Several new cruise ships were launched in 2025. This is to the delight of the many travelers who enjoy sailing on newer vessels. Here is a selection of the new ships that set sail in 2025:
Norwegian Aqua
As the first ship in the Prima Plus Class, Norwegian Aqua surpasses its predecessors with even more outdoor spaces and unique attractions such as the Aqua Slidecoaster (the first hybrid roller coaster/water slide at sea) and the Glow Court, an interactive LED sports center that transforms into a party zone at night. It also offers play areas, classic water slides, and a comprehensive entertainment program, making this ship a true “theme park at sea.”
Inaugural Voyage: March 2025.
Capacity: 3,571 passengers.
Home Port: Port Canaveral (Orlando), USA.
MSC World America
Designed specifically for the North American market, MSC World America is a mega-ship with a modern silhouette and 22 passenger decks. It features a variety of themed areas, including Family Aventura, Zen Area (relaxation space), a premium Yacht Club, a water park, several swimming pools, an 11-deck waterslide, a Cliffhanger ride, and numerous bars and restaurants. The ship emphasizes a diverse range of family-friendly entertainment.
Inaugural Voyage: April 2025.
Capacity: 6,700 passengers.
Home Port: Miami, USA.
Oceania Allura
The Allura is distinguished by its premium approach focused on gastronomy and refined culinary experiences. As the second ship in the Allura class, it offers numerous specialty restaurants and an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere. This ship targets a clientele seeking a more relaxed, refined cruise focused on the gastronomic discovery of destinations.
Inaugural Voyage: July 2025
Capacity: 1,469 passengers
Home Port: Europe and the Caribbean
Viking Vesta
The Viking Vesta is Viking’s twelfth ocean-going ship and continues Viking’s tradition of understated luxury. The ship boasts the Scandinavian design for which Viking is renowned, with numerous intimate and light-filled spaces, as well as panoramic observation areas. The Vesta also offers a wide selection of comfortable restaurants, bars, and lounges, along with generous inclusions such as shore excursions, wine and beer with meals, and Wi-Fi. Popular areas include the Wintergarden, the main Atrium, two swimming pools (including an infinity pool aft), and a full-service thermal spa.
Inaugural Voyage: July 2025
Capacity: 998 passengers
Home Port: Mediterranean
Luminara of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The Luminara is the third ultra-luxury superyacht in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The ship offers 226 spacious suites, all with private terraces and large panoramic windows, and luxurious materials such as Arabescato Corchia marble and walnut wood in the public areas. On board, guests will find five fine dining restaurants (including gourmet concepts created with award-winning chefs), seven elegant bars, a full-service Ritz-Carlton® Spa, panoramic pools, and a floating marina for direct access to the sea.
Inaugural Voyage: July 2025.
Capacity: 452 passengers.
Home Port: Mediterranean.
Star of the Seas
The Star of the Seas is one of the world’s largest cruise ships, the second largest in the Icon class, designed for families and thrill-seekers. It offers a multitude of onboard attractions: the largest water park at sea with six slides, several pools and whirlpools, as well as themed areas like Surfside for families. There are also theatrical entertainment experiences, a variety of bars and restaurants with included options, and numerous distinct neighborhoods to explore.
Inaugural Voyage: August 2025.
Capacity: 7,600 passengers.
Home Port: Miami / Port Canaveral (Orlando), USA.
Virgin Brilliant Lady
The fourth adults-only ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet. This ship embodies Virgin’s rebellious, modern, and festive spirit, with a strong emphasis on social experiences, innovative entertainment, and contemporary design. Onboard spaces include stylish bars, lounge areas, immersive shows, clubs, and themed restaurants like Rojo by Razzle Dazzle—all without traditional buffets.
Inaugural Voyage: September 2025.
Capacity: 2,762 passengers.
Home Ports: Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle
Star Princess
The newest ship in the Sphere class, the Star Princess emphasizes comfort, panoramic spaces, and a friendly atmosphere. Highlights include numerous outdoor areas with spacious decks and an infinity pool at the stern, a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and lounges, as well as modern entertainment, casinos, and sports facilities. The Star Princess is designed to offer an elegant and relaxed experience, while also providing a wealth of onboard activities.
- Inaugural Voyage: October 2025
- Capacity: 4,300 passengers
- Home Port: Fort Lauderdale / Mediterranean
Disney Destiny
Disney Destiny is a ship particularly focused on immersive, family-friendly themed experiences. It offers areas inspired by Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars franchises, such as AquaMouse water rides, children’s play areas, interactive restaurants, and live entertainment. A distinctive feature is the integration of Disney characters and stories into themed shows and dining, as well as dedicated spaces for adults and children, making it much more than just a cruise—it’s an entertainment adventure inspired by the Disney universe.
- Inaugural Voyage: November 2025.
- Capacity: 4,000 passengers.
- Home Port: Fort Lauderdale.
Celebrity Xcel
The fifth ship in the renowned Edge series, the Celebrity Xcel combines modern luxury and Celebrity’s signature upscale experiences with unique new features. Its major innovation is “The Bazaar,” an interactive cultural space hosting culinary festivals, performances, and workshops inspired by the destinations visited. On board, you’ll also find specialty restaurants, unique bars like a secret speakeasy, and sophisticated relaxation areas. This ship is designed for travelers seeking elegance, fine dining, and enriching cultural experiences.
- Inaugural Voyage: November 2025.
- Capacity: 3,937 passengers.
- Home Port: Fort Lauderdale.
Windstar Star Seeker
The Star Seeker is the first new ship built in Windstar Cruises’ “Star Class.” It is a small-scale luxury cruise yacht focused on an intimate and personalized atmosphere. The ship features 112 spacious suites, most with a private veranda or large picture window, offering ocean views from almost every stateroom. Onboard amenities include elegant public spaces, several restaurants—including the new Basil + Bamboo specialty restaurant (fine dining)—a panoramic lounge café, a spa, and a Watersports Platform providing direct access to the sea for paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling at various ports of call.
- Inaugural Voyage: December 2025.
- Capacity: 224 passengers.
- Home Port: Alaska, Caribbean and Asia
