The UK’s top 10 new cruise ships

Over the past year it seems like there hasn’t been a month without a new cruise ship launch. In the U.K. we have seen our fair share of glittering naming ceremonies with celebrities and even Royals attending celebrations. Leading online cruise review and news site CruiseCritic.co.uk has taken a look at what’s on offer and compiled its top 10 list of cruise ships for British travellers.

1. Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas
The mammoth vessel that is Independence of the Seas is currently the largest cruise ship afloat (along with its sister ships Freedom and Liberty). It is also the most innovative and exciting. The 160,000-ton, 3,634-passenger "Indy" boasts an ice rink, rock climbing wall, surf simulator and a water park. With a huge selection of bars and restaurants to boot, it's pretty much a dead cert that you will not get bored!

Reviewers on CruiseCritic.co.uk describe this ship as “jaw dropping”, “stunning”, and “perfect.”

2. P&O Cruises' Ventura
The biggest ship ever designed and built for UK passengers, Ventura heralded a sea change for P&O Cruises. Not only is Ventura significantly larger than any other ship in its fleet (it's 40 percent bigger), but it’s also the line's most family-oriented vessel. The 116,000-ton, 3,100-passenger Ventura has expansive children's facilities, a circus school and an indoor pool. There's also plenty of appeal for grown-ups. Among the eateries onboard is British celebrity chef Marco Pierre White's first at-sea restaurant, The White Room. Launched by Dame Helen Mirren in April, Ventura appeals to the British sense of understated style and atmosphere.

A CruiseCritic.co.uk member review describes it as “Beautiful. Very elegant, with wonderful artwork everywhere.”

3. Cunard's Queen Victoria
Cunard's newest ship, the Queen Victoria is an unabashedly British ship in style and substance. If you are looking for a ship that exudes traditional elegance, then Queen Victoria fits the mould perfectly. Queen Victoria's British-ness is evident not only in décor - including a replica of Big Ben and a gorgeous lounge whose décor was inspired by Queen Victoria's Osborne House - but also its onboard offerings. The plush Royal Court Theatre features private boxes. A formal afternoon tea, complete with tables topped with white linens and accompanying classical music, could rival the Ritz and the Queen Victoria is the first contemporary ship to offer classes in fencing. The 90,000-ton, 2,014-passenger ship was launched by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall in December 2007.

A CruiseCritic.co.uk member review says “The Royal Court Theatre may be the most beautiful theatre at sea. Actually it may be the most beautiful theatre either at sea or on land. It is truly magnificent.”

4. Fred Olsen's Balmoral

Balmoral, the latest ship to join Fred. Olsen's fleet, offers new spice for the U.K.-centric cruise line. After an extensive refurbishment, the 43,000-ton, 1,348-passenger Balmoral took to the seas in February when it sailed out of Dover to the Caribbean. The British ship is perfect for those who love old-style, traditional cruising along with fun features including a gorgeous new sundeck, large spa, massive library and a British pub. Balmoral is currently taking British cruisers from Southampton around the UK and the Mediterranean.

A CruiseCritic.co.uk member review recalls “the best service I have ever received on a cruise.”

5. MSC Cruises' MSC Poesia

Poesia, owned by the Naples-based MSC, was christened in Dover in April by Italian screen icon Sophia Loren. Onboard, the ship offers an Italian ambience (from crew to food specialties). It's also one of the "greenest" ships afloat, the first ever to be coated with Intersleek 900 paint with "four release," a non-toxic substance that helps lower carbon dioxide emissions through the reduction of fuel costs. MSC Poesia is also outfitted with other technology to safeguard the environment and conserve energy.

A CruiseCritic.co.uk member review says “the ship is absolutely immaculate”.

6. NCL's Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Gem is a fun and informal ship. Jeans can be worn to dinner, and with the line's "Freestyle Cruising" concept, you can choose what you want to do and when. With 12 restaurants to pick from, plenty of bars, Nintendo Wii tournaments on a two-deck high LED screen and a bowling alley, passengers won't be bored onboard this 93,530-ton, 2,394-passenger ship. The ship was unveiled in Dover last October and is now sailing in the Mediterranean.

A CruiseCritic.co.uk member describes their experience: “What an Awesome Ship! Been on several cruises and this one was by far the best.”

7. Carnival Cruise Lines' Carnival Splendor

Carnival Splendor is the American line's latest glitzy vessel to come to Europe. Launched by Myleene Klass just last month in Dover, this "Fun Ship" is packed full of vivid colours, a huge Asian-themed spa and great kids' facilities. This 110,000-ton, 2,974-passenger ship is also pioneering new itineraries including South America and Northern Europe.

A CruiseCritic.co.uk member review says: “Splendor was Splendor.”

8. Costa Cruises' Costa Serena

Another Italian vessel, Costa Serena, is casual and informal so there is no need to pack your tuxedo. Launched last summer, it is a good alternative for Brits looking for a Euro vessel. This ship is complete with great spa facilities and even has a spa restaurant. Sports fans can try out the Formula One race car driving simulator. If a mix of Europeans and Americans suits, then the 114,000-ton, 3,000-passenger Serena is a great pick for a family cruise.

A CruiseCritic.co.uk member summarised: “We had a wonderful time.”

9. Princess Cruises' Emerald Princess

U.K. cruisers will be familiar with the 16-strong fleet of Princess liners currently sailing the globe. The 113,000-ton, 3,100-passenger Emerald Princess will delight with its cuisine, service and overall amenities. Highlights include its three-deck piazza where stilt walkers and comedians often perform. Other high points include The Sanctuary, an adults-only outdoor lounge; Movies Under the Stars' outdoor cinema, and Sabatini's; an Italian trattoria.

A CruiseCritic.co.uk member says: “This ship is huge and beautiful.”

10. Holland America's Eurodam

Holland America's largest-ever ship (at 86,000-tons and carrying 1,916-passengers), Eurodam launched this summer after making a stop in the U.K. before heading to Rotterdam for its naming ceremony. This elegant, classy vessel has a lot to offer. It has a mix of restaurants including Tamarind, a Pan-Asian eatery and the Pinnacle Grill; passengers can even dine on their private verandah. There are a number of spa cabins which have their own access to the spa, plus 10 cabins also feature floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows.

A CruiseCritic.co.uk reviewer described their cabin: “As I opened the door I fell in love with it right away.”