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The Next Wave: Cruise Ships Set To Debut In 2025 & Beyond
Browse launch dates, sales info, key stats, and more in our latest ship guide, tailored specifically for UK travel agents!
2025 and 2026 promise to be thrilling years for the cruise industry, with a wave of exciting new ships making their debut. These ships range from ultra-luxurious vessels to family-friendly mega-ships and intimate yet luxurious river cruise ships, all packed with the latest new features, even more beautiful designs, seamless spaces and innovation than ever before. Here is your essential guide to which impressive next-generation cruise ship is launching next.
MSC World America
Passenger Capacity
6762
Staterooms & Suites
2614 in 19 categories
Innovative Features
Seven Districts incl. The Harbour
Target Customers
Families & Thrill Seekers
Key Features & Activities
Riviera Radiance
Passenger Capacity
178
Staterooms & Suites
89
Special Features
Spa & Wellness, Lounge & Bar, 3 Restaurants, Swimming Pool
Target Customers
Mature Travellers & Cultural Enthusiasts
Key Features & Activities
Riviera Rose
Passenger Capacity
114
Staterooms & Suites
57
Special Features
Swimming Pool, Sun Deck, Fitness Centre & Lounge
Target Customers
Mature Travellers & Cultural Enthusiasts
Key Features & Activities
Disney Adventure
Passenger Capacity
6700
Staterooms & Suites
2111
Innovative Features
7 themed areas
Target Customers
Families and Disney fans
Key Features & Activities
Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady
Passenger Capacity
2860
Staterooms & Suites
1408
Innovative Features
Mega Rockstar Quarters, All-Inclusive Fares
Target Customers
Fun-Loving Adults
Key Features & Activities
Star Princess
Passenger Capacity
4300
Staterooms & Suites
2157
Innovative Features
The Piazza, The Arena, A 3-Storey Dining Room
Target Customers
Entertainment & Relaxation Seekers
Key Features & Activities
Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas
Passenger Capacity
5610
Staterooms & Suites
2805
Innovative Features
20+ Waterslides, Crown’s Edge, AquaDome, Family Infinite Ocean Balcony
Target Customers
Families, Royal Fans & Adventurous Travellers
Key Features & Activities
Celebrity Xcel
Passenger Capacity
3276
Staterooms & Suites
1467
Innovative Features
The Retreat, Magic Carpet, Sunset Bar, Resort Deck, Rooftop Garden
Target Customers
Families & Luxury Travellers
Key Features & Activities
Oceania Allura
Passenger Capacity
1200
Staterooms & Suites
612
Innovative Features
The Finest Cuisine At Sea®, Aquamar Spa + Vitality Centre
Target Customers
Foodies & Sophisticated Travellers
Key Features & Activities
Emerald Kaia
Passenger Capacity
128
Staterooms & Suites
64
Innovative Features
Observation Sun Deck, Sky Deck with Spa Pool, Marina Platform
Target Customers
Luxury Travellers
Key Features & Activities
Norwegian Luna
Passenger Capacity
3550
Staterooms & Suites
1760
Innovative Features
Aqua Slidecoaster, Infinity Beach
Target Customers
Thrill-Seeking Travellers Who Appreciate Innovation
Key Features & Activities
Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas
Passenger Capacity
7293
Staterooms & Suites
2805
Innovative Features
Eight Neighbourhoods & Icon-Class Features and Highlights
Target Customers
Families, Royal Fans & Thrill Seekers
Key Features & Activities
Viking Libra
Passenger Capacity
998
Staterooms & Suites
499
Innovative Feature
World's First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship
Target Customers
The Thinking Traveller Seeking Tranquil & Elegant Experiences
Key Features & Activities
Emerald Raiya &
Emerald Xara
Launch Date: Winter 2027
Total Guests: 128
Ship Overview
Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara will offer spacious all-suite accommodations, an expansive Sky Deck with private cabanas and panoramic views, and a swim-up marina platform designed for effortless access to the sea.
