Do You Love That New Ship Smell?

If you do, you are in luck. In 2009, there are still new ships set to debut. Those already on the scene are the Viking Legend, Costa Luminosa, Costa Pacifica, and the Seabourn Odyssey which is due out in June. There are six other ships due in the second half of 2009, MSC Splendida, Avalon Creativity, Celebrity Equinox, Carnival Dream, Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas and the Silversea Silver Spirit. These new kids on the block will cover a large amount of water including the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the rivers of Europe.

If you are looking a little further into the future, there are at least 14 ships coming out in 2010 and more scheduled for 2011. Those in 2010 include Norwegian Cruise Lines Epic in May, Celebrity’s Eclipse in June, and in the fall, Oceania Marina, Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas, Cunard Queen Elizabeth and Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam will be sailing.

Those who cruise often like to have the distinction of being one of the first to sail on a new ship. Others like to see and experience the newest concepts on the ocean like grass covered parks, state of the art spas, and specialty dining venues. Whether you want to keep busy with bowling, Wii, rock climbing or ice skating there is a ship for you. If you would rather be in an environment that is relaxing and without a lot of hustling and activity, there is a ship for you. With all the ships out there, you can visit virtually anywhere in the world.

Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas

I just returned from a cruise onboard the Mariner of the Seas. The ships itinerary had been modified from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest. This Voyager Class ship is beautiful with tons of activities. Rock climbing, ice skating, mini golf, and inline skating just to name a few. Our first port of call was San Francisco. Sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge was awesome.
Now I have been both over the bridge and under. The weather was a little foggy as to be expected when we first arrived, but the fog burned off to a beautiful day of walking through the city. We visited China Town, walked down to Union Square and caught a cable car to the top of Lombard St. We then walked down to Ghirardelli Square to buy some chocolate. We strolled over to Fisherman's Wharf and enjoyed a breadbowl with clam chowder. Then completed the loop back past Pier 39, the sea lions and shops and back to Pier 35 where we were docked.