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Rendering of the poolside food truck on Utopia of the Seas (Photo/Royal Caribbean)
Rendering of the poolside food truck on Utopia of the Seas (Photo/Royal Caribbean)

New Cruise Ships on Order

Rendering of the poolside food truck on Utopia of the Seas (Photo/Royal Caribbean)
Rendering of the poolside food truck on Utopia of the Seas (Photo/Royal Caribbean)
Contributor
Ming Tappin
Executive Editor, U.S.
Chris Gray Faust

Last updated
Feb 22, 2024

Read time
9 min read

There's nothing we love more than learning about new cruise ships. The process, from design to keel laying to launch, generally takes two to three years. It gets us excited to see what's coming and who's innovating. We keep track of the larger cruise ships under construction in our story below.

If you're curious about expedition, we've got those covered too: New Expedition and Adventure Cruise Ships, as well as the larger ships: New Cruise Ships on Order.

Note: Dates below are subject to change.

On This Page

  • New Cruise Ships in 2024
  • New Cruise Ships in 2025
  • New Cruise Ships in 2026
  • New Cruise Ships in 2027

New Cruise Ships in 2024

Cunard Queen Anne under construction at the Marghera shipyard
The aft of Queen Anne in the Marghera shipyard (Image: Adam Coulter)

Queen Anne

Launch Date: May 2024

Tonnage: 113,000

Berths: 2,999

Cunard's first new-build ship since the launch of Queen Elizabeth in 2010, the next-generation Queen Anne will become the largest in the fleet (by passenger capacity) when it debuts in 2024.

The ship will have a completely redesigned interior, which draws on the line's 182-year history while giving the brand a modern aesthetic. This includes a gallery of 4,000 contemporary works, many of them by upcoming artists, inspired by the Cunard archive.

New venues on the ship will include the Bright Lights Society live music venue, where the line says no two nights will be the same. There will be 15 dining venues, including returning favorites such as The Golden Lion Pub, as well as four new specialty restaurants - Aji Wa (Japanese), Aranya (Indian), Sir Samuel’s (steakhouse), and Tramonto (Mediterranean). Celebrity Chef Michel Roux will also be designing a menu for the Queen’s Grill restaurant and the Golden Lion pub.


TUI Cruises Mein Schiff 7

Launch Date: June 2024

Tonnage: 111,500

Berths: 2,900

TUI Cruises is a German brand whose vessels are all named Mein Schiff (My Ship in German) and numbered. So you guessed it, Mein Schiff 7 is the seventh ship of the fleet and identical to her two predecessors. At 111,500 tons, it will feature everything you’d find on any big ship – a main dining room, a buffet, a pizzeria, and specialty restaurants such as a steakhouse and Asian cuisine. Standard accommodations include inside, oceanview, balcony, and suites, as well as several inside and oceanview cabins designed for single occupancy. Swimming pools, hot tubs, a fitness center, a spa, a casino, bars and lounges, a kids’ club, a theater, and boutiques complete the picture.

Mein Schiff 7 will also be the first cruise ship to have the ability to take on methanol, a sustainable and clean fuel currently being developed for use onboard cruise ships.


Rendering of Utopia of the Seas (Photo/Royal Caribbean)
Rendering of Utopia of the Seas (Photo/Royal Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas

Launch Date: July 19, 2024

Tonnage: 236,860

Berths: 5,668

The sixth ship in Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class, Utopia of the Seas will be the first in the category to be powered by greener LNG fuel.

An evolution of the class of ships that first debuted more than a decade ago, the line says the signature Oasis Class experience will be combined with brand-new thrills for passengers of all ages. Utopia will boast some impressive numbers, including eight neighborhoods, 20 types of accommodations, including the new Solarium Suites, and more than 20 dining venues. New eateries include The Spare Tire, a pool-side food truck serving light bites, but the most anticipated will be the new Royal Railway - Utopia Station, where a destination-focused dinner will be served onboard an authentic train dining car.


Plaza de Coco on Disney Treasure (Photo: Disney Cruise Line)
Plaza de Coco on Disney Treasure (Photo: Disney Cruise Line)

Disney Treasure

Launch Date: December 21, 2024

Tonnage: 144,000

Berths: 4,000

Disney Treasure is the second of Disney Cruises' three 4,000-passenger Wish-class vessels, which are the largest in the fleet, and will be a sister ship to Disney Wish launched in 2022. Inspired by Walt Disney's love of exploration, the line says the adventure-themed vessel will immerse passengers in some of the company's "most legendary" stories. Interior designs will draw on real-world influences from Asia and Africa as well as the fantasy land of Agrabah from Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Aladdin".

