You’ve Never Cruised Like This: 12 New Ship Launches to Watch
New is NICE. When I dive into comments from people who say they don’t like cruising, they’ve usually sailed on some pretty old ships. Price-wise, old ships are cheaper than newer ships so they unfortunately tend to be the entry point for many people. No wonder these sailors end up not liking cruising!
Newer ships are more interesting and fun. With nicer bathrooms too! (These things matter.) I am a preferred partner with all of the cruise lines listed below, so always check with me for the amenities I can offer. The cruise lines will always make it worth your while to book through a travel agent. They just don’t have the staffing levels necessary to sell all their cabins themselves.
Curious what sorts of benefits I can offer on cruising? Go to the cruise catalog on my website and you can easily search for my perks and amenities. Watch this video for more information.
Here are the cruise ship launches I am most excited about coming up this year and next!
Celebrity River Cruises
Celebrity just announced that they will start cruising Europe’s rivers in 2027! They are opening for booking this summer. They’ve already purchased 10 ships so this is going to be interesting! My guess is that are going to attract a totally younger clientele. Want to be one of the first to book a Celebrity River Cruise? Drop me an email and I will make sure to notify you once bookings open.
Allura by Oceania Cruises
Allura (Oceania Cruises) – Launching May 2025, Allura offers elegant accommodations, five specialty dining venues, and Concierge Level Verandah Staterooms for solo travelers. Choose Allura for the food! Check out the itineraries here. (Scroll down.)
Viking Vesta – Launching in July 2025, the Vesta is an all-veranda small ship, with just 998 guests, Check out the itineraries here. No kids, no casinos! While I am not a huge fan of Viking river cruises (Viking shoves 30 more people onto the same size ships as other river cruise lines), I do like Viking Ocean.
Star of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) – Launching August 2025 from Port Canaveral, Florida this second Icon-class ship will feature the largest waterpark at sea, a swim-up bar, and over 40 dining venues.
Luminara by Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection
Luminaria - Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection – The third luxury yacht from the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection will make its debut in the summer of 2025, sailing in Europe before repositioning to sail the South Pacific in December.
Star Princess (Princess Cruises) – Debuting October 2025, this Sphere-class ship boasts a glass-domed solarium, the technologically advanced Arena theater, and exclusive Sanctuary Collection suites.
Brilliant Lady (Virgin Voyages) – Launching in 2025, this adults-only ship emphasizes wellness and entertainment, featuring a thermal spa, craft cocktail bars, and immersive performances.
The new Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel (Celebrity Cruises) – Debuting November 2025, Xcel will offer a destination-themed bazaar, regional culinary experiences, and a tri-fuel-capable engine for sustainability.
Four Seasons I (Four Seasons Yachts) – Debuting January 2026, this ultra-luxury yacht will offer 11 suite categories and sail the Caribbean. With Captain Kate McCue!
Norwegian Luna (Norwegian Cruise Line) – Debuting April 2026, Luna will offer increased capacity and new amenities, sailing from Miami.
Explora III
Explora III (Explora Journeys): Launching in summer 2026, I can’t wait to check out the 3rd ship from my favorite cruise line. Book this cruise line now before pricing starts to match those of Regent and Silversea.
Legend of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) – Launching July 2026, this Icon-class ship will feature the largest waterpark at sea, a swim-up bar, and an infinity pool.
I hope that gets you excited about booking your next cruise. Ready to chat? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
About Krista
I’m a Virtuoso luxury travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation for anyone looking to plan their next trip.
Like my page on Facebook for more travel inspiration.
Ways I Can Help You
Knowledge and experience. I’ve been to 78 countries.
I can offer VIP perks and amenities at thousands of hotels around the world. Virtuoso perks are just the start. I can also VIP you at Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Four Seasons, and Rosewood properties…among others. What does VIP mean? Free breakfast, priority for upgrade, a hotel credit, and more! (See my website footer for all the brands I work with And yes, you can double dip between your hotel status and mine, supercharging your stay and potential for upgrade! This works particularly well with Marriott and Hilton.)
I have a huge storehouse of luxury cruises: I partner with all the major cruise lines…Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Viking, Ama Waterways, Tauck and more. I can add onboard credits and other perks that you cannot get by booking direct.
I have vetted villa rentals with concierge service all around the world
Private jets.
Yacht charters.
Small group and private touring through my partners Project Expedition and Tours by Locals.
Airport transfers.
VIP on arrival and VIP on departure airport services. (Get met at the plane door!)
Travel insurance. Don’t leave home without it!
