New ships are on horizon

Despite a slow period for cruise lines, three new ships -- including two megaships that will hold more than 3,500 passengers each -- are setting sail from European shipyards this summer. The lineup includes the 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream, above, Carnival Cruise Lines' largest ship; Celebrity Cruises' newest vessel, the Celebrity Equinox; and the 4,000-passenger MSC Splendida. Carnival Dream will debut at Monfalcone, Italy, on Sept. 21, with an inaugural schedule that includes visits to European and Caribbean ports. Although Dream is the largest ship for Carnival, several other lines have larger ships, including Royal Caribbean's Freedom and Voyager series. But Dream has some interesting features, including a large water park and whirlpools that extend over the ship's beam.