Discover oceans of possibilities as cruise lines offer new ships and delightful amenities.
From sky-high waterslides to imaginative food halls, virtual reality adventure, and much more, cruise lines are offering travelers new ships and awe-inspiring experiences that will fill your vacation with exciting and different ways to relax and have fun.
Bon Voyage!
New ships get a lot of attention (for good reason!), but the journey is just as important. And whether you already have your favorite ports of call or are looking for a new maritime route, there are some fun and fascinating itineraries to check out in 2025.
Royal Caribbean® — Star of the Seas
Starting in summer 2025, the new Star of the Seas℠ — Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class ship — will depart from Port Canaveral on seven-night sailings to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. Comparable in size to the original Icon of the Seas℠, with its 20 decks and capacity for 5,610 guests, Star of the Seas boasts eight neighborhoods, including fast favorites such as Thrill Island, Surfside, and the AquaDome.
Onboard Eats: Star of the Seas is a foodie’s paradise, with some 40 places to get a bite or grab a drink. And they range from world-class gourmet restaurants to casual eateries, including the upscale Lincoln Park Supper Club℠ — a 1930s Chicago-style spin on the New York City–themed Empire Supper Club℠ on the Icon of the Seas — and AquaDome Market, the cruise line’s first food hall concept, which features five unique stands. Enjoy sweeping ocean views at Pearl Café, sushi at Izumi in the Park, and a slice of pizza at Sorrento’s.
Days at Sea: In addition to six thrilling waterslides and seven pools, guests can enjoy the FlowRider® surf simulator, Crown’s Edge℠ aerial adventure course, and minigolf. The family-friendly Surfside neighborhood, initially designed for the youngest cruisers, has been reimagined for kids up to age 10, and the Adventure Ocean kids’ club has even more ways to play. The AquaDome includes high-dive and acrobatic shows, and the Rye & Bean bar.
Check This Out: Chill out at Absolute Zero, Royal Caribbean’s biggest ice arena, where you can skate and make your own figure eights during the day and watch all-star performers complete axels and mega spins at nighttime shows.
Princess Cruises® — Sun Princess
Sun Princess®, which debuted in early 2024, was the first ship in the cruise line’s Sphere class, features 21 decks, a 4,300-guest capacity, and a design that connects passengers to the sea with breathtaking views. Offering 30 dining and drinking venues — more than any other Princess ship — it sails nine- to 21-day voyages to Greece, Turkey, France, and Italy, as well as five- to 14-day trips to the Caribbean. Signature highlights include a nine-deck bubble atrium and the Dome, a solarium by day and entertainment hub at night. The Sun Princess’ Sanctuary Collection℠, featuring suites, mini-suites, and balcony suites, provides exclusive access and a host of high-end amenities.
Onboard Eats: Boutique restaurant Love by Britto blends the art of Romero Britto with the culinary skills of Rudi Sodamin and provides a seven-course dining experience. Alfredo’s Pizzeria was voted “Best Pizza at Sea” by USA Today. The Eatery features flavors from around the world and Crown Grill showcases a theater-style kitchen with prime cuts of meat. O’Malley’s Irish Pub is the perfect place for drinks and lively music.
Days at Sea: Sun Princess is one of the cruise line’s most family-friendly ships. Kids up to 7 years old can enjoy crafts and activities at Firefly Park (with parental supervision for anyone under 3), while tweens (8 to 12) and teens (13 to 17) have their own dedicated clubs. Lounge in one of five pools and nine whirlpool tubs or play basketball, table tennis, and shuffleboard. Nightlife includes Spellbound by Magic Castle™, a speakeasy-style experience that combines a magic show with specialty craft cocktails. The grand Atrium hosts musicians, acrobats, and more. And Festivals of the World features themed performances, movies, and parties.
Check This Out: At nearly 9,000 square feet, the Sun Princess’ casino is the largest ever built by the line. There are some 227 slot machines and 13 live gaming tables. In all, it boasts 50 percent more space and 30 percent more machines than Princess’ Royal class of ships. Plus, it will have the cruise industry’s first ever Buffalo Zone slot machine area for lovers of these exciting games.
