Hamburg - When christening a new ship, it is traditional to crack open a bottle of Champagne on its prow. Some people may think it's a pity to waste the bubbly on naming a ship, but this year more Champagne bottles than ever before will be broken.

Ten new cruise ships are due to be christened in 2009 and one of them will set a passenger record as the Oasis of the Seas will have room for 5,400 guests.

Here's a look at what can be expected:

AIDALUNA (252 metres, 2,050 passengers): This is the sixth ship in Aida's fleet and is due to be christened on the Spanish island of Majorca on April 4. Like its sister ships, the Diva and the Bella, the Luna has a glass-fronted entertainment area, the "Theatrium".

New for an Aida ship is the 36-square-metre cinema screen on the sundeck which can show films in 16:9 format. During the summer, the Luna will travel the Baltic Sea and will be based in the north German port of Warnemuende.

MEIN SCHIFF (263 metres, 1,960 passengers): This ship will be named on May 15 in Hamburg. TUI Cruises bought the vessel, which was built in 1996, from the US cruise company, Celebrity, where it sailed under the name Galaxy. Mein Schiff, which means My Ship in German, targets people in the 45 to 60 age-group. Its maiden voyage will take it to northern Europe and the Baltic Sea. In September, it will be based on Majorca, while in November it transfers to the Caribbean.

COSTA PACIFICA (290 metres, 3,780 passengers): This is the largest of the two vessels which Costa Crociere is christening on June 5 in Genoa, Italy. Among the facilities on board is a Formula 1 racing car simulator, and according to the owners, the only sound studio at sea where guests can record their own music. The Pacifica will be based in Savona until November and will undertake one-week tours of the Mediterranean.

COSTA LUMINOSA (292 metres, 2,828 passengers): This ship will have the cruise company's first 4-D cinema and a roller skating rink. During the summer, it will ply the waters of the Mediterranean, then navigate around western Europe before travelling to the Baltic and northern Europe. Along with Pacifica, the Luminosa is due to be christened in Genoa on June 5.

SEABOURN ODYSSEY (198 metres, 450 passengers): Of all the new ships this is the most luxurious. The exterior cabins are between 27.5 and 110 square metres large. The christening ceremony is due to take place in Venice on June 24. Its 15-day maiden voyage will take it for to Istanbul at a cost of 10,770 dollars per person.

MSC SPLENDIDA (333 metres, 3,959 passengers): Along with the MSC Fantasia. this is the biggest ship built for a European cruise company. Based in Genoa, the Splendida will travel to various ports in the Mediterranean. The ship has an exclusive area on board called the "Yacht Club" with 99 suites. The Splendida will be christened in July by Italian screen legend Sophia Loren.

CELEBRITY EQUINOX (315 metres, 2,850 passengers): This is the second of five vessels that US cruise company Celebrity plans to add to its fleet of "Solstice Class" ships. It will have a "Lawn Club" with a golf course on the upper deck. After its maiden voyage, which begins on August 8 in Southampton, the Equinox will travel to the Mediterranean. Over the winter of 2009/2010. it will be in the Caribbean.

CARNIVAL DREAM (306 metres, 3,646 passengers): This is the largest of all the ships in the fleet of US company Carnival Cruises. The Florida-based ship will be in the Caribbean from November. Meanwhile, it will undertake two tours of the Mediterranean.

OASIS OF THE SEAS (360 metres, 5,400 passengers): This ship of superlatives belongs to Royal Caribbean and begins its maiden voyage on December 12. Among the novelties on board is "Central Park" which has real tress. The "Aqua Theatre" in the stern can accommodate guests in the "largest fresh water pool on board a ship". The amphitheatre hosts evening shows. The Oasis will be based in the Caribbean.

SILVER SPIRIT (196 meters, 540 passengers): The concept behind this vessel is to offer every guest their own suite. The ship's maiden voyage is scheduled for December 23 from the port of Barcelona in Spain. Over winter 2009/2010, the Spirit will conduct a 91-day voyage circumnavigating South America. (dpa)