2020 has been a rough year for the cruise industry… and that’s putting it lightly. The pandemic basically stopped the industry from running. Although cruising has begun to pick up in certain parts of the world, it is still largely on pause. This break from operations might make you think that there has been nothing going on within the industry, but that’s not true. Cruise lines around the world have made progress in multiple categories. There were even a few new ships delivered to cruise lines this year, and they are just waiting to be debuted in 2021. Let’s take a look at a few of the most exciting new vessels from this past year.
Virgin Scarlet Lady
A ship that many were looking forward to, the Virgin Scarlet Lady was sadly unable to take its planned maiden voyage in 2020. But it is still an exciting ship for the industry because it marks the beginning of a brand new cruise line with a lot of promise: Virgin Voyages. Delivered all the way back in February 2020, there is a lot to be excited about when it comes to this ship. It is an adults-only vessel, a relative rarity in the industry. It also has a unique approach to dining, utilizing a large number of smaller venues rather than a few big dining areas. It is also a bit more edgy than many ships that we are used to, even offering a tattoo and piercing parlor!
Lindblad National Geographic Endurance
Undoubtedly not a ship with mass appeal, Lindblad’s newest ship promises to take intrepid adventurers to the furthest reaches of the planet. It offers signature Lindblad luxury while also being decidedly modern. It features new building techniques that decrease the amount of spray on the deck, allowing travelers to enjoy their surroundings more comfortably while cruising. There are also plenty of exploration tools onboard, including kayaks and a small submersible vessel that is remotely operated. There will also be divers on the ship that routinely go underwater with cameras to show you what is below you.
American Jazz
Although there isn’t anything particularly groundbreaking about American Cruise Line’s newest ship’s design (it’s a sister ship to some vessels that they already own), we love that it represents the growing market of river cruises in America. All suites have private balconies, and even the cheapest room options are beautifully decorated. If you’re someone who wants to immerse yourself in American culture and history, this is the ship for you.
These three are just a few of the new ships delivered in 2020. Although we didn’t get the chance to test them out this year, we can all look forward to checking them out in 2021.
