Cruising into the New Year

A Preview of 14 Exciting New Cruise Ships for 2025

From record-breaking vessels to innovative features, discover the ships redefining cruising in 2025.

In 2025, the cruise industry is set to welcome several new ships, each offering unique features and experiences. Based on available information, at least 14 new cruise ships are scheduled to debut.

Here is a chronological list of new cruise ships scheduled to arrive in 2025, along with their key details:

April 2025

1. MSC World America

Launching in April 2025, this ship will feature a European-inspired design and innovative attractions like the ‘Cliffhanger’ swing ride and an 11-deck waterslide with a 90-degree drop.

Cruise Line: MSC Cruises

Dimensions: Approximately 333 metres in length; gross tonnage around 205,700 GT

Shipbuilder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France

Launch Date: Early 2025

Maiden Voyage: April 2025, from Miami

Estimated Cost: Approximately $1 billion

Key Features:

• Capacity for up to 6,769 passengers

• European-inspired design

• Innovative ‘Cliffhanger’ swing ride

• 11-deck waterslide with a 90-degree drop

• Multiple dining and entertainment options

2. Norwegian Aqua

Also set to launch in April 2025, Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship, Norwegian Aqua, will offer a hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, providing thrilling experiences for guests.

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

Dimensions: Approximately 294 metres in length; gross tonnage around 156,300 GT

Shipbuilder: Fincantieri, Italy

Launch Date: April 2025

Maiden Voyage: April 2025, from Port Canaveral

Estimated Cost: Approximately $850 million

Key Features:

• Capacity for approximately 3,550 guests

• First hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea

• Flexible dining options with no formal dress code

• Advanced sustainability features

June 2025

3. Luminara (Luxury Cruise)

Luminara brings Ritz-Carlton’s signature luxury to the seas, offering exclusive yacht-style cruising. The third vessel to join the fleet, with Michelin-star-quality dining, intimate suites, and access to boutique ports, it’s the ultimate choice for those seeking elegance and privacy.

Cruise Line: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Dimensions: Approx. 242 metres; 46,750 GT; Passenger Capacity: 456

Shipbuilder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France

Launch Date: June 2025

Maiden Voyage: Mediterranean itineraries

Estimated Cost: Approx. $600 million

Key Features:

• Luxury yacht experience with spacious suites and private terraces.

• Nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio for personalized service.

• Michelin-star-level dining and culinary programs.

• Exclusive itineraries to boutique ports.

• State-of-the-art environmental technology.

4. Allura

Oceania Cruises is set to debut Allura in 2025, offering refined design and culinary experiences that the brand is known for, reflecting the excitement of immersive new journeys.

Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises

Dimensions: Length: Approximately 241 metres, Gross Tonnage: Around 67,000 GT, Passenger Capacity: 1,200 guests

Maiden Voyage: June 2025, departing Athens-Istanbul.

Estimated Cost: Approximately $600 million.

Key Features:

As the second ship in Oceania’s Allura Class, the Allura is expected to offer:

• Exquisitely Crafted Cuisine: Continuing Oceania’s tradition of exceptional dining experiences.

• Curated Travel Experiences: Thoughtfully designed itineraries to intriguing destinations.

• Small Ship Luxury: Providing an intimate and luxurious cruising environment.

• Luxurious New Library: Featuring walls of floor-to-ceiling glass, offering a serene space for relaxation.

July 2025

5. Viking Vesta (Viking Ocean Cruises)

Viking Ocean Cruises is set to enhance its fleet with the introduction of Viking Vesta, an all-veranda, small ship designed to provide an intimate and immersive ocean cruising experience. Viking Vesta exemplifies Viking’s commitment to providing culturally enriching, destination-centric voyages, all while maintaining a high standard of comfort and sustainability

Cruise Line: Viking Ocean Cruises

Dimensions: 784 feet (239 metres), Beam: 101 feet (30.8 metres)

Shipbuilder: Fincantieri, Italy

Launch Date: July 2025

Maiden Voyage: Specific itinerary details to be announced; expected to feature European destinations

Estimated Cost: Not publicly disclosed

Key Features:

• All-Veranda Staterooms: Each of the 499 staterooms offers a private veranda, providing guests with panoramic ocean views.

• Intimate Guest Capacity: Accommodating 998 passengers, the ship ensures a personalised and spacious cruising experience.

• Destination-Focused Itineraries: Designed to dock in smaller ports, allowing access to unique destinations larger ships cannot reach.

• Enrichment Programs: Onboard lectures, cultural performances, and destination-specific dining enhance the immersive travel experience.

• Sustainable Technologies: Equipped with advanced energy-efficient systems to minimize environmental impact.

August 2025

6. Star of the Seas

Debuting in August 2025, Royal Caribbean’s latest vessel Star of the Seas takes the crown from Icon of the Seas as the world’s largest cruise ship, accommodating nearly 8,000 passengers and featuring multiple pools and the tallest drop slide at sea.

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International

Dimensions: Approximately 365 metres in length; gross tonnage around 250,800 GT

Shipbuilder: Meyer Turku, Finland

Launch Date: Mid-2025

Maiden Voyage: August 2025, from Port Canaveral

Estimated Cost: Over $1.3 billion

Key Features:

• Capacity for nearly 8,000 passengers

•  World’s largest cruise ship

•  Multiple pools and the tallest drop slide at sea

•  Diverse dining and entertainment venues

September 2025

7. Brilliant Lady

Virgin Voyages’ new long-awaited adult-only ladyship is scheduled to launch in September 2025 from New York, offering over 20 dining and beverage options, morning yoga sessions, and a luxurious spa.

