The world’s most amazing cruise ships

28 August 2019  By: Helen Foster

Ovation of the Seas is currently the largest ship sailing in Australian waters and there is little it lacks. At 348m long, the 18-deck-high megaship from Royal Caribbean is next level. On its top deck is something that looks like a fairground ride – a capsule named the North Star rises 90m in the air offering 14 passengers a 360-degree view of their surroundings. Inside the ship is just as stimulating – you’ll find bumper cars, simulated sky diving and the Bionic Bar, where your drink is made by robot bartenders. It’s surprising anyone ever wants to get off. 

The Ovation is not alone in its quirky, wonderful and futuristic offerings. 

Every ship wants the biggest and best things to offer their customers and it means there have never been more options of things to do on board,” says RAC travel consultant Adam Steward. “Cruising now is as much about what’s on the ship you choose as the ports it sails to.”

Action and adventure on board

Many ships wow their passengers with a range of jaw-dropping activities and facilities. The biggest ship around, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship the Miami-based Symphony of the Seas, includes among its novel touches a submarine-themed Escape Room.

Although slightly smaller than the Ovation or the Symphony, at a mere 330m but with an impressive 19 decks, the Majestic Princess, which is coming to Australia for the first time this year, includes highlights like the SeaWalk, a transparent pathway that lets you walk high above the ocean and an incredible stage show which includes flying drones.

If you prefer driving to walking, book onto Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Bliss. It features the largest go-kart race track on the seas where up to 10 passengers can race against each other. It also has a transparent water slide that shoots you out over the edge of the ship before twisting back inwards.

But when it comes to water slides, the one on the Carnival Legend is the king of them all. Green Thunder ™is the fastest, steepest slide at sea, sending riders hurtling along at up to 65km/h.

Mega-luxury

Many mega ships also offer opulent touches like private concierge rooms with exclusive bars or dining areas and upgraded fine-dining restaurants from some of the world’s best chefs for a luxurious boost to your trip.

Total luxury however, has often been the preserve of the smaller ships – that is until this December when the new 306m long Celebrity Edge ship arrives at her home port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

With cabins by renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen MBE it offers more suites than normal Celebrity ships. One unique drawcard is the ship’s new staterooms that feature an Infinite Veranda – patio doors that open fully so your cabin and balcony flow seamlessly from one to the other. There are also its Edge Villas which are virtually a two storey house at sea. Another stand out feature is the Magic Carpet, a bar and dining space suspended from the side of the ship that actually moves deck as the day progresses.

Possibly the most exclusive ship afloat, however, is The World. This is a residential ship consisting of 165 private ‘homes’ that literally sail the world 365 days a year – the cheapest starting at US$2 million. You also need to be endorsed by two current residents and have US$10 million in assets to be eligible.

If the idea of a life at sea sounds appealing, but your bank balance doesn’t quite meet that criteria, next year sees Viking Cruises launch a 245-day itinerary from London starting at a mere AU$117,995!

Where to next?

Given how fast things are being added to ships, what’s coming next?

Expect even bigger capacity cruise ships carrying more 6000 people – the Costa Smeralda which is currently being built will carry 6600.

Another big trend is the launch of entire cruise lines for specific markets, like European river cruisers U by Uniworld, or the new line aimed at millennials from Virgin Group, Virgin Voyages. Also, coming next year is Blue World Voyages, targeting people interested in fitness and health.

As well as big ships and themed ships, the on-board innovations and wow factors are also likely to continue, as ships of all sizes and destinations compete to impress their guests.

What RAC Travel’s Adam Steward is most excited about though comes from French cruise line Ponant. “They’re designing a ship that has an underwater bar with a window so you can see the marine life outside the ship.

But it doesn’t end there: “They’ll also pump in sounds from outside, so if there are whales and dolphins nearby you’ll hear them which is just incredible.

Spoil yourself at sea

While the bigger ships are offering more and more attractions, the smaller ships are focusing on luxury, with touches like butler service and premier bed linen.

Here’s what you’ll find on some of the lines that pride themselves on exclusivity and the personal touch.

Regent Seven Seas: The big difference on the all-suite ships of Regent Seven Seas is that everything is included – meals, drinks, speciality dining and unlimited shore excursions in every port. Watch for the arrival of their newest ship Seven Seas Splendor in 2020 which they claim will be the most luxurious afloat.

Crystal Cruises: Crystal has one of the biggest space-per-guest ratios in the industry and November sees the launch of the newly refurbished Crystal Serenity including more of their butler-served Penthouses and a new restaurant by sushi master Nobu Matsuhisa.

Azamara Club Cruises:The luxury line for adventurers, Azamara is renowned for visiting lesser known ports and for innovative shore excursions, some of which even see you staying overnight. Their newest ship Azamara Pursuit has given them the chance to add another 60 destinations to the company’s portfolio including the Falkland Islands.

Seabourn: The five ships in the Seabourn line describe themselves as akin to being aboard a private yacht, with their smaller ships carrying only 458 people (compared to more than 5000 on some of the mega ships).

Cunard: Home to the famous Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mary 2, Cunard offers a throwback to the golden age of sea travel – dressing for dinner is still very much the done thing. 2022 sees the launch of the fourth ship in the line, as yet unnamed. It is the first new Cunard ship in 12 years.

Silversea: Their fleet of small ships are highly tailored to the destinations they serve allowing you to get close up in hard to navigate areas like Antarctica. With a staff-to-passenger ratio of one-to-one, they offer impeccable service, and refurbishment has even seen ships like the Silver Cloud being altered to carry as few as just 200 passengers on some sailings.