The new Norwegian Epic will have expanded accommodation options including Spa Suites. (Handout)

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Ah, there's something about that new ship smell, sounds and feel.

And, there will be plenty of opportunities to experience all that as major cruise lines launch 12 new ships this year after rolling out 14 last year.

Things are still quite "ship shape" in the cruising business after weathering its most turbulent 18 months in history with the global economic downturn, outbreaks of illnesses and weak consumer spending and confidence.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), representing 25 major lines, said the industry adapted quickly and kept ships sailing "at full capacity throughout 2009 and expects continued growth in 2010."

The lines had to cut fares, offer incentives including two-for-ones even on premium lines continuing this year, provide free air connections and even dropped the irritating fuel surcharges that added $10 to $15 or so a day to fares.

The good news for cruisers is that even though some fares are starting to rise, the new ships entering the waters will help to moderate any higher charges by their additional capacity.

CLIA's fleet has grown by 118 new ships since 2000 and there are 26 new ships on the horizon from now through 2012 -- adding 53,971 additional berths (beds).

"Cruise vacations are perceived by virtually all consumers as very high value when those consumers are seeking value above all else," said Terry Dale, CLIA president.

The newest ships continue to reflect diversity and heighten the all-inclusive experiences.

Here's an overview of the ships that will be making waves in the Class of 2010:

• Norwegian Cruise Line will take its "freestyle" cruising up another notch with the debut of the Norwegian Epic, its largest ship with 4,200 passengers, double occupancy.

  Reports suggest it will be one of the most innovative ships launched this year with trendy options including "studio" cabins similar to courtyard villas and the Second City troupe having its own stand-alone comedy venue.

  There will be a huge Aqua Park with three waterslides, including one going through a rock-climbing wall, a batting cage, "Spider Web" climbing cage and rope course, bowling alley and more than a dozen restaurants.

  From June 24, it will sail alternating week-long Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.

• Royal Caribbean returns with a copy of its biggest cruise ship at sea with the 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas, a sister to Oasis of the Seas.

  It will have the same pioneering features including the AquaTheatre, loft suites and variety of neighbourhoods including Central Park and a Coney Island-style space called the Boardwalk.

  It sails alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Ft. Lauderdale beginning Dec. 12.

• Celebrity Cruises launches the Eclipse, its third in the Solstice-class, carrying 2,850 passengers on April 26 in Southampton, England.

  It will have innovations including a real lawn for golf putting and picnics, multiple dining venues such as Blu, Murano, Silk Harvest and the Tuscan Grille, glass-blowing studio and solarium with an indoor pool.

  The ship will sail spring and summer cruises around the British Isles and in Europe and then reposition for Caribbean cruises out of the Barbados in the winter.

• Holland America Line rolls out the Nieuw Amsterdam, carrying 2,100 passengers and a sister to the Eurodam.

If you sail

To learn about the newest ships, itineraries, prices and details, go to the Cruise Lines International Association's website for all the links at: www.cruising.org or contact a travel agent.