With the excitement of a new year comes anticipation of brand-new cruise ships. As with most other years, there’s a slew of exciting new vessels coming in 2025. These include Celebrity’s final Edge-class ship Celebrity Xcel, Disney’s first purpose-built vessel for Asia, Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class ship, and more. To help with your vacation planning, here are our picks for the 11 most exciting new cruise ships debuting in 2025.

11 New Cruise Ships Debuting in 2025

Allura

Scheduled debut date: July 2025
Line / ship class: Oceania Cruises / Allura Class
Size: 67,000 gross tons / 1,200 guests

Allura is the second ship in Oceania Cruises’ Allura class, following the debut of Vista in 2023. Part of a culinary-focused cruise line, Allura will feature many of the same restaurants as Vista. These include Ember serving reimagined American classics, Terrace Cafe, the new Crêperie, and Aquamar Kitchen — which features a menu of healthier options. The vessel will also house an expansive Culinary Center, which will include the new Chef’s Studio where onboard chef instructors will share their expertise.

All 612 of the staterooms on Allura will feature balconies, including six brand-new Concierge Level Solo Veranda staterooms. A variety of suite categories will also be available on the ship, as well as both Veranda and French Veranda cabins.

Other features of Allura include the Artist Loft where guests can take art classes, the Aquamar Spa with a spa sundeck, the Vitality fitness center with complimentary exercise classes, and multiple bars and lounges.

Allura is scheduled to sail in the Mediterranean for her inaugural season. The ship will then head to the Caribbean for the winter 2025-2026 season.

Brilliant Lady

Scheduled debut date: September 2025
Line: Virgin Voyages
Size: 110,000 gross tons / 2,770 guests

The fourth ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet, Brilliant Lady has been patiently waiting for her debut since delivery earlier this year. While most aspects of Brilliant Lady will be similar to her predecessors, some will be different. Notably, she is the first Virgin ship built to be able to transit the Panama Canal. This is due to her width ( the ‘beam’ in maritime terms) and ability to move the lifeboats inward during transit. She will also be the first Virgin Voyages ship to sail in Alaska.

The ship will feature the cabins that guests have come to know and love, including interior (Insider), oceanview (Sea View), and balcony (Sea Terrace) staterooms that feature a hammock. However, new to Brilliant Lady will be a new Sea Terrace category that features two hammocks on the balcony. The suite categories RockStar Quarters and Mega RockStar Quarters will also be available.

Specific details on how similar (or different) dining on board Brilliant Lady will be compared to her sister ships has not yet been announced. The line has said that concepts from its Eat and Drink Festival will be found on board, which included an Asian Night Market and a cocktail treasure hunt across several bars on board. Otherwise, it’s safe to assume that the ship will feature the same restaurants including Razzle Dazzle, Gunbae Korean BBQ, The Galley fast-casual fare, The Wake steakhouse, and more.

Virgin Voyages has also said that it will be introducing new music, comedy, and entertainment options aboard Brilliant Lady. Other features of the vessel will include The Dock aft sundeck and bar complete with daybeds, as well as the adjacent indoor Dock House with comfy seating and a laid-back atmosphere. Virgin’s iconic Scarlet Night and Pajama Party will also be found on Brilliant Lady. Additionally, guests can enoy The Manor nightclub, Redemption Spa, and The Red Room — a transformational entertainment venue.

Brilliant Lady will debut in NYC, offering Canada/New England and Bermuda voyages before homeporting in Miami to operate Caribbean cruises through the winter. In spring 2026, the ship will sail to Mexico and California from Los Angeles before heading up to Seattle to offer Alaska cruises through the summer.

Celebrity Xcel

Scheduled debut date: November 2025
Line / ship class: Celebrity Cruises / Edge Class
Size: 141,420 gross tons / 3,260 guests

Celebrity Xcel will be the fifth and final ship in Celebrity’s Edge class. It will feature many of the same venues and experiences as the other Edge-class ships, with some slight changes. One such change will be a larger Rooftop Garden, including an expansion over the side of the ship. The Grand Plaza (atrium) has been redesigned to let in more natural light as well. Celebrity has also hinted that there will be more entertainment options and parties on Xcel.

