This Week in Cruise: Four New Ships to Watch

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. CEO Frank Del Rio (left) accepts delivery of Norwegian Escape from Meyer Werft Managing Partner Bernard Meyer (right).
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. CEO Frank Del Rio (left) accepts delivery of Norwegian Escape from Meyer Werft Managing Partner Bernard Meyer (right). 

This week in cruise travel saw the announcement of a host of details regarding new cruise ships. 

Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of the new Norwegian Escape, the first ship in the line's new Breakaway Plus class and Norwegian's largest vessel to date. 

The ship, which was built in Meyer Werft over a period of 17 months, has set sail for Hamburg for the ship's inaugural festivities. After a two-night stop in Southampton, Norwegian Escape will make the crossing to its year-round homeport of Miami on October 29. The ship will be christened in Miami on November 9.

In river cruise news, American Cruise Lines announced that it has begun construction on a new, as-yet-unnamed coastal cruise ship, set to begin sailing in spring 2017. 

The new ship will have a capacity of 170 guests, with staterooms spanning over 350 square feet. Guests will also be able to enjoy butler-delivered room service, private balconies and cuisine spotlighting locally sourced ingredients. There will also be an exercise spa, elevators to all decks, and ship-wide Internet. 

In luxury news, the Silver Muse -- Silversea Cruises' new flagship -- moved closer to completion with new details on the ship's dining options and suites

Silver Muse will have the highest number of large suites (Silver, Royal, Grand and Owner's) in Silversea's fleet, as well as the highest number of connecting suites for families and friends. The line is increasing the number of Silver Suites to 34, making them available across the top deck. There will also be new two-bedroom Silver Suite configurations, each measuring 1,119 square feet. In all, suite options range from the Classic Veranda Suite, with 387 square feet of living space, to the two-bedroom Owner's Suite, an apartment suite offering 1,389 square feet of space. 

In all Silver Muse will have eight food and beverage venues, including an exclusive Relais & Châteaux restaurant, as well as European-style dining venue Atlantide, slow-food inspired La Terrazza, interactive seafood and prime cut dining experience Hot Rocks and open-air pizzeria Regina Margherita

The Silver Muse is expected to launch in spring 2017. 

Finally, Oceania Cruises released details on the top-tier suites for its newest ship, the Sirena. Immediately upon the vessel's delivery in March 2016, Sirena will undergo a $40 million drydock that includes significant upgrades to the ship's Owner's and Vista Suites

The Owner's Suites will span nearly 1,000 square feet in a fresh, contemporary style, with furnishings that include Oceania's Prestige Tranquility Bed, a newly renovated master bath with an oversized shower, a private half-bath for guests, and a private teak veranda.

The four redesigned Vista Suites will have a sitting area, a sizeable bedroom with Prestige Tranquility Bed, a marble-infused master bath with large shower, a second bath for guests and a private veranda with views over the ship’s bow.  

Oceania will also introduce a new collection of Bvlgari bath amenities for guests booked at the Concierge Level or above. Guests can now select from a variety of Bvlgari tea scented amenities including The Blanc, The Vert, The Rouge and a new scent offered exclusively by Oceania Cruises, The Blu

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