The Hottest New Cruise Ships for 2008

Costa Serena

Debuted May 2007; 112,000 tons, 3,000 passengers double occupancy; sails in Europe.

This Italian ship's bells and whistles include Murano glass lamps in cabins, a huge digital movie screen on the pool deck, a Grand Prix driving simulator, and 99 special spa cabins that allow private access to the spa plus lots of perks including free treatments.

Norwegian Gem

Debuted Oct. 2007, 93,000 tons, 2,380 passengers in double occupancy, sails in Europe, Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean.

The ship's full-size, four-lane bowling alley is a good place to test your sea legs, while foodies can sample the fare at 10 dining spots, whose cuisine ranges from Italian to steakhouse, French bistro to Asian restaurant; there's even a teppanyaki room and a sushi bar. Spend time in one of the three 450-square-foot Garden Villas, complete with private outdoor garden, and you'll forget you're on a ship.

Queen Victoria

Debuted Dec. 2007, 90,000 tons, 1,990 passengers, double occupancy, sails in Europe, Asia, South Pacific and Middle East.

This ship has class. Or, rather classes-there are separate restaurants, lounges and deck space for the suite guests. Full of British airs and grace, the Queen Victoria sports Cunard's traditional black-and-red livery and inside, a 1,000-square-foot ballroom with an inlaid wooden dance floor, a museum of Cunard memorabilia, a two-level 6,000-book library and a show lounge with 15 private boxes and lounge area.

MSC Poesia

Debuts March 2008, 89,000-tons, 2,550-passengers, sails in Europe.

This ship explodes with color and caters to an international crowd. The three-deck theater is dramatic before the curtain ever rises; likewise, the 8,000-square-foot casino is big on glitz. In addition to the spa and gym, active types will enjoy the tennis court, golf simulator and miniature golf course.

Independence of the Seas

Debuts April, 2008; 160,000 tons, 3,634 passengers double occupancy; sails in Europe and the Caribbean.

This monster holds the title of biggest cruise ship in the world (along with her twin sisters Freedom and Liberty) and so it's no surprise she offers larger-than-life stuff to do. From a top-deck "sprayground" water park to a surfing simulator, full-sized boxing ring, climbing wall and a pair of hot tubs cantilevered 20 feet out over the side of the ship, Independence breathes fresh air into the tired "floating city" cliché.

Eurodam

Debuts June 2008, 86,000 tons, 2,044 passengers double occupancy; sails in Europe, Caribbean and New England/Canada.

Holland America's newest ship sports the line's signature navy blue hull and handsome profile. Below decks, three specialty restaurants include a Pan-Asian and an Italian venue, for a total of five eating outlets. Couch potatoes will love the ship's Starbucks-style internet-café-cum-library, unless of course you'd rather check out a new recipe in the ship's slick demo kitchen.

MSC Fantasia

Debuts June 2008; 133,500-tons, 3,959-passengers, sails in Europe.

Sticking to Europe and carrying mostly Europeans, this behemoth is MSC Cruises' largest ship to date. Notables range from an interactive 4-D cinema and a 24-hour Tex Mex restaurant, to a sports bar and VIP treatment for the ship's 99 suites, including access to a private observation lounge, bar, hot tub and pool.

Carnival Splendour

Debuts July 2008, 113,000-tons, 3,006-passengers, Europe/Mexico.

Aside from five restaurants and a hangover-inducing 22 bars, the ship has a giant two-deck-high spa sprawling across 17,800 square feet. It includes the line's first thalassotherapy pool—a souped-up therapeutic hot tub. While mom and dad are soaking, kids can live it up in the 5,500 square-foot playroom—also the line's biggest. A giant poolside video screen blasts movies, music videos and ship events.

Ruby Princess

Debuts Nov. 2008; 113,000 tons, 3,080 passengers double occupancy, sails to Caribbean.

Ruby touts The Sanctuary, a top-deck haven for adults seeking some quiet time. Dotted with lounge chairs, trees, and private cabanas, "serenity stewards" mill around keeping the peace and shushing loud talkers. There's a $15 cover charge to get in and massages and drinks are extra. For something louder, a giant video screen up on deck broadcasts movies, concerts and other stuff all day (and night) long—including on-board marriage proposals. If you're ready to tie the knot, the captain officiates weddings in the ship's chapel.

Celebrity Solstice

Debuts Dec. 2008, 118,000-tons, 2,850 passengers, sails to Caribbean.

The ship totally breaks the mold with a half acre of real grass on her top deck. Called the Lawn Club, it's the place to play bocce ball and croquet, practice putting or just sit around with a coffee or a cocktail. Another what's-that-doing-on-a-cruise-ship gimmick is glassblowing; three resident artists do demos and offer classes. And there's more: the Solstice has 10 restaurants and 130 "AquaClass" spa cabins with private access to the spa and spa restaurant.

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