In our 3rd annual guide to the Top New Cruise Ships (2020 Edition), we highlight 9 of the most anticipated cruise ships you’ll likely want to book for 2020.
New Cruise Ships 2020
Several of the cruise lines on our list are evolving the proven designs from existing ship classes and expanding their fleets, one luxury cruise line is entering into the expedition cruise market, two other cruise lines are launching their largest vessels ever, and a brand-new cruise line is readying their first ship for launch.
Note: This list is ordered by cruise ship launch date
Seven Seas Splendor
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Launching: February 2020
Ship Class: 2nd Explorer-Class Ship
Home-Port: Various Ports for European and Miami for Caribbean
Size: 55,254 Gross Tons
Guests/Crew: 750 Guests (double), 542 Crew
Famous for their all suite accommodations, Regent Seven Seas Cruises next vessel Seven Seas Splendor, will continue the lines tradition of sophisticated elegant interiors, and one of the most inclusive experiences in the luxury market. At just over 55,000 gross tons, Seven Seas Splendor is what you would call an intimate ship, and aside from her small size, the guest to crew ratio will result in an unparalleled level of service. Seven Seas Splendor will sail seasonally in Europe during the summer and fall, winters in the Caribbean and special long duration Grand Voyages.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Cruises
Launching: April 2020
Ship Class: 2nd Edge-Class Ship
Home-Port: Barcelona, Spain: Southampton, England; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Size: 129,500 Gross Tons
Guests/Crew: 2,910 Guests (double), 1,320 Crew
Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Cruises second Edge class ship, features a design that envelopes guests with sea views from just about anywhere. Apex has many transformational spaces like Eden and the Magic Carpet which offer a variety of experiences and moods from day into evening. Add to that, innovative elements like the Infinite Verandahs, which bring more of outdoor living to stateroom interiors, a chic Rooftop Garden and a pool deck with one of the longest pools at sea. Celebrity Apex will sail seasonal summer itineraries from Barcelona, Spain and Civitavecchia, Italy and fall and winter departures to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale.
Scarlet Lady
Virgin Voyages
Launching: April 2020
Ship Class: 1st Ship for Virgin Voyages
Home-Port: Miami, Florida
Size: 110,000 Gross Tons
Guests/Crew: 2,770 Guests (double), 1,150 Crew
Brand new cruise lines don’t enter the cruise market very often and many that do, go under the radar of most cruisers. Other new cruise line brands, however, don’t have an international presence or one of the best brand ambassadors around, like Sir Richard Branson. Scarlet Lady, the first cruise ship from Virgin Voyages will be unique in many ways. For starters, there’s no kids allowed, 18 and up only. Onboard, just about anywhere you go will scream Virgin style, with ultra-contemporary furnishings and amenities like a tattoo parlor and record shop. While there will be an emphasis on healthy cruising, with complimentary fitness classes, you’ll still be able to indulge at the over 20 included dining venues. Speaking of inclusions, how about free gratuities, Wi-Fi, filtered water and sodas. During Scarlet Lady’s inaugural year, sailors will be able to select from itineraries including 4 nights to Key West & Bimini, 5 night to Riviera Maya or Dominican Republic and 7 night special holiday sailings all departing from Miami.
Iona
P & O Cruises
Launching: May 2020
Ship Class: 1st Excellence-Class Ship
Home-Port: Southampton, U.K,
Size: 183,900 Gross Tons
Guests/Crew: 5,200 Guests (double), 1,600 Crew
As the largest ship ever built for P&O Cruises, Iona will take the cruise line, which caters to the U.K. market, in a bold new direction. Built on the same platform as AIDANova, Costa Smeralda and Carnival’s Mardi Gras, sister brands of Carnival Corporation, Iona will also run on liquefied natural gas. The ship will feature over 30 dining options, the first distillery at sea and a massive glass SkyDome cascading sunshine and starry night skies to the pool and sun deck below. Iona itineraries include the Norwegian Fjords, Western Europe, Spain & Portugal and the Canary Islands, all round trip from Southampton, England.
Enchanted Princess
Princess Cruises
Launching: June 2020
Ship Class: 5th Royal-Class Ship
Home-Port: Barcelona, Spain,: Civitavecchia, Italy; Piraeus, Greece; Southampton England; Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Size: 141,000 Gross Tons
Guests/Crew: 3,660 Guests (double), 1,346 Crew
With rapid growth plans over the next several years, Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess will be the line’s fifth Royal-Class ship, but feature the latest evolutions found on her most recent sister ship Sky Princess. These include more hot tubs, a newly designed main pool deck with dancing fountains, retreat pool and infinity WakeView aft pool. They’ll also be new kids and teens spaces and unparalleled luxury of two Sky Suites offering tons of space for up to 5 guests with two bedrooms and bathrooms and a massive 700 square foot balcony. Enchanted Princess will debut from Southampton, and alternate Mediterranean itineraries from other ports throughout the Summer before repositioning to her winter homeport of Fort Lauderdale where she’ll cruise alternating 7 night Eastern & Western Caribbean itineraries.
