The Most Intriguing Cruise Ships Debuting this Summer

As someone whose travel calendar is dictated by the release of new ships, the next few months are looking busy.
That's particularly true of several highly anticipated ships coming out between now and August. I'm talking about first-of-its-class vessels, major ship makeovers and the first ship for a new brand.

Here's a quick guide to the most intriguing vessels debuting over the next few months. Oceania is about to debut its first new ship in more than ten years. The Vista is the first in the line's two-ship Allura class. At 1,200 passengers, it will include 12 dining options, including four new concepts. The ship will also have eight bars, lounges and entertainment venues, including the new Casino Mixology Bar.

If the fact that the ship is the first in a decade wasn’t enough, the ship’s arrival comes as the line celebrates its 20th anniversary and bids farewell to Oceania founder Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Frank Del Rio, who will retire at the end of June. The ship will sail a Founders Cruise from Rome to Venice on May 13 after a christening voyage on May 6, on which yours truly will be sailing.