7 Hot New River Ships Coming This Year

PHOTO: American Cruise Lines' American Eagle. (All photos courtesy those pictured)

As the river cruise industry continues to expand, 2015 is overflowing with spanking new ships debuting on rivers worldwide. This year, a number of vessels will set sail in Asia, staterooms are becoming even more luxurious, several ships will be fitted with spas, and the classic paddle wheel is making a comeback. Here are some new river cruise ships that are making waves this year.

American Cruise Lines’ American Eagle

When the American Eagle, (pictured above) launches on the mighty Mississippi in March, 93 percent of the staterooms will have private balconies. Three lounges – including one next to the paddlewheel – grant views of the scenery along the route between New Orleans and Memphis.

Uniworld’s S.S. Maria Theresa    

Uniworld will introduce the S.S. Maria Theresa in May and sail the “European Jewels” itinerary from Budapest to Amsterdam. The vessel follows a luxury B&B design that makes each cabin unique, and will also offer a heated swimming pool, salon, fitness center, and spa – for everything from hot stone massages to ritual tea ceremonies.

Haimark’s Three New Boutique Vessels

PHOTO: The Ganges Voyager I

Haimark Luxury River Expeditions is introducing three vessels in 2015, marking rapid growth for the new company. The first is the 56-passenger, Ganges Voyager I, launching in January in Kolkata, India. The gorgeous new ship has wood floors throughout, a spa featuring Indian and Western treatments, and sun deck with chaise lounges. Suites range from 260 to 400 square feet and feature British colonial décor with floor-to-ceiling windows.

In September, the 24-passenger, Mekong Princess, a spa-concept vessel with a one-to-one staff to passenger ratio, will debut in Southeast Asia. The ship will feature similar luxuries as the Ganges Voyager I, with a focus on well-being and an extensive spa menu.  

Lastly, a third vessel is slated to launch in October: the 44-passenger, Amazon Discovery. Viewing lounges and suites will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, and the Rainforest Spa offers Yucamani treatments.

Avalon Waterways’ Four New Ships

Avalon Waterways is unveiling two vessels in Asia: Avalon Siem Reap in January followed by Avalon Myanmar in October. Unlike Avalon’s river vessels, these two ships will have spa treatment rooms and carry just 36 guests ? providing an intimate experience on the Irrawaddy and Mekong Rivers.

PHOTO: The Avalon Myanmar

Two more of Avalon Waterways’ signature “Suite Ships” are coming to Europe in 2015, and will have the panoramic wall-to-wall windows the fleet is known for. The Avalon Tapestry II (March) will sail the popular “Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches” itinerary, while the Tranquility II (April) will sail the “European Island Waterways” cruise through Holland, France, Germany and Switzerland.

CroiseEurope’s Loire Princess

The 96-passenger, Loire Princesse will have a unique, two-deck design and be powered by paddle wheels, allowing it to open new opportunities on the shallow waters of France’s Loire River. The vessel’s debut marks the first time a cruise ship will be navigating the Loire.

PHOTO: The Loire Princess

AMA Waterways Adds Two New Vessels

AMA Waterways is creating more options in Europe this year: the new Ama Serena will carry 164 passengers and will primarily sail the Rhine and Danube Rivers starting in April. Among other luxuries, one noteworthy amenity is the heated sun deck pool with a swim-up bar. A second vessel, the 124-passenger AmaDara will have standard staterooms and suites ranging from 226 to 452 square feet, all of which have private balconies. The ship will cruise the Mekong River beginning in August.

Emerald Waterways’ Emerald Dawn

The Emerald Dawn joins the Emerald Waterways fleet and will begin sailing in June on an Amsterdam to Basel itinerary. It is identical to its three sister ships, which feature spacious suites, a bar on the sun deck, and heated swimming pool with retractable roof that transforms into a cinema in the evening.