2025 was a busy year for new cruise ship deliveries across the industry. Behind the scenes, shipyards across Europe and Asia were quietly handing over some of the biggest, most advanced, and most specialized cruise ships ever built, from floating resort cities to boutique luxury yachts and expedition ships designed for polar waters.
In this article, I’ll walk through all of the major cruise ships that were released in 2025 and give a brief overview of what each one brings to the industry. When I say a ship was “launched” in 2025, I’m referring to its delivery date — the point when the shipyard formally hands the ship over to the cruise line and it officially becomes part of the fleet, even if its first sailing happens a little later.
To make things a bit more interesting, I’ve also ranked the ships from largest to smallest using gross tonnage (GT). Gross tonnage isn’t a measure of weight, but of internal volume — essentially how big the ship is in terms of enclosed space, including cabins, public areas, and onboard venues.
Star of the Seas
Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon-class ship and the second ship in the Icon class, following Icon of the Seas. Delivered in July 2025, it marks the next step in Royal Caribbean’s push toward building full-scale floating resorts, with neighborhoods designed to feel more like land-based theme park districts than traditional cruise decks.
The ship builds on what worked with Icon, but improves the experience based on early guest feedback — from better layouts to upgraded dining concepts and entertainment spaces. It’s aimed squarely at families and active cruisers who want the biggest possible choice of things to do onboard, rather than a quiet or traditional cruise experience.
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Delivered: July 10, 2025
Class: Icon Class
Capacity: 7,600 passengers
Size: 248,600 GT
MSC World America
Delivered in March 2025, MSC World America is MSC Cruises’ newest flagship for the North American market. It’s part of MSC’s World Class series and was designed specifically to appeal to U.S. and Caribbean cruisers while still maintaining the line’s European design sensibility.
The ship features multiple themed districts, large entertainment venues, dedicated family zones, and a mix of European-style and American-style dining concepts — from upscale restaurants to more casual options like sports bars and grab-and-go venues. It’s part of MSC’s push to compete more directly with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian in the mega-ship market.
Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
Delivered: March 27, 2025
Class: World Class
Capacity: 6,850 passengers
Size: 216,600 GT
Disney Adventure
Delivered on December 16, 2025, Disney Adventure is Disney’s largest ship to date and the first in the fleet to be homeported long-term in Asia, with Singapore as its base. The ship marks a major step in Disney’s expansion beyond the Caribbean and toward a more global cruise brand.
Onboard, Disney Adventure leans heavily into the company’s strengths in family entertainment, with themed spaces, character experiences, Broadway-style shows, and immersive dining concepts designed to keep families engaged throughout the voyage.
Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line
Delivered: December 16 2025
Class: Global Class
Capacity: 6,000 passengers
Size: 208,000 GT
Read more: Disney Cruise Ships Ranked: Best and Worst According to Real Cruisers
Star Princess
Star Princess is the second ship in Princess Cruises’ Sphere class and was delivered in September 2025. It builds on the innovations introduced with Sun Princess, including more entertainment venues, new dining concepts, and a shift toward a more modern onboard atmosphere.
The heart of the ship is The Sphere Piazza, a soaring glass-enclosed gathering place where guests can relax, dine, or enjoy live performances with panoramic sea views. Nearby, The Dome — a multi-level pool and lounge area by day that turns into an entertainment venue at night — gives the ship a distinct atmosphere that connects the indoor spaces with the open air.
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Delivered: September 26, 2025
Class: Sphere Class
Capacity: 4,300 passengers
Size: 177,882 GT
Mein Schiff Relax
Delivered in February 2025, Mein Schiff Relax is the first ship in TUI Cruises’ new InTUItion class and introduces a noticeably more spacious, calm, and wellness-focused design than earlier Mein Schiff ships.
The ship is geared toward European cruisers who prefer a quiet, comfortable atmosphere, inclusive dining, and a relaxed, resort-style experience at sea. Instead of waterslides and headline attractions, it focuses on spa spaces, lounges, and places to unwind, making it a good fit for travelers who want a slower, more peaceful kind of cruise.
Cruise Line: TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff)
Delivered: February 7, 2025
Class: InTUItion Class
Capacity: 4,000 passengers
Size: 160,000 GT
Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua is the first ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Plus class. Delivered in March 2025, it’s an evolution of the Prima-class concept, built to be slightly larger and more spacious while keeping the modern, design-forward feel that Norwegian is known for.
Onboard, you’ll find an abundance of outdoor decks and expanded public areas, a wide range of dining venues, and a mix of entertainment and activities that go beyond traditional cruise shows — from the Aqua Slidecoaster and Glow Court sports complex to lively lounges and poolside live music.
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Delivered: March 13, 2025
Class: Prima Plus
Capacity: 3,571 passengers
Size: 156,300 GT
Read more: NCL Cruise Ships Ranked by Age: Newest to Oldest (With Reviews)
Disney Destiny
Disney Destiny is the third ship in Disney Cruise Line’s Wish Class and was delivered in October 2025. It continues Disney’s expansion into larger, more immersive ships that rely heavily on storytelling, themed environments, and original entertainment rather than traditional cruise-style programming.
Destiny brings together classic Disney characters, newer franchises, and interactive experiences, making it especially appealing to families with children and multigenerational groups. It’s designed less as a traditional ship and more as a floating Disney destination, where the onboard experience is as much the draw as the ports themselves.
Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line
Delivered: October 15, 2025
Class: Wish Class
Capacity: 4,000 passengers
Size: 144,000 GT
Celebrity Xcel
Delivered on October 23, 2025, Celebrity Xcel is the fifth ship in Celebrity’s Edge class and builds on the line’s signature focus on modern design, light-filled public spaces, and high-quality dining.
