Cruise News January 28, 2018

From new cruise ship builds and construction milestones, this week was full of a variety of updates and announcements. Not to mention, there was also the release of some new sci-fi and fantasy themed cruises. We dive into all of the significant updates with this week’s edition of Cruise News January 28, 2018.

Cruise News January 28, 2018

Celebrity Edge Float Out

One of the hottest ships to debut later this year hit a significant construction milestone. The official float-out of Celebrity Edge was a few days ago. This float-out, which occurred at STX France shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, marks the first time the ship has touched the water. Celebrity Edge is Celebrity Cruises newest ship in several years. This brand new ship includes “first at sea” features, as well as cruiser favorites from both the line’s Solstice-class and Millennium-class. Celebrity Edge will debut in December of this year. Just recently, the line added new early sailings for travelers eager to test out the new ship. Are you booked yet? We are!

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

MSC Cruises’ Expansion Plans

The brand new MSC Seaside made a splash during last year’s release. Later this year, MSC Cruises will also be releasing MSC Seaview. According to an exclusive interview with Cruise Industry News, MSC Cruises’ executive chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, provided details of the company’s aggressive growth goals with plans for a total of 9 more ships between now and 2028. Currently, MSC is the largest cruise company (based on passenger volume) in the Mediterranean. Now, the company is turning to other regions to increase market share. With new and innovative mega-ships, the line is looking to grow its presence around the world, including regions like the Caribbean and Asia. Have you sailed on an MSC Ship? Let us know your thoughts about MSC Cruises in the Comments below.

Star Wars and Harry Potter Themed Cruises

Get ready to cruise to a “Galaxy Far Far Away” in 2019. Disney Cruise Line has already released the dates for the very popular Disney Star Wars Days at Sea. Guests can become “one with the force” on nine select 7-night cruises onboard Disney Fantasy. This one-day onboard event is quickly becoming a fan favorite. Featuring themed events, meet and greets, children’s activities, parties, and of course, Star Wars movies, this is an exciting and immersive event. For those superhero fans, a similar Marvel Day at Sea will also be returning in 2019. On ten select 5-night Disney Magic cruises, comic book fans can engage in a day filled with their favorite heroes including Spiderman,Thor, Dr. Strange, and more. The day includes themed events, drinks, and character interactions. No matter what universe you are from, these themed cruises are not to be missed.

Star Wars Days At Sea (Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line)

While not as elaborate as the Disney cruises, hardcore Harry Potter fans will have the chance to go on a seven-day round-trip river cruise visiting major English sites featured in the films. While it is not exactly a trip to Hogwarts, this cruise is an up close and personal way to visit many of the filming locations fans have come to love. According to the Cruise Critic post, two cruises are scheduled for summer 2018. The small eight-passenger ship includes stops at the film locations and onboard meals and drinks. Note, this is not an “officially sponsored” cruise, and neither J.K. Rowling or Warner Bros. are involved with the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean Testing Higher Prices at Johnny Rockets

Also making news on the forums this week was a pilot test on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. According to reports, which were confirmed by Royal Caribbean, the company is increasing the price of Johnny Rockets on select sailings. The price will go from $6.99 to $9.99 a person on specific cruises. It is not clear if the increased cost includes any new items or additional benefits. If you haven’t dined at Johnny Rockets on a Royal Caribbean ship, check out our latest restaurant review.

Another Next-Generation P&O Cruises’ Ship is Coming

P&O Cruises will soon have one of the largest ships in the world. The cruise line’s parent company, Carnival Cruises, announced the details of a brand new ship coming to the line in 2022. The 180K gross ton ship will carry about 5,200 guests. It will be the largest vessel built specifically for cruising from England and catering to cruisers from that region. You may recall, P&O Cruises is slated to release the first next-generation ship in this new class in 2020. Few details are known about either ship, including their names or onboard amenities.

Comments

Did we miss any important updates in our Cruise News January 28, 2018? Do you have any headlines you want to share? Drop us an anchor below with your latest travel scoop!