Let’s do one more quick look back at 2025 before we look ahead to 2026.
2025 brought us several new cruise ship launches. Here’s a look in order of appearance.
MSC Cruises’ MSC World America debuted on April 9, 2025, from Port Miami. She was officially named by her godmother, Drew Barrymore, at the new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s first Prima Plus-class ship, Norwegian Aqua, arrived in New York City on April 7, 2025, and was christened in PortMiami on April 13, 2025. The ship features the showstopping “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” show, along with various new venues.
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas debuted in August from Port Canaveral. She is the cruise line’s second Icon-class ship and the largest ship to debut in 2025.
Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady sailed her first MerMaiden voyage from New York City on September 5, 2025. She then began sailing from PortMiami in October. She will remain there until she crosses the Panama Canal in March to sail from Los Angeles. After sailing four cruises from Los Angeles, she will reposition to Seattle for the summer, making her the only ship to debut from all four corners of the United States.
Princess Cruises’ Star Princess officially debuted in October in the Mediterranean. She then crossed the Atlantic and was officially christened on November 6, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale by her godparents, Matthew and Cmaila McConaughey, with a unique bottle of their Pantalones Organic Tequila.
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel debuted in early November from Fort Lauderdale. She may be similar to her Edge-class sister, but she features several “new to Celebrity” venues, including Bora, a Mediterranean restaurant for boozy brunches and romantic dinners.
Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Destiny brought Heroes and Villains to the high seas when she debuted in late November. The third Wish-class ship features the first Marvel character statue, Black Panther, in the Grand Hall.
What a year for newbuilds!
Now, on to 2026.
Currently debuting…
March 2026 is Disney Cruise Line’s biggest ship ever–Disney Adventure. She will sail cruises to nowhere from Singapore, meaning the ship is the destination.
April 2026 is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Luna. She will sail from PortMiami and offer new entertainment and expanded spaces.
July 2026 is Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas. The third Icon class ship will sail from Barcelona in July 2026 before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale in November 2026.
December 2026 is MSC Cruises’ MSC World Asia. She is debuting from Barcelona with a distinctive Asian theme, including a new pan-Asian restaurant on the World Promenade.
Those are the big ones! The ones you will not want to miss!
Happy Cruising in 2026!