8 Exciting Cruise Ships Debuting in 2025

Written by

The cruise industry is gearing up for an unforgettable year in 2025, with several new ships set to make waves. From massive, feature-packed vessels to smaller, more intimate ships, there’s something for every type of traveler. With over 37 million passengers expected to set sail, up from 34.7 million in 2024, the demand for cruises is at an all-time high.

Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated cruise ships launching next year and what they’ll bring to the seas.

Table of Contents

1. Norwegian Aqua

Maiden Voyage: March 28, 2025
Capacity: ~3,600 passengers
Highlights: Norwegian Cruise Line’s first Prima Plus Class ship is 10% larger than its predecessors. Expect exciting new features like the Aqua Slidecoaster, a waterslide and roller coaster hybrid, and Planterie, the brand’s first fully plant-based dining venue.

Rendering Courtesy Of Norwegian Cruise Line

2. MSC World America

Maiden Voyage: April 12, 2025
Capacity: ~5,200 passengers
Highlights: Designed with U.S. travelers in mind, MSC World America includes a comedy club, a sprawling sports bar, and the Cliffhanger ride, which swings 160 feet above the ocean.

3. Oceania Allura

Maiden Voyage: July 18, 2025
Capacity: 1,200 passengers
Highlights: As the second ship in Oceania Cruises’ Allura Class, this vessel focuses on gourmet dining. Expect five specialty restaurants, a crêperie, and a chef-to-guest ratio of 1:10, ensuring a truly luxurious culinary experience.

4. Star of the Seas

Maiden Voyage: August 31, 2025
Capacity: ~5,600 passengers
Highlights: Following Royal Caribbean’s record-breaking Icon of the Seas, this sibling ship will introduce the Lincoln Park Supper Club, inspired by 1930s Chicago, and expanded kid-friendly spaces in the Surfside area.

Rendering Courtesy Of Royal Caribbean International

5. Brilliant Lady

Maiden Voyage: September 5, 2025
Capacity: ~2,750 passengers
Highlights: Virgin Voyages’ newest adults-only ship will feature a redesigned structure, perfect for navigating unique routes like the Panama Canal and Alaska. Like its predecessors, it will offer stylish amenities and laid-back luxury.

6. Star Princess

Maiden Voyage: October 4, 2025
Capacity: 4,300 passengers
Highlights: The second ship in Princess Cruises’ Sphere Class, Star Princess will include an enhanced O’Malley’s Irish Pub, a new sports court for basketball and pickleball, and upgraded onboard experiences.

7. Celebrity Xcel

Maiden Voyage: November 18, 2025
Capacity: ~3,250 passengers
Highlights: Celebrity Cruises’ latest addition to the Edge Series will expand on its predecessors’ success with yet-to-be-revealed, innovative onboard features.

8. Disney Destiny

Maiden Voyage: November 20, 2025
Capacity: ~2,500 passengers
Highlights: Disney Cruise Line’s heroes-and-villains-themed ship will delight guests with unique venues like De Vil’s Piano Lounge (inspired by 101 Dalmatians) and a Grand Hall paying homage to Black Panther. This ship is part of Disney’s ongoing fleet expansion, including the Disney Adventure, which will operate from Singapore starting in December 2025.