Cruise Ships Launched in 2016
In recent years, cruise vacations have been attracting more and more Israeli tourists. The winning combination of attractive destinations, a pampering ship, excellent service, and reasonable prices appeals to Israeli travelers. The trend of rising demand for luxurious cruises is worldwide, and cruise lines have ordered large and lavish ships from shipyards to meet customer demand. In 2016, three gorgeous ships from the industry's largest companies left the shipyards:
Norwegian Cruise Line
Already in early 2016, travelers could experience the floating magic known as Norwegian Escape, the innovative new ship from Norwegian.
Following its launch, the ship sailed from Miami for cruises in the Eastern Caribbean, offering passengers all the revolutionary features of its smaller sister ships, along with new upgrades for an exciting and unique cruise experience. The highlight of these innovations: the world's largest floating aqua park, featuring four waterslides. One of the slides allows two riders to race side-by-side, while on another slide, riders drop into a loop as the floor falls out from beneath them.
Also onboard the ship: the largest ropes course at sea (three stories high!), a "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"-themed mini-golf course, and a unique Snow Room designed for spa and relaxation enthusiasts. Located inside the spa, this room produces powdery snow throughout the day, which offers health benefits such as stimulating blood circulation.
Carnival Cruise Line
In May 2016, Carnival Vista was launched—the largest ship in the Carnival fleet, packed with numerous surprises and innovations.
Carnival's slogan is "FUN SHIP". Their ships are colorful in a Las Vegas style and buzz with around-the-clock activities. The company is renowned for the wide variety of entertainment programs it provides to guests, including glittering shows, comedy parlor games, and various contests—all highly interactive with active guest participation.
Carnival Vista, weighing 134,000 tons and accommodating nearly 5,000 passengers and 1,450 crew members, naturally includes all the well-known and loved amenities of the fleet, along with a wealth of brand-new innovations not found on any other cruise ship. The highlight is the SkyRide—pedal-powered hanging carriages, similar to bicycles, that travel along an elevated track above the sports deck and out over the open ocean. In addition to a great workout, riders enjoy breathtaking views of the ship, its amenities, and especially the vast ocean spread out below them.
Also onboard: the first-ever IMAX theater at sea, screening the latest Hollywood blockbuster movies on a giant screen, a water park, a wide selection of dining venues, and many other treats.
Royal Caribbean
May 2016 was a busy month at sea, as Royal Caribbean also made a massive statement, just as they know how: following the world's two largest cruise ships launched in 2009 and 2010—Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas—Royal Caribbean launched the third ship in that series: Harmony of the Seas. This ship is an upgraded and enhanced version of the Oasis class, and is even larger by almost two tons (not that one could tell the difference): 227,000 tons! A brand-new all-time record in the world of cruise ships.
The primary innovation on this ship is the trio of multi-story waterslides, each towering three decks high. Alongside the slides, you will find FlowRider surf simulators, rock-climbing walls, an ice-skating rink, and a host of other exciting sports and leisure amenities.
Those interested in a fine drink after all the athletic activities will be delighted to visit the "Bionic Bar", where robotic bartenders will craft and serve your drinks.
Written by: O. E. Bar