Favorite spots on board will include the multi-level aft Sunset Bar, the Magic Carpet cantilevered platform, a spa with SEA Thermal Suite, and The Retreat ship-within-a-ship complex. Like the two latest Edge-class ships (Beyond and Ascent), it will feature a fine dining restaurant by Chef Daniel Boulud, in addition to all the other favorites. The plant and light-filled multi-purpose venue Eden, complete with a bar, restaurant, and lounge, will also be found on Xcel.

When she sets sail, Celebrity Xcel will cruise from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.

Disney Adventure

Scheduled debut date: 2025 (month TBA)
Line / ship class: Disney Cruise Line / Global Class
Size: 208,000 gross tons / ~ 6,000 guests

Another one of the new cruise ships debuting in 2025, Disney Adventure will be the first mega ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. It’s also the line’s first purpose-built ship for the Asian market. The vessel will feature Disney Imagination Garden, a central open-air garden complete with Disney character topiaries, interior-facing balcony cabins, an Avengers-themed stage show, and a three-story storybook castle art piece. The space will also include two casual restaurants: Mowgli’s Eatery serving Indian cuisine and Gramma Tala’s Kitchen, offering up dishes inspired by the flavors of the Pacific and Asia.

The ship will also feature Disney Discovery Reef, San Fransokyo Street, and Wayfinder Bay where guests can shop, dine, and be entertained in areas inspired by their favorite Disney characters. Not to mention, there’s Marvel Landing with all-new super hero experiences and Toy Story Place with interactive play areas.

Disney Adventure will sail from Singapore, offering three and four-night cruises to nowhere. These voyages will spend the entire cruise at sea with no ports. As part of this collaboration between Disney Cruise Line and Singapore Tourism Board, the ship will sail from Marina Bay Cruise Center for at least five years.

Disney Destiny

Scheduled debut date: November 2025
Line / ship class: Disney Cruise Line / Wish Class
Size: 144,000 gross tons / ~ 2,508 guests

Following the launch of Disney Treasure in late 2024, Disney Destiny will be the third vessel in the Triton class along with Disney Wish. These three new DCL ships will bring the total Disney Cruise Line fleet up to 8 vesels. The theme for many spaces on the ship will be heroes and villains, including classic Disney heroes and villains as well as characters from the Marvel Universe. It will feature a Black Panther-inspired Grand Hall (atrium) as well as an all-new lounge inspired by Doctor Strange.

Staterooms on the ship will include the exclusive Destiny Tower Suite — a one-of-a-kind accommodation in the funnel themed to Iron Man. Disney Destiny will also offer Hero Suites inspired by Hercules as well as Incredibles-themed IncrediSuites. Other staterooms will be similar to what Disney guests are used to, with most featuring Disney’s signature split-bathroom concept.

The three rotational main dining rooms on Destiny will feature two returning venues: Worlds of Marvel and 1923. The third restaurant will be the line’s first Lion King-themed dining room, Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King. As guests eat, they’ll enjoy a musical journey through the movie’s soundtrack. Disney Destiny’s confectionery will be themed to Edna Mode from Incredibles, and the ship will also feature two cafes inspired by Megara from Hercules and Merida from Brave.

Other features will include a Haunted Mansion bar and a Pirates of the Caribbean themed bar. The ship’s two upscale specialty restaurants will be Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté. The AquaMouse water attraction will be on board with a brand-new villains-themed storyline, and an immersive Oceaneer Club for kids with themes including Marvel Super Heroes, Star Wars, Disney Princesses, and more.

Disney Destiny will sail from Fort Lauderdale, offering an inaugural season of four and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and western Caribbean.

A Bit More on Disney Treasure

While technically launching in December 2024, most guests likely won’t get the chance to sail on Disney Treasure until 2025. This second ship in the Triton class is themed for adventure and exploration. Disney Treasure will tell stories of adventure not only from classic Disney movies but (for the first time ever) also from widely popular theme park attractions.

Disney Treasure showcases Captain Hook and Peter Pan at the stern. Aladdin and Jasmine on a magic carpet adorn the Grand Hall. The three main dining rooms will include Worlds of Marvel with a second show “Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix”, the all-new Plaza de Coco, and 1923. The Haunted Mansion Parlor will replace Hyperspace Lounge and the Skipper Society lounge themed after the Jungle Cruise attraction will replace The Bayou. This ship will also debut a brand-new Moana-inspired show called The Tale of Moana.

Disney Treasure will sail 7-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean out of Port Canaveral.

