17 New Cruise Ships to Look Forward to in 2022

There’s lots for cruise goers to look forward to in 2022 including 17 brand new ocean-going cruise ships that run the gamut from big to small, and include a number of highly-anticipated first-in-class ships.

Practically every category of the cruise industry will see the entry of at least one new ship, giving cruise-selling advisors a wide range of new choices to offer their clientele.

Here are the 17 new ocean-going cruise ships cruise-selling advisors can look forward to in 2022.

Viking Octantis (January), Viking Polaris (August)
New ships from Viking Cruises aren’t as exciting as they once were, but Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris aren’t like any of Viking’s previous vessels. The line’s first polar class ships, the 378-passenger sister ships represent Viking’s entry into expedition cruising. Both will feature the Scandinavian aesthetic past Viking Ocean cruisers are familiar with, but will also introduce new spaces designed with expedition cruising in mind.

Highlights

• The Hangar: An in-ship marina that makes it easier for people to get in and out of the ships’ fleets of Zodiacs, RIBs (rapid inflatable boats) and Arctic-tested kayaks, away from wind and waves.
• The Laboratory: A working space for Viking Resident Scientists to do real-time research. Cruisers will have supervised access to The Laboratory to learn from and participate with the scientists.
• Nordic Balconies: A sunroom (found in all cabins on both ships) that converts into an al fresco viewing platform with the touch of a button.
• Submarines: Each ship will also have two six-guest submarines that feature revolving seats and 270-degree spherical windows.

Photo: Emerald

Emerald Azzurra (January)
The 100-passenger Emerald Azzurra will be river cruise operator Emerald Cruises’ first ocean-going vessel. The ship, which the company refers to as a superyacht, will sail the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Black and Red Seas.

Highlights

• Marina Platform: Used for water fun like paddle boarding and snorkeling, as well as for boarding the ship’s fleet of three tenders and two Zodiacs.
• Spacious Cabins: The smallest cabin onboard is more than 285-square-feet in size and 88% of the cabins have a balcony.

 
Photo: Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas (March)
Wonder of the Seas, the fifth in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, will be the line’s largest ship to date (and the biggest in the world) when it debuts in March, capable of holding 6,988 passengers. It’ll also be the first Oasis-class ship with eight neighborhoods, rather than seven.

Highlights

• Suite Class Neighborhood: A keycard-accessible area with the ship’s best suites, the Coastal Kitchen suite’s only restaurant, and an elevated Suite Sun Deck, complete with plunge pool and bar.
• The Vue: This cantilevered pool bar is an all-new concept for Royal Caribbean
• Royal Caribbean Staples: FlowRider, Ultimate Abyss, Perfect Storm waterslides, 150 Central Park, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, The Lime & Coconut, Schooner Bar, Playmakers, etc.

 
Photo: Virgin Voyages

Valiant Lady (March)
Virgin Voyages’ second will launch in 2022 in Europe. The ship is expected to be a near carbon copy of the line’s first ship, Scarlet Lady.

Highlights

• Included Dining: Dining in all nine eateries is included in the cruise fare; choices range from Korean and Mexican to a drag queen brunch spot and beach-club inspired tapas joint.
• Fitness: You’ll find two fitness centers and an outdoor Athletics Club, all dedicated to helping cruisers stay fit and healthy onboard.
• Nightlife: Virgin’s ships come to life at night with a wide selection of bars and interactive entertainment to take advantage of.

Discovery Princess (March)
When it launches, Discovery Princess will be the sixth and final ship in Princess’ Royal class.  It will be similar to Enchanted Princess, but will not have a Bistro Sur La Mer.

Highlights

• Gigi’s Pizza: This pizzeria takes the place of Alfredo’s.
• Salty Dog Gastropub: A gastropub experience developed by Chef Ernesto Uchimura.
• Take Five: A atmospheric bar where live jazz and craft cocktails are the main attractions.

 
Photo: Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Beyond (April)
The third in Celebrity’s Edge Class of ship, Celebrity Beyond will be different enough from its sister ships to make it a noteworthy debut in 2022. Longer and taller than the first two Edge-class ships, Celebrity Beyond will do everything just a bit bigger.

Highlights

• Sunset Bar: The popular sunset bar will span two decks on Celebrity Beyond.
• Larger Resort Deck: The Resort Deck, which is much too small on Edge and Apex, will be 40% larger on Celebrity Beyond.
• Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud: The first at-sea restaurant from the famed restauranteur.
• Edge Villas: The two-story Edge Villas will be expanded to make room for a private outdoor plunge pool.

 
Photo: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Evrima (October)
The launch date for the much anticipated first vessel in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has been pushed back numerous times, but it seems likely to finally debut in 2022. The 298-passenger yacht-like ship has been designed to bring the upscale brand’s distinguished atmosphere to the sea.

Highlights

• Dining Variety: There will be five restaurants to choose from including Mistral, an al fresco Mediterranean-inspired venue, and S.E.A., an extra-fee restaurant created by Sven Elverfeld, of the three Michelin-starred Aqua at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany.
• Aft Marina: The marina will feature a variety of water toys to choose from for days at anchor. It will also provide plenty of space for lounging for those who wish to relax.

Viking Mars (May), Viking Neptune (December)
Expedition ships may be something new for Viking Cruises in 2022, but Viking Mars and Viking Neptune are simply the latest entries in the line’s ambitious growth plan. Respectively the seventh and eighth ocean-going vessels for the line, the 930-passenger ships are virtually identical to all that have come before.

Highlights

• Viking Signature spots: Viking Mars and Viking Neptune will feature all the signature bars and lounges past-Viking cruisers have come to know and love including the Explorer’s Lounge, Wintergarden, Aquavit Terrace and the Living Room.
• Included Dining: All dining is included on Viking’s ocean-going ships including at spots such as Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and the Kitchen Table.