One of its standout additions is The Bazaar, a multi-level indoor-outdoor venue that changes throughout the day with live music, pop-up markets, and destination-inspired food, giving the ship a more dynamic, place-based feel than earlier Edge-class ships.
Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
Delivered: October 23, 2025
Class: Edge Class
Capacity: 3,260 passengers
Size: 141,420 GT
Brilliant Lady
Brilliant Lady is Virgin Voyages’ fourth ship. It was delivered in 2025 as the final ship in the line’s initial fleet buildout. It follows the same adults-only, design-led approach that defines the Virgin Voyages brand.
Onboard, the ship centers on nightlife, dining, and wellness, with venues like The Manor nightclub, immersive dinner shows, and the Redemption Spa Thermal Suite with saunas and plunge pools. There’s also a lively pool deck, modern fitness spaces, and plenty of lounges and bars designed for socializing.
Cruise Line: Virgin Voyages
Delivered: 2025
Class: Lady Class
Capacity: 2,762 passengers
Size: 110,000 GT
Oceania Allura
Oceania Allura is the second ship in Oceania’s Allura class and was delivered in July 2025. It continues Oceania’s reputation for high-end dining and elegant interiors.
The onboard experience centers on exceptional food and elegant surroundings, with highlights that include a new onboard Crêperie serving made-to-order crepes and waffles, a sophisticated glass-walled library and social hub, and multiple specialty dining venues like Ember and Aquamar Kitchen.
Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises
Delivered: July 10, 2025
Class: Allura Class
Capacity: 1,200 passengers
Size: 68,000 GT
Viking Vesta
Viking Vesta is one of Viking’s newest ocean ships, delivered on June 26, 2025, and built around the line’s familiar small-ship, destination-focused approach. Like the rest of the fleet, it features all-veranda staterooms, clean Scandinavian design, and light-filled public spaces.
The onboard experience centers on cultural enrichment and relaxed exploration, with talks led by Viking’s Resident Historian, scenic spaces like the Wintergarden and aft infinity pool, and dining that reflects the regions being visited. There’s also a spa and wellness area for unwinding, making it a good fit for travelers who care more about where they’re going than about big onboard attractions.
Cruise Line: Viking Ocean
Delivered: June 26, 2025
Class: Viking Ocean Class
Capacity: 998 passengers
Size: 54,300 GT
Read more: Viking Ocean’s Fleet Ranked: Best & Worst Ships Revealed by Cruisers
Asuka III
Delivered on April 10, 2025, Asuka III is the newest ship in the Asuka Cruises fleet and part of the line’s move toward a more modern, efficient generation of ships. It’s powered by LNG and designed with clear Japanese influences in its interiors and public spaces.
The ship is aimed mainly at Japanese travelers and focuses on good food, attentive service, and cultural experiences like talks, performances, and rotating art displays. Instead of waterslides and headline attractions, Asuka III offers quiet lounges, thoughtful programming, and a relaxed pace.
Cruise Line: Asuka Cruises
Delivered: April 2025
Class: Asuka Class
Capacity: 744 passengers
Size: 52,000 GT
Luminara
Luminara is the third yacht in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and was delivered in June 2025. It continues the brand’s push into ultra-luxury cruising with a focus on personalized service, high-end design, and intimate onboard experiences.
Onboard, guests enjoy highly curated amenities such as five restaurants and seven bars, a dedicated Wine Vault, a panoramic pool area with jacuzzis, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa with wellness facilities and fitness spaces. The yacht also features an expansive marina with a floating lounge platform for sea access, world-class dining collaborations, and an impressive art collection.
Cruise Line: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Delivered: June 4, 2025
Class: Luxury Yacht
Capacity: 452 passengers
Size: 46,750 GT
Star Seeker
Star Seeker is Windstar Cruises’ first newbuild ship in decades and was delivered in December 2025. It marks a major step forward for the line, introducing modern design and technology while maintaining Windstar’s small-ship cruising philosophy.
The ship is aimed at travelers who want to visit smaller ports and enjoy a more intimate onboard atmosphere with personalized service, without giving up modern comfort or style.
Cruise Line: Windstar Cruises
Delivered: December 15, 2025
Class: Star Class
Capacity: 224 passengers
Size: 9,315 GT
Douglas Mawson
Douglas Mawson is a purpose-built expedition ship delivered in September 2025 and chartered by Aurora Expeditions. It was designed specifically for polar and remote-region cruising, with a focus on safety, exploration, and access to destinations that larger ships can’t reach.
The ship supports scientific-style exploration experiences, including zodiac landings, wildlife viewing, and educational programming led by expedition teams. It’s aimed at adventurous travelers who want hands-on exploration rather than traditional cruise amenities.
Cruise Line: Aurora Expeditions (chartered from SunStone)
Delivered: September 9, 2025
Class: Infinity Class
Capacity: 154 passengers
Size: 8,000 GT
American Patriot
American Patriot is part of American Cruise Lines’ new Patriot Class and was delivered in 2025 to support the company’s expanding U.S. coastal cruising program. It focuses on domestic itineraries along the East Coast, New England, and inland waterways.
The ship is designed for travelers who prefer small, comfortable ships with American-style service and itineraries that don’t require international travel, passports, or long flights.
Cruise Line: American Cruise Lines
Delivered: 2025
Class: Patriot Class
Capacity: 125 passengers
Size: 3,000 GT
Related articles:
- 12 Jaw-Dropping New Cruise Ships Arriving in 2026 That Are Raising the Bar at Sea
- What People LOVE About Big Cruise Ships (That Small Ships Simply Can’t Compete With)
- The 12 Biggest Surprises Hidden Inside Disney’s Most Dramatic New Ship Yet
- Icon of the Seas or MSC World America? Which One Really Delivers?
