Can you believe that 2019 is right around the corner? If you are like us, then you are probably already planning cruises for the upcoming year. To help with all the important cruise planning decisions, we have our list of the top cruise ships for 2019.
These vessels are the newest and hottest ships that many cruisers will want to sail on in the new year. Don’t be surprised if you catch the two of us on a few of these innovative ships. Just make sure to say hi!
Top Cruise Ships for 2019
Celebrity Edge
Debuting this month, Celebrity Edge is certainly a ship that will be on the top of many cruisers’ 2019 wish list. In fact, this newest ship from Celebrity Cruises is scheduled as our first cruise of the new year. The largest ship to date for the cruise line, Celebrity Edge is home to a variety of new dining, entertainment, and onboard experiences. We predict this ship will be a game changer for the cruise industry.
Among the new additions is Eden, a dynamic space that includes interactive demonstrations during the day, sweeping floor to ceiling views, an experiential dinner, and so much more. The Magic Carpet is another first for Celebrity Cruises. This cantilevered, floating platform serves multiple purposes, including an al fresco dining experience, a state of the art tender station, and one of the coolest sun deck bars at sea.
Celebrity Edge is also home to a new category of staterooms with an infinity balcony getting you even closer to the ocean. With several new complimentary and specialty dining options as well as elevated entertainment options, Celebrity Edge is taking the line’s signature modern luxury to the edge.
Related Posts: Everything We Know about Celebrity Edge
Spectrum of the Seas
After debuting the world’s largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas, this year, Royal Caribbean is rolling out another vessel in 2019. The new Spectrum of the Seas is the first of the Quantum Ultra class ships and certainly one of the top cruise ships for 2019. Built for the Asian-market, this ship will combine a number of popular amenities with a few new special offerings.
Similar to other Quantum-class ships, Spectrum of the Seas will include the indoor SeaPlex with bumper cars and roller skating. The high-tech venue Two70 will be home to a futuristic entertainment experience enhanced with 5K screens and robo-screens. The ship will also have the popular aerial gondola North Star and the iFLY skydiving simulator.
Along with other class features like the Bionic Bar, Spectrum of the Seas will also have some new amenities. Among these new features will be the Sky Pad. This virtual reality-enhanced bungee trampoline is one of the most exhilarating onboard experiences at sea. With so many great features on this ship, maybe 2019 is the year that you plan a trip to Asia.
Norwegian Encore
In 2019, Norwegian Cruise Line is adding another member to its Breakaway-Plus class of ships. Similar to the new Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore will feature the popular Observation Lounge yielding panoramic vistas, in addition to other favorites like the Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place.
Related Posts: 5 Things You Will Love about the New Norwegian Encore
Like all NCL ships, Norwegian Encore will offer the brand’s signature Freestyle Dining with a reported dozen different dining venues. What is not yet known is which of the popular NCL restaurants will be onboard the ship or whether Encore will feature any new dining concepts.
Recently revealed, Norwegian Encore is set to debut one of the best signature entertainment line ups at sea. Kinky Boots, the Tony Award-winning show, will hit the high seas on this ship in addition to other hits, Choir of Man and Happy Hour Prohibition- The Musical. Norwegian Encore will also feature an even larger race track with a few new twists, an augmented reality enhanced laser tag, and the Galaxy Pavilion full of immersive virtual reality experiences. We already have our cruise booked on this ship, do you?
Carnival Panorama
Continuing the trend of bigger and better ships, Carnival Cruise Line will launch Carnival Panorama in 2019. This third vessel in the Vista-class of ships will be the largest ship to homeport in Long Beach, California when she debuts next year.
This innovative vessel will offer plenty for families and couples alike to enjoy. The outdoor decks will include a ropes course, the WaterWorks park with waterslides and an expanded splash zone, and the one of a kind Sky Ride where you can challenge your friends to a suspended bike ride high above the Pacific Ocean. Carnival Panorama is also home to an IMAX theater showing first-run movies and a first of its kind at sea trampoline park. The Sky Zone will be a for fee activity open to adventure seekers of all ages.
Carnival Panorama will include a wide selection of culinary options like the popular Guy’s Pig and Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse | Brewhouse. Along with all of your favorite smoked meats, this restaurant is home to four exclusive beers all included in the Cheers program. Other specialty dining options include the line’s signature steakhouse, Bonsai Teppanyaki, and the Seafood Shack, among others.
While the ship is designed for families, those seeking an escape from the little ones can head to the Serenity adults-only area. Or, you might want to consider booking a Havana stateroom to have access to your own exclusive pool area and amenities. While we haven’t booked just yet, we are tempted to head out to California next year to test out Carnival Panorama.
