Year in Review: 10 new cruise ships that defined 2025

The ten cruise ships delivered in 2025 (with one bonus mention) indicate the industry’s priorities as it prepares for next phase of evolution.

As the cruise industry closes out 2025, the year stands out less for spectacle and more for consolidation, 2025 wasn’t a year of radical reinvention, but one of disciplined execution.

New classes were introduced, proven platforms were expanded, and environmental commitments were translated into operational tonnage, reflecting the refinement of long-term strategies in steel.

From LNG propulsion becoming firmly embedded as the default choice for large newbuilds, to the continued divergence between high-capacity resort ships and low-volume destination vessels, the key cruise ships delivered this year offer a revealing snapshot of where global cruising is heading as the industry enters the second half of the decade.

There were ten major cruise ship deliveries in 2025, but Disney Adventure, Disney’s largest ship to date and the centrepiece of its Asia expansion, remains closely associated with the year, despite blurred delivery windows.

The vessel was delivered in December, 2025, but is only scheduled to enter service in March next year.

2025 cruise ship deliveries

Mein Schiff Relax — TUI Cruises — February

Norwegian Aqua — Norwegian Cruise Line — March

MSC World America — MSC Cruises — March

Viking Vesta — Viking Ocean Cruises — June

Star of the Seas — Royal Caribbean International — July

Oceania Allura — Oceania Cruises — July

Star Princess — Princess Cruises — September

Celebrity Xcel — Celebrity Cruises — October

Disney Destiny — Disney Cruise Line — November

Star Seeker — Windstar Cruises — December

Disney Adventure — Disney Cruise Line — December

Mein Schiff Relax — TUI Cruises (Delivered February, 2025)

TUI Cruises opened the 2025 delivery calendar with Mein Schiff Relax, the first vessel in a new class developed around LNG propulsion and enhanced energy efficiency. Delivered on February 7th, the ship represents the next phase of fleet renewal for the German premium operator, whose brand positioning has increasingly centred on sustainability and relaxed, resort-style cruising.

While Mein Schiff Relax retains many of the spatial and service principles of the existing Mein Schiff fleet, the new class introduces technical improvements focused on fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and future-proofing against evolving environmental regulations.

The ship’s debut reflects the broader European market’s continued emphasis on environmental compliance and long-term operational economics.

Mein Schiff Relax debuted in the Mediterranean in March 2025, and features a number of new entertainment and social spaces, including a burlesque-style show lounge, hexagonal theater, and an intimate lecture theatre with adjoining bar, along with the largest pool area in the fleet. The ship’s top deck offers a 25-metre pool, partially covered by a floating rooftop, under which several alfresco cafes and bars are available to guests.

Norwegian Aqua — Norwegian Cruise Line (Delivered March, 2025)

Norwegian Aqua entered service in early spring as the first vessel of Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Plus class. Delivered in late March and christened on April 14th, the ship expands upon the Prima-class platform introduced in 2022, increasing overall passenger capacity while preserving the core design language and guest-flow concepts that defined the original class.

The Prima Plus design responds to sustained demand for larger resort-style vessels with expanded outdoor areas, higher-density public spaces, and enhanced multi-generational facilities. For Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Aqua serves as a transitional platform between its existing newbuild philosophy and the next generation of fleet expansion planned for the latter half of the decade.

Norwegian Aqua introduced several unique features, including new gaming zones, redesigned wellness areas, and expanded sports and entertainment venues, as well as a new immersive Prince tribute show, and three brand-new restaurants. These include Sukhothai, Norwegian’s first-ever Thai specialty restaurant; an upscale Swirl Wine Bar; and Planterie, the cruise line’s first dedicated plant-based restaurant.

MSC World America — MSC Cruises (Delivered March, 2025)

Delivered in spring and entering service on April 12th, MSC World America became the largest cruise ship ever purpose-built for the North American market. As the second vessel in MSC Cruises’ World class, the LNG-powered ship reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the Caribbean and US homeport sector.

