The exciting new crop of cruise ships coming in 2025

Next year’s slipways will see the launch of numerous large, family-oriented ships dedicated to sailing in the Caribbean. If you find yourself in North America and are looking for a relaxing add-on, you’ll find plenty to please you.

The 3571-passenger Norwegian Aqua will sail five- and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York from April 2025. Other ships will be based in Florida, including the new 6762-passenger MSC World America from April and 7600-guest Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas from August.

An artist’s impression of the pool area on Oceania Allura, set to launch later this year.

In November 2025, 3260-passenger Celebrity Xcel sees the return of Celebrity ship favourites such as the cantilevered Magic Carpet, multi-level Sunset Bar and The Retreat, as well as an expanded Rooftop Garden and Resort Deck.

After a quiet decade, Disney Cruise Line is also expanding. The 4000-guest Disney Treasure arrives this December, followed by Disney Destiny in November 2025. Both will also be dedicated to the Caribbean.

Of more interest to Australians, no doubt, will be 6700-guest Disney Adventure, due to launch in December 2025 (bookings open this December). The ship will homeport in Singapore and sail South-East Asian voyages.

Although not a new ship, the entirely refurbished and rebranded Disney Adventure will feature Disney, Pixar and Marvel themes. It promises swimming pools, a garden, several performance spaces and areas of the ship dedicated exclusively to tweens, teens or adults.

Meanwhile, those after a new family-friendly option in the Mediterranean can sail on Princess Cruises’ new 4300-passenger Star Princess from October 2025, after which the ship crosses the Atlantic for Florida.

If the thought of holidaying with sugar-filled children horrifies you, take heart. In September 2025, adults-only cruise line Virgin Voyages launches 2770-passenger Brilliant Lady, which will sail from New York on voyages to Canada and New England, Bermuda and Charleston, before heading to Los Angeles via the Panama Canal.

Also adults-only – but more educational than party minded – is Viking Cruises. Viking Vela launched in December 2024, while Viking Vesta is set to launch in July 2025. Both ships carry 998 passengers and sail inaugural seasons in Europe. Although slightly larger than Viking’s previous 10 ocean ships, they remain near-identical, and retain the cruise line’s much-admired spa, restaurants and Nordic design.

The Viking ships are among the few smaller, more upmarket ships launching in 2025, since a spate of premium and luxury vessels has already arrived over the last couple of years.

From July 2025 in the Mediterranean you can sashay on board Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s third and largest ship Luminara (452 guests) or Oceania’s 1200-guest Allura, which features a spa and vitality centre, multiple lounges and bars, and several new dining venues – including innovative American restaurant Ember – for a cruise line that already claims some of the best food at sea.

Finally, December 2025 sees the arrival of Windstar Cruises’ 224-guest Star Seeker, which will sail inaugural seasons in the Caribbean, Alaska and, from September 2026, Japan.