New Ships Launching in 2015

By Sherri Eisenberg

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas will launch in April 2015. - *Photo by Royal Caribbean International*

Is there anything more exciting than that new ship smell? We think not. Check out these major ocean- and river-going cruise lines with new ships scheduled to launch in 2015:

1. Anthem of the Seas

The Two70 Lounge is an observation deck by day and a cutting-edge venue by night. - Photo by Royal Caribbean International

Line: Royal Caribbean International

Launch Date: April 2015

The sister ship to Quantum of the Seas, which launches in November 2014, is even more important now that Quantum of the Seas is scheduled to move to the China market in 2015. Anthem of the Seas will sail her inaugural season out of Bayonne, New Jersey, to the Caribbean. Onboard, expect the same exciting bells and whistles, including a skydiving simulator and bumper cars, as well as the same technology advances, such as the virtual balconies and suitcase delivery tracking. The line also announced that the ship’s Broadway-style stage show will be “We Will Rock You,” which will include an after party with the cast.

2. Viking Star

The Viking Star will be the first ship at sea with a true infinity pool. - Photo by Viking Ocean Cruises

Line: Viking Ocean Cruises

Launch Date: May 2015

Now this, fellow cruisers, is very big news. Viking, one of the largest names in European river cruises, is launching its first ocean-going vessel. Carrying 930 passengers, it will be a “small” ship, and it will sail in the Mediterranean and Baltic regions. The line is promising major innovations, including free Wi-Fi, complimentary laundry service, and more outdoor dining than any other ship at sea.

3. Norwegian Escape

678 Ocean Place on Escape. - Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line

Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

Launch Date: November 2015

The third ship in the line’s Breakaway class has a lot of the same highlights, including The Waterfront, an outdoor deck space that extends bars and restaurants into an alfresco area. The ship will have a few new features as well, including the line’s largest casino and a new private event space, and will sail seven-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries out of Miami.

4. Avalon Waterways: Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Tranquility II, Avalon Siem Reap, Avalon Myanmar

The observation deck aboard Avalon's new ships. - Photo by Avalon Waterways

Line: Avalon Waterways

Launch Dates: March, April, January, and September 2015, respectively

This river cruise line has four ships launching in 2015. Avalon Tapestry II, which sails in France, is one of the line’s signature “suite” ships, as is Avalon Tranquility II, which sails on the Rhine and the Rhone. Avalon Siem Reap cruises Vietnam and Cambodia, and Avalon Myanmar travels the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar (formerly Burma).

5. AmaSerena, AmaVista, AmaDara

AmaSerena sails through the Rhine valley. - Photo by AmaWaterways

Line: AmaWaterways

Launch Dates: April and August 2015

The first two 164-passenger new ships will sail through Europe on the Danube, Main and Rhine. AmaDara carries only 124 passengers and will cruise the Mekong.