With MSC World America and other ships scheduled to debut this month now is the appropriate time to look at other cruise ships set to debut in 2025. This year is a big one for cruise enthusiasts, with several major cruise lines launching brand-new ships that redefine luxury, adventure, and sustainability at sea. From ultra-luxurious vessels to family-friendly mega-ships, here’s a comprehensive look at the most anticipated cruise ships making their grand debut in 2025.
1. Star of the Seas – Royal Caribbean International
- Debut Date: August 31, 2025
- Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 5,610 guests
- Homeport: Miami, Florida
- Highlights:
- The second ship in the Icon-class, following Icon of the Seas
- Features innovative neighborhoods, world-class entertainment, and thrilling water attractions
- Sustainable design with LNG power for reduced environmental impact
- Star of the Seas is a luxurious and state-of-the-art cruise ship renowned for its opulence, cutting-edge amenities, and immersive travel experiences. What sets it apart is its blend of futuristic technology and eco-friendly design, offering travelers a seamless, sustainable, and indulgent voyage across the world’s most breathtaking oceans. With world-class dining, lavish suites, an onboard entertainment hub featuring Broadway-style shows, and exclusive adventure excursions, Star of the Seas redefines luxury cruising. Its innovative smart technology ensures a smooth and personalized experience, while its commitment to sustainability, including solar-powered energy and advanced waste management systems, makes it a standout choice for environmentally-conscious travelers.
2. Disney Destiny – Disney Cruise Line
- Debut Date: November 20, 2025
- Gross Tonnage: Estimated 144,000 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 4,000 guests
- Homeport: Port Canaveral, Florida
- Highlights:
- Third ship in Disney’s Triton-class
- Themed experiences inspired by Marvel superheroes
- Expansive kids’ clubs and unique entertainment for families
- The Disney Destiny is the latest addition to Disney Cruise Line’s fleet, offering a unique blend of heroic and villainous themes throughout its design and experiences. This Wish-class vessel boasts 1,254 staterooms, accommodating up to 4,000 passengers, and is powered by liquefied natural gas, reflecting Disney’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Guests can indulge in diverse dining options, including the new “Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King,” where live musicians and storytellers bring the iconic tale to life.Entertainment highlights feature Broadway-style shows such as an exclusive “Hercules” musical production, while the Aquamouse water attraction offers thrilling adventures with Disney villains. Themed lounges like DeVil’s Piano Bar and the Sanctum, inspired by Doctor Strange, provide immersive environments for relaxation and enjoyment. With its innovative design and storytelling, the Disney Destiny promises an unforgettable voyage for guests of all ages.
3. Disney Adventure – Disney Cruise Line
- Debut Date: December 15, 2025
- Gross Tonnage: 208,000 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 6,000 guests
- Homeport: Singapore
- Highlights:
- Disney’s first ship based in Asia
- Formerly designed for another cruise line before being reimagined by Disney
- Family-friendly onboard experiences with Disney’s signature storytelling
- Disney Adventure stands as Disney Cruise Line’s largest and most innovative vessel to date. Accommodating approximately 6,000 guests and 2,300 crew members, this ship introduces a plethora of groundbreaking features. Notably, it boasts the longest roller coaster at sea—the Ironcycle Test Run—an exhilarating 820-foot Marvel-themed ride. Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in over 20 diverse dining venues, including themed restaurants like Animator’s Palate and Enchanted Summer Restaurant, as well as quick-service spots such as Grandma Tala’s Kitchen and Cosmic Kebabs. The ship also offers adult-exclusive spaces like Tiana’s Bayou Lounge and the pirates-themed Buccaneer Bar. Stationed in Singapore, the Disney Adventure signifies Disney’s commitment to delivering immersive storytelling and unparalleled entertainment to the Southeast Asian market.
4. MSC World America – MSC Cruises
- Debut Date: April 2025
- Gross Tonnage: 215,000 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 5,240 guests
- Homeport: Miami, Florida
- Highlights:
- Designed specifically for the North American market
- Features an exclusive MSC Yacht Club and cutting-edge entertainment
- Sustainable LNG-powered vessel
- MSC World America is a testament to MSC Cruises’ commitment to innovative and immersive cruising experiences. As the line’s largest vessel, it accommodates up to 6,762 passengers across 22 decks. The ship introduces several groundbreaking features, including the ‘Cliffhanger,’ the first over-water swing ride at sea, and ‘Jaw Drop,’ an 11-deck dry slide offering thrilling descents. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the world’s only Eataly restaurant at sea, providing authentic Italian cuisine crafted with fresh ingredients. Entertainment reaches new heights with the exclusive ‘Dirty Dancing in Concert,’ bringing the classic film to life with live performances. Additionally, the ship features seven distinct onboard districts, each tailored to diverse guest preferences, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable journey.