Norwegian Cruise Line® — Norwegian Viva
Experience luxury aboard Norwegian Viva®. It launched in August 2023 and was the second ship in the Prima class, accommodating about 3,200 guests. Norwegian embraces “freestyle cruising” as its tagline, allowing guests to explore on their own terms — and there’s plenty of activities and entertainment options aboard Viva. The ship sets sail on a variety of seven- to 15-day voyages, including Mediterranean explorations, Caribbean escapes, and vibrant transatlantic crossings.
For cruisers who are looking for a little extra luxury and serenity, The Haven — a collection of exclusive and expansive suites complemented by around-the-clock butler service and a private sundeck — is the place to be.
Onboard Eats: Feast at the Surfside Café buffet, enjoy classic pub fare at The Local Bar & Grill, or savor flavors from around the world at Indulge Food Hall. Discover culinary delights at specialty restaurants Onda by Scarpetta or Le Bistro. After dinner, unwind with a handcrafted cocktail at Metropolitan, sip wine at Penrose Bar, or enjoy a relaxed evening with superb ocean views and entertainment at the Observation Lounge.
Days at Sea: Step onto Oceanwalk, Norwegian’s first glass walkway at sea, and take in the breathtaking views beneath the bridge. Ride the first tidal wave waterslide at sea and try The Drop and The Rush, two exciting free-fall slides. Kids can enjoy creative play, sports, and more at Splash Academy. Head to The Stadium for unique takes on table tennis and foosball. You can also visit Tee Time for interactive minigolf, play darts at the Bull’s Eye pub, or zoom around a three-level racetrack at the Viva Speedway.
Check This Out: Explore the Galaxy Pavilion for an unforgettable virtual reality adventure and dive into immersive VR experiences and high-octane simulator rides. Or test your problem-solving skills in an escape room with holograms and mystical artifacts. This high-tech wonderland is an essential experience for the whole family.
Norwegian Cruise Line — Norwegian Aqua
The newest addition to the Prima class–fleet, Norwegian Aqua™ is slated to make its maiden voyage in April 2025. With 20 decks and capacity for about 3,600 guests, it boasts 10 percent more size and capacity than predecessors Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva®. The ship also features the cruise line’s first daybeds on the main pool deck, more wide-open spaces, and, like Norwegian Viva, a glass bridge known as Oceanwalk where you can walk over water. Its spacious accommodations are highlighted by The Haven, a sanctuary offering cruise seclusion, including a private pool and exclusive dining options. Norwegian Aqua will sail on a variety of itineraries, including seven-day Caribbean trips from Port Canaveral; four-, five-, and seven-day cruises to Bermuda from New York; and five- and seven-day Eastern Caribbean sailings from Miami.
Onboard Eats: Aqua brings fresh flavors with its debut of two new dining spaces: Sukhothai, the brand’s first Thai restaurant, and Planterie, offering a full plant-based menu. Also new is Swirl, a sleek wine lounge.
Days at Sea: Dive into action at Glow Court, a cutting-edge sports complex with an interactive LED floor that turns into a nightclub after the sun goes down. Craving thrills? The Drop sends you plummeting 10 stories down the side of the ship in a heart-pounding, unforgettable ride. For a more serene escape, unwind in the infinity-edge pool at Infinity Beach. Adults can relax at Vibe Beach Club, featuring a full-service bar, whirlpool tubs, and breathtaking views. Meanwhile, younger guests can splash and play at the fun-filled Aqua Park.
Check This Out: Experience the thrill of the Aqua Slidecoaster, the first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide to be built on a cruise ship. Soaring high with a magnetic lift, you’ll race down the slides, twisting and turning around the ship’s funnel on one of two different courses. The slide tubes are equipped with dazzling daylight and color effects, creating an unforgettable ride.