The COVID pandemic hit the cruise industry particularly hard, with the major cruise lines all forced to park up their fleets and some - such as Cruise & Maritime - being forced to cease trading.
At the time at which the industry was effectively mothballed, work was already underway on number of new ships, some of which were due to launch in 2020 and others that were scheduled to come on stream this year.
Understandably, those plans were forced to change as the industry tried to stay afloat but with sailings now taking place once again, we thought we’d take a quick look at some of the new ships that are now carrying passengers for the first time.
Odyssey of the Seas - Royal Caribbean:
Odyssey of the Seas, the latest addition to Royal Caribbean’s 'Quantum Ultra Class', was due to debut in 2020 but the first sailing was pushed back as a result of the pandemic.
A planned season from Haifa was canned due to unrest in the region with the first sailing taking place in late July from Port Everglades. Spending its first season sailing around the Caribbean, Odyssey of the Seas will then head for Europe in 2022 for a season sailing from Rome.
The ship features all manner of attractions that include a sky-diving simulator, splash park and virtual adventure zone, with a range array of dining and entertainment options.
The ship is the sister vessel to Spectrum of the Seas.
Wonder of the Seas - a larger ship that will form part of an expanded Oasis Class - is due to follow in 2022.
Iona - P&O Cruises:
Iona has been one of the most eagerly anticipated ships in recent years as the biggest vessel to be built for the UK market.
Able to carry more than 5,000 guests, the ship was delayed due to the pandemic but was only able to head out on its maiden voyage in August when it took part in a cruise around the UK.
The ship features a number of new features that include the first gin distillery at sea and the SkyDome - a huge glass dome covering two decks where you can enjoy all manner of activities both during the day at at night.
With no fewer than 17 restaurants, a wide range of bars and lounges, four pools, a spa and plenty more besides, it’s expected to be hugely popular with couples and families alike.
A sister ship, Arvia, is set to launch in 2022.
Enchanted Princess - Princess Cruises:
Another ship that was delayed as a result of COVID-19, Enchanted Princess is also one of the newest having only set sail on its first voyage around the Caribbean in November 2021.
The ship features luxury accommodation throughout, highlighted by Sky Suites that feature the largest balconies found in the entire fleet for those who want to enjoy private outdoor space.
There are more then 20 different bars and restaurants - including the exclusive Salty Dog Grill - alongside four swimming pools and both leisure and entertainment facilities that are suitable for young and old alike.
Discovery Princess is set to follow into the fleet in 2022.
Rotterdam - Holland America Line:
Originally set to be called Ryndam, Rotterdam joined the Holland America fleet in 2021 and would spend its first season in the Caribbean after plans to sail around Europe had to be canned.
Featuring a musically inspired interior, Rotterdam is set to dazzle those who sail on her thanks to innovative entertainment across five venues - including plenty of live music that will have you pulling on your dancing shoes.
Add to that impressive accommodation, and a fine selection of dining options - which includes French, Asian and American eateries - and the appeal of a trip on the newest ship to carry the Rotterdam name is evident.
The Crow’s Nest it the hub of activity on the ship and the place to go to book onto one of the many excursions that will be offered on the ship, which is well suited to both families and couples.
MSC Virtuosa - MSC Cruises:
One of the biggest ships to enter service in 2021, MSC Virtuosa can carry nearly 6,000 guests and is noted for being one of the most environmentally friendly ships in operation.
That is not just in terms of emissions - which are notably lower than many other vessels - but also in terms of special treatment systems in place to deal with wastewater and to protect marine life.
The ship features ten different restaurants that offer the best in award-winning cuisine from Europe and beyond, with various bars and lounges in which to relax on an evening. One even features a robotic bartender to serve your drinks!
Celebrity Apex - Celebrity Cruises:
Celebrity Apex was only able to undertake its first sailings in 2021 as a result of COVID-19 and it set to provide the high-end cruise experience for which Celebrity is so well known.
The second ship in the Edge series, Celebrity Apex can carry just under 3,000 guests in luxurious surroundings that includes hugely impressive accommodation at all levels and almost 30 different dining options.
That allows travellers to sample cuisine from all corners of the globe, some of which can be cooked in front of your eyes, before embracing the entertainment and leisure options onboard.
Catch a stage show, dance to live music, relax at the spa or take a dip in the pool whilst you embrace the beauty of the area in which you are sailing.
One interesting thing of note on the Celebrity Apex is the 'Magic Carpet' - a special platform with a bar and entertainment space that can move up and down 13 stories on the ship.