MSC Grandiosa
As the largest ship to date for MSC Cruises, MSC Grandiosa will truly live up to its name. This Meraviglia-Plus class ship packs tons to do, see, and eat as you sail the Mediterranean. On the open-air decks, twist and turn down three waterslides in the Polar Aqua Park. For those who prefer a more subdued sea day, relax at the Atmosphere Pool. With some of the most public outdoor space of any mega ship, you will always have a deck chair waiting for you.
MSC Grandiosa will feature the SportPlex, an indoor multiple purpose space to strike up a soccer match or play some friendly arcade games or foosball, F1 simulators for a heart-pounding virtual reality race, and a full size bowling alley. Or, you can take a stroll down the Galleria, the large indoor promenade filled with restaurants, shops, and an overhead LED projection screen that changes throughout the day.
When it comes to nighttime entertainment, guests will have the opportunity to catch two Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows designed exclusively for the ship, as well as other nightly shows taking place in the main theater and live game shows, karaoke, comedy, and more occurring in the TV Studio & Bar.
MSC Grandiosa will also be home to several restaurants and bars. While MSC Cruises has not yet confirmed all of the venues coming to the ship, we suspect to find some favorites from sister ships.
Sky Princess
The latest ship in Princess Cruises’ Royal-class is the Sky Princess. Debuting in late 2019, this ship will feature several new elements that are not found on her older sisters. Among the new innovations is the Sky Suite. Offering 270-degree panoramic views and the line’s largest balcony at sea, these luxurious accommodations will get you closer to the ocean than ever before.
The ship will also feature several exclusive Princess Cruises dining experiences. Among the fan favorites are the crafted dishes by Curtis Stone found on select evenings in the main dining room. Dessert lovers will crave the sweet concoctions from renowned chocolatier Norman Love as part of the Chocolate Journeys found in the ship’s main dining room and Horizon Court buffet or perhaps the cookies at Movies Under the Seas. Additional specialty dining options will also be onboard, including the Crown Grill, rated as the best steakhouse at sea.
While Sky Princess might not have all the bells and whistles of the new ships, there is still plenty of activities to keep you entertained. You can relax at one of several outdoor pools, including an infinity pool on Deck 16, or in the adult only Sanctuary. You can enjoy comedy and other live performances in Princess Live!, listen to some jazz tunes in the new Take Five bar, and enjoy original nighttime productions exclusive to the ship. The line’s signature Movies Under the Stars and The Voice of the Ocean means you have a front row seat to some of the best entertainment at sea.
With so many great cruise ships setting sail in 2019, it might be hard to pick your favorite. It’s a good thing that the year has not even started yet, so you still have plenty of time to plan your perfect trip(s)!
Comments
Which of these top cruise ships for 2019 is at the top of your list? Do you have plans to sail on any of these new vessels? Drop us an anchor below with your vote for the best cruise ship to sail on next year.
I booked the Norwegian Encore back in the spring once we heard she’d be sailing in the U.S. and not the Asian market as first thought. I won’t be on her until February 2020, but hoping she’ll be as nice as her sister, Bliss, which I sailed on back in May on the Transit Cruise. ? Even the Encore’s hullwork is growing on me! I’m only sorry the time in San Juan is so short (around 6 hours in the evening).
Hi Tina, thanks for reading and the comment. We will be on Encore this November, so be on the lookout for our review and updates from this new NCL ship. Happy Sailing.
I booked the Norwegian Encore back in the spring once we heard she’d be sailing in the U.S. and not the Asian market as first thought. I won’t be on her until February 2020, but hoping she’ll be as nice as her sister, Bliss, which I sailed on back in May on the Transit Cruise. ? Even the Encore’s hullwork is growing on me! I’m only sorry the time in San Juan is so short (around 6 hours in the evening).
woow i was just looking for ship demolition and came across your blog really very informative soon i am going to book a cruise right now i am here in dubai
Thanks Petro for reading and the comment. Happy Sailing.
We just debarked Symphony of the Seas. I must say the new Playmakers sports bar is an excellent use of space & the hot wings were DELISH! Great ship & highly recommend, especially for families looking for lots of thing to do. The new Miami terminal is fabulous. We will be on the Edge in March in an infinite veranda cabin–something new to try.
Hi Judy, thanks for your feedback and review. We had a great time on Symphony. We are just off Edge and the ship was amazing. You will love it! Happy Sailing.