It’s going to be a big year for travelers who love cruising.
Not only will 2015 see the launch of a number of spectacular new cruise ships, but the opening of new routes will make some of the world’s most remote places significantly more accessible.
We asked some of the travel world’s top cruise experts to share their picks for the hottest cruise itineraries of 2015 and the ships that will be sailing them.
Alaskan Dream Cruises
In 2015, cruise ships will be pushing deeper into the wilderness than ever before, and this particular sailing offers some great wildlife-spotting opportunities on a smaller boat.
“This Alaskan Dream Cruises sailing includes complimentary shore excursions designed to showcase true Alaskan adventures and the native heritage,” says Annie Scrivanich.
“Departures coincide with seasonal changes and animal migrations for the best weather and animal viewing opportunities. If you’re only going to visit Alaska once, this itinerary is your best bet.”
Windstar Cruises: Star Breeze
The latest addition to Windstar Cruises’ fleet, Star Breeze has fans of European cruises particularly jazzed.
Among the top picks is the 10-day Sicilian Splendors cruise, which takes in Rome, Catania, Valletta, Gozo, Trapani, Sorrento and Capri.
“We’re all very excited about the new Windstar Star Breeze,” says Scrivanich.
“This new power yacht holds a maximum of 212 guests and provides new opportunities for those looking for a European cruise on a smaller ship.”
Viking Cruises: Viking Star
This Viking Cruises tour takes in the best of Europe’s northern cities, including Bergen, Stockholm, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Tallinn, Gdansk, Berlin, Copenhagen and Stavanger.
But it’s the boat that experts are most excited about, as it will be Viking Cruises’ first ocean-going ship.
The 47,800 gross tonne ship will have 464 cabins and accommodate 928 guests
“I’m really looking forward to Viking Cruises’ Viking Star, which sets sail in 2015,” says cruise journalist and Telegraph Travel cruise specialist Jane Archer.
“It’s a brand new ship and the mockups look amazing.”
Other itineraries available on the Viking Star include Mediterranean and western European tours.
Princess Cruises: Japan Getaway
Fancy checking out Japan but short on time?
Then consider stepping aboard one of the many cruise ships heading there in 2015.
“Japan is one to watch for 2015 and into 2016,” predicts cruise journalist Archer.
“A lot of people want to visit but are nervous because of the language, food and very different culture.
“Having a cruise ship for a base helps to give confidence and means they can visit several ports on one holiday.”
Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess ship has two Japan Getaway itineraries on offer in 2015.
There’s a 16-day Grand Japan and Taiwan tour setting sail in May, followed by an 11-day tour of Japan, China and Southeast Asia that hits the seas in September.
Royal Caribbean: Quantum of the Seas
Next year, some of the biggest cruise operators will be making an extra effort to entice Asian passengers onto their ships.
This includes Royal Caribbean, which is sending its newest and most hi-tech ship, Quantum of the Seas, to China.
“Asia continues to grow as an emerging market cruise lines want to invest in, especially in 2015,” says Michelle Fee, chief executive of Cruise Planners.
“The new Quantum of the Seas will be based in Shanghai, as part of an effort to introduce the Asian traveler to cruising.”
The ship’s five-night Fukuoka and Busan cruise departs Shanghai on August 3, 2015, and takes in Fukuoka, Japan and Busan, South Korea before heading pack to its starting port.
Compagnie du Ponant: Le Lyrial
This exciting cruise itinerary makes the cut in part because the mode of transport is so fantastic.
“Compagnie du Ponant is introducing its newest luxury expedition ship, Le Lyrial, in spring 2015,” reveals Richard West, founder of Explorcruises.com.
“It’s exciting because it’s a truly luxurious expedition-style small ship”.
The Athens to Dubrovnik itinerary is a seven-night cruise that sets sail in August, taking in the highlights of the Croatian coast before heading to Greece.
Uniworld River Cruise: Splendors of Egypt and the Nile
Cruise companies pulled out of Egypt en masse due to the recent turmoil, but in 2015, it will be possible to cruise the Nile once again.
“Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has re-launched a sailing along Egypt’s great Nile River on board the elegant, all-suite River Tosca, with cruises starting in October 2015,” says Fee of Cruise Planners.
“Egypt is an awe-inspiring destination and travelers can experience its culture on a 12-day program with luxury accommodation.”
