Cruise lines are expanding their fleets in 2025 with exciting new ships.
royal caribbean
New Ships, New Adventures
Be among the first to set sail aboard a fleet of new ships debuting later this year, in 2025 and into 2026.
By Virginia Brown
Time travel back to the days of the Egyptian pharaohs on an 82-passenger Nile River cruise, book a high-octane adventure aboard a large-scale ship with over-the-top onboard experiences, or hop aboard three new, fairy dust-sprinkled Disney ships. Whatever your ideal adventure, new cruise ships are ready to transport you in the latest at-sea style.
Hathor sailing the Nile River
viking
Viking Cruises
Viking introduces five new ships and additional destinations in late 2024 and 2025. Two 236-foot small ships introduced in 2024—the Viking Hathor and the Viking Sobek—accommodate 82 passengers each and give travelers an intimate look at Egypt on the Pharaohs & Pyramids tour. The new Total Eclipse on the Nile tour will coincide with the solar eclipse in August 2027. Aboard the 998-guest Viking Vela (debuting late 2024) and Viking Vesta (launching in 2025), accommodations range from a 1,488-square-foot, multiroom suite to smaller staterooms. All rooms include private verandas, ideal for taking in views of the azure waters of Greece or the cosmopolitan coastline of Barcelona. The vessel’s small-ship status also means it can dock where larger ships cannot. New itineraries aboard the Vela and Vesta include Malta and Morocco. Aboard these intriguing tours, join the onboard historian for discussions and lectures about the arts, culture and history of upcoming ports. Onboard cultural experiences range from Portuguese fado concerts to traditional Greek dancing. Launching in 2025, the Viking Tonle will take you on a journey of the Mekong River from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City aboard the 80-person ship built specifically to navigate Southeast Asia’s longest river.
Infinity-edge Cove Pool, Star of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Embark on an over-the-top experience aboard Royal Caribbean’s new Icon class ship, Star of the Seas, departing from Florida’s Port Canaveral in summer 2025. Like its counterpart, Icon of the Seas (launched earlier this year), the cruise offers seven-night Caribbean itineraries, which dock in San Juan, St. Kitts, Cozumel and other destinations, including Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line’s private island. Gear up for gasp-worthy entertainment, notably human stunt shows timed with a 55-foot shapeshifting waterfall, and the world’s largest water park at sea. Attend a live performance of “Back to the Future: The Musical,” or tap your toes to the tunes in the jazz lounge or dueling-piano bar. The ship also offers themed food-and-drink experiences, from a 1930s Chicago-inspired supper club to a walk-up champagne bar in the heart of “Central Park.” Royal Caribbean’s Icon class ships also feature The Pearl, a high-tech, three-deck entryway with the largest kinetic sculpture in the world adorned with 3,660 moving tiles.
Wake View Terrace with infinity pool, Star Princess
princess cruises
Princess Cruises
Setting sail for the Mediterranean and beyond, the Star Princess joins its sister ship Sun Princess in October 2025. Soak in panoramic views from the Piazza, catch a performance in the theater, or indulge in a leisurely, multicourse dinner in the elegant 3-story dining room. With the Star, Princess has reimagined its Sanctuary Collection with upgraded, spacious suites and exclusive dining, plus a spa-like club, private lounge and sundeck. Try your luck at the Vegas-style casino, the largest ever on a Princess ship, or relax with a massage or facial at the Lotus Spa.
Celebrity Xcel is the fifth ship in the Edge series.
celebrity cruises
Celebrity Cruises
In November 2025, Celebrity will offer seven-night Caribbean cruises aboard its new Celebrity Xcel, part of its Edge series. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, the Xcel sails to The Bahamas, St. Maarten and Grand Cayman. Rest easy on the ship’s signature bedding and mattresses, made exclusively for Celebrity. Accommodations range from house-sized suites with huge, private verandas in The Retreat to more modest staterooms. Onboard experiences include art-focused “hot glass” classes, yoga and barre classes, a pickleball court, and a rooftop garden. The Magic Carpet, a proprietary moving platform, extends off the side of the ship and offers exceptional views and unforgettable over-sea dining experiences.
Waffles will be served at The Creperie.
oceania cruises
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises reveals its eighth ship, the 1,200-guest Allura, sister ship to the Vista, in 2025. Standard staterooms start at 291 square feet. When you’re ready to venture out, 12 culinary venues await, ranging from The Creperie, with crepes, waffles and ice cream sundaes, to Red Ginger’s Pan-Asian menu await. Dress to the nines, then dine below the dazzling chandeliers of the Grand Dining Room, or kick back at the casual al fresco pizzeria. Fun beverage carts include bloody marys and bubbles, and experiences range from art classes and guest lectures to chef-led cooking classes and small-group excursions. Venture along the French Riviera, travel throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean, or enjoy monthlong transoceanic trips from Rome to New York.
Carnival Firenze, Long Beach, California
Carnival cruise lines
Carnival Cruise Line
In spring 2024, Carnival unveiled the Carnival Firenze, an Italian-themed ship departing from Long Beach, California. Designed with the cultural elements of Florence in mind, the ship journeys down Mexico’s Pacific coastline. Enjoy three-course meals at Michelangelo or Medici restaurants, or grab quick Italian street food at La Strada Grill. Since no trip to Florence is complete without gelato, get your fix at the poolside coffee shop (there’s even a gelato-eating contest). A steakhouse and a sushi restaurant give alternatives to pizza and pasta offerings. Onboard experiences include live music and cocktails at several bars and live performances at the Teatro Rosso. Kids will enjoy their time at one of three different clubs, each designed for a specific age group, while adults take a breather at the spa. A miniature golf course, track, ropes course and fitness center also provide entertainment.
Disney Treasure, Port Canaveral
disney cruise line
Disney Cruise Line
Disney has announced three new ships: Treasure, Adventure and Destiny. In late 2024, the Treasure embarks on seven-night Caribbean itineraries. Immerse yourself in a Worlds of Marvel dinner experience or a Broadway-style performance of “Beauty and the Beast.” A triple-threat of Disney, Pixar and Marvel encounters converge on the Adventure, scheduled to set sail on three- or four-night trips from Singapore in late 2025. The Destiny’s maiden voyage will take place in fall 2025. The ship will be used for four- or five-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas and western Caribbean. As with all Disney cruises, enjoy fireworks at sea, high-caliber stage productions, movie screenings, water coasters and Disney character interactions.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua and Luna
norwegian cruise line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line unveils two new vessels in the next couple of years. The Norwegian Aqua, sister ship to the Norwegian Luna, will launch in April. In April 2026, the Norwegian Luna will offer two western Caribbean itineraries from Miami to Roatan Island, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize. Seven-day eastern Caribbean itineraries include ports in the Dominican Republic, British and U.S. Virgin Islands, and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island. The Luna will accommodate 3,550 passengers, about 10% more than the Norwegian Prima and the Norwegian Viva. Street artist ELLE created Luna’s hull art, inspired by the reflection of the moon on the sea. Expanded or redesigned onboard experiences include the Bull’s Eye Bar, a full-service bar with interactive dart games, and Tee Time minigolf with 12 interactive holes spanning two decks.
Prestige will offer new suites and dining experiences.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The ultra-luxurious Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Prestige will set sail in 2026. The cruise line’s first new ship class in a decade, this 850-passenger ship will epitomize elegance as the first of two in its new Prestige Class. The largest Regent ship, the Prestige will follow the cruise line’s Explorer Class vessels and will offer new suites and new dining experiences, yet to be revealed.
