In last decade we all witnessed significant growth of cruise industry in all aspects, so, no surprise, those trends are expected to continue in 2007. New shiny ships, amenities and itineraries sure promise 2007 to be most exiting year on the seas ever.

New ships: Big, shiny and innovative

Royal Caribbean International continues to build their record breaking vessels. After success with Freedom of the Seas, new addition in same class this year will be Liberty of the Seas. In meantime third sister named Independence of the Seas is in the early stage of construction. Remember those ships are 160,000 tons giants.

Carnival Cruises will introduce 2,974-passenger Carnival Freedom in November, featuring – a 12 by 22-foot screen at pool deck showing movies, sports, concerts, and other attractions.

Princess Cruises will continue successful line of Caribbean Princess and Crown Princess with new 116,000-ton Emerald Princess. Vessel is expected to make maiden voyage at spring 2007.

Costa Cruise will with new 112,000 ton Costa Serena brings another attraction to their domestic territory – Mediterranean.

Cunard Cruise Line is known as line that does not build many ships, but when they do add new vessel to the fleet it rocks cruise world. So no surprise that this year introduction of new Queen Victoria is something that many experienced ocean travelers is so excited about. Elegant 90,000 tons vessel will offer traditional, sophisticated world cruising in famous Cunard style.

MSC Cruises is just finishing building of MSC Orchestra, sister ship of well known MSC Musica.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn't sleep as well. Norwegian Gem will serve New York – Caribbean route in popular Freestyle trademark.

Additions mentioned above will increase industry total cruise ships passengers’ capacity by 4.5%.

New amenities: Vacations with a purpose

Today travelers are seeking all kinds of personal fulfillment while on vacation. No wonder that lines put huge efforts to make their vessels even more 'destinations for themselves'. New and innovative programs are taking place covering more areas of guest’s interests than ever.  Let’s just mention Holland-Americas Broadway-style productions Titled "The Hits of Broadway, the Designs of Bob Mackie" and "Love Songs from Broadway, Designs from Bob Mackie” or Seabourn’s Dress Circle onboard enrichment program.

When it comes to destinations new areas are being discovered such as Asia, South America and the South Pacific when in same time well known ports in Caribbean will hit record numbers of visitors this year by all estimates. Same predictions may apply for Mediterranean with possible addition of new ports such are those on Croatian coast.

So fellow cruisers it is about time to get your passports ready, this year ships will bring more fun than ever.

Addition: What we want to forget from 2006?

Last year was particularly tough for Princess Cruises. Fire on Star Princess in March killed on and injured 11 passengers is followed with absurd accident in July when unexpected heavy roll of the ship Crown Princess, injuring 240 passengers which brought a terrifying end to the ship's Caribbean cruise.

One unwanted guest boarded ships in couple occasions, spoiling vacations for certain number of passengers by making them ill. We are talking about Norovirus, of course. Carnival Liberty and Freedom of the Seas suffered toughest outbreaks.

Let’s hope in this year we will not have to report on this site about accidents or viruses on ships and we will all have enjoyable time on the seas. New season looks very promising.

Happy 2007 and happy cruising!

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