New and exciting vessels will sail the oceans in 2025, and all industries are flaunting their designs at the world’s top shipping yards. Luxury cruise ships, the latest Navy craft and eco-friendly cargo vessels combine for a fantastic showing. Here’s what makes these new ships so exciting.
6 Top New Luxury Ships in Production
Cruise ships are the floating castles of the ocean, and with more people seeking to relax on the waves, the demand for them is higher than ever. The luxury liner manufacturing industry is booming, with large ships and eco-friendly vessels changing how passengers view voyages.
Many new vessels are dipping their rudders in the water, and tickets are selling fast. Here’s what to expect from next year’s luxury liner productions.
1. MSC World America — MSC Cruises
Guest capacity: 6,774
Maiden voyage: April 12, 2025
The greatly anticipated MSC World America starts its ocean life with a seven-night voyage from Miami. This massive cruiser is a marvel of maritime technology. It flies the Malta flag and has a crew of 1,413, including service staff. The 20 decks have 2,634 cabins, and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France, is building the vessel. Construction investment totaled $1,255 billion.
The MSC World America is also one of the latest eco-friendly liquified natural gas propulsion cruise ships. It tries to reduce maritime emissions and lower ocean acidification, which destroys marine biodiversity.
The lido deck features The Harbor — a water park with zip lines and an interactive play area for kids. Nighttime entertainment includes The Comedy Club and the onboard Sports Bar. The family-focused design makes it ideal for families seeking a Caribbean adventure. Most luxury liners have a double hull for added safety, reducing the ship’s risk of sinking during heavy weather or accidents.
2. Norwegian Aqua — Norwegian Cruise Line
Guest capacity: 3,571
Maiden voyage: April 16, 2025
The Norwegian Aqua, which is the largest in the Norwegian Cruise Line by 10%, is scheduled to start its service with a five-day round trip from Miami. It’s receiving the final touches at Fincantieri’s Marghera Yard, outside Venice, where the iconic racetrack that features on most of Norwegian Cruises’ liners makes way for a pair of waterslides. The Norwegian Aqua is flagged to be the first Aqua Slidecoaster in service.
3. Disney Destiny — Disney Cruise Line
Guest capacity: 3,466
Maiden voyage: To be confirmed
Indulge in Disney-themed entertainment with a Marvel-styled grand hall, “Lion King” dining shows and “Pirates of the Caribbean” bars on the Disney Destiny. The addition to the Disney maritime franchise is set to launch from South Florida and will captivate adults and kids alike. The 15 decks feature 1,238 cabins, and the space allocation is roomy at a ratio of 42 feet per guest. The Disney Destiny is currently nearing completion at Meyer Werft, Germany.
4. Allura — Oceanic Cruises
Guest capacity: 1,200
Maiden voyage: July 18, 2025
The Allura is the boat to catch for a more luxurious cruise with a boutique feel. The mixology experiences and specialty restaurants make this the perfect foodie voyage in the Mediterranean. The AquaMar Kitchen and large staterooms are ideal for a tranquil maritime journey.
5. Luminara — Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Guest capacity: 456
Maiden voyage: July 31, 2025
The Luminara mega yacht is a small-scale ship focusing on the luxury associated with the Ritz-Carlton. The vessel is nearing completion at the prestigious Chantiers de l’Atlantique Yard, France. It features 10 decks and 228 cabins in total, with private terraces for each suite and an onboard spa. It’s the perfect booking for luxury and exclusivity on the ocean.
The crew of 374 service staff will offer the best safety and care to guests thanks to the low ratio, increasing the vessel’s safety expectations. An average of 19 guests fall overboard from cruise vessels annually, so ensuring everyone’s safety is vital.
6. Viking Vesta — Viking Cruises
Guest capacity: 998
Maiden voyage: Summer 2025
The Viking Vesta debuts in the Mediterranean this summer, heading to exclusive destinations for the world’s cultural explorers. Fincantieri’s Marghera Yard, Venice, will float the Vesta, which is equipped with high-efficiency engines to reduce carbon emissions for a more eco-friendly ocean experience. Passengers will enjoy luxury comfort in the 499 cabins.
