Some 19 new ships will join North American fleets between now and 2007,
which means you must be digging the cruise vacation. Among this season’s debuts:
LAUNCH: Carnival Miracle, Carnival
(888-227-6482,
www.carnival.com)
BERTHS: 2,667
ROUTES: Caribbean, Bahamas
IN-DEPTH:Spiral water slide, four swimming pools, 11-story atrium, 16 lounges and bars named after famous fictional folks, from Jay Gatsby and Jeeves to Jerry Maguire
ON THE SURFACE: Let the good times roll
LAUNCH:Caribbean Princess
Princess (800-774-6237,
www.princess.com)
BERTHS:3,100
ROUTES: Caribbean
IN-DEPTH:Movies under the stars, spa, programs for kids and teens, and weddings galore (the fictional daughter of Captain Stubing on The Love Boat will tie the knot on the inaugural cruise)
ON THE SURFACE: Sun-seeking people-pleaser
LAUNCH:Mariner of the Seas
Royal Caribbean (800-327-6700,
www.royalcaribbean.com)
BERTHS: 3,114
ROUTES: Caribbean
IN-DEPTH: Ice and in-line skating, rock climbing, pool-deck-turned-gallery with colorful works by pop artist Romero Britto, teen-only lounge and sun deck, unlimited Sprinkles soft serve ice cream
ON THE SURFACE: Never-ending family adventure
LAUNCH:Crystal Serenity
Crystal Cruises (800-804-1500,
www.crystalcruises.com)
BERTHS: 1,080
ROUTES: Mexico, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Europe
IN-DEPTH: Feng-shui spa, sushi restaurant from chef Nobu Matsuhisa, 280-plus veranda staterooms, 146 penthouse accommodations
ON THE SURFACE: The chic, because-you’re-worth-it splurge
LAUNCH:Queen Mary 2 (pictured)
Cunard (800-728-6273,
www.cunard.com)
BERTHS: 2,620
ROUTES: Transatlantic, Caribbean, South America, Europe, Canada-New England
IN-DEPTH: Spa by Canyon Ranch, golf simulator, planetarium, casino, cases of caviar, champagne by the magnum
ON THE SURFACE: Blow-’em-out-of-the-water luxury