The cruise industry is pumping up the volume, literally. From this year until 2012, the cruise industry will release forty-three new ships to the market. What will this cost? Approximately $24 billion dollars, with an average of $566 million per ship. Eight new ships will be released by the end of the year, 10 more before the end of 2009.

The Largest Ship in the World

Sailing in December 2009, is the largest and most anticipated ship in the world. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is already proving that cities built on water are vacations of the future. Costing $1 billion, weighing 220,000 tons, and holding up to 5,400 passengers, the Oasis of the Seas has a larger population than smaller cities around the world. However, the vast size of the ship and the many activities available to passengers will make it feel like there is hardly anyone else onboard.

Even though the Oasis of the Seas will be the largest ship in the world, staterooms onboard are selling out for 2009 AND 2010. In order to reserve your stateroom, all you need is to place a minimal deposit to lock in the rate. Contact a Member Concierge at 1-888-392-5643 to see what staterooms are still available.

Oasis of the Seas will not be the only one of her kind. Royal Caribbean is planning to launch her sister ship, Allure of the Seas, in 2010.

More Recent Innovative Cruise Ships

Cruises of the future are making sure passengers can remain active onboard at all times. No more of just lounging in the sun, while waiting for the next port of call. That’s long gone. The addition of innovative activities make staying onboard as exciting as exploring new exotic destinations. Some of the 2008 ships that have displayed innovative cruising additions are:

Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas (Released May 2008): Independence of the Seas features all of the industry-first amenities which are trademarks of the Freedom-class ships: a FlowRider surf simulator; the H20 Zone water park with its interactive sculpture garden for families; cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft. above the ocean in the adults-only Solarium; a full-size boxing ring and a 14-person family suite. Unlike her sister-ships, all pools and the water park on Independence are heated.

Independence also features some of the other distinctive offerings the global cruise line is known for including, an ice-skating rink; a rock-climbing wall; an award-winning children’s program; fine to casual dining venues; Broadway-style entertainment and the Royal Promenade – an entertainment boulevard stretching the length of the ship with its shops, restaurants, bars and lounges, which provides guests with an endless variety of choices and experiences to suit their taste and preference.

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice (Releases December 2008): The Celebrity Solstice is the new prototype developed by Celebrity Cruises’ to introduce their new class of ships-The Solstice Class. Onboard this large, innovative ship is the first ever “Hot Glass Show” where guest will witness the intricate process of glass blowing. Also, the Lawn Club provides guest with an area to lie on lush grass or play a round of golf while sailing the vast ocean. For spa lovers there is the AquaSpa class where passengers can book an AquaSpa stateroom with special access to spa amenities and the Spa Concierge.

Celebrity Solstice’s sister ship, the Celebrity Equinox, will launch in 2009.

MSC Cruises’ MSC Fantasia (Releases December 2008): Greater in length than the height of the Eiffel Tower, MSC Fantasia offers countless vacation pleasures, such as the Aurea Spa wellbeing center with thermal cave for relaxation and rejuvenation. For the kids, the children’s play area includes a swimming pool with waterslide. And the Acqua Park features 150 illuminated musical fountains. A magnificent theater seats 1,700 with unique live entertainment each night, or catch a movie at the interactive 4-D cinema. You can also test your skills at the Formula 1 simulators or surf the net in a Wi-Fi zone.

Stateroom Space is Limited, Book Now!

The new ships that will launch at the end of the year, as well as in 2009, have already started to book their staterooms (View Itineraries available). With over 11 million staterooms available, one would think that you can wait to book on these new ships. But don’t let the numbers deceive you. In fact, since these ships are evolving with innovative features, the staterooms are booking fast.

Top Cruise Club Members have started to take advantage of booking early not only to ensure their space, but to also save money. Booking early is the key to getting the best price and preferred stateroom. On top of saving money, you will gain extra value through Top Cruise Club’s Membership program if booked early. Free travel insurance, onboard credits, and cabin upgrades are available to our Members. To join is free and takes only minutes.

To view all forty-three ships that are coming out by 2012, and Itineraries (click here)