As we say goodbye to a busy 2024 and look forward to the year ahead, there are no signs that the cruise industry is slowing down. The surge of new vessels being added to the global fleet is only set to gather pace, with major new ships on the way for the world’s biggest cruise lines.
CFR highlights five of the biggest new ships set to make their debut this year:
Norwegian Aqua
The first ship of Norwegian Cruise Line’s expanded Prima-Plus class, Norwegian Aqua, is 10 per cent larger than its predecessors. Norwegian has taken advantage of the ship’s extra space to offer a range of new features, including the world’s first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidercoaster. The ship will also have a new digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor named Glow Court, as well as the most expansive Ocean Boulevard outdoor promenade on a Norwegian ship.
Norwegian Aqua will begin sailing in March 2025 with a transatlantic voyage from Southampton, UK.
“Norwegian Aqua is a true testament of fusing together what represents the future of our brand as the first ship in the Prima-Plus class, and our commitment to pushing the boundaries in guest-first experiences that will make new waves at sea,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
Mein Schiff Relax
Mein Schiff Relax, the first of TUI Cruises’ new InTUItion class, is currently under construction in Monfalcone, Italy, ahead of its expected debut in early 2025. The ship is the first TUI Cruises vessel to be powered by LNG and will introduce a variety of new venues, including a new outdoor zone inspired by the islands of Greece, a Burlesque Bar and a new Asian-Japanese restaurant equipped with digital lighting and projection technology.
“On 9 April 2025, the time will finally come; the first new build of the InTUItion ship class, the Mein Schiff Relax, will be christened in Málaga, Spain,” said Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises. “We are looking forward to celebrating this unique and spectacular event together with the crew, our guests and, for the first time, with two other ships in the fleet and Robbie Williams, the feel-good ambassador of the Mein Schiff Relax."
MSC World America
The second ship in MSC Cruises World-class, MSC World America is also set to begin sailing in April 2025. The vessel will feature seven distinct districts, including the MSC Yacht Club, Family Aventura, Aqua Deck, Zen Area, the Galleria, the Terraces and the Promenade, each of which will offer a variety of dining and entertainment venues.
A selection of 19 different cabin options will be available onboard, ranging from the World-class exclusive Promenade View cabins to the 150-square-metre Owner’s Suites, which feature a double bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and bathroom complete with a full-size imperial bathtub. There will also be 19 dining venues on offer, including four main restaurants, two buffets, two venues in the MSC Yacht Club and Eataly.
“We’ve invested a lot into tailoring MSC World America to deliver a truly memorable cruise experience, with new restaurants, bars, experiences and spaces,” said Bernhard Stacher, senior vice president of shipboard hospitality operations at MSC Cruises. “With the only Eataly restaurant at sea, a brand-new Greek restaurant Paxos, and MSC Cruises’ first comedy club, The Loft, there’s really a space and experience for every guest.”
Royal Caribbean International
Star of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International will introduce Star of the Seas, the second ship in the Icon class, in August 2025, with a series of seven-day cruises from Port Canaveral in Florida. Star of the Seas will be nearly identical to its predecessor Icon of the Seas, offering the largest waterpark at sea, Category 6, more than 40 dining venues and bars, an ice skating rink and more.
“The idea of combining the best of every type of vacation into one ultimate adventure has created more excitement than ever anticipated, and Star of the Seas will be the next bold answer to the record-breaking consumer demand we’ve seen for nearly a year and counting with Icon of the Seas,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
Disney Adventure
Setting sail at the end of 2025 with an inaugural sailing from Singapore, Disney Adventure will feature a range of firsts for Disney Cruise Line. Three new Disney attractions will appear on the upper decks in an adventure zone celebrating the Marvel Universe, including the longest rollercoaster at sea, the Ironcycle Test Run. Toy Story Place will be a new water play area designed for families with young children, while San Fransokyo Street, inspired by Big Hero 6, will feature the Big Hero Arcade. New stage shows, dining venues and updated accommodation options will also be available onboard.
“As part of our unprecedented expansion for Disney Cruise Line, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences that bring our special brand of cruising and the best of Disney storytelling to new guests on new shores,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line. “When the Disney Adventure sets sail in December 2025, guests throughout Southeast Asia will have the opportunity to experience the magic of their favourite Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories, in their very own backyard.”