Cruise fans have a lot to look forward to because a new crop of cruise ships is preparing to debut in 2025.
New ships can be
many years in the making; they are marvels of modern engineering. Planning and
design often take several years, and the actual construction of a ship – from
laying the keel to the first float out – can take 18 months or more. For
example, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, first announced in 2016,
just entered service in January 2024.
Here are some of
the ships scheduled to make their first voyages in 2025:
MSC Cruises is
planning an April launch for World America, which will be dedicated to
the North American market. The ship will have lots of bars, lounges, and dining spots,
a 350-foot-long promenade, fabulous waterparks, an 11-story drop slide, and an
over-water swing ride. With a passenger capacity of 6,762, World America
will sail the Caribbean from Miami.
Norwegian Cruise
Line’s Norwegian Aqua is also set to launch in April. It will have the
line’s biggest variety of cabins to date, including more accommodations for
solo cruisers. The ship can accommodate up to 3,571 passengers, who will be
thrilled by the world’s first hybrid waterslide and rollercoaster. The Aqua
will sail a variety of itineraries from New York, Port Canaveral, and Miami.
Royal Caribbean will
launch Star of the Seas, the first sister ship to Icon of the Seas,
in late August. The ship can take up to 5,610 passengers (in nearly 30
different cabin categories) on 7-day Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral.
Each sailing will include a day at the line’s private island, CocoCay.
Virgin Voyages
will add Brilliant Lady to its fleet in September. Up to 2,700
passengers will enjoy signature features like a boxing ring, stylish lounges, and theme parties. Brilliant Lady’s inaugural season offers itineraries
from multiple U.S. ports, including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
Princess Cruises is
scheduled to launch Star Princess in early October; up to 4,300
passengers can enjoy more than two dozen bars and restaurants, along with an
infinity pool and other places to relax. The ship will sail two Mediterranean cruises
before crossing to the Caribbean in late October.
More new ships for
2025 include Oceania Cruises’ Allura; Celebrity’s Xcel; and Ritz
Carlton Yacht Collection’s Luminara. To talk about how you can sail
on these and other new ships, contact Anita, your professional travel advisor.
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