Times might be tough for the cruise industry right now, but even a mean-old global recession can't dampen spirits when it comes to new ships.
In the past couple of days I've reported on the float out of MSC Magnifica and the keel-laying for Celebrity Eclipse. Now on Cruise Industry News Oceania bosses are talking about their new baby, Marina, being built now and launching in September 2010.
Oceania has some amazing offers out there - 50% off summer cruises, single supplements down to 25% - but are the men in charge worried at the thought of yet another ship to fill? And another after that (a sister ship is due summer 2011)?
Apparently not.
The new 1,260-passenger ship is a gift for anyone who likes food - eight places to eat, including a French country restaurant and Pan-Asian diner, and a secretive "culinary-related something" that isn't on any other cruise ship. My money's on a Chinese takeaway.
The ship will be sailing the Med in spring and autumn, the Baltic in summer, and the Caribbean, Amazon and Panama Canal in winter, freeing the smaller Regatta to do some offbeat destinations.
Homepage image: Jacob Lindner / WestEnd61 / Rex Features
Jane Archer
