Cruise lovers have much to look forward to in 2025, with several major cruise lines launching new ships that offer everything from high-tech entertainment to intimate experiences. As the demand for cruises continues to soar, with 37.1 million passengers expected to set sail next year, cruise lines are debuting vessels that cater to every type of traveler.
Here are some of the top cruise ships making their debut in 2025:
Norwegian Aqua
- Maiden Voyage: March 28, 2025
- Capacity: Approximately 3,600 passengers
- What to Expect: Norwegian Cruise Line introduces its first Prima Plus Class ship, which is 10% larger than previous Prima Class ships. Onboard innovations include the Aqua Slidecoaster—a thrilling combination of waterslide and roller coaster—and Planterie, a new plant-based dining option.
MSC World America
- Maiden Voyage: April 12, 2025
- Capacity: About 5,200 passengers
- What to Expect: Tailored specifically for the U.S. market, MSC World America features a comedy club and a large sports bar, both firsts for the World Class ships. Guests can also enjoy the Cliffhanger ride, which swings 160 feet above the ocean.
Oceania Allura
- Maiden Voyage: July 18, 2025
- Capacity: 1,200 passengers
- What to Expect: Oceania Cruises focuses heavily on culinary experiences aboard Allura, which will have five specialty dining venues and a new crêperie. The ship also boasts a chef-to-guest ratio of one for every 10 passengers.
Star of the Seas
- Maiden Voyage: August 31, 2025
- Capacity: 5,600 passengers
- What to Expect: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is set to rival its sibling, Icon of the Seas. This ship will offer a reimagined version of the Empire Supper Club, a larger Surfside area for families, and many other exciting features.
Brilliant Lady
- Maiden Voyage: September 5, 2025
- Capacity: Approximately 2,750 passengers
- What to Expect: Virgin Voyages’ fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, will finally launch in 2025 after delays. This adults-only vessel will have a design tailored for destinations like the Panama Canal and Alaska, in addition to familiar features from the line’s other ships.
Star Princess
- Maiden Voyage: October 4, 2025
- Capacity: 4,300 passengers
- What to Expect: As the second ship in Princess Cruises’ Sphere Class, Star Princess will feature an expanded O’Malley’s Irish Pub and new sports courts for pickleball and basketball, ensuring there’s plenty of activity for all types of cruisers.
Celebrity Xcel
- Maiden Voyage: November 18, 2025
- Capacity: 3,250 passengers
- What to Expect: The latest addition to Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, Celebrity Xcel will offer a variety of new onboard experiences that will be announced closer to its debut.
Disney Destiny
- Maiden Voyage: November 20, 2025
- Capacity: Approximately 2,500 passengers
- What to Expect: Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Destiny will feature exciting heroes-and-villains themes, including a De Vil’s piano lounge and a Grand Hall inspired by “Black Panther.” This ship is part of Disney’s fleet expansion and will be joined by Disney Adventure, launching in Singapore in December 2025.
Source: USA Today
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