New Cruise Ships Debuting in 2021
Despite the virtual shutdown of the cruise industry last year, more than 20 new ocean ships are expected to enter service in 2021. Some were delayed and some were delivered in 2020 but never carried a passenger. Things may still change, but here is an overview of the new ocean cruise ships expected to enter service in 2021, in alphabetical order by the cruise line.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages expects to operate a July 17 inaugural cruise on the 196-guest World Navigator. This polar-class ship will sail to destinations such as Ukraine, Bucharest, Egypt and The Holy Land before repositioning to South America and Antarctica. Four similar ships are on order for delivery by 2023.
Aurora Expeditions
Aurora Expeditions is planning on a November 2021 delivery of its purpose-built Sylvia Earle expedition ship, which will carry 132 passengers, on average. It has a unique X-bow designed to cut minimize vibrations and disturbances and reduce fuel consumption.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line took delivery of its 180,000-gross-ton, 5,300-passenger Mardi Gras in December 2020 and is planning on May 29 inaugural voyage. The ship features the first roller-coaster and restaurants from Emeril and Shaquille O’Neal.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises has delayed the Celebrity Apex naming ceremony from March 2020 and recently canceled its May 1 transatlantic crossing. The 129,500-gross-ton, 2,910-guest ship features the Magic Carpet lounge that rides up and down the ship’s hull, as well as a craft beer pub.
Costa Cruises
currently shows two new ships joining its fleet in 2021 – the 5,200-guest Costa Firenze as early as February in the Mediterranean and the Costa Toscana in December 2021 in Brazil. Costa took delivery of the Firenze in December and celebrated the float-out of the Toscana in mid-January. The décor of the Firenze was inspired by the Florentine Renaissance while the Toscana is a tribute to Tuscany.
Crystal Cruises
Crystal hopes to accept delivery of its 200-guest luxury expedition ship, Crystal Endeavor, in summer 2021. The Polar-class ship will have butlers, two helicopters and a seven-passenger submarine.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line has scheduled an Aug. 1 inaugural cruise for its new 99,500-gross-ton Rotterdam VII. The 2,668-passenger vessel will feature a live music row, including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Rolling Stone Rock Room..
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic hopes to launch two 126-guest expedition ships this year – the National Geographic Endurance this summer and the National Geographic Resolution in the winter. The ice-class vessels will have the X-bow for smooth rides, as well as a National Geographic photographer on board..
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises also hopes to welcome two new ships this year – the 4,842-passenger MSC Virtuosa this spring and the 4,540-guest MSC Seashore in July. The Virtuosa will have a two-story promenade with one of the longest LED domes at sea, while the Seashore features a double-deck show lounge, indoor pool, and new specialty dining restaurants..
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises accepted delivery of the 3,660-passenger Enchanted Princess in September during the pandemic shutdown but hopes it will make its debut in May. The MedallionClass vessel will feature expedited boarding, on-demand food and beverage delivery, keyless stateroom entry and more. Its sister, Discovery Princess, is now expected to enter service in spring 2022.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises christened the 750-guest Seven Seas Splendor on February 21, 2020, just before the pandemic shutdown. There's no word yet on when it will re-enter service. The company says the ship “embodies luxury perfected,” with fine art, 46,000 square feet of Italian marble, and 500 chandeliers.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has scheduled the introduction of its first ship, the 298-guest Evrima, in July. The 26,500-gross-ton yacht will offer watersports from its marina and a restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International plans to accept delivery of the 4,200-passenger Odyssey of the Seas in April. The 169,000-gross-ton ship will feature the SeaPlex with virtual-reality games, bumper cars and laser tag. New are the Music Hall, an Italian eatery, sports arcade, and Teppanyaki restaurant.
Seabourn
Seabourn’s polar-class Seabourn Venture is scheduled for delivery in December. The 264-guest, 23,000-gross-ton luxury ship will include two custom-built submarines, expedition kayaks and 24 Zodiacs.
Silversea's Silver Moon
Silversea plans to introduce two classic luxury ships in 2021 (along with an expedition ship in the Galapagos; see next slide). The 596-guest Silver Moon was delivered on Oct. 30 and is expected to begin sailing on April 1. The 40,700-gross-ton ship will introduce the line’s new culinary enrichment program S.A.L.T. – an acronym of Sea and Land Taste – with destination-focused cuisine and learning experiences. Sister ship Silver Dawn is on schedule for a Nov. 9 inaugural cruise.
Silversea's Silver Origin
Silversea’s 100-guest Silver Origin was delivered in June 2020 and is scheduled to begin sailing on April 3. This all-balcony ship was purpose-built for cruising in the Galapagos Islands.
Victory Cruise Lines
Victory Cruise Lines has scheduled the introduction of the 186-passenger Ocean Victory for this summer. The 8,500-gross-ton ship will feature two restaurants, open-deck dining, a heated outdoor pool, and an outdoor adventure launch platform.
Viking
Viking’s 930-passenger Viking Venus is scheduled for a spring introduction. Similar to its 47,500-gross-ton sister ships, it will have an infinity pool, spa with snow grotto, and panoramic lounge.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages’ new Scarlet Lady was delivered Feb. 14, 2020, and now is tentatively scheduled to resume sailing May 9, 2021. Among its many features, the 2,770-passenger, 110,000-gross-ton ship won’t have a buffet, main dining room or formal dress code. The cheeky line’s second ship, the Valiant Lady, is scheduled for a November debut.