New ships on the dock

Set to embark on its maiden voyage on 16 May, the 1,250 guest capacity Oceania Riviera features the largest veranda staterooms at sea (over 2,000 sq ft). Top suites are designed by Dakota Jackson of New York and S.B. Long Interiors of Greenwich, CT, and will feature Ralph Lauren Home furnishings; there will also be a Lalique-designed grand lobby. But besides winning aesthetics, Oceania Riviera has a wealth of entertainment in stored. One of the main attractions is the Now and Forever — The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber theatre production where a 10-member cast of singers and dancers will perform music from CATS and The Phantom of the Opera. www.OceaniaCruises.com.

The Disney Fantasy, which sailed for the first time in March 2012, is definitely a kid’s dream come true and a great way to experience the magic of Disney at sea. Approximately 40 percent larger than its sibling ships, the 2,500 passenger capacity (double occupancy) liner navigates the coasts of Caribbean and Bahamas. On-board, lavish decorative murals feature your favourite cartoon characters while original paintings, statues and woodwork lend to the Art Nouveau ambiance. For entertainment, splash about in the three themed freshwater pools or catch Broadway style musicals and 3D films. What’s new are the interactive treasure hunt featuring Jim Henson's Muppets, a relaxation pool for adults, an improved Animator's Palate restaurant (in which kids' drawings are animated while they eat, and appear on big-screen TVs), and a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique selling princess dresses and pirate garb. www.disneycruise.com.

Excerpt from the May issue of epicure.