The cruise world is expanding, and there is some exciting news to look forward to. Yes, the cruise industry is surging forward with the arrival of some new cruise ships in the coming years. So, let’s take a look at the brand-new ships that are set to hit the waves soon!
Star of the Seas
Cruise Line – Royal Caribbean International
Maiden Voyage – August 2025
Billed as the “ World’s Best Family Vacation,” the Star of the Seas is set to make its debut in August 2025 from Port Canaveral. She belongs to the Royal Caribbean International and is the second Icon-class ship after Icon of the Seas. Meanwhile, Star of the Seas is reported to have 250,800 gross tonnage and a capacity of 5,610 passengers.
Apart from several entertainment and dining facilities, this cruise ship offers a bunch of thrills as well. Waterpark with six record slides and landmark rides like Pressure Drop and Crown’s Edge are the major highlights. Overall, the new ship promises to be massive, and Cruises start from $682–799 for 3–4 nights to CocoCay. On the other hand, full-week Caribbean voyages run from $1,100–1,400+ per person.
Brilliant Lady
Cruise Line –Virgin Voyages
Maiden Voyage – September 2025
Brilliant Lady is the newest entry to the fleet of Virgin Voyages and is debuting in September 2025. Notably, she has a gross tonnage of 110,000 and carries about 2,700 guests with 1,160 crew members.
The Brilliant Lady will be making her debut sail from New York City all the way to Bermuda’s Kings Wharf. And with some unique dining experiences and other entertainments, it’s easy to assume why this ship is going to stand out.
Star Princess
Cruise Line –Princess Cruises
Maiden Voyage – September 2025
Star Princess is one of the new cruise ships to start sailing in 2025. It comes under the sphere-class of Princess Cruises. She is set to have her first-ever voyage in October 2025. With a gross tonnage of 177,882 and a length of 345 meters, she is one of the largest among the current fleet.
The cruise ship will have its inaugural sailing to Europe, and seasonal Caribbean voyages are also included in its itineraries. Luxurious rooms and suites, premium-level restaurants and bars, and casinos promise a lifetime experience on this cruise ship.
Disney Destiny
Cruise Line –Disney Cruise Line
Maiden Voyage – November 2025
Disney Destiny is Disney Cruise Line’s new cruise ship and will have its maiden voyage in November 2025. She is the seventh cruise ship on the popular Cruise Line. Interestingly, the ship is set to feature iconic Marvel Cinematic Universe characters. Besides, there’ll be other legendary Disney characters, too.
Destiny comes with a gross tonnage of 144,000, and it has a capacity of 4,000. Its debut sailing will be from Port Everglades. And with amazing dining and other amenities, the cruise ship promises to be a marvel.
Celebrity Xcel
Cruise Line –Celebrity Cruises
Maiden Voyage – November 2025
In November 2025, the world will know whether the billing of “Happy Place,” by Celebrity Cruises, will live up to its expectations. On paper, the Celebrity Xcel looks incredible and is about to become another great addition to the Cruise Line’s fleet. She is set to make her first-ever voyage from Fort Lauderdale on a 7-night Caribbean itinerary. One interesting fact about this new cruise ship is that it runs on tri-fuel engines, including methanol.
The cruise ship has 140,600 gross tonnage with a passenger capacity of about 3,248–3,260. Also, there are some exciting drinks and dining packages.
Star Seeker
Cruise Line – Windstar Cruises
Maiden Voyage – December 2025
Star Seeker is the upcoming new small cruise ship from Windstar Cruises. The brand-new luxury yacht will have its maiden voyage in December 2025. The cruise ship has the capacity to board 224 guests with 112 staterooms and a variety of suites. Meanwhile, she has a gross tonnage of 9,315 and a length of 431 feet.
Furthermore, the Star Seeker comes with certain highlights, such as entertainment, talent shows featuring Windstar Cruises, premium dining experiences, a complimentary gym, and more.
Emerald Kaia
Cruise Line – Emerald Cruises
Maiden Voyage – April 2026
Emerald Kaia is one of the new cruise ships coming our way in 2026. The popular Cruise Line Emerald Cruises brings in the all-new Kaia with some exciting surprise packages. It offers sun beds, sun lounges, and a spa pool.
Kaia is 394 feet long and has a gross tonnage of 5755. Meanwhile, with stellar dining and bar experiences, the cruise ship might just be the perfect vacation experience you’re waiting for.
Norwegian Luna
Cruise Line – Norwegian Cruise Line
Maiden Voyage – April 2026
Norwegian Luna is one of the exciting new ships coming soon in 2026 and an exciting addition to the popular Norwegian Cruise Line. She is set to start sailing from Miami in April 2026 on a 7-day Caribbean cruise. Luna comes with a length of 1,056 feet and 156,300 gross tonnage and can accommodate 3,550 guests.
Meanwhile, Luna comes with some mind-blowing attractions: Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid roller‑coaster water slide, a 10-story free-fall slide, Infinity beach, and more. The sister ship of Norwegian Aqua is already a popular upcoming ship for a whole lot of reasons.
Legend of the Seas
Cruise Line – Royal Caribbean International
Maiden Voyage – July 2026
Legend of the Seas by Royal Caribbean International will have its maiden voyage in July 2026, starting from Fort Lauderdale. Notably, the cruise ship comes with LNG-powered waste heat recovery and shore power capability.
She comes with a gross tonnage of 250,800 and a length of 1,198 feet. In addition, the ship can board about 7,600 people. With numerous attractions, including Thrill Island waterpark, skywalk, and more, the cruise ship offers a lot of adventure.
EXPLORA III
Cruise Line – Explora Journeys
Maiden Voyage – August 2026
Explora III is the newest ship from the Explora Journeys fleet. Also, it’s the first LNG-powered ship in the fleet. The cruise ship comes with a gross tonnage of 72,810 and has a length of 879 feet. Meanwhile, she has the capacity to board 926 passengers as well as 700 crew members.
With several features like suites, pools, restaurants, and bars, there are some really great ways to enjoy your time on the ship. Anyway, Explora III is set to sail for the first time in the summer of 2026.
