Arrivals and Departures in 2008

What will this year’s new launches be like – well, when it comes to maiden voyages for new vessels, the keyword is sophisticated. Suites and staterooms on two new ships this year, Carnival Splendor and Celebrity Solstice, will both be catering specifically to spa enthusiasts with private access to health facilities and priority appointments.

Among ships making maiden voyages this year, besides Carnival Splendor and Celebrity Solstice already mentioned, look out for Holland America's Eurodam, with its expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool. Then there will be Princess Cruises' Ruby Princess, to feature Princess Line’s famous innovations, such as its expansive Lotus Spa, Movies Under the Stars, and Personal Choice Dining, and Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas with its much vaunted Flow Rider, as featured on TV adverts around the globe. But we’ll say goodbye to the stately Queen Elizabeth 2 who will sail off to Dubai to become a floating hotel.