Top 8 Hottest New Cruise Ships in 2025

A new era of cruising is on the horizon. The year 2025 will usher in a series of game-changing ships, each of which will elevate ocean travel to new heights. These are not merely larger ships; they are floating resorts filled with exciting innovations, experiences designed to surprise, and edge-of-the-art sustainability, delight, and inspire. Whether you're seeking family adventure, adult pampering, or cultural exploration, these imminent launches will bring something extraordinary for every kind of traveler. From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia to the Arctic Circle, the future of cruises has never seemed brighter. Here are eight of the most highly anticipated cruise ships departing in 2025 —and why they should be on your travel radar.

1. Star of the Seas – Royal Caribbean

Maiden Voyage: August 31, 2025

Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas—the world's newest, largest ship—isn't just a ship; it's an ocean playground. Cruising from Miami to sun-kissed destinations like St. Maarten and Cozumel. Reimagined with Icon Class favourites, this Icon Class marvel elevates the wow-factor to new heights. Imagine speeding down waterslides at Category 6 waterpark, drifting in the world's first suspended infinity pool at The Hideaway, walking just right above the sea at Crown’s Edge, or belting out Back to the Future: The Musical—a full-scale Broadway production premiering for the first time at sea. Star of the Seas will feature sleeker interiors, optimized space, and enhanced stateroom layouts for your royal stays. Book the Ultimate Family Townhouse for your stay and enjoy exclusive ship-wide VIP access.

With more than 40 bars and eateries, Surfside's family-friendly neighbourhood, and an adults-only AquaDome retreat, there's something here for every age group.

Pro Tip: Reserve your seat early for Back to the Future: The Musical—a high-energy time-travel spectacle included in your fare.

2. Star Princess – Princess Cruises

Maiden Voyage: October 4, 2025

Step aboard Star Princess and sail the Mediterranean in style—Santorini sunsets, Naples pizza joints, and Barcelona promenades come to mind. This Sphere Class vessel combines Princess's timeless elegance with roomy contemporary design. From the elegant Dome entertainment venue to the new SkyDeck Sports Zone (yep, pickleball courts and splash pads!), It's sophistication and play perfectly combined. Book a Cabana mini-suite to experience an elevated outdoor experience—your own personal oasis at sea.

Dine at your leisure on your balcony with a dedicated waiting team to serve you the best, exclusive to Princess Star only, or hop across 29 restaurants and bars, all designed for elevated flavors and easygoing flow. Whether your style is chic or chill, Star onboards both!

Pro Tip: Head to the glass-enclosed piazza at golden hour for cocktails with a Mediterranean glow.

3. Disney Destiny – Disney Cruise Line

Maiden Voyage: November 20, 2025

Disney adds a touch of magic to the high seas like no other, and Disney Destiny is a whole new experience with a unique "heroes and villains" theme. The newest cruise ship in Disney’s Wish Class, Chart your course across the Caribbean and sail into an immersive storytelling world: from Marvel superhero lands and Lion King-themed dining to lounges inspired by Doctor Strange and Cruella de Vil. Unveil a new standard of indulgence with the Destiny Tower Suite: a Marvel-inspired penthouse that also includes concierge access to exclusive amenities and a 2-story window providing serene glimpses of the open horizon, and it also has its own private elevator!

Include water play areas, Broadway-quality entertainment, and character dining that adds humor to every table—and you have a journey the entire family will cherish forever.

Pro Tip: Book the Marvel-themed restaurant as soon as reservations open—it's wildly popular (and worth the hype).

4. Norwegian Aqua – Norwegian Cruise Line

Maiden Voyage: March 24, 2025

Next Sailing: August 9, 2025

Innovation greets adventure on Norwegian Aqua, the first Prima Plus vessel. Sail through the Bahamas and Bermuda and experience the world's first waterslide–rollercoaster combo—the Aqua Slidecoaster—where you spin and fly high above the sea. Or let your jaw drop and heart stop at The Drop—a 10-story free-fall slide, providing another thrilling experience.

Relax in The Haven's private luxury suites, designed to provide you with an elevated stay experience with expanded outdoor spaces. Play on the glow-in-the-dark sports court, or enjoy cocktails poolside as the ocean blurs into the horizon. Dining is more relaxed and varied here with a food hall concept. Indulge in bold flavors at Sukhothai (Norwegian's first-ever Thai restaurant). Here, every aspect is tailored for the senses.

Pro Tip: Ride the Slidecoaster early in the day to avoid queues, and go twice if you can.

