7 Ocean Cruise Ships We’re Looking Forward to in 2015

PHOTO: Artist's rendering of the Norwegian Escape, set to debut in October 2015. (Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines)

As the cruise industry looks ahead to 2015, several new ships are expected to debut, including some buzzworthy ocean vessels. These seven highly-anticipated ships are making ocean waves in the New Year with unusual amenities, stunning décor, and beautiful staterooms.

Norwegian Escape

The Scoop: As the first ship in the “Breakaway Plus Class,” the 4,248-passenger Norwegian Escape will have trendy features found on Getaway and Breakaway such as the Haven, an exclusive area of the ship, plus some exciting new additions.

The most notable is an industry-first, oceanfront promenade spanning a quarter mile that’s lined with restaurants and bars. Other highlights include Tobacco Road Bar – modeled after Miami’s nostalgic legend – as well as the sleek, Skyline Bar in the largest casino (on the largest ship) in the NCL fleet.

Debut Date: October 2015

Where it cruises: After inaugural sailings from Southampton, the ship repositions to Miami where it will offer seven-night trips to the Eastern Caribbean.

Britannia

The Scoop: P&O Cruises’ new ship, Britannia, will glisten with a blend of edgy and elegant décor. As the largest ship in the fleet, it marks a milestone for the U.K.-based cruise line and will place an emphasis on fabulous cuisine. This 3,647-passenger ship will offer hands-on culinary demonstrations in the cooking club and restaurant menus designed by some of Britain’s celebrity chefs. Other public areas include a main theater with LED backdrops and the beautiful Oasis spa with 17 treatment rooms and a private villa.

Debut Date: March 2015

Where it cruises: The ship will sail from Southampton to the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Canary Islands and the Baltic Sea before heading to the Caribbean for winter.

Star Legend and Star Breeze

The Scoop: Windstar will debut two luxury yachts, Star Breeze and Star Legend that will each carry 212 passengers (the Star Breeze will be the first to launch). The twins join a third traditional yacht that debuted in 2014, Star Pride – signaling a slight change in the winds for the company known for its tall-masted sailing ships. Both ships will have a full-service spa with aromatherapy and acupuncture, as well as a retractable marina, casino, and al fresco dining.

Debut Date: May 2015

Where it cruises: Star Breeze kicks off its inaugural voyage from Nice to Rome, while Star Legend will set sail from Rome to Barcelona. The Breeze will remain in the Mediterranean through the summer, while Legend will also cruise the British Isles and Scandinavia.

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas

The Scoop: The sister ship to Quantum of the Seas (which launched in November 2014), Anthem is nearly identical to its elder sibling and will feature the same show-stopping amenities like a sk-diving simulator and Seaplex entertainment zone with bumper cars, roller skating, and a circus school. There’s also the North Star, a rotating viewing capsule that’s an odd hybrid between, say, Willy Wonka’s “Wonkavator” and the London Eye. For more unbelievable ocean views, Two70 is a transforming space with floor-to-ceiling windows that serve as a digital screen for an array of scenes and performances.

Debut Date: April 2015

Where it cruises: Anthem will start off in Southampton for short cruises to France and Belgium, followed by the Canary Islands and Mediterranean. In October it crosses the pond to New Jersey and will base itself there for eight-night winter cruises to the Bahamas.

Viking Star

The Scoop: The 930-passenger, Viking Star signals a change in direction for popular river cruise provider, Viking, as it begins offering ocean voyages. The all-suite ship will be the first of three ocean vessels and will have similar, stylish design as Viking River Cruises’ newly-introduced long ships – but Star has more room for innovation. Striking new features include a glass-walled, infinity pool cantilevered off  the aft of the vessel, an emphasis on al fresco dining, and a Scandinavian-inspired spa with a whirlpool, cold plunge pool, and “snow grotto” where snowflakes descend from the ceiling.

 Debut Date: April 2015

Where it Cruises: The sold-out “Empires of the Mediterranean Voyage” sails from Istanbul to Venice. Viking Star will spend the summer in the Mediterranean and Scandinavia.

Le Lyrial

The luxury adventure cruise line, Ponant, is introducing the 264-passenger Le Lyrial, an elegant yacht with French design touches. All staterooms will have ocean views, 95 percent of rooms will be suites, and those located on the redesigned deck six will have 24-hour butler service. There’s also a panoramic lounge, 2,690 square-foot theater, outdoor pool with a bar and lounge area, and spa with three treatments rooms and a relaxation room.

Debut Date May 2015

Where it Cruises: Le Lyrial’s inaugural voyage from Venice heads to Croatia and Montenegro and she’ll remain in that region before heading to Antarctica in November.