2022 is set to be a substantial year for the cruise industry. Pent-up demand from previously cancelled or delayed cruises have led to a huge surge in bookings for this year. Additionally, 2022 will be an exciting time for the cruise brand community, with big anniversaries for Viking Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Cruises expanding to a new market, industry newcomer Ambassador Cruise Line debuting their first ship, new fleet rollouts, and the first Disney cruise ship to launch in 10 years!
On top of that, cruisegoers are eager to catch a glimpse of the many innovative and exciting new interior designs that will feature on the upcoming vessels of 2022. Read on for the exciting ocean ships, expedition vessels and mega yachts setting sail on their maiden voyages this year.
Note: all dates are correct at the time of publication and could be subject to change.
Viking Cruises Viking Octantis
January
As Viking Cruises celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, it launches an exciting new venture: Viking Expeditions. This will see the maiden voyages of two small but sturdy, purpose-built ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Viking Octantis was the first to embark in January 2022. The ship boasts many functional and stunning interior spaces, including The Aula, a stunning panoramic auditorium.
Emerald Cruises Emerald Azzurra
March
Emerald Cruises will be launching their first custom-built ocean superyacht, Emerald Azzurra, in March. This super yacht spanning seven decks will carry 100 guests to small ports and harbours in Egypt, Israel, and Jordon in its maiden voyage. This fun-based yacht will feature a marina platform designed for easy access to water activities. These will include snorkelling, paddle boarding and swimming.
Princess Cruises Discovery Princess
March
In March, the sixth and final ship in Princess Cruises’ Royal Class fleet, Discovery Princess, will debut. On board, 3,660 passengers will be treated to a range of premier experiences. These include enjoying 270-degree sweeping views from the largest balconies at sea, unwinding at The Sanctuary, and watching vessel-exclusive productions at the state-of-the-art Princess Theater.
Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady
March
Following the 2021 launch of Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages’ second cruise ship, Valiant Lady, will roll out in March 2022. Like her sister ship, Valiant Lady spoils guests for choice with plenty of dining options at over 20 eateries. She will also boast many exciting features including The Manor Signature Nightclub, Squid Ink Tattoo/Piercing Parlour, Redemption Spa and more!
Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas
March
March will also see the maiden voyage of the world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas. This impressive 1,188-foot-long vessel will host multiple uniquely designed neighborhoods that tailor to different onboard activities, functions, and guests. These include the Suite neighborhood, New York-themed Central Park neighborhood, Coney Island inspired Boardwalk neighborhood and the Youth Zone neighborhood.
Silversea Cruises Silver Dawn
April
Silver Dawn will be Silversea’s 10th new ultra-luxury ship to join their fleet. This all-suite, all-balcony vessel will give passengers a taste of luxury, as each suite comes with its on complimentary butler! Silver Dawn also offers eight tantalizing dining options – including Silversea’s brand-new Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) programme.
Ambassador Cruise Line Ambience
April
Industry newcomer Ambassador Cruise Line will roll out its first ship in April. Ambience is a 30-year-old refurbished cruise ship that will host British over-50s seeking a no-fly traditional, authentic cruise option. On board, this vessel will boast beautiful spacious interiors that aim to create the optimum atmosphere for passengers.
Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Beyond
April
Celebrity Beyond will be the third of Celebrity Cruises’ luxurious Edge-class ships when she launches in April 2022. At 17 decks high and 1073 feet long, she will be the largest in the fleet. Celebrity Beyond will have lots to offer, with 18 restaurants, five cafes and 12 bars and lounges. These will include Le Voyage, world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud’s first restaurant at sea!
Azamara Azamara Onward
May
Azamara Onward is a reimagined vessel new to the Amara fleet. First built in 1999, she was previously named Pacific Princess. Now, as a refurbished cruise ship, Azamara Onward, she will carry passengers to the world’s most hidden gems, docking at locations larger ships can’t access.
Viking Cruises Viking Mars
May
Viking Cruises’ Viking Mars will join sister Viking Neptune in a 2022 debut. This vessel will offer more of what Viking’s passengers love about this cruise line. Viking Mars is a simple ship where passengers can simply enjoy the pleasures of cruising, without grand, extravagant attractions. Instead, guests can kick back and relax in the Living Room atrium lobby, chill out in the Wintergarden, or unwind at the LivNordic Spa.
Disney Cruise Line Disney Wish
June
2022 will mark the first new cruise ship for Disney Cruise Line in 10 years with Disney Wish. This innovative and fun ship will feature the first ever Disney attraction at sea, AquaMouse. This waterslide will take guests on an exhilarating water adventure with an animated experience featuring Mickey and Minnie. Disney Cruise Line has also elevated its restaurants on Disney Wish with Frozen-themed theatrical dining and a Marvel interactive adventure dining experience.
