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If your idea of the perfect vacation includes lapping up luxury on the high seas then here’s some good news. A flotilla of opulent new luxury cruise ships are on their way! There will be award-winning design, French-chic decor, Michelin-starred dining and Champagne by the boat-load.
The range of luxury and premium cruise ships that are about to set sail will offer something to suit every preference, from the smallest of expedition yachts to the largest of floating palaces. Here are the new luxury cruise ship highlights for the next 18 to 24-months.
Seabourn Ovation
Key facts
- Debuts in May 2018
- Sister-ship to Seabourn Encore
- Small to mid-sized luxury cruise ship
- 600 guests
The Grill by Thomas Keller on Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation.
Seabourn are understandably excited about their new flagship. They say it will crown a fleet that that is already the newest, most modern and most acclaimed in the ultra-luxury segment. The arrival of Seabourn Ovation will grow the fleet to five ships.
Like her sister-ship, Seabourn Ovation will feature stunning interior decor by the legendary hotel designer Adam D. Tihany. There will also be a wide selection of dining options, including The Grill by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller.
Le Lapérouse
Key facts
- Launches in June 2018
- Brand new Ponant Explorer-class ship
- Small luxury cruise ship
- 184 guests
One of the spacious suites on the Explorer-class yachts.
While other cruise lines have ever-bigger new luxury cruise ships, Ponant is bucking the trend. Their new Explorer-class cruise ships will have just 92 ultra-luxurious rooms, making them feel more like chic, private clubs.
Guests on the new Le Lapérouse expedition yacht can expect a new standard in luxury. There will be 88 stylish veranda staterooms as well as 4 enormous, rear-facing suites. Each of these one-bedroom suites boasts a veranda that will be among the biggest at sea, measuring 30 sq. m. / 323 sq. ft.
Le Lapérouse will also feature an infinity pool with wake views, a restaurant with a terrance, a theatre and a Zodiac fleet for exploring.
Nieuw Statendam
Key facts
- Sets sail in December 2018
- Sister-ship to Koningsdam
- Large, premium cruise ship
- 2,666-guests
Nieuw Statendam will debut in December 2018.
Nieuw Statendam will be the newest offering from premium cruise line Holland America. She will also be the second of the Pinnacle-class new luxury cruise ships.
Holland America say Nieuw Statendam will feature a design inspired by the fluid curves of musical instruments. The line also boast that all the staterooms will be reimagined from top to bottom to showcase more thoughtful touches and innovative additions. The redesigned Pinnacle Suite – the largest on the ship – is set to be a spectacular highlight.
Seven Seas Splendor
Key facts
- Debuts in 2020
- Sister-ship to the acclaimed Seven Seas Explorer
- Mid-sized luxury cruise ship
- 750 guests
The opulent atrium onboard Seven Seas Splendor.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises promise their Seven Seas Splendor will build upon the elegance of existing ships. They boast it will have lush designs and distinguishing upgrades that will captivate and enhance the onboard experience for every guest. It certainly looks set to be one of the best new luxury cruise ships.
A hallmark of Regent Seven Seas is their spacious accommodations. So of course Seven Seas Splendor will offer some of the largest at sea – even entry-level veranda suites will measure 28 sq. m. / 307 sq. ft.
There look set to be eight different dining options on Seven Seas Splendor, including the acclaimed Chartreuse with its French inspired menu, as well as the upmarket Prime 7 steakhouse.
Silver Moon
Key facts
- Debuts in 2020
- Sister-ship to the much lauded Silver Muse
- Small to mid-sized luxury cruise ship
- 596 passengers
Le Dame by Relais & Châteaux on Silver Muse and Silver Moon.
With fewer than 600 guests the EUR 310-million Silver Moon will maintain the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodation that Silversea is famous for.
Silver Moon will also offer guests an unrivalled range of exceptional dining options with up to eight onboard restaurants.
The new luxury cruise ship will be the tenth in the Silversea fleet. Silver Moon will not only be luxurious, but eco-friendly too with a Green Star 3 Design, built and equipped to prevent air and water pollution.
The Ritz-Cartlon yacht
Key facts
- Sets sail in 2020
- Brand new design
- Luxury small cruise ship
- 298 guests
The marina at the stern of The Ritz-Carlton yacht.
In 2020 the luxury hotel brand Ritz-Carlton will make its debut on the high seas with the launch of its first Ritz Carlton yacht.
Each yacht will have 149 suites and they will all have their own private terrace. There will even be several innovative loft suites.
The interiors are being designed by Tillberg Design of Sweden, renowned for their modern master craftsmanship. And just like Ritz-Carlton hotels on land, the yacht will boast a Ritz-Carlton Spa, Michelin-starred dining and the famous Ritz-Carlton service.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
