This was published 6 years ago
Five next-generation cruise ships you need to see: A new wave of luxury
Crystal Endeavor.
SCENIC ECLIPSE
The 228-guest "discovery yacht" Scenic Eclipse, which launches in August 2018, is the first ocean ship from Australian company Scenic, and aims to bring six-star luxury to polar climes. Though itineraries will wander worldwide, the ship will have ice-rated hull and the latest stabiliser technology and focus on Arctic and Antarctic cruising. It will carry two helicopters and a mini-submarine; inclusive shore excursions will focus on active options such as kayaking, snorkelling and sorties by Zodiac. Scenic Eclipse will also feature a full-service spa, six dining venues, and all-veranda suites with butler service. See scenic.com.au
SEABOURN OVATION
Crystal Endeavor.
This 600-passenger ship joins Seabourn's luxury fleet in May 2018, when it sets sail from Venice to begin a maiden season of European voyages. Seabourn Ovation will be a sister ship to recently launched Seabourn Encore and share similar design elements and innovations, including expanded public areas, a water-sports marina off the ship's stern, an exclusive top-deck retreat with cabanas and hot tub, and all-balcony suites decorated in mahogany and marble. Several dining venues will include a sushi restaurant and The Grill, overseen by Michelin-starred American celebrity chef Thomas Keller. See seabourn.com
LE LAPEROUSE
Ponant has four near-identical, ice-rated expedition ships currently under construction, with the 180-passenger Le Laperouse first down the slipway in mid-2018 and deployed to Australia by year's end. The seven-deck vessel will have a fitness centre and spa, observation lounge, choice of dining venues and infinity swimming pool. A marine platform allows access for Zodiacs and water-sports equipment. One of its novelties will be Blue Eye, a multi-sensory lounge below the waterline in the ship's hull, where state-of-the-art technology will allow passengers to observe passing marine wildlife. See ponant.com
FLYING CLIPPER
Star Clipper's most ambitious sailing ship launches at a so-far unspecified time next year and will be a near-replica of the early 20th-century France II, the largest square-rig sailing ship ever built. It will sport 35 sails, carry 300 passengers and have three pools, a variety of cabin and suite options, and a water-sports platform. Regular Star Clipper features will return, such as the popular Tropical Bar, library and bowsprit nets where guests can lie back and enjoy sunsets and dolphins. For an experience of cruising under sail, the new ship will be unmatched. See starclippers.com
CRYSTAL ENDEAVOR
Crystal Cruises' 200-passenger Crystal Endeavor is set to launch in August 2018 and is the company's first "expedition mega-yacht", aimed at girls and boys who love their luxe toys: it will carry a seven-person submarine, underwater scooters and two helicopters, plus numerous amphibious Zodiacs for excursions. A remote-operated vehicle (ROV) will allow guests to see wrecks; Endeavour will also offer scuba-diving equipment and a recompression chamber. State-of-the-art positioning technology will allow the ship to maintain its position without using an anchor. The ship will also have a spa and wellness centre, six dining venues, a theatre, cinema and infinity pool. See crystalcruises.com.
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