New cruise ships for 2025 and beyond

So far, 2024 has been a very exciting year for new cruise ships. We’ve seen the launch of Silver Ray, Sun Princess, Queen Anne, Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. But there’s plenty to look forward to with five new exciting ships on the horizon. Here are the five new cruise ships that will launch in 2025 and beyond…

July 2025

Allura is set to join the Oceania Cruises line-up in July 2025 as the sister ship to Vista and the eighth vessel in the fleet. Promising The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, an Oceania Cruises staple, and unique itineraries that immerse travellers in off-the-beaten-track destinations, Allura will allow you to travel like never before. 

Like her fleet mates, Allura is set to deliver The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. Oceania Cruises’ most treasured dining venues will be elevated to new heights, while fairly new favourites like Ember, which debuted on Vista, will provide even more unforgettable dining. Meanwhile, Allura’s mixology offering will impress with expansive cocktail experiences, new menus, ultimate pairings and unique speciality beverage carts. 

Elsewhere onboard, Allura will offer all-veranda accommodations. In every suite and stateroom, lavish bathrooms with oversized rainforest showers, large vanities and copious storage space will come as standard. 

• Ember - Deck 5 - An inviting dining spot that combines inventive classic American creations and time-honoured classics. 
• Vista Suite - Decks 8, 9, 10 and 12 - Eight suites offering pure luxury.
• Aquamar Kitchen - Deck 12 - A fresh perspective on dining and the pursuit of wellness - think indulgence without guilt.
• Aquamar Spa - Deck 15 -Rejuvenating treatments, insightful nutrition and lifestyle consultations and a state-of-the-art fitness centre await. 

October 2025

Star Princess will join the Princess Cruises fleet as the sister ship to Sun Princess in October 2025. She will be the second ship in the Sphere Class and the 17th ship in the Princess Cruises fleet. She will also be the third Princess Cruises ship to sail under the Star Princess name. 

Like her sister ship, she will be 20% larger than any of the line’s existing ships and, in this case, bigger means better! Boasting a three-level dining room, the largest-ever casino at sea and new features in entertainment, dining and accommodations, Star Princess is set to impress. 

The expanded accommodation options will include the new Reserve and Signature Collections. Meanwhile, the Sanctuary Collection, which has been reimagined for both Sun Princess and Star Princess, will give guests access to a range of wonderful amenities. 

• Cabana Mini-Suites - The all-new Cabana Mini-Suites will allow guests to take in the sea air from their balcony and private indoor-outdoor cabana. 
• Princess Arena - Decks 7 and 8 - An entertainment venue that brings theatre to a whole new level and shapeshifts to each unique production. 
• The Piazza - Decks 7, 8 and 9 - Enjoy ocean views in every direction while relaxing and dining in The Piazza.
• Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria - Deck 8 - A firm fan favourite that will reach new heights with a theatre-style kitchen. 

November 2025

Debuting in the Caribbean in November 2025, Celebrity Xcel will be the fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series. Information about the ship is limited but we do know that she will combine the most popular features of the other Edge Series ships with entirely new experiences that will change the game all over again. 

From the deck plan, we can see that the Magic Carpet will be a standout feature onboard. The cantilevered floating platform, which is the size of a tennis court and reaches heights of 13 storeys, transforms itself into new and exciting spaces, depending on where it is positioned. 

Construction of the ship began in November 2023 and was marked with a traditional keel laying ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Celebrity Xcel will sail her inaugural winter season from Fort Lauderdale on 7-night itineraries alternating between the Bahamas, Mexico and the Cayman Islands and Puerto Plata, St Thomas and St Maarten. 

• Magic Carpet - A cantilevered floating platform that transforms itself into new and exciting spaces as it moves up and down the ship. 
• Raw on 5 - Deck 5 - A Japanese restaurant with authentically prepared sushi crafted by expert restaurateur and sushi chef, Yoshikazu Okada. 
• Edge Villas - Deck 15 - A private oceanfront two-storey luxury residence that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. 
• The Retreat - Decks 15 and 16 - A “ship in a ship” experience that combines sumptuous accommodations and access to private onboard areas. 

April 2026

Following the success of Emerald Yacht Cruises’ innovative duo of luxury yachts, Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, the cruise line is set to introduce its next-generation luxury ocean yacht in April 2026. Emerald Kaia will build on the spectacular success of the first two innovative ships while retaining the ethos of luxury small-ship cruising. 

Like her sisters, Emerald Kaia will feature many impressive amenities. However, her slightly larger size will allow for even more generously sized spaces including the Aqua Pool, the gym and Elements Spa. Elsewhere, the Observation Sun Deck will impress sun worshippers with the addition of a Spa Pool as well as sun beds and sun lounges. 

Emerald Kaia will sail from the coastlines of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic Seas, to the Seychelles. In these waters, guests will be able to enjoy swim stops and marina toys courtesy of the Marina Platform, which will be enhanced with an interior lounge. 

• Marina Deck & Lounge - Wellness Deck - A platform and lounge that allows guests to explore local waters and board Zodiacs for expert-led excursions. 
• Observation Sun Deck - Observation Deck - A place to take in beautiful views. 
• Sky Bar - Sky Deck - A chilled and relaxed location to enjoy a drink or two. 
• Spa Pool - Sky Deck - An ideal spot to get some laps in under the sun or to take a leisurely dip. 

2026 

For the first time in a decade, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will be adding a new class of ships to its fleet with the launch of Seven Seas Prestige in 2026. The Prestige Class will feature brand new accommodation categories, including a stunning reimagination of the palatial Regent Suite, plus innovative new dining experiences. 

At 77,000 tons and hosting up to only 850 guests, Seven Seas Prestige will boast one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios in the cruise industry, offering more Unrivalled Space at Sea than ever before in beautifully appointed suites and lavish, thoughtfully designed restaurants, bars and lounges and public areas. 

As the first of two Prestige Class ships and the seventh ship in The World’s Most Luxurious fleet, Seven Seas Prestige will embark on her maiden voyage in 2026 (month yet to be revealed), followed by her sister ship in 2029. Like Celebrity Xcel, details of onboard amenities are yet to be revealed. 

We can’t wait to find out!