Ahoy, shipmates! 2025 is shaping up to be a bumper year for cruise lovers, with a fleet of sparkling new ships ready to drop anchor in oceans and rivers around the globe. From thrilling ocean escapes to tranquil river jaunts, these vessels are brimming with fresh features, luxe amenities, and a healthy dose of wow factor. So grab your life jacket (or just a cocktail), and let’s navigate through the newcomers, sorted by launch date.
Ocean Cruises: Riding the Crest of Innovation
April 2025
MSC World America – MSC Cruises
- Sister Ships: MSC World Europa
- Itinerary: Caribbean from Miami
- Highlights: This eco-friendly mega-ship has more onboard fun than you can shake a captain’s hat at! From the world’s first over-water swing ride to dining options that span the globe, MSC World America is a floating resort with a focus on family fun and sustainability.
Norwegian Aqua – Norwegian Cruise Line
- Sister Ships: Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva
- Itinerary: Caribbean
- Highlights: The first NCL ship to debut the hybrid rollercoaster-water slide, Norwegian Aqua is where adrenaline junkies and sun worshippers collide. With revamped dining options and fresh entertainment, Aqua promises to make waves in the cruising world.
August 2025
Star of the Seas – Royal Caribbean International
- Sister Ships: Icon of the Seas
- Itinerary: Caribbean and Europe
- Highlights: The biggest ship in the world is also a floating playground, with more pools than you’ll know what to do with, top-notch dining, and entertainment to rival the West End. If you’ve ever wanted to sail on a city at sea, Star of the Seas is your ticket.
September 2025
Brilliant Lady – Virgin Voyages
- Sister Ships: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady
- Itinerary: Caribbean and Mediterranean
- Highlights: Virgin’s signature adults-only vibe gets a fresh twist with Brilliant Lady. Think chic pool parties, indulgent wellness spaces, and dining that’s always included (bye-bye buffet queues!). If you love the sound of premium cruising with a side of sass, this ship is for you.
October 2025
Star Princess – Princess Cruises
- Sister Ships: Sun Princess
- Itinerary: Mediterranean and Europe
- Highlights: Following the Sun Princess, Star Princess brings sleek Sphere-class style to the seas, complete with stunning Piazza views, fabulous dining options, and Broadway-style entertainment. Just like her sister she'll be the second Princess ship to offer the exclusive Sanctuary Club for sailors seeking tranquillity at sea. Someone pass the Champagne...
November 2025
Disney Destiny – Disney Cruise Line
- Sister Ships: Disney Wish, Disney Treasure
- Itinerary: Caribbean
- Highlights: Where dreams set sail, Disney Destiny combines Disney magic with ocean escapades. Whether it’s dining in the Lion King-themed restaurant or enjoying immersive character meet-and-greets, Destiny ensures every moment is sprinkled with pixie dust.
Celebrity Xcel – Celebrity Cruises
- Sister Ships: Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Ascent (and her smaller sisters Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex)
- Itinerary: Caribbean and Europe
- Highlights: Stylish, sophisticated, and oh-so-glamorous, Celebrity Xcel is luxury cruising at its finest. With rooftop gardens, infinity-edge pools, and Michelin-level dining, it’s designed for cruisers who want to indulge at every turn.
River Cruises: Smooth Sailing Through Europe’s Waterways
Viva Enjoy – Viva Cruises
- Sister Ships: Viva Moments, Viva One
- Itinerary: Europe’s rivers
- Highlights: Viva Enjoy brings modern style and unmatched service to Europe’s waterways. With sleek interiors, regionally inspired dining, and a relaxed onboard vibe, it’s perfect for those who like their river cruises with a contemporary twist.
APT Solara – APT River Cruises
- Sister Ships: APT AmaMagna (inspiration)
- Itinerary: Rhine, Main, and Danube
- Highlights: Lavish and luxurious, APT Solara is a floating five-star hotel. Gourmet dining, spa-like suites, and exclusive shore excursions ensure this is river cruising on a whole new level.
Riviera Rose – Riviera River Cruises
- Sister Ships: Porto Mirante
- Itinerary: Portugal's Douro River
- Highlights: A stylish new entry to the Riviera fleet, Radiance is designed for intimate cruising. Its standout feature? A split-level bar and restaurant offering panoramic river views. We’re especially excited about this ship, as we’ll be sailing aboard Viva Cruises Porto Mirante, her sister ship, this summer. Expect updates on boutique-style river cruising, exquisite regional cuisine, and what makes this fleet’s ships so irresistible.