P&O Britannia
Here’s one for those who consider themselves a bit of a foodie.
P & O’s Cookery Club, on its new Britannia ship, allows guests to hone their culinary skills alongside some of the world’s top chefs.
“P&O Cruises’ culinary offerings on-board their new ship Britannia are particularly exciting,” says Adam Coulter, editor of Cruise Critic.
“The line has enlisted the help of a number of celebrity chefs to create the first cookery school on-board a British ship.”
Chefs leading workshops will include Marco Pierre White, Atul Kochar and wine guru Olly Smith.
The vessel will spend its first year touring waters around the Caribbean, Baltic and Mediterranean.
Wendy Wu Tours: Irrawaddy Voyager
“In 2015 we’ll see more luxury ships are moving into Burma [Myanmar],” says Peter Lynch, editor of website Cruise Passenger.
“It’s a country filled with wonderful people and astonishing historic sites.”
One such cruise is Wendy Wu’s 12-day Irrawaddy Voyager sailing, which takes in Kyauk Myaung, where traditional Myanmar 50 gallon water pots can be seen, the magnificent wooden Bagaya Monastery and the U Bein Bridge (the world’s longest teak wood bridge) as well as Bagan, where there are 2,000 Buddhist structures scattered across a vast plain.
Norwegian Cruise Lines: Norwegian Escape
“Norwegian Cruise Lines are launching the Norwegian Escape in 2015, which was named by consumers via a Facebook contest, so travelers are already invested in it,” says Cruise Planners’ Fee.
“The Norwegian Escape will be the largest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Lines fleet and features The Haven, which is almost like a separate ship, with luxury suites, private dining and more.”
One of the most popular cruise routes is predicted to be its Eastern Caribbean itinerary, which sails out of Miami.
CroisiEurope: Loire cruise
Cruise fans have been eagerly awaiting this particular outing because the boat will use paddle wheel technology to allow it to navigate the shallow waters of the Loire, and overnight cruises along the river haven’t been possible until now.
“I’m especially excited about the new Loire cruises because it’s a river which has yet to be explored,” says Cruise Passenger’s Lynch.
“Paddle ships will allow this to be done for the first time in 2015.”
Crystal Cruises: Best of the Baltic
Proving that cruises are no longer just about eating a lot of food and not doing very much, Crystal Cruises is just one operator offering passengers the chance to work off those calories — in this case, with a 90-minute run around St. Petersburg during its “Best of the Baltic” cruise from Stockholm to Copenhagen.
“There is a growing focus on fitness and wellness, both through facilities on board and excursions ashore, such as Crystal Cruises’ excursions for runners,” says Edwina Lonsdale, chief executive of Mundy Cruising.
Azamara Club Cruises: Bali & Great Barrier Reef
The introduction of this new 14-night cruise of Bali and the Great Barrier Reef is another indicator of a cruise trend we’ll see in 2015.
“Australia and New Zealand cruises are becoming more popular,” says Sean Keddy, cruise expert at travel agency Love Holidays.
“I suspect this is mainly due to an increased interest from the local markets, but this does allow passengers from Europe and the U.S. more choice and competitive pricing.”
Crystal Cruises: Northwest Passage
Sometimes tropical destinations just don’t do it for would-be cruisers. For those who have some cash to splash, there’s Crystal Cruises’ new 32-day Northwest Passage cruise, which will set sail in 2016.
It starts in Alaska and finishes in New York, getting there via Nunavut, Greenland and Maine.
“For those interested in a genuine Alaska cruise experience, this itinerary offers a great blend of scenic highlights, wildlife viewing opportunities, off-the-beaten-track excursions and unique ports of call,” says Scrivanich of Cruise Specialists.
For years, river cruise lines have offered a small selection of Christmas market cruises along festive stretches of Central and Western Europe waterways as a way to sell a bit more inventory during the colder off-season. But with river cruising gaining in popularity, so, too, are the more value-oriented holiday cruises, which have expanded both in numbers and scope to encompass itineraries that include more New Year’s celebrations as well as destinations beyond the traditional Germany, Austria and Czech Republic.
As river cruise lines glide into their busy sailing season, high water levels on the Mississippi and some lower levels on the Danube and Elbe rivers in Europe serve as a reminder that conditions on the rivers are as changeable as they are charming.
Wetravel2u's Weblog 