The holidays are over and it's time to start thinking about your cruise plans for 2009. Let Luxury Cruise News help with a preview of some magnifcent new ships. You'll find some previously unheard of amenities - from an onboard lawn with natural grass, an entire ship designed around the theme of light and a roller skating rink! With all of this and more, 2009 is shaping up to be a year of fascinating new ships both large and small.

The Yachts of Seabourn
Ship: Seabourn Odyssey
Maiden Voyage: June 24, 2009 – Venice to Istanbul

If you prefer cruising on smaller ships, you must consider the new Odyssey from The Yachts of Seabourn. This new vessel has 225 ocean view suites – 90% of which have private verandas. Amongst the many features on this intimate ship is The Spa at Seabourn, with a wide range of therapies, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a full service salon. The 14-day Maiden Voyage starts in Venice on June 24, with ports of call including Dubrovnik, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and more before ending in Istanbul.

The new Equinox will be the second ship in Celebrity's line's Solstice Class. This new ship boasts all the amenities experienced cruisers expect along with a few surprises. There are ten different restaurants on board to satisfy every culinary delectation. Guests will enjoy a wide variety of entertainment options including a working glass workshop. And on the top deck guests will be able to relax in the country club like environment of the Lawn Club with expanses of barefoot-pleasing natural grass.

Costa's new Luminosa is an exciting addition to the already outstanding Italian line's fleet. As the name suggests, the ship's theme is all things having to do with light. Exquisite finishes, dramatic styling and ample comfort combine to create a jewel-like environment. Some highlights of this new ship include a fantastic golf simulator, expanded entertainment options, and for something totally unique – a roller-skating rink.

The really "big" news for 2009 is the launch of Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas - which will accommodate 5,400 guests with seven separate 'neighborhoods.' This ship is 40% larger than the next largest ship sailing today, which is also in Royal Caribbean's fleet. This new concept in cruise ship design allows guests to choose from a variety of onboard environments to suit their individual tastes. 'Neighborhoods' include: Central Park (pictured above in the introduction), Boardwalk (pictured here), Royal Promenade, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness, Pool and Sports Zone, Entertainment Place, and the Youth Zone.