Cruise Industry News says 2025 is poised to be a milestone year for the cruise industry, with 15 new ships set to join the fleet
Luxury travel on the high seas is set for a significant expansion, with 67 new ships and 170,422 additional berths expected by 2036. This growth, valued at USD 57 billion, reflects a surge in demand for unique cruise experiences, positioning the industry for an exciting future of innovation, adventure, and luxury that will redefine cruising for years to come.
In a press statement, Cruise Industry News (CIN) says 2025 is poised to be a milestone year for the cruise industry, with 15 new ships set to join the fleet. These vessels will provide a combined 38,629 additional berths, representing an investment of USD 11.8 billion.
It adds that key deliveries include TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff Relax, Norwegian’s Aqua and MSC Cruises’ World America in Q1, followed by Disney’s newbuilds and Windstar’s Star Seeker later in the year.
It further adds that average cost of a new ship in 2025 will be approximately USD 785 million, with the per-berth price estimated at USD 304,849.
CIN says that, these developments represent a staggering orderbook value of nearly USD 57 billion, setting the stage for a transformative decade.
It adds that in 2024, 35 orders were placed, signalling a surge in demand for cruise experiences. Leading the growth are major shipbuilders, including Italy’s Fincantieri with 37 ships, German Meyer Werft with nine and French Chantiers with eight over the next decade, orders include a third newbuild for Crystal in 2032 and eight Viking vessels set for delivery between 2025 and 2030, starting with the Viking Vela in December 2024.
CIN says that the new ships cater to a diverse array of passengers, from those seeking boutique experiences on the 180-passenger Four Seasons I to travellers drawn to mega-ships like the 6,000-passenger Disney Adventure.
It adds that key deliveries in 2025 include TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff Relax, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua, and MSC Cruises’ World America, all of which are slated for the first quarter. Later in the year, Disney’s eagerly anticipated newbuilds, along with Windstar Cruises’ Star Seeker.
It adds that 2026 will also see 16 new ships, continuing the growth trend. Notable launches include Norwegian’s Luna in Q1, Viking Ocean’s Mira in Q2, and Antarctica21’s Magellan Discoverer in Q4. MSC Cruises’ World Asia is also planned, though its launch date is pending.
The ships range from Emerald’s 100-passenger Kaia to Royal Caribbean’s 5,610-passenger vessel. On average, they will weigh 88,285 tonnes, cost USD 623 million and have a per-berth price of USD 307,795.
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