Seven Cruise Ships to Look Forward to in 2025

Unlike the last few years, 2025 doesn’t bring the debut of any brand-new class of ship. Instead, cruise lines are focusing on second and third iterations of existing classes, refining their designs to offer even better experiences.

Let’s dive into the seven most anticipated new ships launching in 2025.

Norwegian Aqua

Debut: April 2025

The Norwegian Aqua is the third ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Class but introduces the new Prima-Plus subclass. This iteration expands the ship’s footprint by 10% compared to its predecessors, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. With this additional space, Aqua accommodates 3,571 guests and features 114 extra cabins.

New for Norwegian Aqua

The Norwegian Aqua introduces several first-of-their-kind attractions:

Aqua Slidecoaster

The Aqua replaces the race track with a thrilling hybrid water slide and rollercoaster that spans three decks. Magnetic lifts propel riders through twisting and turning tubes.

Glow Court

An interactive LED sports court transforms into a nightclub after dark, combining physical activity with a high-energy nightlife vibe.

Improved Pool Deck Area

The revamped pool deck offers guests better seating arrangements and more shade options. It’s also 10% larger, addressing one of the biggest shortcomings of the Prima Class: a cramped main pool area.

New Bars and Restaurants

The Aqua introduces Norwegian’s first specialty Thai restaurant, Sukhothai (replacing Food Republic). It will also debut a new wine bar, Swirls, allowing guests to sample a variety of vintages from around the world.

Norwegian Aqua Sailing Information

Norwegian Aqua is currently undergoing sea trials. When it debuts, the ship will sail Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral and Miami, and Bermuda itineraries from New York City.

MSC World America

Debut: April 2025

MSC World America, set to debut in April 2025, is a follow-up to the MSC World Europa, which launched in late 2022. The World Class ships take heavy inspiration from Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships, featuring a long interior promenade, a split superstructure design creating interior-facing cabins, and seven distinct neighborhoods (or “districts,” as MSC calls them) to help reduce crowding.

New for World America

MSC designed World America exclusively for the U.S. cruise market.

Family Aventura District

A place for adventure all day, featuring a ropes course, playground, and a new over-water swing ride, Cliffhanger.

All-Stars Sports Bar

MSC’s take on the American sports bar, this new venue has 35 large-screen TVs, American sports memorabilia, and interactive games like darts and digital shuffleboard.

The Loft Comedy Club

A New York-style comedy club offering stand-up performances, dueling pianos, karaoke, and late-night DJ sets for diverse entertainment options.

Masters of the Sea Pub with Microbrewery

A traditional British pub featuring an onboard microbrewery that offers craft beers, including IPAs and lighter lagers tailored to American tastes.

World America Sailing Information

World America is currently undergoing sea trials. When it debuts, the ship will sail 7-14 day itineraries out of Miami.

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

Debut: August 2025

When Star of the Seas debuts in August 2025, it will tie with its sister ship, Icon of the Seas, as the largest cruise ship in the world. As the second ship in the Icon Class, Star of the Seas builds upon the unprecedented success of Icon, which has been in high demand since its launch.

Star of the Seas Features

The ship will share many of the innovative spaces that made Icon a hit:

Category 6 Waterpark

The ship will feature the Category 6 Waterpark, billed as the largest waterpark at sea. It features six record-breaking slides and is complimentary for all guests. The waterpark seems to be one of the most divisive parts of the ship, with some people saying it makes the ship look too much like a floating theme park.

Surfside Neighborhood

Royal Caribbean has replaced the Boardwalk neighborhood from its Oasis Class ships with a new neighborhood dedicated totally to families. This area has everything families need in one spot: a splash park, pools, play areas, the arcade, even a dedicated family buffet with lower counters for kids.

Dueling Piano Bar

In addition to the Schooner Bar, Royal Caribbean’s classic piano bar, guests can enjoy energetic dueling piano performances. These energetic shows are a hit on Icon and the venue returns on Star.