Atlas Ocean Voyages/Mystic Cruises World Traveller
July
Atlas Ocean Voyages’ second ship, World Traveller, is scheduled to debut in July. A unique aspect of this ship is that she will be equipped with a GPS positioning system that allows her to call on some of the world’s most remote ports of call. On board, passengers will have plenty of chances to take in the beautiful scenery around them on generous open-deck spaces including the vessel’s glass-domed observation lounge.
Seabourn Seabourn Venture
July
Seabourn will be launching its first expedition ship this year with Seabourn Venture. This sturdy vessel is specifically built to travel to some of the world’s most remote places, including Antarctica. Seabourn Venture passengers will have plenty of opportunities to learn and explore during their cruise, with the vessel boasting 24 Zodiac boats, six-person submarines, and a high-definition camera streaming real-time wildlife footage into the Discovery Center.
Atlas Ocean Voyages/Mystic Cruises World Seeker
Summer
Following the debut of her sister ship, World Traveller, World Seeker will set sail on her maiden voyage in Summer. On board, she has many exciting spaces for guests to learn, relax, and explore. These include a 24-hour Polar Library, spa treatments and a sauna, a heated saltwater plunge pool, and plenty of kayaks, paddleboards, and Zodiac boats.
Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady
August
In a big year for Virgin Voyages, the cruise line’s third vessel, Resilient Lady, is set to roll out in August. On board, sailors can design their ultimate experience through transformable cabin spaces and a variety of onboard activities, eateries and more as they travel across the Greek Isles and Adriatic on this 2,700-passenger vessel.
Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Prima
August
Norwegian Prima, the first of the six upcoming Prima Class ships, will make her maiden voyage in August. She will be smaller than other Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vessels, allowing her to visit smaller ports. She will also mark a more upscale turn for the cruise line, with the largest variety of suite categories (13) for a large ocean cruise ship. However, Norwegian Prima will also offer the innovative onboard attractions NCL guests have come to expect, with a 10-story dry slide and the first three-level racetrack at sea.
Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Celebration
November
Carnival Cruise Line will be celebrating its 50th birthday this year, making Carnival Celebration a fitting vessel to debut in 2022. This exciting new vessel will feature many fun-filled attractions such as the WaterWorks aqua park, BOLT roller coaster and Family Feud Live game show. It will also see the launch of a brand new eaterie for the cruise line, Shaq’s Big Chicken.
MSC Cruises MSC Seascape
November
MSC Seascape, the glamorous sister ship of the innovative MSC Seashore, will embark on her maiden voyage in November. The vessel’s design pays tribute to New York City, a destination that represents the spirit of discovery and cultural experiences at the heart of MSC Cruises’ guest experience. MSC Seascape will also introduce the cruise line’s first at sea rollercoaster, MSC RoboCoaster.
P&O Cruises Arvia
December
In December 2022, P&O Iona’s eagerly anticipated sister ship Arvia will be launched. She will boast many exciting features, including the Altitude Skywalk, P&O Cruises first-ever high ropes experience measuring a staggering 54 meters above sea. Arvia will also feature the SkyDome, a beautiful glass space hosting a variety of activities including dining, entertainment, and a pool.
MSC Cruises MSC World Europa
December
At 205,000 tonnes, the first ship in MSC Cruises’ World-class fleet, MSC World Europa, will be one of the largest vessels at sea. This innovative new vessel will be one of the most pool-covered ships at sea, with six pools, 14 hot tubs, and an Aquapark with multiple waterslides. It will also be the line’s first LNG-powered vessel.
Viking Cruises Viking Neptune
December
Viking Cruises will be debuting its ninth oceangoing ship, Viking Neptune, come December. This adult-only ship will be geared towards passengers seeking a quiet, relaxing holiday. The ship design reflects this, with multiple spaces designed for guests to take advantage of the games, books and puzzles provided on board, as well as serene cabins which all include a full step-out balcony for relaxation.
Viking Cruises Viking Polaris
TBA
Viking Polaris is the second Viking Cruises expedition ship to launch in 2022. Like her sister ship, Viking Polaris will be taking guests to the end of the Earth in expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica. This vessel has been designed for purpose, featuring a small, enclosed, in-ship marina, The Hanger, where guests can board excursion rafts. However, there is also plenty of time for relaxation at Finse Terrace, a unique, outdoor lounge area with warming lava rock “firepits” nestled between comfortable sofas.
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