In 2024 alone, 35 orders were placed, indicating a surge in demand for cruise experiences. Major shipbuilders are leading this growth, with Fincantieri building 37 ships, Meyer Werft nine, and Chantiers eight over the next decade. Notable orders include a third new build for Crystal scheduled for 2032 and eight Viking vessels set for delivery between 2025 and 2030, beginning with the Viking Vela in December 2024.
2025: A Milestone Year
The year 2025 is set to bring 15 new ships, offering 38,629 berths and a combined value of $11.8 billion. From boutique vessels like the 180-passenger Four Seasons I to mega-ships such as the 6,000-passenger Disney Adventure, these new builds cater to diverse market segments. The average cost of a 2025 ship is $785 million, with a per-berth price of $304,849.
Key deliveries for the year include TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff Relax, Norwegian’s Aqua, and MSC Cruises’ World America in the first quarter. Later in the year, Disney’s highly anticipated newbuilds and Windstar’s Star Seeker are set to join the fleet.
Expanding Horizons in 2026
With 16 new ships planned, 2026 continues the growth trend. This includes Norwegian’s Luna in the first quarter, Viking Ocean’s Mira in the second, and Antarctica21’s Magellan Discoverer in the fourth. MSC Cruises’ World Asia is also slated for launch, although the exact date is pending.
The year’s vessels range from Emerald’s 100-passenger Kaia to Royal Caribbean’s unnamed 5,610-passenger ship. On average, 2026 ships will weigh 88,285 tons and cost $623 million each, with a per-berth price of $307,795.
Future Highlights
Through 2033, the industry anticipates several landmark launches:
- Three Carnival ships, each accommodating 6,200 passengers, in 2029, 2031, and 2033.
- Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas in 2025, hosting 5,610 passengers.
- Three MSC vessels, each with a 5,400-passenger capacity, arriving in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
This ambitious pipeline reflects the industry’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and enhanced passenger experiences, ensuring its relevance for decades to come.
Tags: Cruise Industry News (CIN), Cruise
