As more travellers are going on cruises, cruise ships are becoming bigger and better equipped. We round up the most luxurious cruise ships with out-of-this-world facilities so you can sail the seven seas in style.
Spectrum of the Seas
This month, the Royal Caribbean announced it will launch Spectrum of the Seas, its top-of-the-line addition to its fleet, in June 2019. Apart from featuring an exclusive suites-only area for those who wish for more privacy, the most exciting addition is a virtual reality, bungee trampoline experience. On the Sky Pad, guests can put on a pair of virtual reality goggles and embark on a gravity-defying adventure.
Dream Cruises – Global Class
Genting announced in March that it will be adding a new Global Class of ships to its Dream Cruises, expected to set sail in 2020. Measuring 342 metres long with the capacity to accommodate about 5,000 passengers in 2,500 cabins, this ship is the largest one built in Germany. The cruise ship will be installed with cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence, where voice and face recognition will be used for the billing process. Robots will perform everyday tasks. Talk about sailing into the future.
Ovation of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas features the North Star, an observation capsule that is fixed onto a crane on the deck of the ship. The capsule goes up 300 feet (91.5 metres) above sea level and offers 360-degree unobstructed views of the surroundings. Guests can also ride bumper cars on the ship, go skydiving at sea or take part in rock climbing.
Norwegian Bliss
There are a couple of things about this ship that is pretty amazing. First is the exclusive private area called The Haven with beautiful en suite bedrooms and access to private areas such as a private sundeck. There’s also a 24-hour butler assigned to the room. But what’s most impressive is the split-level, 1,000-foot-long (305-metre-long) racetrack equipped with go-karts that can rev up to almost 50 kilometres per hour. Who said you are seabound once you are on a cruise?
Seven Seas Voyager
Seven Seas is a fleet of ships in the Regent’s cruise line, and when the line's Explorer launched in 2016, it was lauded as the “the most luxurious ship ever built”. Two years later, the huge balconies on the all-suite cabins, the enormous amount of granite and marble panelling plus almost 500 chandeliers made of Czech crystal and glass are even more impressive. The line now only offers all-inclusive packages for the lavish cruise. That means everything – from the onshore excursions, spa, food, drink, Wi-fi – is included in the fare. Being stress-free is the ultimate luxury.
Oceania Riviera
Foodies should pay attention to this one. Oceania Cruises’ Riviera is known for the number of restaurants on board. Notable eateries include Jacques by Jacques Pepin; Toscana, where tables are set with custom-designed Versace china; La Reserve by Wine Spectator which has the most delectable wine-paired meals; and Privee, an exclusive dining room that only seats 10 people per night. The cruise ship also features a fully-equipped hands-on cooking school called the Culinary Center. Participants can learn to prepare a variety of exquisite dishes at individual workstations in a state-of-the-art kitchen where high-definition screens will display what’s happening on the instructor's table.
