Over the next 16 months, six all-new family friendly cruise ships will be launched for four different cruise lines.

As is always the case when new ships hit the market, all of this new inventory will ensure a continuing supply of deep discounts. Below are some highlights of each of these exciting new vessels. If you are interested in being among the first passengers to sail on any of these ships, I recommend calling us as soon as possible. The early sailings of any new-build are generally in very high demand.

Costa Favolosa, Costa --- July 7, 2011 --- 3,000 passengers
The 4.5-star Costa Favolosa boasts the state-of-the-art Samsara Spa, which houses a wellness center, spa, salon and fitness center. Guests will find a Formula 1 racecar driving simulator, a 4-D cinema, PlayStation gaming stations, pools with retractable roofs and 13 bars and lounges.

Kids will enjoy the extensive, age-appropriate activities and a pool/water park area designed just for them.

Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity --- July 23, 2011 --- 2,850 passengers
The fourth ship in Celebrity's Solstice class, the 5.5-star Celebrity Silhouette will feature wireless Internet access, flat-screen televisions in oversized staterooms (85% of which will boast private balconies) and an excellent selection of onboard shops and boutiques.

Other amenities and diversions will include the Lawn Club, featuring real grass where guests can relax with a game of croquet or a picnic, as well as several specialty restaurants, including Qsine, featuring out-of-the-ordinary, artfully presented dishes; Tuscan Grille, a steakhouse with Italian flare; and the new Lawn Club Grill, which focuses on the joys of outdoor grilling.

Disney Fantasy, Disney Cruise Line --- March 31, 2012 --- 4,000 passengers
Sister-ship to Disney Dream, the 5-star Disney Fantasy is 40% larger than the line's current ships (Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) and in typical Disney style, offers fun for the whole family. Kids will love meeting some of their favorite Disney characters onboard while participating in age-appropriate, supervised activities in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab. 'Tweens and teens can chill out in spaces designed just for them.

When you're ready for some adult time, parents and grandparents can retreat to one of the kids-free areas of the ship such as the Cove Café, featuring coffee, cocktails and Internet access; the Quiet Cove pool; Palo or Remy, specialty restaurants featuring Italian and French cuisine, respectively; or Meridian, a bar with indoor/outdoor seating that sits between Palo and Remy.

Costa Fascinosa, Costa -- May 11, 2012 -- 3,000 passengers
The 4.5-star Costa Fascinosa is a sister-ship to the Costa Favolosa mentioned above. Interior spaces are inspired by historic films and their protagonists, and will be outfitted with rich colors and sparkling accents. Dancing enthusiasts will enjoy the ballroom and kids will have the time of their lives in the Squok Club, an extensive kids-only space with age-appropriate activities and a pool/water park area.

There will also be an outdoor movie screen, 13 bars and lounges, five hot tubs, a video arcade, a chapel and, of course, the state-of-the-art Samsara Spa, with its wellness center, spa, salon and fitness center.

Carnival Breeze, Carnival -- June 3, 2012 -- 3,690 passengers
Like its sister-ships Carnival Magic and Carnival Dream, the 4.5-star Carnival Breeze will feature the WaterWorks aqua park, the tranquil, kids-free Serenity area and extensive children's and teens' areas with activities for three age groups. Adults will enjoy the huge Cloud 9 spa, as well as the scenic whirlpools extending beyond the ship's beam.

Other new features include the laid-back RedFrog Pub, home to Carnival's exclusive house brew, ThirstyFrog Red and Cucina del Capitano, specialty restaurant featuring family-style Italian fare. Accommodation options include "cove" balcony staterooms located close to the waterline, deluxe oceanview staterooms featuring two bathrooms, and spa staterooms and suites with exclusive amenities and spa privileges.

Celebrity Reflection -- October 12, 2012 -- 3,030 passengers
When it debuts, the 5.5-star Celebrity Reflection will be the fifth and final ship in Celebrity's popular Solstice class. Now-familiar Solstice-class features, such as the Lawn Club and AquaSpa are represented, along with new venues such as the Lawn Club Grill; The Alcoves, a cabana-style retreat; and the Art Studio, with hands-on instruction in things like painting, drawing, beading, mixology and cooking.

New AquaClass Suites feature 40-inch LCD televisions, large verandas and the service of a butler. Guests staying in these suites receive priority seating at the exclusive Blu restaurant, and unlimited access to AquaSpa facilities, including the Persian Garden and Relaxation Room. 

Are you visiting the port of Costa Maya soon?  Then I have a picture perfect day for you:  Lounge chairs on the beach, attentive waiters at your service, delicious food, cold drinks (think 6 corona's for $10) and your choice of watersports.  All this only 10 minutes from the cruise pier in Costa Maya! 

Our family spent a fantastic beach day at the Tropicante Restaurant in Costa Maya. I had contacted the owner, Steve, ahead of time and he graciously reserved lounge chairs for us at no charge.  As long as you are ordering food and drink from the restaurant, they will take care of you and let you use their tables, chairs and umbrellas for no charge.  It is wonderful!  Add to this the availability of $20 hour long massages on the beach, $15 hair braiding and a plethora of watersports available and it is a day in heaven.  You can visit the Tropicante website at http://sandalsandskis.com/Tropicante.html . 

If your cruise includes a stop on the beautiful island of Roatan, Honduras, I highly recommend a company which has a variety of shore excursions available:  Victor Bodden Tours. Their highlight tour is the Jungle Canopy Zipline which is great fun for kids and adults!  Victor Bodden also has a small zoo onsite where you can interact and hold monkeys which was a real treat for everyone in our party.  After the Zipline Victor has other options available such as a beach visit, offshore snorkeling or fishing.  

My family of five had the pleasure of sailing on the Norwegian Spirit from New Orleans to the Exotic ports of Belize, Roatan, Costa Maya and Cozumel.  We had a fun-filled week with many highlights including white sand beaches, ziplining in Roatan and snorkeling the worlds second largest coral reef!

Being one of NCL's oldest ships, I was unsure of what to expect and upon arrival was pleasantly surprised by the classic feel of the ship.  It has been kept in excellent shape and boasts an understated asian decor.  For our family of five we booked one Balcony Stateroom across from an Inside Stateroom for the 3 kids.  While the staterooms did feel slightly smaller than other ships, they are well organized with more than enough storage space.  The many restaurants were a big plus on this ship.  Our favorites were Cagney's, the steakhouse and La Trattoria, the Italian venue.  The kids loved the flexibility of the Blue Lagoon restaurant which is open 24 hours and features kid friendly fare such as chicken tenders, sandwiches, dips and fries.

My 7 year old spent many hours in the Kids Club (by choice!) which has a fantastic, fun staff with activities galore. When she was ready for pool time, we headed over to Bucanner Bay which is the kids pool area with slides, hot tubs and more.  Our older kids ages 12 and 15 took advantage of the basketball court, teen club and video arcade. 

 If you are looking for an interesting embarkation city (New Orleans), adventuresome ports and a fun-filled ship, the Norwegian Spirit is a great choice! 

A new generation of ships, code-named ' Project Sunshine' , have begun construction.  Two ships have been ordered and are due for delivery in 2014.  Each ship will weigh in at 158,000 GRT and accommodate 4100 passengers.  Stay tuned for more on this project!