Cruise industry news and trends

23-03-25

The year 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting time for cruise enthusiasts, with a variety of voyages around the world promising unforgettable experiences. Below, we highlight some of the most attractive options that the major cruise lines will be offering this year.

MSC Cruises invites travellers to realise their dream of circumnavigating the globe with MSC World Cruise 2025. This epic 120-night voyage, aboard MSC Magnifica, will depart on 7 January from Barcelona and conclude on 3 May. During the voyage, passengers will visit 46 destinations in 21 countries, spanning five continents. 

The itinerary includes stops in iconic cities and hidden gems, offering an unparalleled cultural and scenic experience. 

• Princess Cruises' World Cruise 2025

Princess Cruises presents its most extensive voyage to date with World Cruise 2025 aboard Island Princess. This 116-day round-trip cruise will depart in January from Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale, visiting 51 destinations in 26 countries and six continents. Among the new additions to the itinerary are the line's first visits to Bar, Montenegro, and Taranto, Italy, as well as stops on the Greek islands of Patmos and Volos, known for the monasteries of Meteora.

• Holland America Line's Grand Voyages

Holland America Line offers its ‘Grand Voyages’ for 2025 and 2026, designed for those looking to explore the world in depth. These unique itineraries allow passengers to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and landscapes, visiting exotic and less travelled destinations. 

The onboard experience is complemented by first-class amenities, enriching entertainment and exceptional cuisine, ensuring a memorable journey. 

New ships to debut in 2025

The year 2025 will also see the debut of impressive new ships that will enrich the world's cruise offerings:

• MSC World America: this MSC Cruises behemoth, with capacity for nearly 7,000 passengers, promises to revolutionise the cruise experience with state-of-the-art facilities and a wide variety of entertainment and dining options. 

• Norwegian Aqua: Norwegian Cruise Line introduces Norwegian Aqua, a 3,571-passenger Prima Plus-class ship. Its innovations include the Aqua Slidecoaster, a combination slide and roller coaster, as well as the new Game Zone and the fleet's first Thai restaurant. 

• Star of the Seas: Royal Caribbean will launch Star of the Seas, the world's largest ship at 364 metres long and 20 decks. This colossus of the sea will offer eight themed ‘neighbourhoods’, including a water park with 14-metre waterslides and a suspended infinity pool. 

Itinerary trends and developments

Cruise lines are broadening their horizons with innovative itineraries to meet the growing demand for unique experiences:

• Exploring the Amazon: Abercrombie & Kent will launch the ‘Pure Amazon’, a 22-passenger riverboat sailing through the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in Peru. Guests will be able to fish for piranhas, spot sloths and pink dolphins, and participate in night hikes to observe the jungle's nocturnal wildlife. 

• Themed cruises: Disney Cruise Line will introduce ‘Disney Destiny’, a ship celebrating heroes and villains, offering immersive experiences for all ages. 

• Asia Routes: Viking Cruises will offer immersive experiences in Japan and China with itineraries beginning in September 2025, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the rich culture and landscapes of these countries. 

Advance Planning: Benefits and Recommendations

Planning holidays in advance offers many advantages, especially in the world of cruising:

• Increased availability: Booking early allows access to a wide variety of cabin options and dates, ensuring the choice that best suits the traveller's preferences.

• Offers and promotions: Many cruise lines offer discounts and additional benefits for early bookings, such as free beverage packages, on-board credits or included excursions.

• Security and flexibility: Early planning provides the opportunity to take out more favourable travel insurance and cancellation policies, providing peace of mind in the event of unforeseen events.