Despite the recession and the downturn in the economic climate 2009 saw the launch of a number of new cruise ships, each bringing unique levels of luxury for passengers.
Costa Cruises:
The maiden voyage of 1,130 cabin Luminosa set sail on 5th May during the summer touring Northern Europe, along with touring the Canary Islands, Spain and Morocco in the autumn. The Luminosa has the latest high-tech 4D cinema which uses scent as well as sound and vision to treat passenger’s senses with new and exciting experiences!
Celebrity Cruises:
Celebrity Equinox had its maiden voyage through the Mediterranean and then headed off to the Caribbean. The Equinox holds 2,850 passengers and is part of Celebrity’s new Solstice Class. Along with a whole host of on-board activities the Equinox has a lawn Club deck which has genuine grass, should passenger’s have the need to step on terra-ferma! Glass blowing demonstrations is another of Equinox’s new entertainment highlights.
Royal Caribbean Cruises:
The world’s largest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, set sail from Fort Lauderdale to Haiti on its maiden voyage in December. The ship has the capacity to carry 6,360 passengers on its sixteen decks. Oasis of the Seas has a wide and varied entertainment and activities itinerary, including rock-climbing, zip-lining and surfing for passengers who like the adventure of new challenges. The ship also has an Aqua-theatre which is used as a swimming pool during the day before transforming into a aqua-theatre at night to host synchronized swimming, water baller and spectacular fountain shows by night.
P&O Cruises:
P&O Cruises launched their latest ship the Pacific Jewel with an extravaganza ceremony in Sydney which showcased their on board circus, 3 storey atrium foyer and a 1,330 square meter spa. The Pacific Jewel’s maiden voyage set sail on 13th December and will be operating cruises from Sydney all year round.