Crystal Endeavor
Crystal Cruises
Launching: August 2020
Ship Class: 1st Expedition Ship
Home-Port: Various Ports for Alaska, Europe, Antarctica, Asia, Australia & South America
Size: 20,000 Gross Tons
Guests/Crew: 200 Guests (double), 200 Crew
Crystal Cruises is taking their 6 star excellence to expedition cruising. With an unmatched 1 to 1 staff to guest ratio, Crystal Endeavor, the line’s first expedition ship, will keep guests pampered while on their cruise of discovery and adventure. The ship will feature six dining venues, luxurious all suite accommodations, a glass enclosed solarium, The Marina fold out platform, high end shopping, wellness spa and several lounges providing incredible views, entertainment, learning experiences and social opportunities. Crystal Endeavor will sail to adventurous locales exploring exciting destinations in Alaska, Europe, Antarctica, Asia, Australia & South America.
Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Line
Launching: August 2020
Ship Class: 1st Excel-Class Ship
Home-Port: Southampton, England; New York, New York; Port Canaveral, Florida
Size: 180,800 Gross Tons
Guests/Crew: 5,282 Guests (double), 1,745 Crew
Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras is not only their largest ship ever, it’s also a vast departure in design, amenities and style than what we’ve seen from Carnival before. Powered by liquefied natural gas, Mardi Gras will feature the world’s first roller coaster at sea. Named Bolt, the electric ride vehicles will reach speeds up to 40mph. There’s also a totally brand-new design of Carnival WaterWorks, SportSquare and the main pool deck. Carnival favorites like BlueIguana Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse|Brewhouse, SeaFood Shack and more are back, joined by new venues Shaq’s Big Chicken, Street Eats, RedFrog Tiki Bar and Emeril’s Bistro 1396.
There’s the new multi-level Grand Central atrium, summer landing aft pool area, reimagined Havana Bar & Pool, Al fresco dining opportunities and all-new stateroom and suite designs. You’ll also find new Carnival entertainment and show venues, spa experiences and debut of Carnival’s Excel level suites, featuring a host of amenities and perks like access to the Loft 19 pool and sun deck. After a maiden transatlantic voyage, Mardi Gras will sail two cruises from New York including one that will reposition her to Port Canaveral, Florida, where she’ll sail alternating 7 night Eastern & Western Caribbean itineraries through at least April 2022.
Odyssey of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International
Launching: November 2020
Ship Class: 2nd Quantum Ultra-Class Ship
Home-Port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Size: 169,379 Gross Tons
Guests/Crew: 4,246 Guests (double), 1,551 Crew
Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas will be the first of their popular Quantum-class vessels to homeport from Florida. The ship will feature the latest technology along with several interesting interactive elements. Like sister Quantum Ultra class ship Spectrum of the Seas, Odyssey will include class-specific venues like the Music Hall, Royal Esplanade, Two70, North Star, the SeaPlex and RipCord by iFLY. Plus, the best features from around the fleet including SkyPad, Lime & Coconut Pool Bar, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Splashaway Bay, FlowRider and solarium with pool, the most popular included and specialty restaurants, kids and teen spaces and Vitality Spa & Fitness Center.
Odyssey of the Seas will debut from Fort Lauderdale, Florida in November 2020 and offer 4 to 8 night cruises through April 2021 and will reposition to Europe for the 2021 Summer/Fall cruise season.
MSC Virtuosa
MSC Cruises
Launching: November 2020
Ship Class: 2nd Meraviglia Plus-Class Ship
Home-Port: Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia, Italy; Genoa, Italy; Marseille, France; Palermo, Italy
Size: 181,000 Gross Tons
Guests/Crew: 4,800 Guests (double), 1,700 Crew
MSC Virtuosa will share the title of largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet along with her sister MSC Grandiosa. The ship will offer the most popular features found on other Meraviglia-Class vessels, including the LED domed Promenade, with more venues to drink and dine, two all new Cirque du Soleil shows available per sailing, massive aqua park, over a dozen dining venues, F1 racing simulator and the exclusive MSC Yacht Club and Aurea Experience private areas. Guests will also be able to utilize ZOE, MSC Cruises digital cruise assistant. MSC Virtuosa will offer varying 4 to 7-night Mediterranean itineraries.
That’s our list the Top New Cruise Ships 2020. It’s going to be another exciting year for the cruise industry. Which one is your favorite? Did you see any ship you are interested in sailing on? Let us know in the comments.