Cruise Line: Virgin Voyages

Dimensions: Approximately 278 metres in length; gross tonnage around 110,000 GT

Shipbuilder: Fincantieri, Italy

Launch Date: September 2025

Maiden Voyage: September 2025, from New York

Estimated Cost: Approximately $700 million

Key Features:

• Adults-only cruise experience

• Over 20 dining and beverage options

• Morning yoga sessions and luxurious spa

• Modern design with innovative entertainment

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8. Star Seeker (Yacht)

Star Seeker by Windstar Cruises offers a boutique cruising experience, blending eco-friendly technologies with intimate luxury. The ship is designed for unique itineraries, accessing destinations often unreachable by larger vessels.

Cruise Line: Windstar Cruises

Dimensions: Approx. 185 metres; Passenger Capacity: 312

Shipbuilder: Fincantieri, Italy

Launch Date: September 2025

Maiden Voyage: European itineraries

Estimated Cost: Not disclosed

Key Features:

• Intimate ship size for access to smaller ports.

• All-suite accommodations with luxury amenities.

• Focus on sustainability with advanced green technologies.

• Enrichment programs, including expert lectures and local cultural immersion.

• Exceptional onboard dining and personalized service.

October 2025

9. Star Princess

Princess Cruises plans to introduce Star Princess (sister ship of Sun Princess) in October 2025, featuring exclusive suite guest experiences, multiple dining venues, and advanced sustainability features.

Cruise Line: Princess Cruises

Dimensions: Approximately 330 metres in length; gross tonnage around 175,500 GT

Shipbuilder: Fincantieri, Italy

Launch Date: October 2025

Maiden Voyage: October 2025, in the Mediterranean

Key Features:

• Exclusive suite guest experiences

• Multiple dining venues and entertainment options

• Advanced sustainability features

• Modern amenities with a focus on luxury

November 2025

10. Disney Destiny

Set to launch in November 2025, Disney Cruise Line’s new ship will offer family-friendly amenities, including a Lion King-themed musical dining show and innovative recreational facilities.

Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line

Dimensions: Approximately 341 metres in length; gross tonnage around 135,000 GT

Shipbuilder: Meyer Werft, Germany

Launch Date: November 2025

Maiden Voyage: November 2025, from Fort Lauderdale

Estimated Cost: Approximately $1 billion

Key Features:

• Lion King-themed musical dining show

• Family-friendly amenities and entertainment

• Themed cruises and character experiences

• Innovative dining and recreational facilities

11. Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Cruises’ upcoming ship Celebrity Xcel, the fifth Edge Class ship, is expected in November 2025. Celebrity Xcel will provide luxury amenities and modern design, focusing on delivering a premium cruise experience.

Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises

Dimensions: Approximately 327 metres in length; gross tonnage around 140,600 GT

Shipbuilder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France

Launch Date: November 2025

Maiden Voyage: November 2025.

Estimated Cost: Approximately $1 billion.

Key Features:

• Innovative Design: Continuing the Edge Class tradition with modern aesthetics and state-of-the-art architecture.

• Magic Carpet: A movable deck that transforms into various venues, including a tender platform and an al fresco dining area.

• Eden: A multi-level venue combining dining, entertainment, and panoramic ocean views.

• Advanced Technology: Equipped with cutting-edge amenities to enhance the guest experience.

12. Disney Adventure

Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure marks its debut in Asian waters, bringing the magic of Disney to vibrant South-east Asia for the very first time. Featuring interactive dining, immersive entertainment, and sustainability-focused design, it’s perfect for families.

Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line

Dimensions: Approx. 341 metres; Passenger Capacity: 6,000

Shipbuilder: Meyer Werft, Germany

Launch Date: December 2025

Maiden Voyage: Asian itineraries, including Southeast Asia

Estimated Cost: Approx. $1.2 billion

Key Features:

• Immersive Disney-themed entertainment and character meet-and-greets.

• Innovative family dining experiences with interactive storytelling.

• Focus on new Asian markets with unique itineraries.

• Dedicated spaces for children, teens, and families.

• Commitment to sustainable cruising practices.

Other New Ships for 2025

13. Carnival Adventure

14. Carnival Encounter

Whist not exactly “New”, these two ships ARE new to Carnival Cruise Line. The ships Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, previously operated by P&O Cruises Australia, are being rebranded under Carnival Cruise Line and being given a total refurbishment.

Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line

Dimensions: 290 metres; 115,000 GT; Passenger Capacity: 2,680

Shipbuilder: Fincantieri, Italy

Launch Date: 2025 (Date to be confirmed after rebranding)

Maiden Voyage: Rebranded voyage post-refurbishment (details TBC)

Estimated Cost: Refurbishment cost not disclosed

Key Features:

• Rebranded Experience: Transition from P&O Australia to Carnival’s brand, with an updated Carnival look and feel.

• Family-Focused Amenities: Includes Carnival’s signature family-friendly features such as the WaterWorks park and Seuss at Sea.

• Dining Variety: Multiple dining options, from casual eateries to gourmet dining experiences.

• LNG Fuel Ready: Transitioning to more eco-friendly operations, including LNG-powered engines for cleaner emissions.

• Entertainment: Carnival’s signature entertainment, including Broadway-style shows and themed bars.

Both ships will offer a similar set of features to the rest of Carnival’s fleet but will be refurbished to meet the brand’s specific standards, focusing on family entertainment, dining,, relaxation.and most importantly FUN!

Coming Soon! Ultimate Guide to New River Ships 2025

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Please note that the cruise industry is dynamic, and additional ships may be announced or schedules adjusted. i will bring you the latest news as soon as it drops into my inbox.

Happy New Year!