5. Celebrity Xcel – Celebrity Cruises

Maiden Voyage: November 18, 2025

Ready to revolutionize contemporary luxury, Celebrity Xcel will cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Caribbean jewels such as Barbados and St. Lucia with a new emphasis on wellness, art, and culture. Indulge in Signature Edge class features—Magic Carpet, Sunset Bar, Grand Plaza, and Infinite Verandas—or relax in a cabana at the Celebrity Pool Club, or energize your senses at the Vitamin D Deck with sunrise yoga.

Onboard, The Bazaar—a multi-level space that transforms from a vibrant marketplace to a themed festival, celebrating the port of calls, featuring markets, festivals, culinary experiences, and entertainment inspired by the destinations. And the Attic, an old-school arcade and bar, throws in some fun. With upscale shopping, space-age spa treatments, and new dining options like Bora (alfresco brunch) and Mosai—an open-kitchen concept with destination-inspired dishes—this ship is for passengers who want to live every bit of the itinerary.

Pro Tip: Plan your sea days around the Poolest Day Ever℠—a lively pool party with DJs and after-dark surprises.

6. MSC World America – MSC Cruises

Maiden Voyage: April 12, 2025

Next Sailing: August 23, 2025

Family fun awaits on MSC World America. Designed specifically for North American families, this ship combines Euro-chic style with continuous family entertainment. Setting sail from Miami to enchanting ports like San Juan, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan, and MSC's private island, Ocean Cay.

MSC World America introduces seven immersive districts, making your vacation more personalized. The exclusive MSC Yacht Club offers private luxury with butler service and dedicated spaces. Families will love Family Aventura, featuring playgrounds, a ropes course, and the fun-filled Doremiland kids’ zone. The Zen Area provides a peaceful, adults-only retreat, while the Aqua Deck brings poolside excitement by day and vibrant parties by night. The Terraces blend dining, bars, and nightlife, including comedy and karaoke. The lively Galleria is home to shopping, cafés, and high-tech entertainment. Finally, the Promenade offers ocean views, casual eats, and open-air performances beneath the ship’s iconic 11-story spiral slide, called Jaw Drop @ The Spiral.

Dine on handcrafted pasta at Eataly, recline under the LED light of the World Promenade, or party the night away with the stars at Doremix Disco. Onboard MSC World America and experience a new world of cruising.

Pro Tip: Visit The Harbour early in the day for shorter lines, seaside serenity, and perfect photo ops

7. Disney Adventure – Disney Cruise Line

Maiden Voyage: December 15, 2025

Disney's largest ship ever in the fleet, Disney Adventure, is setting sail from Singapore. With Disney’s High Seas sailings, experience magic onboard, dive into zones themed after Frozen, Moana, Big Hero 6, and Toy Story, or scream with delight on the Ironcycle Test Run coaster. Get immersed in 7 themed areas like Disney Imagination Garden, a place brimming with the magic of 100 years of Disney storytelling.

Enjoy culturally inspired cuisine in an immersive three-themed dining experience, exclusive shows tailored for Asian audiences, and character-filled surprises around every corner that make this a dream for families with kids (and kids-at-heart).

Pro Tip: Swing by Adventure Bay after sunset for dazzling lights and spontaneous character encounters.

8. Viking Vesta – Viking Cruises

Maiden Voyage: July 2, 2025

Next Sailing: August 23, 2025

Viking Vesta is a floating sanctuary for the thoughtful traveler. The ship embodies a signature Scandinavian design. With a capacity of 998 guests in 499 staterooms, it offers a more intimate, personalized, and one-of-a-kind experience compared to larger cruise ships, designed for travelers aged 18 and above. Sail through the Norwegian fjords and Baltic capitals such as Stockholm and Copenhagen while immersing yourself in enrichment experiences that resonate with the world around you. Onboard, there are lectures from Viking's resident historians, classical music under the stars, and special digital exhibits from Norway's Munch Museum. Every detail here speaks to Viking's Scandinavian elegance and commitment to culture.

Pro Tip: Don't miss the Munch digital exhibit—it's an onboard exclusive and truly moving.

Your Next Great Adventure Begins Now

These are not just ships—these are destinations unto themselves. One is a unique way of experiencing the world and enjoying the ride. If you're looking for thrills, sophistication, or a pinch of Disney magic, the cruise ships debuting in 2025 are built to bring your vacation fantasies to life.

Ready to set sail? Let the experts at Int2Cruises help you find the perfect itinerary aboard one of these awe-inspiring ships.

Browse and book your future cruise today at Int2Cruises.