There are currently over 70 new cruise ships scheduled to debut from 2021 to 2027. A luxury cruise creates long lasting memories. The ability to travel the world on one of the 70 new cruise ships, provides passengers the ability to enjoy a VIP experience. From eating the finest cuisine, participating in endless activities and stopping at most intimate ports around the world. It’s an unbelievable opportunity to bask in pure luxury.

When one hears the phrase – “inaugural cruise”, many thoughts come to mind. For example, the exclusive nature of glamorous champagne christenings, celebrity godmothers and brand-new ship features and amenities. Avid cruisers routinely add these voyages to the top of their vacation list. Why? Due to the many perks and bonuses of these luxurious sailings.

Another popular choice is going with an “all-inclusive” package cost. You will pay an upfront all-inclusive fare for the things you’ll want to enjoy. Onboard—alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining. In addition, gratuities for the staff and crew, plus free transfers to and from the ship and airport,

Everyone is aware that the cruise ship industry was directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sailing options are now increasing as pent-up travel demand increases. The most popular cruise names offer all-inclusive pricing. These small-and-medium-size ships include: Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, Windstar, Oceania, Viking, Azamara, and SeaDream.

7 Things to Experience and Love Aboard an Inaugural Cruise

An Immaculate, Sparkling Environment
– Just like a new house or car, there’s a certain appeal to being on a brand-new ship. As a example, accommodations have no wear and tear, and there’s no sign of the passengers who have come before. Every part of the ship is in untouched condition. The rooms are pristine, the carpets spotless, and every dish, sheet and towel has never been used. Is there such a thing as a new-ship smell? There’s only one way to find out, but definitely yes

The VIP Feeling of Exclusivity
– You’ve been written into a page of history. You become a member of the “elite” group of passengers present for the very first sailing of a new ship. Not to mention, there are some serious bragging rights. Feel proud and say, “I was on the maiden voyage of that beautiful ship“.

A Memorable Voyage
– New cruise ships frequently offer mementos to passengers of a maiden voyage. When Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 launched, she offered “Limited Edition” QM2 maiden-voyage commemorative items. They included t-shirts, playing cards, cups and saucers, stamps, baseball caps and key chains. Even painted ostrich eggs! These small souvenirs are a tangible way to remember your voyage. Sometimes the lines even go a bit further. The cruise lines will give each cabin a very special present. It is usually customized and worth $50 or more.

Global Celebrations
Depending on the significance of the ship, there may be a very impressive pomp-and-circumstance inaugural ceremony. May may join esteemed guests from all over the world. Then, too, the arrival of a new ship in port may be cause for local celebrations all along the voyage. Along with festivities in several cities, during the course of the itinerary.

Introductory Pricing
– To create interest in the ship, some maiden voyages offer rates on an itinerary that will be priced significantly higher in the future. Since public opinion has not yet been formed and the cruise lines are eager to put their best foot forward. Therefore, the inaugural sailing of a ship can sometimes translate to a steal on cruise fares.

Customized Services
– Because the shipboard routine is still fluid, the ship’s staff tends to be quite flexible. Things like menus, seating options and the scheduling of on-board activities are a top priority. In addition, there is an accommodating flow in areas that won’t be possible on later cruises as schedules solidify.

Beyond Special Amenities
– Positive word of mouth is the key to better booking for future sailings. Hence, the new cruise ships may offer extra special food options, entertainment and activities. Passengers on a maiden voyage can take advantage of perks that may not exist on future sailings.

There is unquestionably something special about being on board a cruise ship during the inaugural cruise. Be are that these voyages do fill up early. Please do your research of upcoming maiden voyages. You can contact The Life of Luxury to help you plan that perfect luxury cruise.

Take advantage of the over 70 new cruise ships planned between now and 2027. Return soon to read about the latest, luxury cruise industry news.

