Coming in 2012

It's the time of year when we naturally think of things new and old, so what better occasion is there to announce what the cruise lines have in store for us in 2012?

Below are some highlights of each ship launching in the next 16 months:

Oceania Cruises Riviera - April 24, 2012 - 1258 passengers
Six open-seating dining venues offer a variety of cuisines, from Italian to Asian Fusion, and from French to American Continental. More than 95% of accommodations boast private balconies and all have large, marble and granite bathroms, LCD flat-screen televisions and exclusive Tranquility beds. Other amenities on the Riviera include the Bon Appetit Culinary C?enter, offering cooking lessons with experienced chefs, and the Artist Loft, providing instructional courses in fine arts. Very few cabins remain on this ship's inaugural sailing.


Norwegian Breakaway - April 20, 2013 - 4000 passengers
As the newest member of an innovative fleet, this ship will incorporate the most popular elements of all of Norwegian's existing ships, as well as introduce some exciting new features. Staterooms will have a contemporary feel with clean, modern lines and a neutral palette with splashes of color. The extremely popular Studio stateroms from the Norwegian Epic, designed and priced with solo travelers in mind, will be featured, as well as an exclusive area called The Haen, a private enclave home to the most luxurious accommodations on the vessel, tucked away near the top of the ship.
Disney Fantasy - March 31, 2012 - 4000 passengers
In typical Disney style, this ship offers fun for the whole family. Kids will love meeting some of their favorite Disney characters onboard while participating in age-appropriate, supervised activities in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab. 'Tweens and teens can chill out in spaces designed just for them.
When you're ready for some adult time, parents and grandparents can retreat to one of the kids-free areas of the ship such as the Cove Cafe, featuring coffee, cocktails and Internet access; the Quiet Cove pool; Palo or Remy, specialty restaurants; or meridian, a bar with indoor/outdoor seating. The inaugural sailing for this ship is nearly sold out.

Carnival Breeze - June 3, 2012 - 3690 passengers
The 4.5 star ship will feature the WaterWorks aqua park, the tranquil, kids-free Serenity area and extensive children's and teens' areas with activities for three age groups. Adults will enjoy the huge Cloud 9 spa, as well as the scenic whirlpools extending beyond the ship's beam.
Other new features include the laid-back RedFrog Pub home to Carnival's exclusive house brew, ThirstyFrog Red and Cucina del Capitano, a specialty restaurant featuring family-style Italian fare. Accommodation options include "cove" balcony staterooms located close to the waterline, deluxe oceanview staterooms featuring two bathrooms, and spa staterooms and suites with exclusive amenities and spa privileges.