Here’s why you should look beyond new ships to find great-value deals across a cruise line’s full fleet
The problem with new ships is that, like cars, as soon as they enter service, we’re already looking ahead to the next model – so before you know it, the shiny new ship a cruise line has been raving about is superseded by an even shinier and newer vessel.
Take Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas. It made its debut in January to rave reviews but just six months later, Utopia of the Seas was being hailed as a game-changer for its three and four-night party cruises and intriguing Royal Railway dining experience.
Celebrity Cruises launched its Solstice Class ships – Celebrity Silhouette, Reflection, Eclipse, Equinox and Solstice – to great fanfare, lauded for their grass lawns and AquaClass cabins. But then Celebrity Edge came along with The Retreat, an exclusive area for suite passengers, and stole that spotlight.
New ships vs. more-established vessels
Avid cruisers always race to be among the first on their favourite line’s newest ship, but the majority of cruises are on more-established vessels that have clocked up thousands of nautical miles. A report by Cruise Industry News says the average age of a cruise ship is 17.5 years.
That doesn’t mean they are second rate, though. Cruise lines understandably get very excited about new ships, but also spend millions of dollars putting the latest restaurants and fun activities on existing ships to keep them up to date, which is often more sustainable than a new-build and keeps the current fleet fresh.
Carnival Cruise Line has retrofitted older vessels with favourites such as Guy’s Burger Joint, the Italian Cucina del Capitano and teppanyaki restaurants. Celebrity has added suite-only Retreats to its Solstice Class ships. Silversea, meanwhile, has put ice-strengthened hulls, inflatable Zodiacs and mudrooms on its oldest ships, Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, and moved them to its expedition fleet.
Silversea’s Peter Shanks, managing director for the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa, says: “Guests are as happy on Silver Cloud or Wind as they are on [the newer] Silver Endeavour. With expeditions especially, it’s about the destination as much as the ship.”
Recently refitted cruise ships
For agents, selling established ships is a win-win. They are great for regular cruisers seeking somewhere different, as they often trial more-offbeat itineraries, leaving new vessels to sail the well-trodden eastern and western Caribbean, Mediterranean and Greek island routes popular with first-timers.
Yet these ships are also ideal for newbies with an eye on value, as their fares don’t carry the same premium as newer craft, even after they’ve had good-as-new facelifts.
For example, seven nights on an Alaska cruise from Seattle on Celebrity Edge costs from £3,210 in The Retreat, compared with £2,847 for the same cruise on Celebrity Solstice, departing from Vancouver.
Oceania Cruises’ Marina returned to service in May sporting the dining options that debuted on Vista when it launched in 2023, as well as upgraded suites – but prices for the older ship remain £600-£800 less than the newer vessel. As well as new wellness restaurant Aquamar Kitchen, a poolside ice-cream parlour and alfresco pizzeria, all 124 Penthouse suites have been refurbished to add storage space and larger showers.
Windstar Cruises went one better when it stretched Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride in 2021 and 2022, but nevertheless, average lead-in prices of £4,000-£4,400 are on a par with the line’s sailing vessels. The revamps took the ships’ capacity from 212 to 312, and made space for tapas restaurant Cuadro 44, bigger and brighter dining rooms and better-sized pools.
Carnival Cruise Line’s 2001-built Carnival Legend, meanwhile, emerged from dry dock in May sporting a redesigned steakhouse (now called Fahrenheit 555) and new Chef’s Table and mini-golf course.
Previous updates added Carnival favourites including an aqua park, a Bonsai Sushi Restaurant, RedFrog Pub (now the Rum Bar) and more. Seven-night Caribbean cruises from Tampa on board Legend next winter start at £614, while a similar cruise from Galveston on new ship Carnival Jubilee leads in at £700.
With hundreds of well-established and great-value river and oceangoing vessels to choose from, the opportunities for agents to make a perfect match are endless.
How to find cruise deals
- The best deals are invariably available when a new season launches, but if customers aren’t fussed about the ship, itinerary, cabin or departure date, there are last-minute bargains to be had.
- Ask clients their top priorities to see which inclusions will provide best value for them, whether it’s a drinks package, fitness classes and facilities or guided trips ashore.
- For new-to-cruise travellers keen to explore independently, pick a line that doesn’t include ship
tours and emphasise the flexibility. - The difference between the cost of a cabin with a balcony and one with a window is often only a few pounds extra per day.
- Use client feedback, photos or tips from your colleagues to help sell more-established ships, as this will show they are tried and tested.
PICTURES: Lucia Griggi; R Paperno; Windstar Cruises/Michel Verdure