Other spaces will pay tribute to Moana and Mulan, and a Coco-themed restaurant Plaza de Coco will offer the first theatrical dining experience, where characters from the film will entertain families during dinner. Adult spaces will be modeled after popular Disney Parks rides: the Haunted Mansion Parlor, a jungle cruise-themed lounge Skipper Society, and Periscope Pub, inspired by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage.


Brilliant Lady under construction (Photo: Fincantieri)
Brilliant Lady under construction (Photo: Fincantieri)

Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady

Launch Date: TBA 2024

Tonnage: 110,000

Berths: 2,770

Richard Branson’s adults-only (18+) cruise line will launch its fourth “Lady Ship” sometime in 2024 (the ship was delayed from its original launch date of late 2023) or in early 2025.

Brilliant Lady will be identical to her three sister ships -- Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady - offering 86 percent balcony cabins and 78 suites called Rockstar Quarters. There will be more than 20 eateries onboard, ranging from steaks and seafood to vegetarian, a test kitchen, Mexican, and a Korean Barbeque, all of which are complimentary. A big focus of the Virgin cruise experience is on wellness. Along with a spa and salon, Brilliant Lady will also have an expansive fitness center with a variety of complimentary fitness classes, workout spaces, and a boxing ring. Stylish lounges throughout the ship and pools with DJs make for great spots to chill, and at night, the ship shines with Virgin’s innovative outside-the-box theatrical shows, lively nightclubs, and themed parties.

New Cruise Ships in 2025

TUI Cruises Mein Schiff Relax

Launch Date: March 2025

Tonnage: 160,000

Berths: 3,984

Mein Schiff Relax will be the first of German line TUI Cruises’ next generation of ships called the InTUItion class, powered by LNG. The new class will be distinctly different from the previous seven vessels in the fleet. 85 percent of the staterooms will have balconies, including (for the first time) some single occupancy cabins. Also new will be the two-story, two-bedroom Freedom Suite that will sleep up to six. Reflecting its name will be a “feel-good” ambiance onboard, with a focus on spa and wellness, and spacious outdoor areas with terraced seating and an infinity pool. A variety of dining experiences will include Asian, steakhouse, Greek, French, and Alpine cuisine.


A rendering of MSC World America cruise ship exterior. (Photo: MSC Cruises)
A rendering of MSC World America. (Photo: MSC Cruises)

MSC World America

Launch Date: April 12, 2025

Tonnage: 215,863

Berths: 6,762

The second of MSC Cruises' LNG-powered World-class ships, World America is sister ship to World Europa and will be the first in the class dedicated to the U.S. market. Sailing in the Caribbean, it will become the line's fourth new flagship to be deployed in the region. The design features a Y-shaped aft structure that leads to a nearly 350-foot long promenade, which is half open and half covered.

The line says aspects of the ship's design and onboard experience will be specifically tailored to appeal to passengers from North America, including 13 dining venues (six will be specialty restaurants) and 20 bars and lounges. The family market will continue to be the focus for MSC Cruises, with elaborate waterparks, a SportsPlex and rollerskating arena, and an 11-story drop dry slide. While no further details have been released, the ship will most likely feature similar amenities as her sister MSC World Europa, which include a new microbrewery, gin bar, healthy juice bar, coffee emporium, and teahouse.


Rendering of Norwegian Aqua's Slidecoaster (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, will debut on Norwegian Aqua (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line)

Norwegian Aqua

Launch Date: April 26, 2025

Tonnage: 156,300

Berths: 3,571

The fourth of six Prima-class ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Aqua will be the line's first next-generation Prima Plus class vessel. Slated to launch in spring 2025, it will be NCL's 20th ship and unveil new-to-brand features, including the most spacious accommodations in the fleet, the largest Haven complex, the Glow Court sports complex, and the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world's first hybrid waterslide and roller coaster. Favorites from the Prima class such as the Ocean Boulevard and Infinity Beach outdoor spaces will be back, both of which will be expanded for more spacious lounging and relaxing. In addition to the Studio staterooms, solo travelers will also enjoy an additional choice of inside, oceanview, and balcony accommodations specially designed for one.



