If you love cruising, 2025 is a year of massive changes. Some updates will make your trips more exciting, while others could change how you plan your next vacation.
As we’ve seen, the number of cruise passengers keeps growing every year, so cruise lines are constantly investing in expansion and innovation.
Let’s take a look at what’s new this year!
1. Bigger and Bolder Ships
The cruise world is about to get bigger—literally! Several mega cruise ships are set to make their debut this 2025.
The 22-deck MSC World America launches in April from Miami, carrying 6,762 passengers on Caribbean itineraries. I can’t wait to try their over-water swing ride, the first of its kind!
Another major launch happening in April is NCL’s Norwegian Aqua, home to the world’s first rollercoaster-waterslide hybrid.
Come August, Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas will join the fleet, a sister ship to the current largest, Icons of the Sea.
Virgin Voyages’ fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, hits New York in September and will sail to Bermuda and Quebec before heading to Miami for winter Caribbean cruises.
Princess Cruises isn’t staying on the sidelines either. Star Princess, their largest ship yet, sets sail from Barcelona in October.
To cap off the year, Disney is adding two new ships. Disney Destiny sails from Port Canaveral in November, while Disney Adventure heads to the Asian seas in December.
2. More Perks for Solo Travelers
Hesitant to cruise alone? 2025 could be the perfect year to give it a try! Solo travelers are getting extra attention, with more Gen Zs and millennials now choosing to cruise alone.
Several cruise lines are ditching the single supplement entirely, while others are giving significant discounts on cabin fares.
That’s not all! Dedicated solo lounges and networking events are becoming more common on many ships.
In the picture below, you can see the dedicated lounge for solo travelers you can find on some NCL ships. It’s really the perfect place to make new friends and socialize!
3. Greener Cruisers
Eco-conscious travelers can now enjoy cruises with a little less guilt about their environmental impact. The cruise industry is on track for net-zero emissions by 2050, and the changes are already underway.
Companies are testing less polluting fuels as they wait for cleaner, cost-effective fuels to become widely available.
For instance, MSC World America, which will set sail this year, is LNG-powered. Some lines may start retiring older vessels this year to decarbonize by 2050.
Also, expect more biodegradable products, digital menus, and in-room recycling bins as cruise lines take steps to get greener.
We’ve seen some of these changes in the article on the 10 Things You Won’t Be Able to Do on Cruises Anymore.
4. Themed Cruises
This year, cruise lines are going all in on immersive experiences and bucket-list adventures. And as many of you guessed, themed cruises are taking off like never before!
There’s a cruise for every passion and hobby—Comic-Con, Formula One, golf, LGBT, literature, single people, cycling, and many more. I mean, the variety is mind-blowing!
Foodies, you’re in for a treat too, with cruises dedicated to gourmet dining, wine tastings, and cooking classes led by top chefs.
But the real game-changer? Arctic expeditions that put you face-to-face with polar bears and African itineraries offering incredible wildlife encounters.
It seems that some cruise lines want to create truly immersive experiences in the countries you visit, which is definitely a good thing for more conscious travel.
5. Faster Internet
Another thing that will also change is the speed and stability of the Internet connection.
More and more cruise companies are equipping their ships with Starlink. That means you can join your morning team meetings, chat with friends and family, or update your Insta, all while overlooking the Caribbean.
This change is definitely a game-changer for those who need to get some work done, even while cruising.
Of course, always try to strike a good balance between work and fun—and whenever possible, step away from the computer and put the phone down!
In addition, keep in mind that this convenience might come with a price tag. My advice? Get an internet package when booking your cruise—it’s usually cheaper than buying onboard.
You can find some great tips for saving money in this article: “20 Tips & Tricks To Save Money on a Cruise“.
6. More Private Destinations
2025 will be a big year for private destinations in cruising! Operators are putting more focus on exclusive beach spots and private islands, with some exciting new additions on the horizon.
Both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are introducing brand-new beach destinations. Check out 7 Big Changes Coming to Carnival in 2025 and 7 Big Changes Coming to Royal Caribbean in 2025 to learn more!
It’s not just the Caribbean seeing growth. Alaska is getting more involved with cruise port projects to ease congestion. And with Florida’s ports filling up, Galveston, Texas is set to attract more ships with a new terminal.
7. New Travel Rules in Europe
Traveling to Europe or the UK? Starting in 2025, there will be new travel requirements for international cruising.
First, you now need to apply for electronic travel authorization, much like the U.S. ESTA system. It’s an added step, but it means faster border checks. Plus, it’s only €7 for the EU and about £10 for the UK.
The EU is also rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES). Cruise passengers entering the Schengen area must go through biometric registration.
Lastly, higher tourist taxes await in destinations like France, Greece, and Portugal’s Azores.
The Downside?
As we’ve seen, cruising is shaping up to be bigger, better, and more exciting than ever. The industry is offering more choices and innovations than we’ve seen in years.
The downside? Prices are going up. But even with the increases, cruising still delivers some of the best vacation value out there!
Just make sure to check out 17 Money-Wasting Mistakes All Cruisers Must Avoid, a few smart moves can save you cash and make your cruise even better!
I have tried several of them but these are the most durable and sturdy.
