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Cruise: New Ships on the Block
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Three new cruise vessels hit the high seas this summer, with introductory sailings in Europe before heading to the Caribbean
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BY FRAN GOLDEN
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| Relaxing on the Carnival Magic; water sports off the Seabourn Quest’s marina. |
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Celebrity Silhouette
In July, I did something I never thought I’d do on a cruise ship. I was sailing aboard the brand-new, 2,886-passenger Celebrity Silhouette, and I put on an apron, stood in front of a smoky grill and cooked my own dinner.
Welcome to the Lawn Club Grill, Celebrity’s latest star attraction. The open-air restaurant is on the ship’s top deck, with a real grass lawn (a feature introduced on earlier sister ships). You choose your main course—rib eye, lamb chops, salmon—and then cook it yourself, with the help of the exceptionally friendly chefs. The extra charge (yes, to cook your own meal): $40 per person. There’s also pizza-making, which is sure to be a hit with kids.
Silhouette is a contemporary stunner, much like the predecessors in its class, Solstice, Equinox and Eclipse. Design-savvy with creative amenities, it’s clearly at the top of the premium-cruise category.
Sample cruise: 12-night Southern Caribbean, round-trip from Bayonne, NJ, sailing Nov. 6, 2011; from $1,699 per person, double occupancy; celebritycruises.com
Seabourn Quest
The Seabourn line decided not to mess with a good thing for its latest, adult-oriented ship, the 450-passenger Quest. During a preview cruise along the Côte d’Azur in June, I felt as if I were on my own luxury yacht. Intimacy and style prevail throughout the ship, whether you’re hanging out in your elegantly appointed suite, lounging in the lavish two-deck spa or dancing under the stars near the main pool.
The swanky, high-ceilinged main restaurant showcases the delicious creations of two-time James Beard Award–winning chef Charlie Palmer. As on Quest’s sister ships, Odyssey and Sojourn, friendly service defines the cruise experience: indulgence without stuffiness.
Sample cruise: 14-day Grand Caribbean, round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, FL, sailing Nov. 23, 2011; from $4,799 per person, double occupancy; seabourn.com
Carnival Magic
The 23rd ship in the Carnival fleet and a sister ship to 2009’s Dream, the 3,690-passenger Magic is home to Carnival’s first pub, the RedFrog. On a maiden cruise from Italy, the RedFrog was so popular it sold out its initial stock of signature lager, ThirstyFrog Red; more had to be airlifted in. Contributing to the fast consumption: The tasty beer can be bought in shareable 100-ounce tubes ($26). The pub’s tropical theme includes fake palm trees and waiters with real Caribbean accents serving rum drinks and conch fritters.
The friendly tropical vibe continues on the ship’s outdoor decks, where an extensive water park (three slides) caused squeals of delight from kids. Magic also introduces the first ropes course at sea. You strap into a harness to navigate a series of wobbly bridges and balance beams for a 15-minute adrenaline rush—with ocean views. The adjacent two-deck miniature-golf course is cleverly designed with a bar, providing a daytime play area for families and a nighttime one for adults. The cruise line’s message: This big ship is about fun for all ages.
Sample cruise: 7-day Western Caribbean, round-trip from Galveston, TX, sailing Nov. 27, 2011; from $649 per person, double occupancy; carnival.com
Let RCI book your next cruise. To learn more about RCI’s cruising options, visit cruiserci.com or call 877-RCI-BOAT (877-724-2628).
NOTE: Information may have changed since publication. Please confirm key details before planning your trip.
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Published: August 31, 2011
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Photos: Carnival Cruise Lines; Seabourn
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