Cruising may be at least months away, but when returns cruise companies will have some of the most amazing and advanced vessels ready to set sail.
While many 2020 ship launches have been delayed from until 2021, others were always going to be launched next year. This means it will be a bumper year for fans of the cruising world.
Here are some of the most amazing cruise ships on track to launch in 2021:
Discovery Princess
Due to set sail in November 2021, Discovery Princess is being built in Monfalcone, Italy. It will be set up with what Princess Cruises describes as industry changing technology: the Princess MedallionClass system.
The app and a specially designed medallion allows passengers to order food and drink to anywhere on the ship, it also works as a Wi-Fi hotspot both onboard and on day trip events, and of course helps you locate your friends and family wherever they are on the massive ship.
Guests: 3660
Crew: 1346
The Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady
Named after one of the very first Virgin Atlantic aircraft, Scarlet Lady is the first ship from Richard Branson's cruise company, Virgin Voyages. The ship has intentionally been designed to stand out amongst the crowd with its more square looking bow.
The Valiant Lady was meant to launch around a year after Scarlet Lady, but due to COVID-19 delays it's likely their launches will be much closer together.
Guests: 2770
Crew: 1160
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex, much like her sister ship Celebrity Edge, will be easy to spot due to the massive orange cantilevered platform called the 'Magic Carpet'.
The outdoor deck can move to different levels of the ship depending on what is required, from daytime activities to evening dining and drinking under the stars on the top deck.
Guests: 3405
Crew: 1320
Odyssey of the Seas
This 168,000-gross-ton ship can hold more than 4200 passengers. It will be dispatched to the Caribbean where it will operate six to eight night cruises.
The vessel will have a massive two-level pool deck, where two resort-style pools, a kids aqua park and four whirlpools will be surrounded by shady casitas and hammocks, perfect for enjoying the sea breeze under the sun and stars.
Guests: 3844 - 4805
Crew: 1305
Carnival Mardi Gras - including the first-ever roller coaster at sea
In the spirit of Carnival's first ship, the TSS Mardi Gras, this reincarnation is also built with fun and relaxation in mind. The design is described as "a lot less stuffy and a bit less fancy", aiming to be a place everyone can have a good time.
This ship has six themed areas packed with experiences for eating, drinking and "getting down to fun". There's BOLT, said to be the first ever roller coaster at sea, along with Family Feud Live.
Iona
Iona will join its sisters of the P&O family including Britannia and Azura and boast many first-of-their-kind features including a two-deck SkyDome. Its glass dome roof and spacious layout offers relaxing views of the surrounding sky and sea.
SkyDome is a tranquil pool environment by day with dining and entertainment by night, including specially commissioned aerial entertainment shows under the stars. Guests can also craft individual gins at the first ever gin distillery at sea, or unwind in the Oasis spa featuring a range of destination-themed treatments.
Guests: 5206
Crew: 1762
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