One of the brilliant things about the cruise industry is that it’s never static! Cruise lines are always thinking of new and exciting ways that they can push the boundaries of what’s possible on board a ship. Whether that’s more entertainment, more beautiful ships, or more rooms, cruise lines are always asking, “How can we make this better for cruisegoers?”.
These days, cruise ships aren’t just built for experienced cruise goers; they’re specially designed to wow holiday goers of all kinds. You can be sure that after embarking on your first cruise holiday in one of these ships, it won’t be your last cruise holiday!
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at new cruise ships that you should look out for if you’re booking a cruise for 2025 or 2026 – or both!
New cruise ships 2025
MSC World America (MSC) [April 2025]
The MSC World America is MSC’s flagship cruise line that first set sail in April 2025. This 22-storey behemoth is one of the largest, grandest ships in the world, carrying up to 6,762 passengers around the East and West Caribbean, stopping at Ocean Cay island, the private MSC Marine Reserve.
On board, you can experience a range of cuisines from a choice of more than 30 bars, lounges and dining venues, including Italian dining, cocktail bars, and an authentic pub experience.
The fun doesn’t stop there, with entertainment such as Dirty Dancing in Concert, a 360ft dry slide to get you around the ship in a flash, and even the only Over-Water Swing Ride at Sea to let you truly marvel at the magnitude of the sea.
Norwegian Aqua (NCL) [April 2025]
Launching in April 2025, Norwegian Aqua embodies Norwegian Cruise Line’s dedication to fun at sea. As the ship takes you across a range of itineraries in the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, and Bermuda.
The stunning ship, which features hull art from Norwegian Cruise Line’s first-ever female hull artist, Allison Hueman, is packed with fun activities to take part in while at sea. Shoot some hoops on the Glow Court, bowl a strike in the Aqua Game Zone, or take it easy in the Vibe Beach Club. On board Norwegian Aqua, you can do as much or as little as you’d like.
Oceania Allura (Oceania Cruises) [July 2025]
If you’re after a touch of class & elegance, look no further than Oceania Allura. This ship takes inspiration from ancient cities lining the Eastern Mediterranean to the distinctive charms of ports across the vast mosaic of the Americas to deliver a truly unique seafaring experience.
Oceania Allura exemplifies the luxurious experience of cruise travel. Award-winning itineraries and fine dining experiences that rival Michelin Star restaurants await onboard the Oceania Allura. For particularly special occasions, you might choose to book Privée, the ship’s exclusive wine experience that comes with a choice of two specially selected dinners that beautifully complement the selection of wine on offer.
Star of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) [August 2025]
With a zip line, 20 water slides, and stunning live performances, Star of the Seas has plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Setting sail in August 2025, it’ll carry 5,610 passengers around the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with each sailing including a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.
On board, you can enjoy plenty of sun with 7 pools and 10 whirlpools to cool off in afterwards. Still not cool enough? Feel the air rush through your hair on the world’s first drop slide at sea, Pressure Drop.
And with over 40 places to dine on Star of the Seas, you’ll never be stuck for places to eat. Enjoy a gourmet meal, beautifully crafted cocktails, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious dessert from Desserted.
Brilliant Lady (Virgin Voyages) [September 2025]
Brilliant Lady is Virgin Voyages’ fourth ship, which is due to embark in September 2025. The fantastic new ship is expected to carry almost 2,800 passengers around the Caribbean for itineraries lasting between 7 and 14 days.
Whether you’re wanting to party, relax, or enjoy more than 20 fabulous dining options on this adults-only floating resort, Brilliant Lady has something for everyone. Scarlet Night, the red-themed party night, will have you painting the town red. But don’t worry, because if you’re more of a fitness buff, you can enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness centres with treadmills overlooking the sea.
