Published on 12/02/08

As 2009 approaches, cruise lines continue to raise the bar with groundbreaking amenities and quality service to increase the value of your cruising experience. After years of strategic planning and construction, several cruise lines are preparing to launch some of the world's largest and most exciting ships filled with unexpected surprises.

Carnival Dream – October 2009 – America's Vacation Center customers can book a 7-night cruise onboard the Carnival Dream starting at $440, the ship will expand the 'Fun Ship' fleet as Carnival Cruises' largest ship weighing in at 130,000 tons and a capacity for 3,652 passengers. The ship will feature an indoor / outdoor 'Ocean Plaza' with live music, the WaterWorks aqua park, several family accommodations, and more. The Carnival Dream will set sail with a few 2009 Mediterranean itineraries and will then cross the Atlantic Ocean to New York, finally making its way to the ship's new home in Port Canaveral, Fla.

Celebrity Equinox – Summer 2009 – America's Vacation Center customers can book a 10-night cruise starting at $999, as the Celebrity Equinox will debut as the sister ship of the recently launched Celebrity Solstice. The 2,850-passenger ship will feature fresh grass at the Lawn Club, a unique glassblowing show, a Sky Observation Lounge, a two-story main dining room, 10 specialty dining options, and more spacious accommodations as well as larger balconies.

MSC Splendida – Summer 2009 – MSC Cruises will introduce the MSC Splendida as the sister ship to the brand-new MSC Fantasia. Combining Italian décor with an elegant atmosphere, MSC Cruises touts that its Fantasia class ships will provide their 3,300 passengers with warm and engaging environments. As all America's Vacation Center customers ages 17 and under sail free, the entire family can cruise onboard MSC Cruises for less while enjoying youth programs tailored to each specific age group, an exclusive Yacht Club with suites surrounding a private lounge, pool, and elevator, and a variety of specialty restaurants including Skydome dining. Check back for upcoming news and pricing.

Oasis of the Seas – November 2009 – Starting at $739 for a 7-night cruise, Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas will keep you entertained with its innovative amenities and services. Spanning 16 decks and weighing 220,000 tons, the Oasis of the Seas will be the world's largest ship to-date and will have seven distinct neighborhoods including Central Park, the Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, the Entertainment Place, and the Youth Zone. The ship will feature the first-at-sea zip-line, a carousel, two rock-climbing walls, three gardens, and two FlowRider surf simulators.

Seabourn Odyssey – June 2009 – The Seabourn Odyssey will offer America's Vacation Center customers ultra-luxury cruising with an intimate atmosphere, 90% balcony staterooms, a two-deck spa, menus prepared by the distinguished chef Charlie Palmer, and unmatched personal service. Accommodating 450 guests, the ship's itineraries will begin with sailings through the Black Sea, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean before it embarks on its 108-day world cruise where it will visit 42 ports in five countries.

Silver Spirit – Late 2009 – The Silver Spirit will provide America's Vacation Center customers with all-suite accommodations for its 540 passengers with 95% balcony staterooms, a new supper club, elegant Asian cuisine, and enhanced spa amenities. Since announcements of the Silver Spirit were made recently and production is in the first stages, more information will be available in the upcoming months.

For more information on how you can experience one of 2009's newest ships, call 800-490-2921 to speak with an America's Vacation Center Personal Vacation Planner today!

For more information, call 1-888-447-8459 and mention Discount Code 9094# to speak with an AVC Personal Vacation Planner today!