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Cruise travel 2006 will see the launch of a number of new ships. Six of the large cruise lines will be offering new ships. Here's a quick rundown of the six brand new cruise ships for 2006.

Holland America cruise ship Noordam

With an expected launch date of February 22, Holland America will be offering their new Noordam. Expected to be the last cruise ship in the Vista-class series, Noordam will accommodate 1,848 passengers. The new cruise ship is the first to be designed for Holland America's 'Signature of Excellence' program. A number of design enhancements are included to the public areas and staterooms for the pleasure of cruise travellers. Included is the already very popular Explorations Caf', a coffee bar/Internet caf', game room, library all powered by the New York Times. A first in the last few years, the Noordam will spend its 2006 maiden season sailing wintertime cruises from New York to the Caribbean.

Pride of Hawaii ' NCL America's new 2006 cruise ship

The new cruise ship for NCL America is the Pride of Hawaii. This vessel is a sister ship to the Norwegian Jewel and is actually the first new build from the hull up for the cruise line. Launching in June, the 2,224 passenger ship is expected to be the next step in their 'Freestyle Cruising' concept. The interior d'cor is to have a Hawaii theme. Cruise travel departing weekly on Mondays, Pride of Hawaii will travel the islands calling Honolulu home.

Freedom of the Seas ' new 2006 cruise ship from Royal Caribbean

Launching in May, the 3,600 passenger, 158,000-ton Freedom of the Seas will actually be 10,00 ton larger than Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and become the largest cruise ship in 2006. A number of new and enhanced amenities are expected to please passengers. The addition with the most hype is the surf park feature. Whirlpools are also actually cantilevered over the side of the new cruise ship. The H2O Zone is expected to be a hit as well. Freedom of the Seas is expected to sail 7 day cruises to the Caribbean from Miami.

New Princess Cruises ship Crown Princess

Launching in June, the new for 2006 cruise ship Crown Princess will accommodate 3,110 happy cruise travel passengers. The popular Skywalker's disco has been redesigned, and the Lotus Spa has been expanded. The International Caf' has been added for pastries and snacks, and a Princess first ever wine and seafood bar. Other expansions and/or changes have been made to the Wheelhouse Bar, Sabatini's Trattoria, and the Sterling Steakhouse. With Eastern Caribbean stops at Bermuda and Turks and Caicos, Crown Princess will sail roundtrip out of the Red Hook terminal at New York.

MSC Musica

Launching on July 01, the Italian ship Musica brings MSC strongly into the big ship ranks accommodating 2,550 passengers. A full 80% of her 1,275 staterooms will be outside rooms with 65% will have verandas. Featuring a large spa area, several dining options, a three deck high waterfall and a variety of entertainment venues, Musica will sail the eastern Mediterranean from Venice.

CostaConcordia ' Costa Cruises' 2006 new cruise ship

Based in Italy and owned by Carnival Corporation, Costa Cruises is introducing its largest cruise ship in its fleet. The CostaConcordia, launching July 14, has accommodation for 3,000 passengers. The interior d'cor is themed around European architecture. Even the room names are European oriented ' Grand Bar Berlin, Cafeteria Helsinki, and dining rooms Milan and Rome. For those seeking an interesting activity the ship will have a Formula One driving simulator! The new cruise ship will sail year round in the Western Mediterranean for Rome's Civitavecchia port.

With so much to choose from, it may be hard to know what new cruise ship to try out first for your cruise travel in 2006!