Cruise Features We’re Looking Forward to in 2015

PHOTO: The exquisite Thambyadine aboard the Sanctuary Ananda offers a wealth of indulgent experiences. (All photos courtesy those pictured)

Cruise fans have plenty to be excited about it 2015 with trend-setting features and amenities onboard new and existing vessels. From thrill-seeking rides to culinary legends, here are some top features and highlights for cruising in 2015.

Culinary Classes with Celebrity Chefs

Some of Britain’s culinary heroes will be onboard P&O Cruises’ new vessel, Britannia, in the first British cooking school at sea. Celebrity chefs James Martin and Marco Pierre White share some of their secrets with passengers during hands-on culinary lessons in the Cookery Club, followed by lunch or dinner at the chef’s table.

The Return of the Wheel

The classic paddlewheel is making a comeback in 2015. CroisiEurope will introduce the paddle wheeler, MS Loire Princesse, marking the first time bona fide cruises will sail the shallow waters of the Loire River. In March, the American Eagle will become the third paddle wheeler to join American Cruise Lines’ existing fleet and will traverse the “mighty Mississippi.”

Infinity Pools are Going Overboard

River cruise specialist, Viking, is launching its first ocean cruise vessel, the Viking Star, in style by introducing a glass-walled, infinity pool that’s cantilevered off the aft of the ship. In the evenings, the surrounding lounge area becomes a dining venue with live musical entertainment.

More Picturesque Promenades

The trend of onboard promenades continued when Costa Diadema unveiled a 1,640-foot open-air promenade with glass mosaic artwork, six cabanas and two Jacuzzis. Like her sister ships, the Norwegian Escape (debuting October 2015) will feature an oceanfront promenade spanning a quarter mile that’s lined with signature restaurants and bars for dinner and a view.

The Sky Meets the Sea with Even More Thrill Features

In case you haven’t heard, Royal Caribbean’s latest ship Quantum of the Seas (launched October 2014) has some thrilling, sky-high adventures on board. Passengers can now skydive at sea in a simulator or hop aboard a futuristic-looking viewing capsule (dubbed the North Star) that extends and rotates out over the ship. When sister ship, Anthem of the Seas sets sail in April, passengers will have another opportunity for an adrenaline rush with these unusual amenities.

More New River Ships Are Getting Spas

As more river vessels launch, many are adding spas to the amenity list. The newly introduced Sanctuary Ananda offers Thai massages, reflexology sessions, facials, and body scrubs in the Thambyadine spa while coasting along Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady and Chindwin Rivers. Haimark Luxury River Expeditions is making its mark with the introduction of a new spa ship on the Mekong River.

Guests on the Mekong Princess, will receive a complimentary treatment on every voyage. In Europe, the Serenity River Spa onboard the soon-to-sail, S.S. Maria Theresa will have couples massages, hot stone therapy, Thai foot and hand treatments as well as a complimentary in-suite massage.

More Broadway-Style Shows

Royal Caribbean brings Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony award winning “Cats” to sea for the first time on the Oasis of the Seas, and ? beginning June 2015 ?  sister ship Allure of the Seas will have “Mamma Mia,” the smash hit musical based on ABBA's classic hits. When Anthem of the Seas sets sail in April, the smash hit British musical, “We Will Rock You,” will debut featuring the songs of legendary rock band, Queen. Passengers can also join an after-show party with the cast.