The word is out, there are a lot of new cruise ships being built and several are starting their maiden seasons. The world of cruising is on the brink of a remarkable transformation with the upcoming launch of new cruise ships over the next eight years. They are set to redefine luxury travel by sea, merging innovative design with unparalleled service. Here’s what prospective travelers have to look forward to:
Oceangoing Ships
Sun Princess, the groundbreaking first vessel of the Sphere-class, was christened in April, with Hannah Waddingham as the godmother. Among the ship's stunning new features is The Dome, a breathtaking geodesic, glass-enclosed marvel. By day, The Dome is a tranquil oasis featuring an indoor-outdoor pool and comfortable lounge areas bathed in natural light, perfect for relaxation. By night, it transforms into an entertainment hotspot with spectacular light shows, live performances, and dancing under the stars.
SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE
SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE
Queen Anne also debuted this spring, beginning her maiden season in Europe. We’re delighted that she has been designated for the 2026 World Cruise. While Queen Anne boasts modern designs and innovative spaces, like The Pavilion, a three-story pool deck with a retractable roof, she still exudes Cunard’s classic elegance. Look forward to new specialty dining venues featuring Indian, Japanese, Mediterranean and steakhouse cuisines.
SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE
SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE
Silver Ray is Silversea’s second Nova-class ship, riding on the success of sister ship Silver Nova. Like Nova, Silver Ray has an asymmetrical design and an extraordinary use of glass that offers unobstructed views, regardless of where you may be on the ship. You will find S.A.L.T. programing, including S.A.L.T. Bar, Lab, and Kitchen, as well shore excursions that are designed to connect you to the destination you’re visiting through taste.
SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE
SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE
Explora Journeys debuted their second vessel, EXPLORA II, in a projected line of four in the coming years. While the brand is new, they are the luxury arm of long-established MSC Cruises. They seek to elevate the concept of traveling and instead of cruises, they offer immersive “journeys” that allow their guests to experience off-the-beaten path encounters, without the need to rush. EXPLORA II boasts 461 all ocean-front suites, 9 dining venues and 4 pools.
SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE
SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE
Celebrity Cruises has enjoyed immense success with its ground-breaking Edge-class ships. Celebrity Ascent is the fourth Edge-class vessel, with new features including a private dining room added to Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud’s Le Voyage and the Annex, which you can rent out for group activities like karaoke. Coming in 2025 will be Celebrity Xcel, the fifth Edge-class ship.
SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE
SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE
Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s sixth Oasis-Class vessel that continues their trend for “bigger and better” with plenty of new features that complement the cruise line’s promise to entertain and “wow” their guests. Options abound with over 20 dining venues, including a food truck-style eatery, Spare Tire, and over 20 bars and lounge areas. This family-friendly ship is focused on shorter cruises going to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island getaway.
Up and Coming
SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE
SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE
Viking will be adding Viking Vela and Viking Vesta to their fleet, continuing the understated elegance and sophisticated Scandinavian design showcased on all their oceangoing ships. Viking Vela will set sail in Northern Europe in December 2024. Viking Vesta will join the Viking fleet next summer in 2025. Viking proudly offers small, all-veranda, modern ocean ships each meticulously engineered to provide direct access to most ports, combining luxury with intimate, port-focused itineraries.
SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE
SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE
Windstar is also expanding its fleet with two newbuilds, Star Seeker and Star Explorer. Not only does this offer more destinations but it allows for an additional dedicated vessel, Wind Star, in Tahiti. The new Star Class vessels will have 112 suites with private verandas for unmatched views. They will maintain signature favorites, such as the Watersports Platform and Yacht Club café, and al fresco dining will be offered at main restaurant, Amphora, and Star Grill. Star Seeker expects to be delivered in December 2025, and Star Explorer in December 2026.
What’s new in River Cruising
AmaWaterways is not only expanding its fleet, but also its repertoire of itineraries! With the additions of AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia in 2025, AmaWaterways will be exploring Colombia’s Magdalena River, sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla. These newly designed vessels are built just for this unique destination for 60 and 64 privileged guests. The rich history and flow of the Magdalena River served as an inspiration for magical realism author Gabriel García Marquez’s many tales of love and life.
Speaking of AmaWaterways, AmaLilia just joined the fleet this spring in Egypt. Joining AmaDahlia on the Nile River, carrying 82-guests in luxury and comfort, this ship will delight with spacious surroundings and understated Egyptian décor.
Viking’s river fleet also is expanding in Egypt, with the addition of Viking Hathor debuting in August and Viking Sobek in 2025. 41 staterooms include 12 Standard cabins, 21 Verandas, 6 Veranda Suites and 2 Explorer Suites. The main restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows for amazing views of the beautiful Nile. True to brand, these new vessels maintain Viking’s Scandinavian design.
Looking Towards the Future
The big news this spring was the announcement that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the company owning NCL, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has ordered 8 vessels, including new classes of ships, over a ten-year period from 2026 to 2036. Breaking this down, NCL will take four, Oceania two and Regent will also take two. We are delighted with this development, as it means more opportunities to see the world’s wonders on two of our most loved cruise lines.
Conclusion
The forthcoming fleet of cruise ships promises a future of travel that is more exhilarating, comfortable, and personalized than ever before. Offering a perfect blend of innovative entertainment options, luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining, immersive itineraries, and meticulous attention to service, these ships are set to bring you towards the next horizon of sea travel. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, the future of cruising holds an ocean of possibilities waiting to be explored. As always, your Cruise Specialists cruise consultant is perfectly positioned to keep you up to date on new developments. With our fingers on the pulse of the cruise industry and decades of experience, we’re here to assist and help you realize your travel dreams.
For assistance in selecting the cruise line, itinerary and package that is best for you, contact our expert Cruise Consultants >>