The luxurious Norwegian Getaway is Miami’s ultimate cruise ship and was recently christened with a huge party in South Florida. Norwegian Getaway now becomes the largest ship to homeport year-round at PortMiami.

The ship’s christening ceremony was huge party that included the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders and a special concert performance by Pitbull. The star-studded event’s master of ceremonies was Brooke Burke-Charvet who is the co-host of hit TV shows “Dancing with the Stars.”

Norwegian Getaway will featuring groundbreaking entertainment on its cruises for those who love to live a luxury lifestyle. It will be the first ship to feature the GRAMMY® Experience at Sea. Included are artifacts from the GRAMMY Museum® in addition to live performances by past GRAMMY winners and nominees, plus others popular celebrities.

During the christening ceremony, the beautiful and sexy Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders flipped a switch that smashed a large bottle against the ship’s mighty hull, plus lit up Miami. Musical superstar Pitbull (Armando Christian Perez) rocked the large crowd while performing his top songs which included current chart-topper hit “Timber.”

Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer – Kevin Sheehan was quoted, “Miami’s ship is home and we couldn’t be more proud to bring this spectacular vessel to this electric city.”

The Norwegian Getaway will amaze its guests with both 678 Ocean Place and The Waterfront, which will feature a collection of interconnected indoor and outdoor venues on three of the ship’s decks. The result is an incredible experience of dining, activities and much more.

We reported earlier about the ship’s SVEDKA/Inniskillin Ice Bar. Article can be seen here: https://www.thelifeofluxury.com/chill-svedkainniskillin-ice-baron-norwegian-getaway-cruise-ship/

It’s the coolest place to beat the heat cool down in Miami. The ice bar features Art Deco-style décor, mirroring Miami Beach’s world famous Ocean Drive.

The ships’ Sports Complex covers three-stories of the ship with the Aqua Park featuring five exhilarating water slides, plus two swimming pools and one of the largest multi-level elevated ropes course. Test your strength and endurance with greater than 40 different elements, including an exciting zip track.

Accommodations on the Norwegian Getaway cruise ship are top notch. There are a variety of choices including Studio staterooms designed just for solo travelers, balcony and family staterooms and ultra-luxury suites in The Haven.

The Norwegian Getaway luxury cruise ship started her weekly seven-day cruises from PortMiami to the Easter Caribbean on Saturday, February 8.

If you have dreamed of taking a luxury cruise, then maybe the luxurious new Norwegian Getaway ship should be your first. Please contact The Life of Luxury and one of our travel specialists can assist with your trip itinerary and all reservations.

Above photos are courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.

Photo courtesy of Silversea Cruises

If you have only ever cruised with one of the contemporary cruise lines upgrading to a luxury line will give a real six star experience.

Let’s look at some of the differences.

Photo courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Accommodations and Service
The atmosphere of not only the public areas on luxury ships but the accommodations provides a memorable experience and fond cruise memories.

Examples of this are Crystal Cruises ships Serenity and Symphony. The cabins are luxurious and roomy and nearly two-thirds have private verandas.

Most luxury cruise lines sail smaller ships, accommodating from 180 to 400 passengers, thus allowing some cabins to be as large as 1000 square feet. Regent Cruises even offers penthouse suites.

These luxury ships normally have a staff-to-passenger ratio that allows you to have personalized service at any time. The fleet of the Yachts of Seabourn includes one ship that accommodates 208 passengers and carries 135 crew members.

You can even choose to have a private butler to be there for you whenever the need arises. Staff will get to know you and your likes and dislikes immediately so that they can serve you better. Most of these luxury lines offer 24-hour room service from one of their fine restaurants so that you can satisfy your hunger whenever it suits you.

Photo courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Dining
Dining in luxury means creative gourmet meals supervised by some of the top chefs in the world. Meals are served with your choice from a selection of fine wines. Most ship’s restaurants have open seating so that you can dine when you choose, not on a set schedule.