Luminara

Scheduled debut date: July 2025
Line: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Size: 46,750 gross tons / 452 guests

Luminara will be the third vessel in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet, following Evrima and Ilma. Design for the all-suite, all-balcony cabins has been inspired by a private yacht. It will feature five restaurants, six bars, a wine vault, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa. An expanded marina will provide guests direct access to the sea.

Among the upper-suite categories will be new accommodations called The Residential Suites. They feature a separate living and dining area, a double vanity bathroom with soaking tub and separate shower, and a walk-in closet. Other suite categories on the ship include the Terrace Suites (the lowest category with its own seating area), the Signature Suites with a small separate living and dining area and a soaking tub, and the large Concierge Suites with a separate living and dining area, double vanity bathroom with soaking tub, and a balcony with al fresco dining area, outdoor shower, and hot tub.

Luminara will spend summer 2025 operating mostly seven-night cruises in the Mediterranean. The ship will spend winter 2025-2026 sailing in Asia.

MSC World America

Scheduled debut date: April 2025
Line / ship class: MSC Cruises / World Class
Size: 215,863 gross tons / 5,200 guests

MSC World America will be the second World-class ship for MSC Cruises, following MSC World Europa. Like its name implies, MSC World America will homeport in the U.S., sailing seven-day cruises from Miami to the eastern and western Caribbean. This class of ships is a completey new design for the cruise line.

The mega ship will feature seven districts, including Family Aventura featuring The Harbour outdoor park with a ropes course, an 11-story slide, and a new swinging attraction called the Cliffhanger. Other districts are Aqua Deck with the ship’s two main pools and The Terraces featuring nine restaurants and bars and a comedy club, among others.

MSC World America will also feature a massive MSC Yacht Club. This luxurious ship-within-a-ship is dedicated to guests in Yacht Club accommodations and includes its own sundeck, lounge, and restaurant.

Restaurant and bar highlights on MSC World America will include The Gin Project, Italian restaurant Eataly, Paxos Greek restaurant, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, Emporium coffee bar, Hola! Tacos and Cantina, and the Jean-Phillipe Chocolate Shop and Café.

Accommodation options on MSC World America will be extensive, including the standard interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins; a number of non-Yacht Club suite categories (including one with a hot tub); and Yacht Club accommodations ranging from interiors to Owner’s Suites.

Norwegian Aqua

Scheduled debut date: April 2025
Line / ship class: Norwegian Cruise Line / Prima Plus Class
Size: 156,300 gross tons / 3,571 guests

Norwegian Aqua, the third in NCL’s Prima class, will be 10 percent larger than her predecessors — Norwegian Prima and Viva — and feature some slight differences. Notably, this ship will not feature a go-kart racetrack. Instead, it will include a new thrill ride, the Aqua Slidecoaster. This part hybrid roller coaster and waterslide wraps around the funnel and can reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour.

Aqua will also include the line’s first Thai restaurant, Sukhothai (which is replacing Food Republic from the sister ships). The vessel’s adults-only sundeck Vibe Beach Club, the main pool deck, and the Ocean Boulevard waterfront promenade will be much larger and offer even more outdoor space. The teppanyaki restaurant, Hasuki, and the Metropolitan cocktail bar are also enlarged, the latter of which will now feature a grand piano and entertainment space.

Other highlights of Norwegian Aqua will include The Drop dry slide, an expanded Stadium, and a new Glow Court. Additional dining options include the Indulge Food Hall with its various stations offering a variety of cuisine as well as favorites like Cagney’s and Le Bistro. The ship will also feature Syd Norman’s Pour House, Improv at Sea (with a larger space), and a new production show themed to Prince and his music.

Norwegian Aqua will also feature The Haven, a luxury ship-within-a-ship complex. Alongside the same suite categories on other ships in the NCL fleet, The Haven will also include a brand-new three-bedroom duplex suite. Also on the ship are NCL’s famous studio staterooms for solo travelers, complete with an exclusive lounge.

When she sets sail, Norwegian Aqua will offer 7-day itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida. From August through October of 2025, the ship will position to New York for 5- and 7-day voyages to Bermuda. Then, she will sail Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami through April 2026.

