Courtesy/News Source: cruisecritic.com

Love that new ship smell? This fall is proving to be a bumper season for new cruise ships, with megaships debuting from Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruises -- all within a few months.

Even though none of these ships are first in their class, each has new onboard activities, bars and restaurants that set them apart from their sister vessels.

We checked in with Cruise Critic members, and also polled our own staff, to see what people are the most excited about. Here's what they said:
Sky Princess

Sky Princess

"I can't wait to see the new Sky Suites on Sky Princess. The renderings show huge balconies and gorgeous suites filled with natural lighting. I'm also a sucker for a good escape room, and the Phantom Bridge sounds like a blast." -- Colleen McDaniel, Editor in Chief

"I'd love to book the new Sky Suite. Just love the huge balcony & view of pool/movie screen." -- SDWalt

"Alfredo's was a 'go to' before for lunch. Now it really will be on the Sky, with that outdoor alfresco seating." -- voljeep

"The main pool area and the aft wake-view pool area look great in the renderings. I hope the real thing is similar. If so those would be a huge plus for us." -- cruisintoddler

"This is the first ship to be built with OceanMedallion from start to finish. So that will be nice to have all the tech stuff working from day one." -- AF-1

"Though Princess is most well-known for its relaxed vacation vibe, and Sky Princess will have features like the line's largest thermal suite and an infinity-style aft pool, I am most excited to try out the new escape room experience, Phantom Bridge. According to Princess, Phantom Bridge has more than 700 different outcomes and uses a variety of high-tech tools to get the experience to react to participants' actions. I can't wait to see it all in action." – Dori Saltzman, Senior Editor

"It's going to be difficult to wait till March of next year. The interior designs seem to be much more polished than earlier ships of the line....I love it!" -- RMS Olympic

"We are VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD.  I repeat, very much looking forward to sailing on the Sky Dec 2019.  Adored Regal and Royal. Love that Alfredo's is an actual restaurant and free in Piazza.  Love the large International Cafe and the larger expanded Piazza.  Love everything about this class of ship." -- pink845

Norwegian Encore

Debut: November 2019

"Having never sailed on a Breakaway or Breakaway-Plus class of Norwegian cruise ship, I'm excited about pretty much everything since it's all new to me! I want to try all the activities, from the go-kart race track to the escape room and virtual reality complex. Since I've seen Kinky Boots, I'm itching to see the smaller shows, such as Choir of Man, the Beatles tribute shows and Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical. The homemade pastas at Onda by Scarpetta are calling my name, but I admit that I might be drooling the most over the calorific desserts at Coco's." -- Erica Silverstein, Senior Editor

"Looking forward to seeing Kinky Boots. Saw the movie a few years ago and enjoyed it. Haven't seen Choir of Man yet either, which has really good reviews." -- UFMOM

"I am over 50 and my DH [dear husband] is also. He is looking forward to the laser tag and Galaxy Pavilion. My oldest son also is looking forward to it as we move with what is trending." -- neffqueen

"The go-cart track on Norwegian Encore is larger than what debuted on Norwegian Bliss, so I'm interested in giving it a spin. Likewise, I'm looking forward to seeing all of the virtual reality offerings inside Galaxy Pavilion. I'm a sucker for a good Beatles tribute band, so you'll find me in the Cavern Club at night. Foodwise, this will be my first time trying Los Lobos, as well as the craft beers at The District Brew House."  -- Chris Gray Faust, Managing Editor

"I love the go kart track design!" -- Joeghartman

"I'm really excited about the Onda by Scarpetta partnership.  I've had dinner at Scarpetta in Philadelphia and it ranks among the best meals I've ever had. Not sure if I expect the same quality on a cruise ship, but I'm hoping for something good. The restaurants are best known for their fresh pasta and it really does make a difference." -- kayteecat

"Norwegian is bringing popular Italian restaurant concept Scarpetta to its next new ship, Norwegian Encore. It's a hit on land, and I'm excited to see the cruise line's twist on it at sea. Norwegian Encore is packed with great restaurant options, but this one intrigues me the most. I'm also looking forward to seeing Kinky Boots onboard. Norwegian really excels at big-time entertainment, and this one is a great fit for the ship." -- Colleen McDaniel, Editor in Chief

"Me too! (looking forward to Onda). Love Italian food but was never impressed with La Cucina. Also very much looking forward to Food Republic, ate there quite a few times on Escape." -- QueenOfZoom
Carnival Panorama

Carnival Panorama (Photo: Carnival Cruise Line)
Debut: December 2019

"Sailing Panorama from Carnival's custom Long Beach cruise terminal, I am looking forward to the energy onboard that will come from both a brand-new ship and the West Coast departure. I can't wait for a sea day to dig in to a barbecue feast and a brew at Guy's Pig & Anchor, followed by at least one trip down a waterslide in the Shaq-dubbed "Choose Fun" waterpark. If I'm feeling brave, I might consider joining the Lip Sync Battle… or, more likely, I'll leave it to the professionals performing in two brand-new Playlist Production shows." -- Brittany Chrusciel, Destinations Editor

"When I saw the [Playlist Production] announcement, I was very happy. Two new shows and the two existing shows I have never seen before (Soulbound and Celestial Strings).  I am excited to see what these "dancing drones" look like."  – cdm289

"I'm excited! I can't wait to sail on her inaugural three day to Ensenada, it's been SO long since the West Coast got a brand new ship." -- heffy2

"We are booked for the Valentine's week cruise next year.  I've never been on a brand-new ship and looking forward to that.  California always seems to get the older, smaller ships and I'd like to try all the specialty restaurants.  We've booked the Havana aft wrap and the Havana concept interests me too. Cuban music at night sounds good with a mojito!" – fabby50

"I'm really looking forward to our Havana aft wrap and chilling in the Havana area during the day and it NOT be over crowded." -- James4me

"I am super pumped.  I loved the Vista (and Havana area)… I have never been to the Mexican Rivera, so excited to do something new.  And my kids are trampoline psychos so they will love the trampoline park."  -- Eli_6

"The new Sky Zone indoor trampoline area looks intriguing. I'm hoping that it reacquaints me with my inner child (who loved trampolines as a kid). The Sky Zone will be hosting lots of fun events and games, too, so I'll be scanning the Fun Times to see what's happening. What I love about Carnival is that many restaurants included in the fare -- while none of the restaurants are new, I never get tired of Guy's Burgers and breakfast burritos at the BlueIguana Cantina. And finally, few people know that Ensenada is an evolving Mexican wine region -- so I'm excited for a shore excursion that explores this side of the country!" – Chris Gray Faust, Managing Editor

"She's the last Vista class ship. She'll be sailing out of Long Beach, California.  I think she might be setting some new records for a Long Beach cruise port.  Biggest and newest, perhaps?  And she's going to be very female.  A female cruise director AND an entertainment director.  She's like the Star Trek: Voyager of cruise ships.  In all seriousness, I think I'm going to sail on her ASAP." -- CarlNival