The World-class platform prioritises high-capacity deployment, flexible public space configuration, and operational efficiency at scale. With MSC World America, MSC further embedded itself in the competitive North American cruise market, positioning the brand to compete directly with the largest global operators in the world’s most commercially significant cruise region.

MSC World America features seven themed districts, each designed to cater to different leisure preferences and activity levels, with multiple bars and lounges such as the All-Stars Sports Bar with interactive games and live sports broadcasts, The Loft comedy club and entertainment venue, and a range of casual and specialty dining options tailored to North American tastes.

The ship offers an expanded shopping area with nine outlets, and 19 cabin categories, from standard balcony staterooms to duplex suites and large Owner’s Suites within the MSC Yacht Club. For families, dedicated play experiences and shows, including LEGO-themed areas, complement daytime programming, and onboard attractions such as Cliffhanger, while theatrical productions such as a stage musical version of Dirty Dancing in Concert and other live shows form part of the ship’s evening entertainment schedule.

Viking Vesta — Viking Ocean Cruises (Delivered June, 2025)

Viking continued its measured fleet expansion with the delivery of Viking Vesta on June 30th, followed by its maiden voyage on July 2nd. As the second ship in Viking’s ocean fleet growth programme, Vesta reinforces the brand’s strategy of uniform fleet design and destination-intensive itineraries.

Rather than pursuing scale, Viking remains focused on deploying mid-sized vessels optimised for access to smaller ports and longer port stays. Viking Vesta therefore represents continuity rather than disruption, supporting Viking’s positioning as a culturally focused cruise operator prioritising itinerary depth over onboard complexity.

Star of the Seas — Royal Caribbean International (Delivered July, 2025)

Star of the Seas is the second Icon-class ship for Royal Caribbean International and, at delivery, shared the title of the largest cruise ship in the world by gross tonnage. Built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the vessel entered service in August 2025 following delivery in July, and sails from Port Canaveral on Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with stops including the line’s private destination at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Star of the Seas is organised into eight themed neighbourhoods, offering family-oriented spaces, adult areas, entertainment venues, multiple pools, and extensive dining and leisure options. Star of the Seas refines the Icon class across public spaces, family areas, and entertainment venues informed by guest feedback and operational experience. The ship retains key Icon-class attractions such as Chill Island’s multi-pool layout and the Surfside family neighbourhood, and will feature the largest waterpark at sea with six waterslides, alongside redesigned family facilities, new teen social spaces, and a Chicago-inspired Lincoln Park Supper Club.

Oceania Allura — Oceania Cruises (Delivered July, 2025)

Oceania Allura entered service in July, expanding Oceania Cruises’ mid-sized fleet within the luxury segment. The vessel builds upon the company’s established design approach, balancing relatively modest passenger capacity with enhanced culinary facilities and refined onboard spaces.

For Oceania Cruises, Allura reflects continued investment in experience-driven cruising, particularly in food and beverage programming, which remains a central pillar of the brand’s identity. The ship’s introduction aligns with sustained demand for premium cruising that emphasises comfort, service, and destination engagement.

Oceania Allura features a new onboard crêperie, serving freshly made-to-order crêpes and waffles, a luxurious new library, featuring walls of floor-to-ceiling glass, oversized chairs, and plush residential furnishings, the ever-popular Horizons lounge and bar, and five specialty dining venues, including the line’s newest signature restaurants, Ember and Aquamar Kitchen.

Star Princess — Princess Cruises (Delivered September, 2025)

Star Princess was delivered in September, expanding Princess Cruises’ next-generation fleet, and reinforcing the brand’s transition toward modern, high-capacity tonnage optimised for global deployment.

Star Princess, the largest cruise ship for the line to date, serves as a bridge between the company’s existing fleet and its upcoming generation of newbuilds, offering passengers 30 distinct dining and bar venues, including a redesigned Spellbound, and curated entertainment and activity offerings.

