Cruise Ships to Look Forward to in 2022

There’s lots for cruise goers to look forward to in 2022 including brand new ocean-going cruise ships that run the gamut from big to small, and include a number of highly-anticipated first-in-class ships.

Practically every category of the cruise industry will see the entry of at least one new ship, giving cruisers a wide range of new choices to experience.

Viking Octantis, Viking Polaris

New ships from Viking Cruises aren’t as exciting as they once were, but Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris aren’t like any of Viking’s previous vessels. The line’s first polar class ships, the 378-passenger sister ships represent Viking’s entry into expedition cruising. Both will feature the Scandinavian aesthetic past Viking Ocean cruisers are familiar with, but will also introduce new spaces designed with expedition cruising in mind.

Highlights

The Hangar: An in-ship marina that makes it easier for people to get in and out of the ships’ fleets of Zodiacs, RIBs (rapid inflatable boats) and Arctic-tested kayaks, away from wind and waves.

The Laboratory: A working space for Viking Resident Scientists to do real-time research. Cruisers will have supervised access to The Laboratory to learn from and participate with the scientists.

Nordic Balconies: A sunroom (found in all cabins on both ships) that converts into an al fresco viewing platform with the touch of a button.

Submarines: Each ship will also have two six-guest submarines that feature revolving seats and 270-degree spherical windows.

Emerald Azzurra

The 100-passenger Emerald Azzurra will be river cruise operator Emerald Cruises’ first ocean-going vessel. The ship, which the company refers to as a superyacht, will sail the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Black and Red Seas.

Highlights

Marina Platform: Used for water fun like paddle boarding and snorkeling, as well as for boarding the ship’s fleet of three tenders and two Zodiacs.

Spacious Cabins: The smallest cabin onboard is more than 285-square-feet in size and 88% of the cabins have a balcony.

Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas, the fifth in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, will be the line’s largest ship to date (and the biggest in the world) when it debuts in March, capable of holding 6,988 passengers. It’ll also be the first Oasis-class ship with eight neighborhoods, rather than seven.

Highlights

Suite Class Neighborhood: A keycard-accessible area with the ship’s best suites, the Coastal Kitchen suite’s only restaurant, and an elevated Suite Sun Deck, complete with plunge pool and bar.

The Vue: This cantilevered pool bar is an all-new concept for Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Staples: FlowRider, Ultimate Abyss, Perfect Storm waterslides, 150 Central Park, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, The Lime & Coconut, Schooner Bar, Playmakers, etc.

Discovery Princess 

When it launches, Discovery Princess will be the sixth and final ship in Princess’ Royal class.  It will be similar to Enchanted Princess, but will not have a Bistro Sur La Mer.

Highlights

Gigi’s Pizza: This pizzeria takes the place of Alfredo’s.

Salty Dog Gastropub: A gastropub experience developed by Chef Ernesto Uchimura.

Take Five: A atmospheric bar where live jazz and craft cocktails are the main attractions.

Seabourn Venture

One of the first of the luxury lines to announce it was building upscale expedition cruise ships, Seabourn’s entry into expedition was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally scheduled to launch in 2021, the all-suite, all-balcony Seabourn Venture is instead debuting in 2022. 

Highlights

High-tech Equipment: Among the high-tech equipment onboard will be two six-person submarines and an underwater camera that will stream footage into the onboard Discovery Center.

Zodiacs: There will be 24 Zodiac boats, enough for every passenger to get off the ship at the same time, which is nearly unheard of in the expedition cruising segment.

Constellation Lounge: The highest indoor viewing point on the ship, this lounge will feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering a 270-degree view.

Expedition Team: Every sailing will carry 26 expedition guides who will offer lectures and lead shore excursions.

Celebrity Beyond

The third in Celebrity’s Edge Class of ship, Celebrity Beyond will be different enough from its sister ships to make it a noteworthy debut in 2022. Longer and taller than the first two Edge-class ships, Celebrity Beyond will do everything just a bit bigger.

Highlights

Sunset Bar: The popular sunset bar will span two decks on Celebrity Beyond.

Larger Resort Deck: The Resort Deck, which is much too small on Edge and Apex, will be 40% larger on Celebrity Beyond.

Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud: The first at-sea restaurant from the famed restauranteur.

Edge Villas: The two-story Edge Villas will be expanded to make room for a private outdoor plunge pool.

Evrima

The launch date for the much anticipated first vessel in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has been pushed back numerous times, but it seems likely to finally debut in 2022. The 298-passenger yacht-like ship has been designed to bring the upscale brand’s distinguished atmosphere to the sea.

Highlights

Dining Variety: There will be five restaurants to choose from including Mistral, an al fresco Mediterranean-inspired venue, and S.E.A., an extra-fee restaurant created by Sven Elverfeld, of the three Michelin-starred Aqua at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Aft Marina: The marina will feature a variety of water toys to choose from for days at anchor. It will also provide plenty of space for lounging for those who wish to relax.

Disney Wish

Disney Wish is one of the most anticipated cruise ships for 2022. The first new ship from Disney Cruise Line since Disney Fantasy launched in 2012, Disney Wish will be the first of three new ships. It will have 1,254 staterooms of which 70% will have a balcony and 451 will offer a connecting door.

Highlights

New Cabin Categories: Debuting on Disney Wish will be a cabin category of seven oceanview rooms located directly above the bridge. Each will feature floor-to-ceiling windows for a panoramic view. The ship will also have a new Royal Suites category with a Sleeping Beauty theme.

AquaMouse: A water coaster ride that combines animated shorts, lighting and special effects.

Pools: There will be six pools onboard including a Toy Story-themed space for younger kids.

“Frozen” Restaurant: The “Frozen”-themed dining venue will feature characters from the movie.

Marvel Restaurant: This main dining room will have diners engaging in an interactive Avengers mission while they dine.

Norwegian Prima

Another of the most anticipated cruise ships in 2022 is Norwegian Prima. The first in an all-new class of vessel, Prima will be the line’s most upscale to date, while still maintaining the NCL passion for freestyle cruising – do what you want, when you want to.

Highlights

Go-Kart Racetrack: The racetrack on Norwegian Prima will be three levels and almost a quarter-mile in length, the largest yet for the line.

The Drop: A freefall dry slide that plunges riders down 10-stories on the outside of the ship.

Glass Bridge: The ship’s Waterfront will feature a glass-bottomed section to give cruisers an un-impeded view of the ocean below.

Galaxy Pavilion: Norwegian Prima will be the third ship in the NCL fleet to have this virtual gaming complex, which will also feature two escape rooms.

Tidal Wave: Along with the line’s signature Aqua Park, Norwegian Prima will have a Tidal Wave inner tube waterslide.

Food Hall: A new concept for the line, the Food Hall will feature separate sit-down venues, each with a distinctive cuisine style.

“Summer”: Prima’s main entertainment space will be part Broadway-style theater, part Vegas-style nightclub and home to “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.”

Carnival Celebration

Sister ship to Carnival’s first XL-class ship, the 5,374-passenger Carnival Celebration will have most of the same fun features currently found on Mardi Gras, along with all of Carnival’s signature attractions. But the ship will also have a few just-on-Celebration venues, which the line plans to announce in early 2022. 

Highlights

Zones: Like Mardi Gras, Celebration features six themed zones, each with its own eateries, bars and attractions.

BOLT: A roller coaster experience at sea that debuted first on Mardi Gras.

RedFrog Tiki Bar: A two-deck high pool bar.

Shaq’s Big Chicken: A free all-chicken venue helmed by Carnival Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O'Neal.

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