The cruise industry is back! And for many people, this is outstanding news. Lots of families make an annual cruise part of their traditions and many in search of a couples escape have found luxury cruises the perfect solution. If you’re considering booking a luxury cruise, why not go with the best and newest ships the industry has to offer? Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy shares a roundup of the best new luxury cruise ships launching in 2022, including romantic and family vacations from Disney, Norwegian and more.
what are the top new luxury cruise ships launching in 2022?
Cruise ships are sailing again and despite the hassles and restrictions, there is much to be excited about. 2022 marks the debut of several hotly anticipated cruise ships and itineraries. Whether you’ve never been on the open sea or are a seasoned cruiser, these luxury liners and enticing voyages and amenities will have you reconsidering your future travel plans.
But don’t daydream for too long! According to our friends at Cruise Critic, “almost all cruise lines are voluntarily operating at less than full capacity with some still operating at less than 50%.” This might not be ideal for the cruise industry, of course. But, from a passenger perspective, not having to wait in lines or compete for reservations is perhaps the ultimate luxury.
Here are 6 wonders of the sea that will be embarking on their maiden voyage this year and early next year.
6 best new luxury cruise ships launching in 2022
1. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima
Is it a cruise ship? Is it a yacht? No, it’s a superyacht. Though its eagerly anticipated launch has been postponed multiple times, the Evrima is now scheduled to set sail on October 15, 2022 from Barcelona, Spain. The 298-passenger yacht will be as much of a destination in and of itself as the ports it visits. Think small, off-the-beaten-path enclaves like Mayreau in the Caribbean or France’s Saint-Malo, and popular European destinations like Barcelona and Copenhagen. A Concierge Ashore program ensures immersive experiences at each port with customized private tours to your specifications.
Best new luxury cruise line in 2022. Courtesy Photo.
On board, discerning travelers accustomed to the residential spaces and personalized service of the Ritz-Carlton land-based resorts will feel right at home. Each passenger is assigned their own personal concierge and every suite has its own terrace and a minibar provisioned to the guest’s preferences. Shared spaces include intimate restaurants, a cigar-and-cognac bar, two infinity pools, and intimate restaurants, a cigar-and-cognac bar, two infinity pools, kids club, and spa and fitness facilities.
2. MSC World Europa
Setting sail in December with voyages based in the Middle East, World Europa is MSC’s newest addition and the largest ship in their fleet. Powered by cleaner fuel, and with green technology integrated throughout the ship, it ushers in a new standard for the cruising industry and a commitment to the future of the planet.
Best new luxury cruise line in 2022. Courtesy Photo.
But the innovation and futuristic sensibilities do not end there. A unique Y-Shaped open aft leads to a 104m long promenade, with incredible panoramic ocean views as well as a state-of-the-art, longest dry slide at sea (11 decks high). The ship will also be introducing the concept of “districts” – distinct areas on the ship catering for different cruising types. Adults and couples will appreciate tranquil zen zones to a lively partially open promenade with entertainment, bars, shops and luxury boutiques. A family zone will house all the kids facilities (and boisterous screaming).
3. Atlas Ocean Voyages World Traveller
This game-changing cruise line, while luxurious, is notable in its devotion to exploration. The World Traveller arrives on the heels of 2021’s environmentally sensitive, ice-class, World Navigator. Set to launch in November to Antarctica, the elegant vessel can accommodate 196-passenger and has a silent propulsion system which allows the ship to operate in sensitive marine environments and affords better wildlife viewing. The ship is also equipped with a GPS positioning system that allows it to maintain position without needing to drop anchor so that it can reach the world’s most remote ports.
Our roundup of the best new luxury cruise ships launching in 2022, including romantic and family vacations from Disney, Norwegian and more. Courtesy Photo.
On board, the design is a soothing mix of classic and contemporary styles with a touch of Art Deco. Restaurants feature regionally-inspired gourmet cuisine. And with a nearly 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio including butler service in suites, this is luxe adventurer traveling at its finest. Best of all, It’s all included from roundtrip airfare, accommodations, food and premium beverages, gratuities, as well as complimentary excursions in select ports.
4. Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady
Think of Sir Richard Branson’s buzz-worthy adults-only cruise ushers as the coolest ship in the harbor. From replacing buffets with modern food hall-style eatery spaces of individual vendors to the tattoo parlor and a resident sexologist – it’s a new age in cruising. Impromptu performances go on throughout the vessel (which has plenty of nooks and crannies) to elicit surprise and serendipity throughout your trip.
Best new luxury cruise line in 2022. Courtesy Photo.
There’s also an emphasis on wellness so you can recover from all the partying. Practice your salutations at sunrise yoga or lace up the gloves for outdoor boxing. The award-winning Redemption Spa which describes itself as “a cross between a week spent in Bali and 2 hours at a cafe in Amsterdam,” offers a mudroom, sauna cleanse, hot stone massages, seaweed wraps and more.
Choose from voyages that offer a marvelous mix of the Mediterranean from Marseille to Sardinia, with overnights in Cannes and Ibiza or a Caribbean tour. In 2023, set sail for Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, plus The Beach Club at Bimini.
5. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima
NCL’s eagerly anticipated 3,100 passenger ship, Norwegian Prima, does not disappoint, bringing sophistication and elegance to every part of the cruise experience. With sculptural interiors and layouts inspired by the great piazzas of the world, there is a feeling that you’re immersed in an art installation. In additon, the Norwegian Prima was built with a higher ratio of space to passengers in mind as well as a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships. All of which is to say –this is an upscale cruise.
Our roundup of the best new luxury cruise ships launching in 2022, including romantic and family vacations from Disney, Norwegian and more. Courtesy Photo.
But, it’s far from stuffy. Lively entertainment options abound from a real Broadway show (the Tony Award-nominated “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical”) in a theater that converts late at night into a dance club. Also on deck: a pickleball court, mini golf course, two giant dry-slides that plunge from the top of the ship to the promenade deck, and even a go-kart track.
Noteworthy journeys include transatlantic cruises from New York to Novia Scotia to Iceland and Barcelona to Bermuda to New York. If you’re eyeing the Caribbean, consider the 7-day cruise in December that takes you from Orlando through. Cozumel, Jamaica and Grand Cayman.
6. Disney Cruise Line Disney Wish
It’s been a decade since Disney debuted a new cruise ship, so expectations were high for the fifth vessel in their fleet. Disney Wish is the largest in Disney’s fleet, and embodies all of the enchantment and marvel one could imagine. The Grand Hall is the heart of the ship, and the gateway to fairytale and action-packed worlds. This is sure to wow kids and their grown-ups alike.
Our roundup of the best new luxury cruise ships launching in 2022, including romantic and family vacations from Disney, Norwegian and more. Courtesy Photo.
Some new bells and whistles include a Star Wars themed lounge, Marvel and Frozen dining adventures, and for some lucky families, two-story Sleeping Beauty themed suites. The Oceaneers Club has been reimagined for kids ages 3 to 12. It has a Marvel Super Hero Academy where kids can design (and virtually fly) in their own super suit. The club also features Rapunzel’s Art Studio, Belle’s Library and Anna and Elsa’s Sommerhus where Olaf will host games and activities.
If you want 3 to 4 days from Florida to the Bahamas, Disney Wish could be your kid’s dreams come true.
best new luxury cruise ships set to sail this year 2022
If the sea is calling, consider these 6 new luxury cruise lines before everyone else gets on board! Whether you prioritize sustainable travel, luxurious quarters, adventurous itineraries or kid-friendly fun, this year brings cruise options for all.
