Three New Cruise Ships Set to Excite Travelers

In a nationwide survey, 1,054 Travel Leaders Group agents picked the new ships that have them most excited. Their top three: Quantum of the Seas (Royal Caribbean); Viking Star (Viking Ocean Cruises); and Norwegian Escape (Norwegian Cruise Line).

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, with a capacity of 4,180 passengers, will set sail in November out of Cape Liberty, N.J., for her inaugural season. She’ll travel throughout the Caribbean and the Bahamas before departing in May for a new homeport of Shanghai, China.

Designed as the world’s most high-tech cruise ship, Quantum passengers will track their luggage via smartphone, make purchases with the tap of a wristband and enjoy Internet access matching the fastest broadband connections onshore.

New attractions include North Star, a jewel-shaped glass capsule attached to a mechanical arm that rises more than 300 feet above the sea; RipCord by iFly, a skydiving simulator; and SeaPlex, an entertainment complex with bumper cars, roller skating and a circus school. Continuing its tradition of presenting Broadway musicals, Royal Caribbean will welcome “Mamma Mia!” onboard.

In place of set mealtimes, Quantum of the Seas will offer Dynamic Dining. Passengers can make reservations online, choosing from 18 restaurant concepts including collaborations with celebrity chefs such as Britain’s Jamie Oliver.

In April, Viking Cruises, the world’s leading river cruise line, will debut the 930-passenger Viking Star, its first oceangoing vessel.

During her maiden season the Viking Star will travel to Scandinavia and the Baltic, as well as the western and eastern Mediterranean. Ports of call will include cosmopolitan cities and destinations that appeal to vacationers interested in history, art and culture.

Passengers on the intimate, light-filled ship can choose from five categories of all-veranda staterooms and restaurants offering global cuisine as well as local specialties, with plenty of opportunity for al fresco dining.

Among the ship’s highlights are a Scandinavian-style spa; two pools including a glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern; venues for musical performances, lectures and a cooking school; and a two-deck Explorers’ Lounge offering dramatic views.

Norwegian Escape, with a capacity of 4,200 passengers, is the largest ship to date from Norwegian Cruise Line. Beginning in November 2015, she will sail to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and to the Bahamas from her homeport of Miami.

The Escape offers a range of staterooms including Studios, cozy spaces for solo travelers; and Norwegian’s signature “ship-within-a-ship” complex, The Haven, ultra-luxurious accommodations that come with a personal concierge and include a private restaurant, pool and spa.

Two innovations popular on its sister ships will be incorporated in the Escape: The Waterfront, a quarter-mile promenade of shops, bars and restaurants; and 678 Ocean Place, three decks of dining and entertainment, including Norwegian’s largest-ever casino, with 357 slot machines and 28 gaming tables.

For information on these and other cruise options, contact your travel agent.