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The most anticipated new cruise ships, itineraries for 2022

By Lori A May, Special to the SeattlePI

|Updated
Norwegian Prima debuts in 2022

Norwegian Prima debuts in 2022

courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Ever since cruising resumed sailing in August 2021, cruise travelers have been eager to experience the latest and greatest thrills at sea. 

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While flu season amid the pandemic may hold back travelers for the immediate future, it’s an excellent time to plan ahead for a cruise vacation of a lifetime. And that’s especially true as we enter Wave Season, the annual promotional period between January and March where cruise lines offer leisure travelers generous discounts, package promotions, and unbeatable deals on existing and forthcoming ships.  

This year will see many new ships enter the market, from family focused affordability to luxury experiences at sea. Keep reading to discover some of the most anticipated new ships for 2022.

BOLT, a roller coaster at sea, aboard Carnival Celebration

BOLT, a roller coaster at sea, aboard Carnival Celebration

courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

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Carnival Celebration 

While Carnival Mardi Gras is still shiny and new after its first few months at sea, Carnival Celebration will debut in November 2022 as the cruise line’s latest ship. Plus, there is an extra reason for a celebration as Carnival Cruise Line celebrates its 50th birthday this year.  

Carnival Celebration will be a tribute to all of Carnival’s fun at sea, with six exciting theme zones across the ship. As part of the thrill theme, guests will be able to amp up the adrenaline with BOLT, an onboard rollercoaster at sea. Fan favorites like Carnival’s WaterWorks waterpark will also play a starring role, as will kid-friendly programming like Seuss at Sea.  

Celebrity eateries on board include Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, Guy’s Burger Joint and newcomer Shaq’s Big Chicken from Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer, Shaquille O'Neal. Plus, in addition to traditional cruise dining rooms, Carnival Celebration will also offer specialized venues with Bonsai Sushi, a fine dining steakhouse and a hands-on culinary experience with Carnival Kitchen.  

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Carnival Celebration will focus on Caribbean itineraries with ports of call including Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, San Juan and St. Maarten.

Disney's private island, Castaway Cay

Disney's private island, Castaway Cay

courtesy of Disney Cruise Line/David Roark/PR Newswire

Disney Wish 

Debuting summer 2022, Disney Wish will offer a whole new experience for Disney fans. Wish includes the first ever "Frozen"-themed theatrical dining experience, featuring a Norwegian-inspired menu as characters like Elsa and Olaf entertain the whole family.  

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For Avengers fans, cinematic dining experience Quantum Encounter will provide interactive action while seated around the dinner table. For movie buffs of all genres, another new dining experience pays tribute to the golden days of Hollywood and filmmaking.  

For at-sea entertainment, families can catch a wave at the onboard water park with hosts Mickey and Minnie. Then a first-of-its-kind interactive Disney Unchartered Adventure offers a multidimensional game to seek out a fragmented wishing star using mobile device spyglasses.  

Of course, Disney cruisers are also in for plenty of at-sea movies and live entertainment on the big stage. Youngsters will also have their own kid club activities, while adults can retreat to grown-up lounges and poolside cocktails.  

This summer, Disney Wish will focus on brief getaways with port visits to Nassau, Bahamas, as well as dedicated days spent at Disney’s Castaway Cay private island.  

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Holland America Line's Rotterdam

Holland America Line's Rotterdam

courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America’s Rotterdam 

While MS Rotterdam debuted in November 2021, this is the first full year for Holland America’s latest vessel offering refined dining and entertainment.  

Every inch of the ship reflects a musically centered element of luxury, with airy spaces and an atrium sculpture inspired by a harp. Throughout Holland America’s signature Music Walk experience, guests will find a robust variety of live entertainment around every corner. Guests can sample B.B. King’s Blues Club and Memphis R&B, take in rock and pop chart toppers with Billboard Onboard or indulge in classical favorites with the Lincoln Center Stage. 

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More entertainment is found on the two-story LED screened World Stage, while personal pampering may be found in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Families traveling with youngsters may take advantage of Club HAL, with dedicated activities geared for ages 3 to 17.  

Award-winning dining is offered at Rudi’s Sel de Mer, with a menu curated by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin. Asian favorites are on offer at Tamarind, while authentic Italian is the focus at Canaletto. For a refined steakhouse experience, guests will find Holland’s Pinnacle Grill onboard, while kid-friendly bites are offered at The Dining Room, Lido Buffet and poolside grill, Dive-In. 

Rotterdam’s Caribbean sailings in 2022 include destinations such as Aruba, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Mexico and Puerto Rico. This summer, Rotterdam will also be exploring Norse and Viking legends with itineraries sailing throughout Norway and Iceland, along with cruises into the Baltic Sea with an overnight stay in St. Petersburg, Russia.  

Oceanwalk and Ocean Boulevard on Norwegian Prima

Oceanwalk and Ocean Boulevard on Norwegian Prima

courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

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Norwegian Prima 

Coming this summer, Norwegian Prima will be the latest ship to join the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. Prima is also the first in a whole new class of ships from NCL, so onboard guests will get a taste of future trends from the cruise line.  

Norwegian Prima will offer an incredible Ocean Boulevard for taking in seaside strolls dotted with casual seating and gathering spaces. Guests can enjoy a fireside cocktail, share small plates from the new food hall offerings or get a unique sea view from the glass floored Oceanwalk.  

New for Prima is also a selection of infinity pools for soaking up the sun with unobstructed views. And in addition to the à la carte bites at the new concept food hall, guests can experience fine dining with Norwegian favorites like Onda by Scarpetta.  

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When it comes to thrills at sea, Norwegian Prima offers a luxury beach club, Prima Speedway racing and The Rush, the first free-fall dry slide at sea. Since Norwegian is known for bringing Broadway and West End favorites to sea, guests can also look forward to "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" in an amazing venue that transforms from a three-story theater into a nightclub.  

Prima will first sail Iceland and Norway in August 2022, followed by European sailings in September. After a transatlantic voyage, Prima will offer Caribbean sailings to destinations including Belize, Cayman Islands, Honduras, Jamaica and Mexico.  

AquaTheater aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas

AquaTheater aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas

courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas 

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Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest ship, Wonder of the Seas, will first debut in March with a Caribbean focus, followed by a season in Europe.  

Wonder of the Seas will offer eight distinct neighborhoods aboard the vessel, with an AquaTheater entertaining travelers of all ages. Fan-favorites like the FlowRider surf simulator will be on deck, as will a new Wonder Playscape, an underwater-themed world with slides, games and climbing walls.  

Kids of all ages can spend the day slipping down three distinct waterslides, playing mini-golf or taking in a stunning ice skating show. Family dining ranges from a refined steakhouse and traditional dining room to sushi, a bistro, Italian eatery and quick bites for fussy youngsters.  

During Caribbean itineraries departing from Fort Lauderdale, Wonder of the Seas will visit port destinations including The Bahamas, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and St. Thomas. Summer cruises will then transition to the Western Mediterranean with destinations such as France, Italy and Spain.  

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By Lori A May