Star Princess will debut in 2025 and is the sister ship to Sun Princess
Star Princess Port Side Render (Image: Princess Cruises)

Star Princess

Launch Date: August 4, 2025

Tonnage: 175,500

Berths: 4,300

The second in a new class of ship for Princess Cruises that will be powered, in part, by LNG fuel. Star Princess will have many of the same features as the first ship in the class, Sun Princess.

There’ll be over 29 bars and restaurants, 1,500 balcony cabins, and sun-lit terraces on the bow and stern of the ship overlooking the ocean, with an infinity pool and lots of places to relax. But the line always likes to add a few surprises, so stay tuned.


Rendering of Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas (Photo/Royal Caribbean)
Rendering of Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas (Photo/Royal Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas

Launch Date: August 31, 2025

Tonnage: 250,800

Berths: 5,610

After the wildly successful launch of Icon of the Seas in 2024, the second ship in Royal Caribbean's Icon Class, Star of the Seas will no doubt be just as highly anticipated. Currently being built for $1.1 billion, the ship will be powered by LNG and use fuel cell technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

No specific details have been announced, but the ship is expected to offer the same amenities as its sister ship, which features a neighborhood designed especially for families, the largest waterpark at sea, more than 40 eateries, and the AquaTheater high diving show inside the innovative glass AquaDome. There will be nearly 30 categories of staterooms and suites, including those designed for families, with most allowing triple and quad occupancy, and some will even sleep up to 8.


Rendering of Disney Adventure (Photo: Disney Cruise Line)
Disney Adventure is set to become Disney Cruise Line's first ship based in Singapore (Photo: Disney Cruise Line)

Disney Adventure

Launch Date: 2025

Tonnage: 208,000

Berths: 6,000

The largest ship in the Disney fleet is a result of the line buying the partly completed cruise vessel Global Dream after the collapse of former owner Asia Cruises. Although itineraries have yet to be announced, Disney says Disney Adventure will sail in "new global destinations" and will be based outside the U.S. and based in Singapore.


Celebrity Xcel (Rendering: Celebrity Cruises)
Celebrity Xcel (Rendering: Celebrity Cruises)

Celebrity Xcel

Launch Date: November 18, 2025

Tonnage: 140,600

Berths: 3,260

The fifth Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcel will feature a new, more eco-friendly flex fuel engine. Confirmed so far is the number of Edge Single Staterooms with Infinite Verandas for solo travelers has been doubled, and The Retreat suite complex will also have expanded and improved spaces. Celebrity has hinted that the Xcel will have all of the amenities of the previous Edge-class ships but also brand new game-changing experiences, yet to be announced.

New Cruise Ships in 2026

Royal Caribbean (Unnamed)

Launch Date: Spring 2026

Tonnage: 250,800

Berths: 5,610

The third Icon-class vessel has been ordered, with a delivery date set for Spring 2026. No further details have been released.


TUI Cruises (Unnamed)

Launch Date: TBA 2026

Tonnage: 160,000

Berths: 3,984

The yet-to-be-named ship will be TUI’s second ship of the InTUItion class and will be the sister ship to the Mein Schiff Relax that is slated to enter service in March 2025. No further details have been released.


MSC Cruises (Unnamed)

Launch Date: TBA 2026

Tonnage: 205,700

Berths: 5,400

MSC has confirmed the order of another World-class vessel, but no other details have been released.


Norwegian Cruise Line (Unnamed)

Launch Date: TBA 2026

Tonnage: 156,300

Berths: 3,571

The second Prima Plus class vessel has been ordered for delivery in 2026, no further details have been released.


New Cruise Ships in 2027

Rendering of Carnival's fourth Excel-class ship (Photo: Carnival Cruise Line)
Carnival Cruise Line has ordered a new Excel-class ship for 2027 (Photo: Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Cruise Line (Unnamed)

Launch Date: TBA 2027

Tonnage: 180,000

Passengers: 6,400

Carnival has placed an order for its fourth Excel-class ship that will join Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee within the fleet. The LNG-powered ship is being built at Meyer-Werft in Germany.


Norwegian Cruise Line (Unnamed)

Launch Date: TBA 2027

Tonnage: 169,000

Berths: 3,650

Besides confirming the order, no further details have been released by NCL.


MSC Cruises (Unnamed)

Launch Date: TBA 2027

Tonnage: 205,700

Berths: 5,400

MSC has confirmed the order of another World-class vessel, but no further details have been released.

Publish date June 15, 2023
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