You can also expect entertainment shows and exquisite dining experiences on board, with the likes of Out of Time transporting you through the ages in a “broken time machine” that will leave a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
Star Princess (Princess Cruises) [September 2025]
Princess Cruises has aimed to wow cruise goers with its latest vessel, Star Princess – and it certainly hits its target.
The 4,300-capacity cruise ship will take holidaymakers around the Caribbean, stopping at destinations like Belize City and Aruba, depending on your itinerary.
For the ultimate cruise experience, you can add on the sanctuary package to your booking. This package will give you access to the best seats in the house during performances, unlimited premium spirits and fine wine, unlimited fitness classes, reserved theatre seating, multi-device MedallionNet® Max Wi-Fi and even more added extras.
Celebrity Xcel (Celebrity Cruises) [November 2025]
Cruise like a celebrity onboard Celebrity Xcel. This ship has been designed with its passengers’ needs in mind, taking direct inspiration from guest surveys and questionnaires.
Details of this cruise are sparse at the moment, but from what we’ve seen, there’s luxury around every corner, with a Middle-Eastern themed Bazaar that includes luxury shopping and dining that blurs the line between ship and shore.
Bora, the ship’s alfresco restaurant, brings the flavours of the Mediterranean to your plate wherever you are in the world. And to wash it all down, Bora offers elevated cocktails that add even more to this special dining experience.
Celebrity Xcel embarks in November 2025.
New cruise ships 2026
Norwegian Luna (NCL) [April 2026]
Norwegian Cruise Lines is adding yet another cruise to its already large fleet of incredible cruises.
From November 2026, the sister ship of Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Luna, will carry up to 3,550 guests around the Caribbean, stopping at popular destinations such as Puerto Plata, St Thomas, and Tortola.
Thanks to the 10% size increase compared to the previous Prima Class ships, cruise goers can benefit from larger cabin sizes, alongside more entertainment, restaurants, and bars.
Speaking of entertainment, a standout of Norwegian Luna is the Prince-themed show, Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, with a huge cast of dancers and singers alongside a live band.
We were lucky enough to take a look around Norwegian Luna, and we were seriously impressed!
Legend of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) [Summer 2026]
Taking large inspiration from the biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas, Legend of the Seas has offerings that rival water parks, fine-dining establishments, and 5-star spas.
From Summer 2026, Legend of the Seas will take up to 7,600 passengers across Europe. During the cooler months, the ship takes a trip across the Atlantic to explore the Caribbean, ensuring that whenever you enjoy this gorgeous ship, you’ll still get to soak up some good weather.
MSC World Asia (MSC Cruises) [December 2026]
MSC World America has been wowing cruisegoers since April 2025, so MSC World Asia is bound to do the same when it launches in December 2026. MSC World Asia promises to be a world-leading cruise that will sail around Europe to destinations like Marseille, Genoa, and Valetta.
On board, you can expect the same incredible design, fantastic entertainment, and the exclusive ship within a ship, MSC Yacht Club.
New cruise ship trends
With so much innovation going on in the world of cruises, there’s no better time to get booking.
There are so many options, each with different takes on entertainment, dining, and relaxation.
In recent years, we’ve seen a focus on exciting and innovative entertainment, with cruise lines like MSC adding live shows that you might see on the West End to their cruise ships.
Other lines, like Norwegian Cruise Lines, are adding unique features like go-karting tracks on board their cruises, giving drivers an unbelievable view while they speed into a chicane.
As new ports are built and expanded, we will also see voyages that have never been seen before, with a focus on sustainability in terms of propulsion and the materials used on board.
Some cruise ships, for example, are experimenting with hydrogen cells as a fuel source, which produces no by-products except water – amazing for a ship that’s already at sea!
Book your brand-new cruise ship experience
If you’re wondering where you can book to step aboard these brand-new cruise ships, you’re in the right place.
Cruise Nation guarantee the best prices possible, and with Smart Packages including a free hotel stay and things like drinks packages thrown in, you can squeeze even more value out of your cruise holiday.
Leave a Reply