap cruises will abound as cruise lines fight for your limited vacation dollars!