5. Queen Anne – Cunard Line
- Debut Date: May 2025
- Gross Tonnage: 113,000 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 3,000 guests
- Homeport: Southampton, UK
- Highlights:
- First new Cunard ship in 14 years
- Classic ocean liner elegance with modern luxury
- Multiple dining venues and a refined onboard atmosphere
- Cunard’s Queen Anne exemplifies a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern innovation. Spanning 14 decks and accommodating up to 3,000 guests, this 322-meter-long ocean liner offers a diverse array of amenities. Guests can indulge in 15 distinct dining venues, ranging from casual eateries to gourmet restaurants. The ship’s design features contemporary aesthetics, notably in areas like the grand lobby and the Queens Room, aiming to attract a new generation of travelers. The Mareel Wellness & Beauty spa provides a tranquil retreat, while entertainment options include venues such as the Bright Lights Society, a jazz and live music venue named in honor of Cunard’s pioneering use of electric lights in 1881. With its thoughtful design and luxurious offerings, Queen Anne continues Cunard’s legacy of delivering exceptional ocean travel experiences.
6. Oceania Allura – Oceania Cruises
- Debut Date: July 18, 2025
- Gross Tonnage: 67,000 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 1,200 guests
- Homeport: Various European ports
- Highlights:
- Second Allura-class ship featuring ultra-luxury experiences
- Focus on gourmet dining, including 11 culinary venues
- Spacious, elegantly designed suites with top-tier service
- Oceania Cruises’ Allura exemplifies the line’s dedication to culinary excellence and luxurious accommodations. This 67,000-ton vessel accommodates 1,200 guests, ensuring an intimate and refined cruising experience. Allura introduces innovative dining venues, including the specialty restaurant Ember, Aquamar Kitchen, and The Bakery at Baristas, enhancing Oceania’s reputation for offering “The Finest Cuisine at Sea.”Each stateroom and suite boasts all-veranda accommodations, featuring lavish bathrooms with oversized rainforest showers and ample storage, providing guests with a serene retreat. Onboard enrichment includes engaging activities such as hands-on cooking classes at The Culinary Center, artistic endeavors at the Artist Loft, and wellness treatments at the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. With its elegant design and focus on immersive experiences, Allura invites travelers to explore diverse cultures, cuisines, and destinations in unparalleled comfort.
7. Brilliant Lady – Virgin Voyages
- Debut Date: 2025 (exact date TBD)
- Gross Tonnage: 110,000 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 2,770 guests
- Homeport: TBD (likely U.S. or Europe)
- Highlights:
- Fourth Virgin Voyages ship designed for adults-only cruising
- Sleek, modern design with vibrant entertainment options
- Multiple dining experiences with a no-buffet concept
- Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady exemplifies the brand’s commitment to innovative and luxurious adult-only cruising. This 110,000-ton vessel accommodates up to 2,770 passengers across 1,400 cabins, ensuring an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere. Notably, Brilliant Lady will be the first in the fleet capable of traversing the Panama Canal, enabling diverse itineraries that include the U.S. West Coast and Alaska. Onboard, guests can anticipate Virgin’s signature offerings, such as unique dining experiences, cutting-edge entertainment, and wellness programs. The ship also features advanced environmental technologies, including systems for reducing emissions and energy-efficient designs, underscoring Virgin Voyages’ dedication to sustainable cruising. With its blend of modern luxury and expanded itineraries, Brilliant Lady is poised to deliver an unparalleled cruising experience.
8. Viking Vesta – Viking Cruises
- Debut Date: July 2025
- Gross Tonnage: 54,300 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 930 guests
- Homeport: Various European itineraries
- Highlights:
- Sister ship to Viking Neptune and Viking Mars
- Features Viking’s signature all-veranda staterooms
- Focus on destination immersion with extensive shore excursions
- Adult-oriented cruise experience with no casinos and an emphasis on cultural enrichment
- Viking Vesta exemplifies Viking’s dedication to intimate and enriching ocean voyages.Accommodating 998 guests across 499 all-veranda staterooms, this 54,300-ton vessel ensures an exclusive atmosphere that allows access to ports unreachable by larger ships. Guests can indulge in a variety of dining venues, including The Restaurant, Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, and The Chef’s Table, each offering diverse culinary experiences. Onboard amenities feature two pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a Scandinavian-inspired spa complete with a thermal suite, sauna, and ice grotto. Entertainment is thoughtfully curated, with live performances in venues like Torshavn and enrichment lectures in the theater. Every stateroom boasts a private veranda, king-size bed, spacious bathroom with heated floors, and modern amenities such as interactive HDTVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. With itineraries spanning the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, Viking Vesta offers discerning travelers a sophisticated and culturally immersive cruising experience.
