Australia-based Scenic Cruises has released its new 2015 Preview Brochure for the North American market, offering up details on the line’s two forthcoming brand-new ‘Space Ships’ along with information on their new Bordeaux itineraries and exclusive excursion options.

Launching next year, Scenic Opal and Scenic Jasper will represent the third generation of the company’s popular Space Ship river cruise vessels, and as such will include some exciting new features like a split-pool concept on the ship’s sun deck. A vitality pool will allow guests to relax, while a second pool will be equipped with a ‘swim-against-the-current’ feature; a first on any river cruise vessel.

Other enhancements on these third-generation Space Ships will include a completely redesigned Panoramic Lounge and an expanded Portobello Restaurant that features track-mounted walls of glass windows that can be opened or closed depending on the weather. This feature also allows Scenic to expand the Portobello Restaurant’s seating capacity over previous designs.

Almost every stateroom and suite aboard Scenic Opal and Scenic Jasper will offer what Scenic is calling “Scenic Sun Lounges” – private step-out balconies that can be enclosed into a solarium-type experience with the push of a button.

Other stateroom amenities will include 32” Samsung HD televisions connected to Apple Mac Mini computers offering free internet access and a video-on-demand system.

On the technical front, both new vessels will feature a new engine room configuration that aims to reduce vibration and noise throughout.

This year, however, the focus is on Scenic Gem, which will enter service this spring. Dedicated exclusively to sailing the Seine, Scenic Gem will offer all the standard Scenic inclusions, such as unlimited beverages, wines and spirits at any time; open bar service in the lounges, items in each cabin’s mini-bar, butler service in all cabin grades, the Scenic Riverview personal GPS commentary device and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

Next year, the line will expand their offerings in France with four brand-new itineraries that focus on Bordeaux and other regions. A new 12-day Bordeaux River Cruise itinerary focuses on the region’s striking 18^th century mansions and gothic churches, while an expanded 17-day sailing offers two additional nights in Paris and three nights in the Basque coastal resort town of San Sebastian.

Longer voyages are also offered, including the 21-day combination that includes both Seine and Bordeaux itineraries and a 26-day Iconic Southern France itinerary that travels from Paris to Bordeaux and Carcassonne.

More information on Scenic’s third-generation Space Ships and their 2015 itinerary offerings will be listed here as they become available. You can learn more about the company by viewing our complete Scenic Cruises profile here on River Cruise Advisor.