2011 will offer cruisers more "tonnage" than ever before - courtesy of a slew of exciting and all-new cruise ships. By year's end, virtually every one of the world's top cruise lines will inaugurate at least one vessel. Collectively, these ships will elevate the cruising experience to even greater heights. Bigger and bolder, each is packed with shipboard innovations that allow guests to enjoy themselves at sea in ways that weren't previously possible. Many boast features that can be tailored to suit a passenger's personal preferences.

New ships of note include Royal Caribbean International's Allure of the Seas^SM (sister ship to the recently-launched and deservedly-hyped Oasis of the Seas^SM) and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Epic (which will usher in "the next generation of Freestyle Cruising®" via a series of revolutionary amenities, staterooms, and entertainment venues). Please see below for a closer look at these and several other new ships that are on the horizon.