Celebrity Xcel — Celebrity Cruises (Delivered October, 2025)

Celebrity Cruises added Celebrity Xcel to its Edge-class fleet in October, with the ship officially christened on November 16th. The vessel further refines the Edge-class concept, which has become the foundation of Celebrity’s premium product strategy.

By continuing to expand the Edge-class series, Celebrity Cruises is consolidating its fleet around a proven platform that integrates contemporary design, flexible public spaces, and operational efficiency. Celebrity Xcel represents the brand’s ongoing effort to strengthen its position in the premium contemporary segment.

Celebrity Xcel introduces seven new venues, including a redesigned pool club, an adult games lounge, additions to the onboard spa, and an interactive flagship retail store, as well as a new range of dining and entertainment offerings tailored for couples. The ship also features a whole new entertainment line-up, and a Bazaar experience that brings on-shore experiences onto the ship for passengers.

Disney Destiny — Disney Cruise Line (Delivered November, 2025)

Delivered in October and sailing on its maiden voyage on November 20th, Disney Destiny became the newest addition to Disney Cruise Line’s rapidly expanding fleet. The LNG-powered vessel extends the Wish-class platform, reinforcing Disney’s commitment to large-scale family cruising supported by immersive themed environments.

Disney Destiny underscores Disney Cruise Line’s long-term growth trajectory, particularly as the company continues to diversify its deployment across multiple global markets while maintaining strong brand differentiation through proprietary entertainment and storytelling.

Disney Destiny is built around the theme Heroes and Villains, using immersive design, entertainment and dining to showcase characters from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel. For the first time in the fleet, a Marvel character, Spider-Man, appears as the ship’s stern figure, while the Grand Hall draws on the visual language of Black Panther.

Dining includes the new Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King alongside returning venues such as Worlds of Marvel and 1923. Entertainment ranges from the new Disney Hercules stage production to villain-themed interactive events, family spaces themed to Marvel and Star Wars, multiple pool districts, a new AquaMouse storyline, and adult-only venues including De Vil’s piano lounge.

Star Seeker — Windstar Cruises (Delivered December, 2025)

Windstar Cruises took delivery of Star Seeker on December 28th. As the first ship in Windstar’s new Star class, the vessel marks a significant step in the company’s fleet renewal programme.

Designed to maintain Windstar’s low-capacity, destination-focused model while introducing modern shipbuilding standards, Star Seeker allows the brand to expand its deployment options while preserving its core identity within the small-ship luxury market.

Star Seeker offers 112 ocean-view suites, most featuring verandas or floor-to-ceiling windows, while passenger facilities include five dining venues such as Basil + Bamboo, expansive observation decks, a full-service WorldSpa, fitness areas, and a redesigned Marina providing direct access for water-based activities.

Disney Adventure — Disney Cruise Line (Delivered December, 2025)

Although its official debut straddles the calendar year, Disney Adventure is closely associated with 2025 as she was delivered to Disney Cruise Line in December. As Disney’s largest cruise ship to date and the flagship of its Asia expansion, the vessel represents one of the most strategically significant cruise projects of the decade.

Carrying 6,700 guests, the 208,000 gross ton vessel features a broad slate of entertainment venues and attractions drawn from across Disney’s portfolio, including experiences themed around Disney, Pixar, and Marvel properties. Disney Imagination Garden, a multi-level open-air space, will serves as the heart of the vessel. Inspired by a century of Disney storytelling, the garden will host live performances, character interactions, and themed dining.

Headline attractions include a large-scale Marvel-themed area designed to appeal to older children and teenagers, alongside immersive theatres, live shows, and interactive entertainment spaces developed specifically for the ship. Disney Adventure will also introduce several dining concepts new to the fleet, combining rotational dining with large-capacity themed restaurants tailored to the ship’s scale.

Taken together, the ships of 2025 reflect an industry that is no longer chasing rapid post-pandemic recovery, but rather executing long-term strategy: larger ships becoming cleaner and more efficient and exciting, premium brands refining product rather than reinventing it, and small-ship operators doubling down on itinerary-first cruising.