AquaDome

This massive, glass-enclosed space offers relaxation by day and vibrant entertainment by night. Guests will find an AquaTheater for shows, a food hall with various included food options, and dedicated bars.

Star of the Seas Refinements

Royal Caribbean has made subtle yet impactful improvements to refine the design and increase the guest experience.

• Kid-Focused Pool in Surfside Neighborhood: Added play areas make this space even more family-friendly.
• Additional Hot Tub: More options for relaxation onboard.
• Updated Dining Concept: A new, yet-to-be-announced dining venue will replace Pier 7 in the Surfside Neighborhood.
• Theater Production: The main show will be “Back to the Future: The Musical,” an exciting adaptation of the beloved film.

Star of the Seas Sailing Information

The ship will be homeported in Port Canaveral, Florida, offering 7-day Caribbean itineraries.

Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady

Debut: September 2025

You have to feel bad for Brilliant Lady. Originally scheduled to debut in 2023, the ship was delayed due to shipyard and staffing issues. It’s now set for its first revenue sailing in September 2025, although the ship has already been spotted sailing around the world.

Key Features

Brilliant Lady builds upon Virgin Voyages’ solid debut in the cruise market.

Nearly Everything Included

Like its sister ships, Brilliant Lady will offer a nearly all-inclusive experience. Guests onboard get standard Wi-Fi, soda packages, fitness classes, all included. In addition, all the restaurants onboard the ship are included in the cruise fare. The ship, as well as all Virgin Ships, is also kid free; all guests must be 18 or older.

Impressive Views

Brilliant Lady will have plenty of spaces to take in the scenery, the most popular being the private red hammocks on nearly every balcony cabin on the ship. Many of the public spaces also have great ocean views, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows in The Galley (the main casual eatery onboard), the gyms, and many of the restaurants.

Fitness Forward Options

While Virgin Voyages cruises are NOT health cruises, they give you so many options to pamper or better yourself while onboard. Brilliant Lady will have two gyms (one cardio and one strength), a dedicated running track, outdoor workout equipment, cold-pressed juices, vegan food options, and included fitness classes.

Brilliant Lady Refinements

The Brilliant Lady has had a few minor changes that allow it to pass through the Panama Canal, making it easier to transition between the East and West coasts of the U.S.

Otherwise, the ship will be mostly similar to its sister ships, Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady, with some new entertainment options and possibly a new menu for Razzle Dazzle, which is rumored to become Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle.

Still, Virgin Voyages hasn’t released all the details, and they might have a few other enhancements up their sleeves.

Brilliant Lady Sailing Information

Brilliant Lady will hit all four corners of the US when she debuts allowing everyone to check out the newest ship. It’ll visit Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Baha Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, and Alaska.

Princess Cruises Star Princess

Debut: September 2025

The launch of Sun Princess, the first Sphere Class ship by Princess Cruises, was fraught with challenges. The ship was delayed several times, and once launched, most of the entertainment wasn’t ready. They had to scrap nearly all the family-friendly top deck attractions months after launch. They also had to move around a few of the specialty restaurants to better accommodate guests. Hopefully, Princess learned from the first launch, and Star Princess, the second in the class, will fare better (although its launch was already delayed by two months).

Star Princess Features

The Piazza

The beautiful Piazza is the heart of the ship, with floor-to-ceiling windows and seating to watch the ship’s events.

The Dome

The Dome is a totally enclosed space that provides relaxation during the day and vibrant shows and parties at night. Unfortunately, the space on Sun Princess is grossly undersized for the night-time shows, and it doesn’t seem like that will be fixed on Star Princess (although if they change the seating configurations, they can easily hold more people).

Enhancements over Sun Princess

• More Space in Specialty Restaurants: O’Malley’s Irish Pub will hold 37% more guests, Love by Britto will hold 29% more, and other restaurants like Butcher’s Block, The Catch by Rudi, and Crown Grill will be better positioned for guest comfort.
• Expanded Non-Smoking Casino Areas: Providing more options for guests.
• Sports Court and Track: Replacing Park19, this new addition appeals to active cruisers.