Your dining experience includes waiting staff in tuxedos, multiple course meals and a table set with fine China and elegant crystal. You may also find sumptuous buffets set up along the pool on the beautiful decks.

This style of cruising is often more “all-inclusive” than the average cruise holiday. This means that alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included, so you can enjoy a cocktail before dinner, wine with your meal, and a fine after dinner aperitif.

Photo courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Activities and Excursions
A cruise like this still has all of the relaxing activities that make a cruise a cruise.

You can still bask in the sun by the pool, swim and workout. But what you will also find on a cruise centered on luxury are exclusive programs that are special to that cruise and that itinerary.

For instance, on a cruise that includes Rome and Italy you may find a program where you can study the art of the Renaissance. Evenings on board you may find yourself attending a starlight orchestral concert.

Part of the personalized service you receive on board a cruise like this is to make all of the arrangements for you when you go ashore.

Photo courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Itineraries
A luxury cruise tends to have more exotic destinations and itineraries that include places like Australia and New Zealand, Antarctica, Asia and Africa. You can even cruise the world in luxury. These luxurious smaller ships like those of Silversea have the advantage of going to smaller and more secluded harbours that passengers on the larger ships never get to see.

Other Unique Voyages
There are cruise lines like Windstar that offer voyages on sailing yachts. The ship called Windstar is a streamlined four-masted vessel with 10,000 square feet of teak deck space. Their fleet also includes the Wind Surf, which is the biggest sailing yacht in the world, accommodating 310 passengers.

When planning your next cruise, why not consider luxury cruises. They may cost a little more, but you get a lot more for that money you spend.

Article supplied by Cruise Specialist website About2Cruise. Like on Facebook

The world awaits the launch Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas. When she launches in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world.

With apartment balconies overlooking a park, a town square, boutique shops and a choice of restaurants and bars, holidaymakers might think they traveled through time and landed in New York.

The Oasis of the Seas is the world’s largest mega ship and 50 percent bigger than its nearest cruise ship rival – the luxury ocean liner Queen Mary 2 by Cunard.

Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone and Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center.

The Oasis of the Seas offers six levels of staterooms, a turf-covered chip and putt golf course, the world’s first open-air amphitheatre at the stern, two surfing simulators, a flying fox-style zip-line and a boardwalk surrounded by casual restaurants, it is more like a giant ritzy resort than a cruise ship.

At 220,000 tonnes and with a capacity to carry more than 10,000 passengers and crew, the Oasis of the Seas – the pride of the Royal Caribbean International fleet is set to make waves with its extreme flamboyance.

Initially, it’s restricted to the Caribbean and Mediterranean. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

What’s the next big travel trend? Looks like it may be cruising the Asian seas. As Asian economies continue to grow, tourism is also on the rise. People who have tired of cruise ship vacations to Caribbean and Mexico, now have their sites on the such destinations as the southern Thailand’s idyllic oceans, emerald limestone peaks studding Vietnam’s Halong Bay, and famed port cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Hanoi,

“We find (Asia) interesting and we’ve done the Caribbean … I think Asian cruises are extremely hot, there were actually quite a few we looked at that were already sold out,” says American traveler Donna Dana. She adds, ”I think Asian cruises are extremely hot, there were actually quite a few we looked at that were already sold out.”

The World Cruise Shipping Industry estimates that the number of cruise passengers in Asia will leap about 40 percent from 1.07 million in 2005, to 1.5 million in 2010. This growth is fueled in part, by Asia’s growing affluence and improved air flight options to regional port cities. Full article

Since its opening in 1914, the Panama Canal has been an engineering wonder.  The new project will create a new lane of traffic along the Canal by constructing a new set of locks, and will double the canal’s capacity and allow more traffic. Full article

If you think you can’t experience true luxury on a mass market cruise-ship, well think again.  Cruise lines are scrambling by catering to the wealthy like never before, with extravagant offerings such as beach cabanas and private island parties. Full article