2007's new ship launches

MSC CRUISES' MSC ORCHESTRA

Will Launch In: April 2007

Backstory: Orchestra, a sister ship to MSC's 90,000-ton, 2,550-passenger Musica, which launched in June 2006, is the second new-build for MSC Crociere to boast over 800 staterooms with verandahs, the latest trend in European cruising. A third ship in the Musica class, MSC Poesia, will launch in 2008, and there's an option for a fourth.

Quirks and Highlights: Few details have been revealed about this ship, other than the fact it will be a virtual replica of sister vessel MSC Musica. That means it will feature a massive pool-area movie screen (particularly important for MSC's Euro-centric crowd during soccer's World Cup), specialty restaurants, a sushi bar and a very generously sized Bali-influenced spa.

Itinerary: MSC Orchestra's will sail Eastern Mediterranean cruises from Venice during its maiden (spring/summer) season.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S LIBERTY OF THE SEAS

Will Launch On: May 26, 2007

Backstory: Royal Caribbean took the plunge when it launched Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas' older sister, in May 2006. Although at 154,407 tons each, these two ships -- expanded versions of Voyager-class vessels -- come in just higher than Queen Mary 2, until then the biggest ship to ever sail. While size matters, 7,000 tons isn't really significant, but the Freedom and Liberty twins have another distinction: They each hold a small city's worth of guests: 3,634 ... or about 30 percent more than QM2 at double occupancy.

Quirks and Highlights: Freedom of the Seas generated a year's worth of buzz with the announcement of the first surf park at sea, the FlowRider. Look for the same on Liberty, as well as the unique and nifty hot tubs cantilevered over the ocean, an expanded spa, and new stateroom amenities including enhanced bedding and flat-screen televisions. The H20 Zone, a new water park feature, will be replicated as well.

Itineraries: Liberty of the Seas will homeport in Miami, offering seven-night alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE'S NORWEGIAN GEM

Will Launch In: October 2007

Backstory: This is the fourth ship in NCL's lovely Jewel class, which blends big ship features with smaller ship options (others in the class include Norwegian Jewel, Pride of Hawaii and Norwegian Pearl). The 93,500-ton, 2,376-passenger ship has all the hallmarks of NCL's signature Freestyle Cruising initiative, including 10 restaurants and 13 bars, 6 hot tubs, 2 pools, kids and teen centers, and colorful decor.

Quirks and Highlights: Not a whole lot is known about Gem as yet -- and we anticipate a new twist or two! -- but bank on a large proportion of balconied staterooms, exquisite suites (including the exclusive Courtyard Villas and the two 5,750 square ft. -- each -- Garden Villas), private karaoke rooms, a "sports center," which will include a regulation-sized 10-pin bowling alley, and outdoor delights such as the corkscrew pool slide and bungee trampoline.

Itineraries: Norwegian Gem will homeport in New York, offering 7-, 10- and 11-night cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean beginning November 3.

CUNARD'S QUEEN VICTORIA

Will Launch In: December 2007

Backstory: Originally slated for debut in 2005, the Queen Victoria that was being built at the time was moved to P&O Lines and renamed Arcadia. The current 90,000-ton, 2,014-passenger Queen Victoria is a modified version of Holland America's Vista-class ships. But it's very modified, with ceilings that have been raised on public room decks and so on. It's by no means a copy of a Holland America Vista-class ship. As well, Queen Victoria will have a sleek, "ocean liner"-style profile.

Quirks and Highlights: Those who bemoan the loss of true ocean liners to modern times (and feel that Queen Mary 2 is just too big) and quite excited about the debut of Queen Victoria. Purists won't be disappointed in the Cunard class system, which will be alive and well. Elaborate, opulent Queens Grill suites offer the rarified atmosphere of "the olden days," with private lounges and butler service. Princess Grill suites are smaller and cozier, but also offer a range of services not available to so-called "regular folk" in balcony, oceanview or inside staterooms.

Look, too, for the exquisite oak-paneled library, complete with circular staircase to a second story; Cunard's fabulous enrichment programs; and an expanded children's facilities and spa.

Itinerary: In January, and in what is quite an honor for a ship in such mind condition, Queen Victoria will sail a world cruise; at one point Queen Victoria will join QE2 for a 106-day world cruise with a unique tandem crossing with QE2 from Southampton to New York.

San Diego-based Jana Jones, is the creator and editor of lodging Web site Sleeping-Around.com, as well as one of Cruise Critic's stalwart ship reviewers.

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Cruise Critic, which launched in 1995, is a comprehensive cruise vacation planning guide providing objective cruise ship reviews, cruise line profiles, destination content on 125+ worldwide ports, cruise bargains, tips, industry news, and cruise message boards.

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