New Cruise Ships 2025 and Beyond: What’s Launching Next?
The future of cruising is closer than it seems. Starting in 2025, several cruise lines will debut exciting new ships built for innovation, luxury, and fresh experiences. Whether you're eyeing ocean giants or intimate river vessels, this guide covers what to expect and when it arrives.
Below you'll find a lineup of the most anticipated ships launching in 2025 and 2026, sorted by their maiden sailings. Each includes guest capacity and debut date where available, to help you plan early.
Ready to sail on something brand new? Let a Personal Travel Advisor from Avoya Travel help you explore your options.
2025 Cruise Ship Launches by Date
Star Princess – Princess Cruises
Maiden sailing: October 4, 2025
Guest capacity: ~4,300 passengers
Length and size: 1,133 ft long (345 m), 175,500 GT
This second Sphere-class ship will feature more than 29 restaurants, bars, and lounges, including Princess’ signature Sabatini’s Trattoria and The Catch by Rudi. Expect MedallionClass® enhancements for personalized service, and a reimagined Piazza with ocean views and an LED globe. Luxurious Sky Suites, expanded pool decks, a two-story Lotus Spa, and an outdoor adventure park complete the experience. This cruise ship will debut from the Mediterranean before heading to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Alaska.
Brilliant Lady – Virgin Voyages
Maiden sailing: September 5, 2025, from New York City
Guest capacity: ~2,770 adults only
Length and size: About 912 ft long, 110,000 GT
Virgin Voyages' fourth ship in its adults-only fleet brings bold design, wellness spaces, immersive nightlife, and varied itineraries across North America, the Caribbean, and even repositioning voyages toward Alaska. With over 20 included eateries such as Korean BBQ, mezze-style dining, and a retro diner, Brilliant Lady is designed for adults seeking wellness, nightlife, and bold design. Signature features include The Red Room theater, Redemption Spa, and suites with mood lighting and rain showers.
Viking Tonle – Viking River Cruises
Debut: October 2025 (specific date TBD)
Guest capacity: ~80 passengers
Length and size: 259 feet
This new river vessel is crafted for the Mekong River, offering luxurious cabins and culturally immersive travel in Vietnam and Cambodia. Viking Tonle delivers a boutique experience with veranda and French balcony cabins. The single onboard restaurant offers regionally inspired menus. Guests can relax on the Sun Deck, enjoy panoramic views in the indoor lounge, and participate in immersive cultural programming focused on Vietnam and Cambodia.
Celebrity Xcel – Celebrity Cruises
Maiden Sailing: November 18, 2025, from Fort Lauderdale
Guest capacity: ~3,260 passengers
Length and size: 1,073 feet, 140,600 GT
As the fifth Edge class ship, Celebrity Xcel will feature The Retreat, Infinite Verandas, and eco-conscious advancements. Celebrity Xcel will offer over 30 dining and drinking venues including Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, Eden, and the Magic Carpet bar. The ship features The Retreat, an exclusive suite enclave with a private restaurant and sundeck. Guests can enjoy a rooftop garden, multi-deck resort decks, Infinite Verandas, and cutting-edge sustainability enhancements. She is planned to cruise from Fort Lauderdale in the Caribbean.
Disney Destiny – Disney Cruise Line
Maiden sailing: November 20, 2025, from Fort Lauderdale
Guest capacity: ~4,000 passengers
Length and size: 1,119 feet, 144,000 GT
This Wish class ship continues Disney’s legacy of enchantment, themed around heroes and villains, and sails from Fort Lauderdale on 4? and 5?night getaways to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Enjoy three themed main dining rooms as part of Disney’s signature rotational dining. The ship also includes immersive kids' clubs, Broadway-style shows, fireworks at sea, and relaxing adult-only areas like the Quiet Cove pool and lounge.
Disney Adventure – Disney Cruise Line
Maiden sailing: December 15, 2025, from Singapore
Guest capacity: ~6,000 passengers
Length and size: 1,125 feet, 208,000 GT
Disney’s first ship based in Asia will blend familiar Disney themes with regional cultural flair. Sailing from Singapore, it aims to serve families with new design elements tailored to the region. Dining will include fan favorites and new culturally inspired venues. The ship also offers extensive family cabins, kids' play zones, and character-driven activities designed for an international audience.
Seven Seas Prestige – Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Maiden sailing: December 13, 2025, from Barcelona
Guest capacity: ~822 passengers
Length and size: 843 feet, 77,000+ GT
This marks Regent’s first new class in a decade. It will be an all?suite, all?balcony ultra?luxury ship featuring curated culinary and enrichment programs, with itineraries in Europe and the Caribbean. Onboard dining includes Compass Rose, Pacific Rim, and Chartreuse, with an emphasis on gourmet cuisine. Guests will also enjoy a Culinary Arts Kitchen, full-service spa, observation lounges, and highly personalized service in an all-inclusive setting.
Star Explorer – Windstar Cruises
Debut: December 2025 (exact date TBD)
Guest capacity: ~224 passengers
Length and size: 431 feet, 9,923 GT
Expanding Windstar’s all-suite fleet, Star Explorer will navigate smaller ports in the Mediterranean and beyond. Look forward to an intimate onboard vibe, immersive local cuisine, and expert-led shore excursions.
2026 Cruise Ship Launches
Norwegian Luna – Norwegian Cruise Line
Maiden Sailing: March 10, 2026, from Rome
Guest capacity: ~3,550 passengers
Length and size: 1,056 feet, 156,300 GT
As a sister ship to Norwegian Aqua in the Prima Plus class, Luna promises expanded public spaces, elevated wellness amenities, and exclusive dining options, with expected itineraries to the Caribbean and Europe.
Legend of the Seas – Royal Caribbean
Debut: July 2026 (date TBD)
Guest capacity: ~ 5,628 passengers
Length and size: 1,197 feet, 250,800 GT
Following Star of the Seas, this next ship in the Icon class is expected to build on Royal Caribbean’s high energy, family focused design, though specific details and itineraries remain under wraps.
Trends to Watch in New Ships
Upcoming ships reflect evolving trends in cruising:
Sustainability: LNG and other greener power systems are on the rise. More cruise lines are turning to eco-friendly fuel options like LNG (liquefied natural gas), which burns cleaner than traditional marine fuel. These new systems help reduce emissions, lower air pollution, and make cruising more environmentally responsible.
Diverse accommodations: Ships now include solo traveler cabins and multi generation family suites.
Immersive experiences: Expect richer entertainment and destination focused activities.
Wellness and culinary innovation: More emphasis on spa offerings, healthy dining, and immersive food experiences.
Why Book a New Ship with Avoya Travel
New ships create buzz, but the options can be overwhelming. Here’s how a Personal Travel Advisor at Avoya Travel helps:
• Gain early access to launch offers and exclusive incentives
• Receive customized advice based on your travel preferences
• Unlock perks such as onboard credits, cabin upgrades, and discounted excursions
• Get support from booking through embarkation day
Your Insider Look at What’s Next in Cruising
From mega ocean liners to intimate river vessels, 2025 and 2026 will introduce some of the most exciting cruise experiences yet. Whether you're seeking drama, relaxation, immersive culture, or a new adventure, your perfect next ship is around the corner.
Want to be among the first passengers on one of these debut voyages? Reach out to a Personal Travel Advisor at Avoya Travel today and start planning a cruise that’s brand new.
Stay ahead of the tide with the latest cruise ship debuts. From jaw-dropping onboard features to game-changing itineraries, the future of cruising is full of excitement. Connect with a Personal Travel Advisor to explore what’s launching next and be among the first to sail on tomorrow’s most anticipated ships.