They've spent too much time developing the role of ships for them to just drop it, so I think naval battles are going to be involved for at least the next couple of versions. Especially if it is in London, as England had the most powerful navy at that time, and there will possibly be missions to fend off the French trying to cross the channel.

I hope they go for another Ezio-type character who actually grows and develops with the next couple of games, and not a connor.