The most exciting new cruise ship launches for 2019

A go-kart track, submarine excursions and in-room slides: The most exciting new cruise ship launches for 2019 revealed

  • The Spectrum of the Seas ship by Royal Caribbean will feature the ultimate family suite with in-room slides 
  • The MS Roald Amundsen by Hurtigruten will be the first hybrid cruise liner when it launches in May 2019 
  • Saga Cruises new Spirit of Discovery ship launches in July and features a nightclub created by Jools Holland 

Cruise lines have a history of pushing the envelope when it comes to on-board features – and they’re still at it, with 2019 promising to be one to remember for unique facilities on the high seas.

Here we present a sneak peek of what’s in store for cruise passengers on board the year’s best new ships, from crazy go-kart tracks and suites with multi-storey slides and from submarine excursions to ‘wakeview’ infinity pools.

Scroll down for 2019’s most amazing launches.

Spectrum of the Seas – the ultimate family suite

The new two-level 2,809-square-foot Ultimate Family Suites that feature in-room slides that go from the top floor to the bottom on Royal Caribbean’s new Spectrum of the Seas ship 

The Spectrum of the Seas, pictured, will be able to accommodate 4,200 passengers when it launches in April 

Accommodating 4,200 passengers and weighing in at 168,800 tonnes, Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas is set to launch in April.

It’ll boast new two-level 2,809-square-foot Ultimate Family Suites that feature in-room slides that go from the top floor to the bottom and a huge karaoke venue.

Not only that, it will also include a North Star, a glass capsule that takes guests more than 300 feet above the ocean, a ‘heart-pounding’ skydiving simulator experience, a three-level main dining room and a bungee trampoline experience.

Debut: Spectrum of the Seas will launch in April with a 51-night ‘Global Odyssey’ sailing from Barcelona to Shanghai, taking in 13 countries.

Scenic Eclipse – helicopters and a submarine

Scenic Eclipse by Scenic Cruises has been described as the world’s ‘first six star cruise liner’ and will feature two helicopters and a submarine 

The Scenic Eclipse will feature 114 all-veranda suites to carry a total of 228 passengers and the liner will also have 10 on-board dining options

After several months of delay, the Scenic Eclipse will embark on its first voyage in April. Pictured is one of the onboard luxury lounges 

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    Boasting two on-board helicopters and a submarine, Scenic Eclipse by Scenic Cruises has been described as the world’s ‘first six star cruise liner’.

    It will feature 114 all-veranda suites to carry a total of 228 passengers and the liner will also have 10 on-board dining options, a spacious spa, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and plunge pools, as well as a gym and separate yoga and Pilates studios.


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    The helicopter and submarine will be used to take passengers up close to, and to land on, glaciers during Arctic sailings.

    Debut: The Scenic Eclipse will embark on its first sailing after several months of delay in April. It will be a route from Barcelona to Athens.

    Costa Venezia – purpose-built for the Chinese market 

    The Costa Venezia, pictured, will be operated by Costa Cruises and has been built specifically for the Chinese market. It will be based in Shanghai 

    Inspired by the Italian city of Venice, the Costa Venezia, which will be operated by Costa Cruises, will carry 5,260 passengers and will be based in Shanghai.

    The ship’s public areas will be filled with statues and fountains with one area called Piazza San Marco, named after the famous St Mark’s Square in Venice.

    The Costa Venezia will have a total of 15 restaurants and six bars and cabins will include suites as well as rooms with balconies and ocean views.

    Debut: The Coasta Venezia will first set sail on March 8, 2019, on a 52-night voyage from Trieste in Italy to Japan.

    Norwegian Encore – onboard go-karting   

    Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2019 launch, Norwegian Encore, will feature the world’s longest go-kart track to be built at sea 

    The liner appears to be the ultimate playground. It also boasts an open-air laser tag course based on the lost city of Atlantis

    Norwegian Encore, pictured, will be big enough to carry 4,000 passengers. Its maiden voyage will start on November 2 when it sails from Southampton to Miami 

    Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2019 launch, Norwegian Encore, appears to be the ultimate playground – it will boast the longest go-kart track at sea and a huge water park.

    And if that’s not enough, it will also feature an open-air laser tag course based on the lost city of Atlantis.

    The huge vessel will be big enough to carry 4,000 passengers, who will also be able to enjoy West End show Kinky Boots in the ship’s grand theatre.

    Debut: Encore will set off on its maiden voyage on November 2 when it will sail from Southampton to Miami on an 11-day crossing.

    MS Roald Amundsen – world’s first hybrid ship

    The Roald Amundsen, pictured, operated by Hurtigruten, will launch in May and will be the world’s first hybrid ship

    The on-board open-air swimming pools on the Roald Amundsen. Accommodating just over 500 passengers, it will sail around both the Arctic and Antarctic

    Passengers on board the new ship from Hurtigruten will be able to learn more about their voyages in the on-board science centre, pictured 

    Guests can enjoy a drink while taking in the scenery through large panoramic windows on the forward-facing Explorer Lounge on deck 10, pictured

    Named after the first man to reach the South Pole, the Roald Amundsen, operated by Hurtigruten, will launch in May and will be the world’s first hybrid ship, running on both electricity and fuel.

    Accommodating just over 500 passengers, it will sail around both the Arctic and Antarctic and will even include an on-board science centre.