Star Princess Sailing Information

The ship will begin its inaugural season in the Caribbean before heading to Alaska in the spring.

Celebrity Xcel

Debut: November 2025

The Celebrity Xcel marks the fifth and final ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class. Like its predecessors, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Apex, this ship features an elongated design that allows for enhanced public spaces and amenities.

Key Features

Expanded Grand Plaza Atrium

The heart of the ship is larger and more elegant, offering a spacious hub for entertainment, dining, and socializing.

Rooftop Garden

Redesigned for better functionality and flow, this open-air space is perfect for relaxing or enjoying live music and al fresco dining and includes two infinity pools.

Magic Carpet

The ship retains the iconic cantilevered platform that moves between decks, providing unique dining and lounge experiences.

Improved Sunset Bar

The multi-level, terraced bar located at the ship’s aft provides impressive panoramic views.

Infinity Veranda Staterooms

The Celebrity Xcel sticks with the controversial Infinity Veranda design for most of its cabins. These rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that lower to create a pseudo-balcony, dividing opinions among guests who either love the innovation or prefer traditional balcony spaces.

New for Celebrity Xcel

• Tri-fuel Engines: Celebrity Xcel will be the first in the fleet equipped with tri-fuel engines, including methanol capability, marking a significant step toward sustainable cruising and the company’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
• 7 New Experiences: According to Celebrity, the Xcel will feature “seven new experiences,” which will be released closer to the initial sailing date.

Celebrity Xcel Sailing Information

Celebrity Xcel will sail 5-8 night Caribbean sailings out of Fort Lauderdale and 7-16 night Mediterranean sailings.

Disney Destiny

Debut: November 2025

Disney Destiny will be the third ship in the Wish Class. This class of ship represents a huge departure for Disney from their smaller, ocean-liner-themed ships like the Fantasy and Dream. While some people love the new larger design, staunch Disney cruise fans might miss the more intimate feel of the older ships.

The Destiny will be mostly similar to the Wish and Treasure in terms of attractions and layouts, but many spaces will have new theming. Disney Destiny has a “Heroes and Villains” Theme, inspired by the dynamic duality in Disney stories, featuring characters from “The Lion King,” “Hercules,” and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians.”

New Themed Spaces

Black Panther-Inspired Grand Hall

When guests first walk onto the ship, they’ll be greeted by a magnificent three-story space themed after Marvel’s “Black Panther.” The Grand Hall features a statue of T’Challa and design inspired by Wakanda. The Aladdin-themed Grand Hall on the Treasure that just debuted set a high bar; hopefully the Destiny’s design will surpass it.

Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King

The Destiny has a new dining experience celebrating “The Lion King.” Replacing the Frozen and Coco-themed restaurants on other ships, this dinner venue will have live performances and a Lion King-themed menu. It will be part of the rotational dining program on the Destiny.

De Vil’s Piano Lounge

The Destiny will feature a lounge inspired by Cruella De Vil, featuring her signature colors and a Dalmatian-spotted piano.

Cask and Cannon

Disney Destiny will also feature a pub-themed after “Pirates of the Caribbean” with aged rums and unique cocktails.

Haunted Mansion Parlor

The Haunted Mansion Parlor, which just debuted on the Disney Treasure, will make a comeback on the Destiny. The bar features many nods to the different Haunted Mansions located in Disney Parks around the world.

Disney Destiny Sailing Information

Disney Destiny will set sail in late 2025 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida offering 4- and 5-night itineraries.

Lots of Options for 2025

As you can see, there’s a lot to be excited for in 2025. If you’re interested in any of these ships, its better to book sooner rather than later. All of these cruise lines have reported very strong booking positions with prices going up as the sail date gets closer.

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