<p>The big cruise lines are preparing to introduce their new generation of ships, and cruise travelers are in for some innovations and surprises. We're talking merry-go-rounds, giant water parks, hot nightspots and a big focus on the ocean and outdoors.</p><p><br /><strong>Dream a big Dream</strong><br />When it debuts in September 2009, Carnival's new 130,000-ton Carnival Dream will be the largest ship in the &quot;Fun Ship&quot; fleet.<br />Currently under construction in Italy, the 3,646-passenger ship will offer a new space called The Piazza, an indoor/outdoor cafe and live music venue with a circular dance floor and whirlpools that extend over the ship's beam so you feel like you're floating above the water. The ship will also have what are being promoted as the &quot;most elaborate&quot; children's facilities at sea, including a huge Carnival WaterWorks water park with two waterslides.<br />Adults will get their own quiet outdoor retreat and pool called Serenity, and the ship's Cloud 9 Spa is being billed as the &quot;largest and most elaborate&quot; to date. Other cool features include a two-level mini golf course.<br />The Carnival Dream will introduce new cabin configurations including family cabins for five with two bathrooms (one full with shower and the other with a mini-tub and sink) and &quot;cove&quot; cabins with balconies near the waterline. There will also be spa cabins and suites with special amenities.<br />The ship debuts in Europe and will do two cruises from New York on Nov. 15 and 23, 2009, before taking up its permanent home in Port Canaveral, Fla., sailing on alternating, weeklong eastern and western Caribbean itineraries year-round. The New York cruises will visit Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas as well as Port Canaveral (near Orlando).<br />For reservations, call 800-327-9501 or visit www.carnival.com.</p><p><br /><strong>Big, bigger, biggest</strong><br />Royal Caribbean is the current record holder for world's largest ship with its Independence of the Seas, a 160,000-ton vessel. But the line will top itself when it debuts the much anticipated, 220,000-ton Oasis of the Seas in December 2009.<br />That is a lot of additional space, and at the shipyard in Finland, Royal Caribbean is adding all sorts of first-time-on-a-cruise-ship features for the 5,400 passengers to enjoy, including an outdoor boardwalk area with a handcrafted merry-go-round, beachside-style shops and eateries, and carnival games.<br />The ship will have an extensive water park and a Sports Zone with such first-on-a-cruise-ship innovations as a zip line. But what would you expect from a company that earlier brought ice skating rinks and rock climbing walls to cruise ships?<br />And there's more. The upper center of Oasis of the Seas, Central Park, will be a lush park spanning the length of a football field, with scenic pathways, real flowers and trees, and alfresco dining as well as outdoor entertainment including concerts and street performers. The first moving bar at sea, the Rising Tide Bar, will ascend three decks above the park providing views while you imbibe. <br />The first Beach Pool at sea will feature a sloping entry through shallow water, sans sand but with beach chairs, umbrellas and private cabanas. And other new and notable features include AquaTheater, a kidney-shaped pool area with tiered platforms for sunning. During the day, guests will be able to take scuba lessons in the pool. At night, the place will be transformed into a setting for fountain shows synchronized to lights and music.<br />Of the 37 different types of cabins, those with big bucks can book the first two-level, loft-style cabins at sea (the upper level bedroom overlooks the living room and others offer expansive ocean views).<br />Oasis of the Seas will cruise the Caribbean from its homeport of Fort Lauderdale. For reservations, call 800-ROYALCARIBBEAN, or visit www.royalcaribbean.com.</p><p><br /><strong>Cruising goes hot and icy</strong><br />Norwegian Cruise Line's new generation of ships is supposed to debut in 2010, with the first of two 150,000-ton, 4,200-passenger vessels, currently known as F3. At press time, there were reports of a legal dispute with the shipyard in France, on which NCL declined comment. But details of the ship have been announced. Here, one big emphasis is on nightlife, with a club scene inspired by Vegas, South Beach and other hip locales.<br />The shipboard hotspots will include the POSH Beach Club, an adults-only venue on top of the ship. During the day, cushioned day beds and private cabanas will provide a place to catch rays and ocean breezes and a 35-foot waterfall a place to cool off. At night, the scene will include bottle service on silver trays and dancing under the stars.<br />The F3 will also debut the first Ice Bar at sea. In the frozen chamber - temperatures kept below 17 degrees - guests will be able to enjoy ice cold vodka and a Northern Lights display while donning a fur coat, hat and gloves (all provided).<br />Cabins will have the unusual feature of wavy walls and separate shower and toilet compartments.<br />Norwegian Cruise Line has not yet disclosed itineraries for the ship, nor opened reservations. Stay tuned. For more information, call 866-234-0292 or visit www.ncl.com.</p><p><br /><strong>Celebrity cruising</strong><br />Premium line Celebrity Cruises launches the first of its new generation of ships this November with the German-built Celebrity Solstice. While perhaps not aiming to make as many waves as the new mainstream ships, the 122,000-ton, 2,850-passenger vessel will introduce treats of a more cerebral sort including the first glassblowing demonstrations at sea - operated in conjunction with The Corning Museum of Glass.<br />The ship will also boast a half-acre Lawn Club, with real grass, where passengers can play bocce ball and croquet, practice their golf putting, picnic or go barefoot in the park - while also enjoying the passing sea views.<br />Celebrity Solstice will have a broad variety of dining options, and accommodation choices including AquaClass spa cabins, with special spa privileges.<br />The ship will sail the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale in winter and cruise Europe in the summer. For reservations, call 800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.</p>