Signature touches include an open-air fitness area, the Elements Spa, multiple dining venues serving regionally inspired cuisine, and a curated collection of water toys such as paddleboards and SeaBobs. Both ships will be designed for seamless open-air living, wellness-focused amenities, and immersive coastal exploration.
Itineraries: Seychelles & Eastern Mediterranean
Emerald Lumi
Launch Date: Winter 2027
Ship Overview
Emerald Cruises will make its first-ever appearance on the legendary Seine River with Emerald Lumi, a custom-designed ship created specifically for this elegant and storied waterway.
Emerald Lumi will bring a modern take on French river cruising, seamlessly blending luxury, cultural immersion and boutique charm. The ship will feature contemporary interiors, spacious suites, and a range of onboard amenities. Purpose-built for the region, the vessel will navigate the Seine with stops at popular ports such as Honfleur, Rouen, and other picturesque towns known for their art, history, and gastronomy.
Itinerary: Sailing The Seine From Paris Through Normandy
Carnival Festivale
Launch Date: Spring 2027
Ship Overview
Carnival Cruise Line’s fourth Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale, will sail from Port Canaveral and will introduce new onboard areas, such as music-themed venues and an outdoor family zone on the top three decks, named Sunsation Point, which will replace the Bolt rollercoaster.
Additionally, it will have over 3,000 staterooms and 1,000 interconnecting cabins, nearly 70% more than on the first three Excel class ships, and will be able to deliver fun to more guests than any ship in the world when carrying almost 8,000 guests at full capacity.
Itinerary: The Caribbean & The Bahamas
Top Offers
£640 Off European Adventures
Offer ends 30 April
Flash Sale
Up To $700 OBC
Offer ends 24 April
Flash Sale
2025 European Sale
DEPARTING 2025
£250(PP)
Save up to £150PP on European Tours
Save up to £500PP on Long-Haul Tours
2026 price freeze
Flash Sale
Free Deck Upgrade
Sales Tips for Agents
First-Time Cruisers
- Highlight Ease & Comfort Onboard:
Tell your customers about their ship’s spacious accommodations, delicious meals, exciting entertainment and extensive amenities. - Emphasise The All-Inclusiveness
Be sure to share that their cruise fare would already include meals, accommodation, entertainment and family-friendly amenities. - Showcase Onboard Amenities
Your customers will have full access to their ship’s facilities & amenities whether waterparks, swimming pools, bowling alley, fitness centre, cinema, ice rink or spa*.
*Differs on each ship - Highlight Unique & Popular Itineraries
Recommend attractive destinations and itineraries that would appeal to your customers’ personal interests whether arts & culture, history, music and more.
Luxury Cruisers
- Focus On Bespoke Offerings
Impress your customers with exclusive VIP experiences like Private Excursions, Priority Boarding & Seating and Exclusive Dining that they can fully enjoy onboard. - Highlight Luxurious Amenities
Tell them about Premium Suites, Butler Service and VIP Areas that they can access as well as all the additional perks & benefits that come with being a VIP customer! - Emphasise Exclusive Experiences
There will be opportunities to mingle with Celebrity Chefs and entertainers, meet wrold-renowned business owners and shop luxury brands.
Multi-Generational Families
- Highlight Activities For All Ages
Your customers will have the time of their lives onboard with rides, waterparks, movie nights, live shows, sing-alongs and more! - Showcase The Family Suite Or Family Rooms
Most major cruise lines would offer impressive family suites and spacious family rooms to suit families of various sizes with additional perks and benefits included! - Present Group Discount & Family Packages
Many cruise lines offer exclusive and all-inclusive family deals from Kids Sail Free to free family dining and exciting kids-only experiences. - Family-Friendly Amenities
Your customers can make full use of their ship’s dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs, adults-only spaces and activities, and family dining options that cater to every taste.
More to Explore
