Air Travel Wtih Children

2007 Cruises

In 2007, ten ships will make their maiden voyages for nine different cruise lines. Seven of these ships are newbuilds, and the others are existing ships that have been acquired and refurbished by their new owners.

It's wise to call soon if you wish to book any of these inaugural cruises. New ships tend to sell out faster than older ones and inaugurals usually fill earlier than any other sailings.

Carnival Freedom, Carnival --- March 5, 2007 --- 2,974 passengers Each of the public rooms of the 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom will take on a different historic theme, from ancient Babylon to Art Nouveau, from 18th-century France to the disco scene of the 70's. On deck, guests of all ages will be entertained by the 214-ft. waterslide and the Carnival Seaside Theater, showing movies, sports events and concerts on a 270 sq. ft. LED screen. The 4.5-star Freedom is also equipped with a 13,300 sq. ft. spa, and guests can dine on cuisine created by French chef Georges Blanc in one of the ship's two specialty restaurants. High tech features include ship-wide cell phone service and 100% bow-to-stern Internet access.

River Ambassador, Uniworld --- March 25, 2007 --- 132 passengers Acquired by Uniworld in 2006, the 3-star River Ambassador--new sister ship to the River Baroness--will undergo a complete renovation in preparation for her upcoming Rhine River itineraries. The ship's lounge and open-seating dining room offer spectacular panoramic views of the passing European scenery. An onboard salon and spa round out the cruise experience.

Emerald Princess, Princess --- April 11, 2007 --- 3,120 passengers The 5-star Emerald Princess, newest of the Grand-class ships, will feature an array of new casual dining options and entertainment possibilities, including a 300-square-foot "Movies Under the Stars" screen located outside on the pool deck. Guests can also relax at the Asian-themed Lotus spa, compete on the nine-hole putting course or dine in one of the ship's two specialty restaurants, Sabatini's or the Crown Grill.

Royal Princess, Princess --- April 19, 2007 --- 688 passengers Loyal fans of the defunct Renaissance line will be thrilled when the Royal Princess--originally the Renaissance R8--returns to sea. More than a quarter of the ship's 355 cabins sport balconies, and the smaller size of the vessel will allow her to visit unusual ports of calls in exotic destinations. Trademark Princess elegance highlights unique amenities on this 4-star vessel, such as al fresco on-deck dining.

Celebrity Journey, Celebrity --- May 5, 2007 --- 710 passengers Originally named the Blue Dream, the Celebrity Journey was acquired by Celebrity after parent-company Royal Caribbean Cruises purchased Madrid-based cruise line Pullmantur in October 2006. Accommodating just over 700 passengers, the 4.5-star Celebrity Journey offers an intimate cruise experience in stylish, sophisticated surroundings. Guests can unwind in cozy staterooms outfitted with all-new deluxe bedding, sample the cuisine of the two specialty restaurants and indulge in the award-winning spa facilities. For ship info, click here.

Liberty of the Seas, Royal Caribbean --- May 19, 2007 --- 3,634 passengers The 5-star Liberty of the Seas will edge out sister-ship Freedom of the Seas in tonnage, making her the largest cruise ship ever built. She will feature an ice-skating rink, rock-climbing wall, onboard wave generator for surfing and hot tubs that extend over the ocean. There will be shopping opportunities in the Royal Promenade, ship-wide Wi Fi capabilities, and guests with a sweet tooth will be delighted to discover a Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop at sea.

Costa Serena, Costa --- May 26, 2007 --- 3,780 passengers As her name implies, the 4.5-star Costa Serena is dedicated to tranquility. The Samsara Spa, which includes a wellness center, spa, salon and fitness center, is the centerpiece of the ship, encompassing two entire decks. Samsara suites open up directly into the spa. Once guests are fully rejuvenated, they can visit with friends, old and new, in one of the ship's 13 bars, or dine on Italian specialties in one of Serena's five restaurants.

Orchestra, MSC Cruises --- June 2, 2007 --- 2,550 passengers Inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau eras, the Orchestra will be the second new ship to join MSC's fleet in the past year. Guests will enter through a central foyer with a three-deck waterfall and a piano on a transparent crystal floor above a pool of water, as if suspended in midair. The 4.5-star Orchestra is equipped with a 13,000 sq. ft. spa and beauty salon, a huge casino, an art gallery and a panoramic disco at the ship's stern. For ship info, click here.

Norwegian Gem, Norwegian --- October 8, 2007 --- 2,384 passengers Just like her sister-ship Norwegian Pearl, the 4.5-star Norwegian Gem will feature an innovative, mood-lit bowling alley and entertainment complex, 11 bars and lounges and 12 restaurants. An extensive selection of adjoining cabins makes the Gem ideal for large groups and families sailing together.

Queen Victoria, Cunard --- December 11, 2007 --- 2,014 passengers The Queen Victoria is the latest addition to Cunard's royal family. Along with its world-famous White Star service and globe-spanning itineraries, the 5-star Queen Victoria will showcase an indoor/ouTD valign="top"oor Winter Garden, a multi-tiered Grand Lobby, private boxes in the Royal Court Theatre, and a two-story library housing an overwhelming 6000 books. Nightlife options include everything from a traditional English Pub to an upscale Champagne Bar, and the onboard museum of Cunard memorabilia is sure to be a passenger favorite.