You know how you’re constantly being told that the cruise industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in travel? Prepare to hear why it’s true.
This year, around 23 million passengers are expected to set sail. 23 million – that’s the entire population of Australia.
According to Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) latest figures, that is also over one million more than the 2014 forecast of 21.7 million cruisers.
But that’s not even the coolest part.
This year, 22 new ocean, river and specialty ships will launch – a total investment of $4 billion by member cruise lines.
Britannia will kick off the wave of new ships when she arrives in March.
P&O International’s new mass-market ship, Britannia, will kick off the wave of new vessels when she sets sail in March.
She alone can carry 3,600 passengers – the largest vessel built for the British market.
Onboard Viking Star will have two pools including an Infinity Pool at the stern.
Following Britannia will be Viking Cruises’ first ocean ship, Viking Star.
After mastering the rivers, Viking will enter mass market cruising with its inaugural ocean itinerary departing in April.
Viking Star will have onboard two pools (including an infinity pool – how cool); a Scandinavian inspired spa with a ‘snow grotto‘; and international dining options such as Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant serving traditional Italian food.
Oh and did we mention Viking Star has a pop-up barbeque during every cruise? But you can read more about that by clicking here.
Royal Caribbean will launch its second Quantum-class vessel with robot bartenders.
Around the same time of Viking’s ocean debut, Royal Caribbean will launch its second Quantum-class vessel, Anthem of the Seas.
Much like her sister-ship (Quantum of the Seas) Anthem will be a ‘smart-ship’ featuring advanced technology at every turn.
There will be robot bartenders and dancing robots, iPads pretty much everywhere onboard as well as incredible entertainment from bumper cars to rock climbing walls, surf simulators and the iFly.
Other ships also launching in the ocean sector this year include Norwegian’s second Breakaway-class vessel, Norwegian Escape and Ponant’s 264-passenger Le Lyrial.
Scenic’s two new Space Ships will bring the fleet up to 11 this year.
On the rivers, Scenic Tours has two new Space Ships – Scenic Jasper and Scenic Opal – launching, bringing the line’s fleet up to 11.
Both ships will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube to offer luxurious European river cruises.
Scenic this week announced the godmother of Scenic Jasper, click here to find out who was selected.
Did you know Scenic was the first river line to introduce full cabin balconies on the rivers?
APT also has two new ships launching this year, AmaSerena and AmaVista.
APT also has two new ships joining its fleet – AmaSerena and AmaVista.
The ships feature heated swimming pools with swim-up bars as well as in-room internet access and twin balcony rooms.
Uniworld launches SS Catherine’s sistership, SS Maria Theresa this year.
A river ship to really look forward to this year is Uniworld’s SS Maria Theresa.
The cruise line not only offers five-star luxury on the rivers, but also incredible interior design. Don’t believe me? Click here and check out the images from inside Maria Theresa’s sister ship SS Catherine.
The list of river cruise ships launching this year goes on and on but just to name a few more, Avalon Waterways has Avalon Tranquility II and Avalon Tapestry II launching with maximised cabin space and Russia is receiving Volga Dream II, its first new river ship since 1991,
CLIA Australasia general manager Brett Jardine said this year is set to be another big one in cruising, particularly for Australia and neighbouring Asia.
“This year is set to be another big step forward for the entire industry as our members continue to strive to make cruising the best overall holiday experience for Australian travellers.”
Brett Jardine, CLIA general manager
Other cruise trends to look forward to in 2015 are cruisers are keen to try ships of all sizes; specialty cruises will continue to thrive; the Caribbean will remain the top cruise destination but travellers will expand their horizons to the Med, Asia and Australia; and the best trend of all – agents will continue to be the most popular and best way to book a cruise.