With the launch of the Star of the Seas this week, there are six more major cruise ship launches due before the end of the year.
- The Star of the Seas has been recently delivered to Royal Caribbean International and is poised to embark on its inaugural revenue cruise from Port Canaveral on August 16, 2025. This impressive vessel, the second in the Icon class, boasts a staggering capacity of 5,610 guests and a tonnage of 250,800. Following its introduction, the Star of the Seas will offer a series of short cruises to the Bahamas before transitioning to a regular schedule of seven-night Caribbean itineraries, all from its homeport in Central Florida.
- Princess Cruises is counting down the days until the much-anticipated debut of its newest addition, the Star Princess, which is currently undergoing final construction phases at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Slated to set sail for the first time on October 4, 2025, this 175,000-ton ship will accommodate 4,300 guests and marks the second ship in Princess’ Sphere Class. During its maiden season, the Star Princess will provide Mediterranean itineraries before repositioning to North America, where it will offer cruises to the Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale.
- Celebrity Cruises is gearing up to welcome the Celebrity Xcel, the fifth vessel in its Edge Class fleet, later this year. Under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, this LNG-powered ship is expected to commence cruises on November 9, 2025. It will cater to 3,260 guests and is set to feature Caribbean itineraries that depart from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, commencing in early November.
- Disney Cruise Line is eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Disney Destiny, scheduled to enter service on November 20, 2025. This 2,500-guest ship, built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, will kick off its maiden season in Fort Lauderdale and will focus on short cruises to the Bahamas, providing a delightful experience for families and guests alike.
- Aurora Expeditions is set to introduce its third expedition ship, the Douglas Mawson, which will make its debut on December 1, 2025. After successfully completing its sea trials earlier this month, this 186-guest ship will embark on an expedition to the picturesque Tasmania region of Australia before commencing a series of voyages to East Antarctica and the Ross Sea, catering to adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Disney Cruise Line will also be making headlines with the Disney Adventure, a highly anticipated addition set to enter service on December 15, 2025. Marking Disney’s entrance into Southeast Asia, the 6,000-guest ship will sail from Singapore and is lined up to offer a series of short cruises to nowhere starting in mid-December, promising to deliver the magic of Disney to a new audience.
- Windstar Cruises’ Star Seeker is another noteworthy launch, as it represents the company’s first newbuild in over thirty years. Anticipated to begin service on December 28, 2025, this 10,000-ton ship is currently being constructed at the West Sea shipyard in Portugal. The Star Seeker is planned to embark on a trans-Atlantic crossing before initiating its inaugural Caribbean season, appealing to cruisers looking for a unique sailing experience.
In addition to these upcoming launches, several ships have already entered service this year, including TUI’s Mein Schiff Relax, MSC World America, Norwegian Aqua, Asuka III, Viking Vesta, Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara, and Oceania Allure.
