Cruise Holidays

6 of the Best New Cruise Ships for 2018

2018 promises to be a great year for cruise enthusiasts, with the launch of a number of new ships that are sure to impress. If you like to try out all things new then take a look at which cruise liner could be best for you.

  1. Perfect for foodies – Carnival Horizon

Set to make its maiden voyage in April 2018, this ship is destined to offer an experience like no other. From the Dr Seuss-themed water park to the 270-square-foot LED cinema screen, you’ll find no shortage of entertainment opportunities whatever your age. And, if food is your passion then this will be the perfect cruise for you. With no fewer than 11 restaurants to tempt you, you’ll be in gastronomic heaven. Here are a few favourites:

Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ Smokehouse

Perfect for meat lovers, you can load your plate with the likes of brisket, baby back ribs and dry-rubbed chicken. The trained chefs smoke the meat over hickory wood and serve them up to your table. And, if all of this has made you thirsty, you can enjoy one of the many beers that are brewed onboard in the ship’s microbrewery.

Bonsai Teppanyaki

If you’ve never had the chance to enjoy Teppanyaki cuisine before, then it truly is a sight to behold. Enjoy a selection of tempting appetizers, before your chef prepares the main course featuring selections of meats, tofu, fish, shrimp or lobster… right at your table. Expect a fun and interactive meal complete with mouthwatering food.

Cucina del Capitano

Perfect for families, this delicious Italian restaurant serves up big sharing platters of the finest Italian cuisine. Expect pizza, pasta, gnocchi, salads and more all served up in the style of a traditional Italian farmhouse.

  1. Perfect for luxury travellers – Symphony of the Seas

The accommodation onboard the new Symphony of the Seas is simply sublime and comes complete with some of the finest amenities on the ocean waves. Families can book one of the exclusive Ultimate Family Suites, which offer more space, comfort and luxury than ever before. Each room is equipped with stunning ocean and port-side views thanks to the revolutionary virtual balconies which stream real-time footage directly to your room. As well as the sparkling champagne and haute cuisine restaurants, the décor is second to none, meaning you’ll be surrounded by luxury from the moment you step aboard

  1. Perfect for sun seekers – MSC Seaview

If you’re looking to say goodbye to the rain and gloom of a British winter, then MSC Seaview will be your 2018 ship of choice. Spending her inaugural summer lazily sailing the Mediterranean, this sumptuous ship will bring the sea even closer thanks to design elements created to make the most of the warmer weather. Guests can enjoy an increased number of balcony cabins, sea views and public areas, thanks to 360° glass-fronted promenade which runs around the entire ship. The promenade acts as a lively recreation area where guests can stroll or dine al fresco whilst gazing out onto the spectacular sea views.

MSC Seaview will port in Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona as well as stopping at a number of sun-dappled Mediterranean destinations including Naples, Messina and Valetta. Guests will benefit from sun-blessed activities and recreational highlights in each region.

  1. Perfect for those wishing to experience the majesty of Alaskan wildlife – Norwegian Bliss

Setting sail for her maiden voyage in summer 2018, Norwegian Bliss is the perfect ship for those looking to take in something a little different. Promising to be Norwegian’s finest ship to date, Bliss has a roomy observation lounge which is just perfect for watching bald eagles soar over breath-taking icebergs. At a whopping 168,800 tons, this will be the largest cruise ship to ever sail to Alaska. As well as the usual delights that returning guests have come to expect from Norwegian cruises (varied dining opportunities, spacious cabins, exhilarating activities), guests can also go dog sledding across the tundra, whale watch from the glass-fronted observation lounge, and view the awe-inspiring Northern Lights as they sip cocktails.

  1. Perfect for cutting-edge design and innovation – Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Edge promises to revolutionise the way we view cruise travel, offering innovations never before seen at sea. Choose to base yourself in one of the two new suites, either the 5,000-square foot Iconic Suite; or the two-level Edge Villa suite (complete with plunge pools) and then start exploring. Highlights include: The Magic Carpet – a cantilevered, movable deck which reaches heights of 13 decks above sea level and acts as a bar, restaurant and embarkation area; a Resort Deck – which features a large pool flanked by sculptural trees and two “martini glass” hot tub; and The Retreat – a serene area only for suite passengers, which includes a private pool and sundeck, lounge and restaurant. If you’re looking for a holiday of firsts then the Celebrity Edge is sure to be the ultimate cruise experience.

  1. Perfect for exploration – Scenic Eclipse

This year, Scenic Eclipse takes to the seas offering six-star luxury. Expect to experience the most opulent decor, sumptuous food and first-class service, and if you’re a daredevil at heart then the offshore offerings will certainly quicken your pulse. Enjoy ultra-exclusive experiences – from exploring the penguin-dotted Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac to exploring the deep seas in the seven-seat submarine to swooping over the Panama Canal in a private helicopter on board. There’s also the chance to scuba dive, kayak, snorkel, snow shoe and much, much more.

2018 is set to be a big year for cruise enthusiasts, so whatever ignites your passions, there’s sure to be a cruise that’s perfect for you. If any of these new-for-2018 ships have got you excited, check out our huge range of cruise deals on our homepage, or call us today on 0808 2746 777.

Claire Wilde

Claire has worked in the travel industry since leaving college in 1994. One of this blog's most regular contributors, Claire covers cruise news and industry trends.

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Claire Wilde

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