The U.S. Navy operates one of the largest fleets in the world, and this year, it requested the lowest number of vessels in a while. There are only six new battle force ships in its 2025 budget. The Navy is also decommissioning 19 craft from service, balancing operational costs after a hull-by-hull comparison of the existing fleet.
The new navy ships on the books for the year prioritize operational readiness over modernization. They include:
- Two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers: These destroyers are formidable additions with renowned guided missile systems and multirole combat efficiency.
- One San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock: This replaces the aging amphibious Whidbey Island-class and Harper’s Ferry-class ships in the current fleet.
- One medium landing ship (MLS): The tactical vessel supports the Marine Corps Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) for a more forward force posture in response to Chinese maritime expansion.
- One Constellation-class frigate: The 6,700-ton guided missile frigate will support multimission surface warfare capabilities, but some delays may occur as multiple approvals have slowed down the build time.
- One Virginia-class attack submarine: The submarine will form part of the Navy’s undersea combat and deployment operations.
The total account for these new additions is $32.4 billion, including an overhaul of the USS Harry S. Truman.
An explanation for decommissioning aging vessels and decreased shipbuilding orders is that the Navy’s construction industry should align more with meeting delivery requirements. This explains the considerable investment in a submarine industrial base and shipbuilding program. Once these new programs are fully operational, there should be an upward trend in orders for U.S. naval vessels.
3 New Sustainable Ships in Production
Heavy carbon production from burning fossil fuels challenges shipping, so some shipping operators are moving toward clean energy. Some of these are already making waves in the new year.
The first is the Sohar Max, a very large ore carrier (VLOC) class ship retrofitted late in October 2024 with rotor sails to utilize wind propulsion technology. While it’s not an entirely newly built ship, the retrofit is a groundbreaking project between Vale S.A. Mining, Asyad Shipping and Anemoi Marine Technologies.
The 35-meter-tall rotor sails use the Magnus effect, where the pressure difference between the air entering and leaving the rotary sail turns into thrust. Vale plans similar retrofits for the NSU Tubarao in 2025.
Other eco-friendly ship builds for 2025 include the Singapore-based Ocean Network Express’s (ONE) commission of 10 eco-fittable, 13,700-TEU very large container ships (VLCS) under construction at the Hyundai Heavy Industries and Nihon Shipyards. ONE will take delivery of these vessels in 2025.
The container crafts’ designs initially use traditional fuels, but they are easily retrofitted to run on alternatives like ammonia and methanol when these become available. They also include carbon capture and storage facilities to help decarbonate their emissions.
New Ships and New Technologies
The coming year welcomes several new ocean craft that bring exciting developments to production. From fuel-saving resources like rotor sails and liquified natural gas fuel to naval vessels, cargo vessels and luxury cruisers that carry guests on pleasure voyages, the oceans remain a dynamic mode of transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest cruise ships debuting in 2025?
The largest luxury liners launching in 2025 include the MSC World America, with a guest capacity of 6,774, the Norwegian Aqua, with a capacity of 3,571 and the Disney Destiny, with a capacity of 3,466 guests.
Which of the new cruise ships for the year are suited to families?
Most large luxury vessels cater to families with dedicated play areas for children. The MSC World America has a water park and interactive playgrounds, while the Disney Destiny features immersive entertainment zones.
Are there eco-friendly cruise and cargo ships launching this year?
The MSC World America is an innovative and eco-friendly ship with engines that run on liquified natural gas instead of regular gasoline. The recently retrofitted Sohar Max is a wind-powered ore ship cruising the oceans without leaving carbon emissions in its wake.
Which cruise ship will Cunard Cruises refurbish before resuming operations, and how does this aid the environment?
The Queen Elizabeth, operated by Cunard, will start refurbishment in early 2025. Replacing and updating the ship’s interior reduces the pressure on natural resources used to construct new ships.
The older ships become more costly to keep operational due to a scarcity of parts and more frequent breakdowns. The six new vessels bulk the fleet’s capacity and focus on operational readiness.
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