These are the newest ship amenities with the biggest bragging rights.
1. Guaranteed Pool Time
A virtually invisible membrane roof stretches across the sun deck and pool — keeping out inclement weather and assuring a dip — on AIDA Cruises’ new Prima vessel. The ship is bound for ports worldwide, setting sail March 22, 2016, from Hamburg, Germany, to Yokohama, Japan. Come nightfall, the dome doubles a projection screen for laser and virtual star shows. The 86-day maiden voyage starts at $10,638 per person.
2. Bionic Bartender
Imagine a future where you order via an app and a robotic bartender muddles, shakes and strains the perfect cocktail in under a minute. That future is now on Royal Caribbean‘s Quantum of the Seas and its soon-to-debut Harmony of the Seas. Bonus: no need to tip.
3. Your In-Room Spa
They had us with unlimited spa treatments. On Regent Seven Seas Cruises‘ new 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer, setting sail July 2016, the Regent Suite includes an in-room spa treatment area — a first at sea. Those who book it receive unlimited massages, facials and as many other spa services as they like. The two- bedroom suite also boasts a sauna, glass-enclosed hot tub and 270-degree views of the sea. Rates start at $5,000 per person, per day. rssc.com
4. Cold Front on Deck 16
On most cruise ships, the place to chill out is the pool. On Norwegian Cruise Line‘s newest and largest, Norwegian Escape, which debuted in October, the coolest relaxation spot is the Snow Room in the Mandara Spa. This cave-like space, chilled as low as 21 degrees Fahrenheit, gives guests the Scandinavian relaxation experience of hop- ping between heat and cold to increase immune benefits and circulation. Granted, snow bunnies should spend only a few minutes inside. Once core temperatures drop, it’s recommended to continue relaxing in other areas of the spa, like the salt room. Seven- night cruises start at $829 per person; weeklong passes to the Thermal Suite, which includes the Snow Room, start at $199 per person. ncl.com
5. Butler Service
Guests of Royal Caribbean‘s Royal Suite Class who opt for Star Class service — the top of three new high-end tiers — can luxuriate with 24-hour butler detail. The Royal Genie service is available on Oasis- and Quantum-class ships starting in May. Not only will a personal assistant, trained and certified by the Brit- ish Butler Institute, unpack luggage and make dinner and show reservations, he or she will also shake up custom cocktails. And your butler can take care of shore excursions, customizing tours if the avail- able options don’t match your interests. Also included: Free Wi-Fi and gratuities. Alas, your butler can’t make sure you don’t miss the boat. Tier 1 per-person fares from $5,799. royalcaribbean.com
6. Free Wi-Fi
Starting in 2016, all guests of Silversea Cruises will enjoy free Wi-Fi — but it’s capped at one hour per person per day. Those in the Medallion suite class and higher will receive unlimited Wi-Fi.
7. Room for Everyone
Parents and children voyaging together on Holland America‘s new Koningsdam can book family state-rooms: one suite, two showers and sleeping arrangements for five.