    In addition to vast in and outdoor observation decks, guests can enjoy a drink while taking in the scenery through the large panoramic windows on the forward-facing Explorer Lounge on deck 10.

    Debut: The Roald Amundsen will set sail on its maiden voyage, from Lisbon to Hamburg, on May 17.

    Marella Explorer 2 – for adults only 

    Although not a brand new ship, the Marella Explorer 2 has been given a huge overhaul. It will be Marella Cruise’s first adults-only ship 

    The 19th hole, pictured, will be a quirky golf themed bar with golf buggy seating and two golf simulators for guests 

    Guests can also enjoy a glass of fizz at Flutes, a champagne bar, which comes complete with a ‘press for bubbles’ button 

    Although not a brand new ship, the Marella Explorer 2 has been given a huge overhaul and will be the first ship exclusively for adults in the Marella Cruises fleet.

    Special features on board include the 19th hole, a quirky golf themed bar with golf buggy seating and two golf simulators. 

    Elsewhere on board there is Flutes, a champagne bar, which comes complete with a ‘press for bubbles’ button.

    Debut: The first new sailing will take place around the Mediterranean in April.

    Viking Jupiter – a full promenade deck

    Viking Jupiter, operated by Viking Ocean Cruises, will be big enough for 930 guests and is named after the king of gods in Roman mythology

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      Named after the king of gods in Roman mythology, Viking Jupiter, operated by Viking Ocean Cruises will be big enough for 930 guests.

      Stand-out features include a walk-around promenade deck that fully encircles the vessel and the cabins, which all come with a balcony.

      On-board, Viking says that guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is both beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light.

      Debut: Viking Jupiter’s first sailing will take place on February 16 from Athens to Rome. It will sail a variety of Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries.

      Spirit of Discovery – a nightclub created by Jools Holland

      The Spirit of Discovery is the latest vessel to be launched by Saga Cruises. Pictured is one of the many on-board bars 

      The liner, which can carry 900 passengers, will have a special nightclub created by musician Jools Holland, who will also play on selected sailings

      The Spirit of Discovery will set off on its maiden voyage in July with a trip around the UK. Every cabin on the ship has a balcony 

      A ship that can carry 900 passengers and is specifically designed for the over-50s, the Spirit of Discovery is the latest vessel from Saga Cruises.

      The liner will have a special nightclub created by musician Jools Holland, who will also play on selected sailings.

      In addition, every single cabin on the ship has a balcony and there is also an on-board theatre, salon and spa.

      Debut: The Spirit of Discovery will set off on its maiden voyage in July with a trip around the UK.

      Carnival Panorama – the first trampoline park at sea 

      Passengers on Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Panorama, pictured, will be able to try out the world’s first ever indoor trampoline park at sea

      Passengers on Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Panorama will not be bored for a moment as it will feature an Imax theatre, a large water park and even the world’s first ever indoor trampoline park at sea.

      What’s more it will also feature cycling pods suspended from a track 150 feet above the water.

      Carnival Panorama will be based on the west coast of the US and will sail in and out of the port in Long Beach, California.

      Debut: Carnival Panorama will make its inaugural sailing in December 2019 and will embark on a year of Mexican Riviera Cruises.

      MSC Bellissima – exclusive Cirque du Soleil shows

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        The MSC Bellissima by MSC Cruises will be able to accommodate 4,490 passengers and will feature two new exclusive shows by Cirque du Soleil

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          MSC Cruises will be hoping the MSC Bellissima will live up to its beautiful name when it launches in March.

          The liner, which can accommodate 4,490 passengers, will feature two new exclusive shows by Cirque du Soleil.

          In addition it will also offer a water park, a full-size bowling alley and a Formula 1 simulator.

          Debut: The MSC Bellissima will be christened in Southampton in March.

          Sky Princess –  luxury sky suites

          The Sky Princess’s sky suites, pictured, will allow passengers to sail under the stars. However, there are only two on board the vessel

          The Sky Princess will launch in October 2019 with sailings around the Mediterranean. Pictured is the top deck of the ship 

          The Princess Sky also includes an infinity-style ‘wakeview’ pool, two deep-tank pools and a host of hot tubs

          Boasting the largest ever balconies on any of the Princess Cruises ships, the Sky Princess’ sky suites will allow passengers to sail under the stars.

          However, passengers will have to be quick to book as there are only two sky suites on board the ship.

          Other highlights on the vessel will include an infinity-style ‘wakeview’ pool, two deep-tank pools and a host of hot tubs.

          Debut: The Sky Princess will launch in October 2019 with sailings around the Mediterranean.

          Hanseatic Inspiration – North and South Pole voyages

          The Hanseatic Inspiration by Haplag-Lloyd Cruises will feature stunning retractable glass balconies on the sun deck so guests can feel as though they are hovering above the water

          The Hanseatic Inspiration will be the second of two sister ships by Haplag-Lloyd Cruises making their debuts in 2019.

          It will be an expedition ship with the highest ice class to travel to the Arctic and Antarctic and will be bilingual with both German and English being used.

          The ship will feature stunning retractable glass balconies on the sun deck so guests can feel as though they are hovering above the water.

          Debut: The Hanseatic Insipiration, which can carry 230 passengers, will set sail for the first time in October 2019.   

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