Ships on order already have advisors talking
Over the past two months, three cruise lines revealed details about some of the most anticipated large cruise ships coming out over the next few years: the Celebrity Beyond, the Disney Wish and the Norwegian Prima.
We asked advisors which ships and features excite them and their clients the most.
Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Cruises
Dawn Beers O’Brien, franchise owner, Dream Vacations in Carlsbad, Calif.:
Clients of mine who have fallen in love with the Edge are excited to sail on the Beyond with the two-story Sunset Bar designed by Nate Berkus. I personally can’t wait to immerse myself in the Moroccan-inspired lounge. The fine dining on the ship, most notably Le Voyage by renown chef Daniel Boulud, is enticing the foodie in me to book the Beyond. Clients looking for a fresher, more spacious cruising experience than they had on the Edge will love Beyond.
Tim Joseph, owner, Revitalize Travel in Great River, N.Y.:
I am most excited about:
Le Voyage: As a cuisine-driven traveler, I am truly excited to see what chef Boulud has in store for guests.
Aqua Class Suite: For combining the benefits of Aqua Class and the Retreat.
The Rooftop Garden: The Lawn Club is always my favorite place on Solstice-class ships. The latest design includes two heated, freshwater pools. I am also so happy to see the return of Rooftop Garden Grill, one of the best places in the world to enjoy an evening meal.
Karen Saltarelli, travel advisor, Cruise Planners in Largo, Fla.:
I love that the number of Single Staterooms with Infinite Verandas designed for the Solo traveler has been doubled on the Beyond compared to the Celebrity Edge. What a unique feature for single travelers, who have not always been remembered.
Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line
Dawn Beers O’Brien:
The amazing Wish Tower Suite in the ship’s funnel and the Aqua Mouse are getting the most attention, but my clients who are booked on the maiden voyage are most excited about the new Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge. Escaping into your favorite Disney movies is what Disney Cruise Line does best.
Carol Brocksmith, owner, Joy Venture in Duluth, Ga.:
The ambience and decor of Disney Wish seems elegant and magical versus the more nautical feel of Disney’s other ships. The staterooms seem similar but with a slightly different layout which looks more spacious. Lighter decor also makes the rooms look larger.
I like the new dining venues, and that they have three cinemas instead of one. Four decks with pools and 10 total water features is awesome and will be less crowded than the other ships.
Philip Sherlock, owner, All Aboard International Co. in Doral, Fla.:
The new features that excite me the most about Disney Wish are:
The “secret entrance” down to the Oceaneer’s Club via a slide from the Grand Hall. Every kid loves a slide, and what adult doesn’t wish they could be a kid again to go through this secret entrance? For myself, I am most excited about the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge. Part of the fun of Disney is the ability to be transported into different worlds, and the Wish offers the ability for both kids and adults to be immersed in Star Wars. Adults can be transported to different locations and times in the Star Wars Universe, all while having a drink.
Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Cruise Line
Dawn Beers O’Brien:
The Prima is getting a lot of attention. My clients who normally don’t sail on Norwegian are calling to book a cruise after seeing the refined look of the Prima class. I love that the ship resembles a luxurious land resort but with all the benefits that cruising offers. The Ocean Boulevard with Infinity Beach and Indulge Outdoor Lounge with fire pits is a big attraction for my clients. The intimate areas that allow them to curl up and read a book at La Terraza, coupled with the relaxation found in the infinity pools onboard, makes experiencing cruising on the Prima a must for my clients.
Nick Pena, travel advisor, Cruise Planners in Davenport, Fla.:
Norwegian Prima will offer the most suite varieties, the largest three-bedroom suites and more space per guest. Customer insight tells me that space and privacy are the new luxury, making Prima a perfect fit for my portfolio of clients that seek an experience that meets these needs. When bundled with the Free at Sea promotion, it’s an irresistible value proposition for them and high commission opportunity for me. Norwegian Prima is a win-win for cruisers and travel advisors.
Karen Saltarelli:
Fabulous, unique design and even an improved Haven for our upscale clientele.
Maria Raduazzo, owner, Destination Joy Travel in Ridgefield, Conn.:
There is so much to love about the Norwegian Prima. This new class of ship with unique design elements has completely reimagined the premium category. I am most excited about the Ocean Boulevard open air deck, the Oceanwalk glass bridges and the Infinity Beach, where the infinity pools sit on the edge of the ship; you can’t tell where the pool ends and the ocean begins.
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