New Cruise Ships in 2006: Ms. Noordam, The Crown Princess, Freedom of the Seas and Pride of Hawaii

Today's cruise ships have spas, several swimming pools, movie theatres, casinos, several dining rooms and other eateries, shops, a skating rink and more. What else can you find on the newest megaships? Here is information on four new ships that debuted earlier this year.�

First, the ms Noordam, Holland America's, newest pride and joy which debuted this past February. It's the newest in what HAL is calling their Vista-class ships with a full complement of Signature of Excellence enhancements, exemplifying the classic style from the golden age of cruising but with modern enhancements and amenities. This ship has over 50 activities for 1900+ passengers to enjoy. They have a Culinary Arts Center with cooking demonstrations, classes and wine tastings put on by various representatives from the ports the ship will visit. There is also the biggest "crusing" library, The Explorations Café, with internet access, tables for jigsaw puzzles, espresso and delicious pastries. Then, there is the Greenhouse Spa and Salon with a hydrotherapy pool and thermal suites along with the usual treatments and services offered at spas and salons. This ship sails Caribbean waters during the winter and visits Alaskan ports from late spring through early fall. (Visit hollandamerica.com for more information.)�

The Crown Princess from the Love Boat folks, Princess Cruises, made its debut this past June. This ship's godmother is Martha Stewart and it has a passenger capacity of over 3000 people. It has a wedding chapel on board where the captains performs several weddings on each cruise and a giant video screen up on deck showing movies, concerts and other videos. But, its "piece de resistance," is the Sanctuary located on the deck above the spa. Here you'll pay $15 per half day to take advantage of its private cabanas, lounge chairs, trees, light snacks and beverages. And, there is a steak and seafood restaurant with an open theatre-like kitchen where you can watch the custom dishes being prepared. It will sail Western and Eastern Caribbean waters leaving from New York until November when it moves to San Juan for its winter sailings. (Check out their website at princess.com for additional information.)�

Next, comes Freedom of the Seas which debuted in April 2006 and is a member of Royal Caribbean's fleet of cruise ships. This megaship holds over 3600 passengers when it's full and is currently the largest cruise ship afloat. In addition of a rock-climbing wall, boxing ring, fitness club, casino and more, there is a huge water park, the H ₂ 0 Zone, located on the top deck. Its main feature is a challenging surfing simulator machine. They also offer wine tastings and food demonstrations. This ship normally sails out of Miami. (Visit royalcaribbean.com for details.)�

Last, but not least, is the Pride of Hawaii from NCL, Norwegian Cruise Line, which holds 2400 passengers. The Pride of Hawaii debuted in May, 2006. This ship has 10 open-seating restaurants, ranging from a steakhouse to French, Asian and Italian eateries. There are large computerized billboard screens scattered around the ship showing which restaurant has open tables and the approximate wait time at other dining spots. They have two mansion-sized 4,000+ square feet, three bedroom, Garden Villa suites and smaller Courtyard Villas that share a private sundeck area and swimming pool. There are also 12 bars on board, a Golf Pro shop, six hot tubs and an indoor lap pool, spa and fitness center and… This ship sails out of Honolulu weekly year round on four-island Hawaii cruises. (Check out ncl.com for more information.)�

There were other ships that also debuted, or will debut, later this year but that's for another article.�

Happy cruisin'