9. Luminara – Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
- Debut Date: 2025 (exact date TBD)
- Gross Tonnage: Approx. 46,000 GT
- Passenger Capacity: Around 450 guests
- Homeport: Various luxury global destinations
- Highlights:
- Follows the success of Evrima and Ilma in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
- Designed for ultra-luxury, all-suite accommodations with private terraces
- Personalized service with a high crew-to-guest ratio
- Exclusive yacht-style experiences tailored for luxury travelers
- Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara represents the brand’s commitment to luxury and innovation in yachting. Accommodating 456 guests across 228 suites, each featuring a private terrace, Luminara offers an intimate and spacious cruising experience. The yacht boasts five distinct dining venues, six bars, and a dedicated wine vault, ensuring diverse culinary delights. Wellness enthusiasts can indulge in treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa®, while the expanded marina platform provides direct access to various water activities. Designed with advanced environmental features, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion, Luminara underscores Ritz-Carlton’s commitment to sustainable luxury. With nearly a one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio, personalized service is paramount, ensuring an unparalleled yachting experience.
10. Celebrity Xcel – Celebrity Cruises
- Debut Date: November 2025
- Gross Tonnage: Approx. 140,600 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 3,260 guests
- Homeport: Port Everglades, Florida
- Highlights:
- Fifth and final ship in the Edge-class, following Celebrity Beyond
- Features the iconic Magic Carpet, an innovative multi-purpose moving deck
- Focus on wellness, gourmet dining, and premium entertainment
- Eco-friendly design with emphasis on sustainability and reduced emissions
- Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel represents the latest evolution in the Edge Series, blending innovative design with luxurious amenities. A standout feature is “The Bazaar,” an immersive space that seamlessly integrates shore-inspired experiences onboard, offering guests a dynamic environment reminiscent of vibrant marketplaces. The ship also introduces a two-story Sunset Bar and a redesigned Rooftop Garden, bringing guests closer to the ocean’s edge and enhancing outdoor leisure options. Accommodations include the revolutionary Edge Staterooms with Infinite Verandas, allowing guests to transform their living space into an open-air balcony with the touch of a button.Additionally, Celebrity Xcel continues the brand’s commitment to culinary excellence and personalized service, ensuring a sophisticated and memorable cruising experience.
11. Norwegian Aqua – Norwegian Cruise Line
- Debut Date: April 2025
- Gross Tonnage: Approx. 156,300 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 3,571 guests
- Homeport: Port Canaveral, Florida
Highlights:
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- First ship in Norwegian’s cutting-edge Prima Plus Class
- Expansive Aqua Slidecoaster, a first-of-its-kind water attraction
- Elevated dining, entertainment, and luxury suite accommodations
- The Norwegian Aqua is set to redefine cruising as the first vessel in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Plus Class, offering guests an enhanced and immersive experience at sea. Designed with innovation in mind, the ship introduces the Aqua Slidecoaster, an exhilarating hybrid waterslide and roller coaster attraction, giving thrill-seekers a brand-new way to enjoy ocean views. Culinary excellence takes center stage with a variety of specialty dining venues, including an all-new Mediterranean-inspired concept and reimagined signature restaurants. For entertainment, guests can enjoy Broadway-caliber productions, cutting-edge digital experiences, and immersive live performances. The ship’s redesigned Haven—Norwegian’s exclusive luxury enclave—offers expanded suites, a private infinity pool, and personalized service for an elevated retreat. With spacious accommodations, next-level activities, and world-class dining, the Norwegian Aqua is poised to set a new standard for contemporary cruising in 2025
12. Star Princess – Princess Cruises
- Debut Date: August 2025
- Gross Tonnage: Approx. 175,500 GT
- Passenger Capacity: 4,300 guests
- Homeport: Barcelona, Spain
Highlights:
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- Second ship in Princess Cruises’ innovative Sphere Class
- Expansive Piazza atrium with ocean views and new entertainment spaces
- Exclusive Park19, an adventure zone with thrilling outdoor activities
- The Star Princess is the highly anticipated second vessel in Princess Cruises’ Sphere Class, designed to elevate the modern cruise experience with larger spaces, innovative design, and cutting-edge entertainment. Boasting a sleek, futuristic build, the ship features an enlarged Piazza atrium, offering breathtaking ocean views alongside lively bars, lounges, and performance spaces. Guests can indulge in world-class dining, with new specialty restaurants and expanded favorites, including Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and the renowned Crown Grill Steakhouse. The luxurious Lotus Spa provides the ultimate relaxation retreat, while the state-of-the-art Princess Arena offers a dynamic setting for spectacular productions. For adventure seekers, the Star Princess introduces Park19, an exhilarating outdoor experience with sky-high rope courses, a climbing wall, and a sea-view infinity pool. With an emphasis on luxury, entertainment, and cutting-edge design, the Star Princess is set to deliver an unforgettable voyage when it sets sail.
Conclusion
This year is shaping up to be an incredible year for the cruise industry, with ships featuring cutting-edge technology, world-class entertainment, and an increasing focus on sustainability. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious ocean voyage, a family-friendly adventure, or a thrilling theme park at sea, these new cruise ships promise to offer unforgettable experiences. And there are more new ships coming in 2026. Look for Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas, Norwegian Luna, MSC World Asia and Explora III from Explora Journeys. Which new ships are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!