Flagships of the Caribbean

At 110,000 tons, the 2,974-passenger Carnival Valor (800-CARNIVAL; www.carnival.com) will be the largest Carnival ship sailing from Miami when she debuts this December. Her theme will be “Heroes and Heroics” of American history and she will offer several family-friendly amenities, including a 4,200-square-foot children’s area and a teen club. There will also be 22 bars and lounges, and several formal and casual dining options, including a 24-hour pizzeria and a steakhouse supper club. Elevator entrances with stained-glass lamps and brass doors decorated with wood inlays evoke early America. A unique dome crowns the lobby, with bas-relief panels depicting popular U.S. destinations.

Royal Caribbean International’s (800-398-9819; www.royalcaribbean.com) 90,090-ton, 2,112-passenger Jewel of the Seas, which launched this past spring, is geared for cruisers of all ages. A very contemporary ship, she has floor-to-ceiling glass in most public areas, a multi-million-dollar art collection and the highest percentage of outside cabins in RCI’s fleet. Among her features is the 10-story glass Centrum atrium with glass elevators facing seaward, a three-level theater and a rock-climbing wall towering 200 feet above the ocean. Onboard sports and fitness activities include in-line skating, basketball, volleyball, a jogging track, a golf simulator, a nine-hole miniature golf course and a spa and fitness center, plus the supervised Adventure Ocean program for kids. 

Holland America Line’s (877-724-5425; www.hollandamerica.com) newest ship, the 82,000-ton, 1,848-passenger Westerdam, was introduced in spring. This ship design features several staterooms with private verandas, and museum-quality artwork graces the spacious public areas. The ship’s many dining rooms and lounges include the Pinnacle Grill, the Crow’s Nest, the Explorer’s Lounge, the Ocean Bar and the Vista Show Lounge, where the big productions are staged. There is a large sun deck, and a promenade encircles the ship and its two swimming pools. Westerdam also boasts the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, a selection of video games, a library and card room, meeting facilities and a casino. Her intimate atrium is only three decks high, with a Waterford crystal sailing ship as its centerpiece. 

One of the smaller ships exploring the region this season is Crystal Cruises’ (866-446-6625; www.crystalcruises.com) Crystal Serenity. The 68,000-ton, 1,080-guest ship, designed to offer a soothing yet rejuvenating travel experience, sails round-trip from Fort Lauderdale. The two-story atrium features a hand-cut glass sculpture and a waterfall, and it’s where passengers gather in the Crystal Cove, Serenity’s piano bar. The ship’s amenities include the 4,123-square-foot Caesar’s Palace at Sea Casino, the feng shui-designed Crystal Spa, the Computer University at Sea program, a sushi restaurant and Avenue of the Stars, the 3,000-square-foot shopping area.   

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a classic ocean liner without having to make an Atlantic crossing, now is your chance. Cunard Line’s (800-7-CUNARD; www.cunard.com) Queen Mary 2, which was christened earlier this year, will sail on several Caribbean cruises round trip from New York and Fort Lauderdale in 2005. Her grand staircases, expansive promenades and impressive public rooms — including the largest ballroom at sea — are reminiscent of the “golden age” of ocean liners. She has the first sea-going planetarium, five swimming pools and a full 360-degree promenade deck, and offers a choice of 10 dining venues. The QM2 also has the only Canyon Ranch Spa Club at sea, as well as the largest library and wine collection of any cruise ship. There’s also a champagne bar, a two-story theater, a casino, hot tubs, boutiques and children’s facilities, complete with British nannies.

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