Star of the Seas

Scheduled debut date: August 2025
Line / ship class: Royal Caribbean International / Icon Class
Size: 250,800 gross tons / 5,610 guests

Royal Caribbean is continuing its Icon class with the debut of Star of the Seas. This ship will now be the largest cruise ship in the world upon its debut. Like Icon of the Seas, the vessel will feature eight neighborhoods. It will feature many of the same venues and amenities including Category 6 waterpark, Crown’s Edge thrill ride, Absolute Zero ice skating rink, the AquaDome with indoor AquaTheater, and The Hideaway adults-only deck with suspended infinity pool. Star will also feature the family-friendly Surfside neighborhood complete with The Lemon Post family bar and the plant-filled Central Park area.

Unlike Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas won’t feature a New York City-themed supper club. Instead, the Chicago-themed Lincoln Park Supper Club will replace the Empire Supper Club. Other returning dining spots will include Chops Grille, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, AquaDome Market food hall, and the casual Basecamp.

Further, the ship will have a huge variety of staterooms, including the Surfside Family Suites with a separate room for the kids. Both traditional and infinite balcony cabins will also be available. The massive three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse is complete with an in-suite slide and “backyard” with direct access to the Surfside neighborhood.

While there haven’t been any entertainment announcements yet, the Back to the Future Musical is rumored to be the new signature show.

Star of the Seas will offer seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Star Princess

Scheduled debut date: October 2025
Line / ship class: Princess Cruises / Sphere Class
Size: 178,000 gross tons / 4,300 guests

The second ship in Princess’ Sphere class, Star Princess will offer many of the same features aboard Sun Princess. It will include The Dome, a glass-paneled venue that serves as both a solarium and entertainment space. The ship’s piazza will also feature a glass spherical shape that is visible from the outside of the ship. What Princess calls the “most technically advanced theater at sea,” the Arena, will also be on Star Princess.

Restaurants found on board will include The Butcher’s Block steakhouse, Umai Teppanyaki, Makato Ocean, and returning favorites like Crown Grill and Sabatini’s. Spellbound by Magic Castle — a part-dining, part-entertainment experience is also part of the entertainment lineup on Star Princess.

Suites on the ship will include the new Cabana Mini-Suites with private cabanas for the first time in the Princess fleet, Sky Suites which feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a separate seating area, and more. All suites are part of the Sanctuary Collection, which includes access to an exclusive restaurant, lounge, and sundeck with pool. Other accommodations include multiple balcony categories — including one with access to The Sanctuary amenities — plus standard oceanview and interior cabins.

Star Princess will offer two Mediterranean voyages in October 2025 before setting sail for Fort Lauderdale. From Florida, the ship will operate seven and 14-night Caribbean voyages through the winter. It will then reposition to Seattle for a 2026 summer season of sailings to Alaska.

Viking Vesta

Scheduled debut date: July 2025
Line / ship class: Viking / Ocean ship
Size: 54,300 gross tons / 998 guests

Viking Vesta is a continuation of Viking’s now-large fleet of ocean ships. Though, it will be a bit larger than the others that are currently sailing. For reference, Viking’s current ocean ships are just under 48,000 gross tons and carry 930 guests each. Despite the slightly larger size, Viking Vesta will still be nearly identical to the other vessels on the guest-facing side. The larger size is to accommodate new hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Features will include The Nordic Spa with thermal suite and Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant. Also on board are the Torshavn bar and music lounge and World Cafe buffet. The outdoor Aquavit Terrace features al fresco dining and an aft infinity pool. The light-filled Wintergarden near the main pool is the venue for daily afternoon tea. The cozy Explorer’s Lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows, and Mamsen’s serves waffles and split pea soup. Viking Vesta also includes a sports deck.

Like all Viking ocean ships, Viking Vesta will offer a nearly all-inclusive cruise experience. Besides accommodations, all dining and non-alcoholic beverages like water and specialty coffee are part of the cruise fare. Other drink inclusions are beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. A shore excursion in each port of call, basic WiFi, access to the thermal suite, and room service are also complimentary.

Viking Vesta will sail in the Mediterranean, offering a variety of mostly seven to 21-day voyages. She will sail from various homeports including Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Piraeus (Athens).

Note: Passenger capacity figures are based on double occupancy.

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Do you have plans to sail on any of these new cruise ships debuting in 2025? Which of these ships are you most excited to check out? Drop us an anchor below to share your cruise plans for the new year.