Carnival Corporation has announced that it has placed an order for another Excel-class ship for the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, due to set sail in 2028.
The ship will be the fifth Excel-class ship sailing for the Carnival brand and the 11th built by the corporation overall.
She will be capable of carrying over 6,400 guests and 1,800 crew like her sisters, and she will also be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the cleaner fuel type that the rest of the Excel-class ships are currently using.
There are currently three Excel-class ships sailing for Carnival – Mardi Gras (2021), Carnival Celebration (2022) and Carnival Jubilee (2023). A fourth has already been confirmed and will arrive one year earlier than the newest-announced vessel, in spring 2027.
Carnival’s Excel-class fleet will soon be a quintet of these very popular ships that provide outstanding guest amenities and tremendous operating efficiencies. Since the introduction of Mardi Gras in 2021 and the subsequent expansion with Carnival Celebration in 2022 and Carnival Jubilee in 2023, these Excel-class ships are driving excitement, demand, and strong guest satisfaction ratings.
Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line president
Neither the fourth or fifth ships have had their names revealed yet, with details like that typically being announced between 18 months and 3 years before the ships are completed.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
2024 has a lot to be excited about, including some brand-new cruise ships!
I mean you can tell from the title – we still have 11 ships due to launch next year, so that’s an average of almost one a month. Not bad, really!
In this guide, I’ll take you through all 11 ships that we should hopefully be able to cruise on in 2024, if everything goes to plan. Although it’s worth noting that ships do sometimes fall behind in schedule – some of those due towards the end of the year may slip into 2025. I’ve already included some of those at the end of this list.
1. Icon of the Seas
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
Estimated cost: $1.1 billion
Expected delivery: January 2024
A new Royal Caribbean ship is always an event, but a new Royal Caribbean class of ship – that’s exciting!
At 250,800 gross tonnes and with a guest capacity of around 7,600, Icon of the Seas is much larger than the Oasis-class ships, and absolutely dwarfs the ships in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class.
We also know that she’s the first Royal Caribbean ship designed to be powered by LNG fuel, which is much more environmentally friendly than traditional fuels with fewer harmful emissions.
2. Sun Princess
Cruise line: Princess Cruises
Estimated cost: $1 billion
Expected delivery: February 2024
Sun Princess is the second ship launching in 2024. What’s really exciting is that she is launching a brand new class for Princess Cruises.
The first Sphere-Class ship, she will instantly become the largest ship to have ever sailed for the cruise line, with a gross tonnage of 175,500 and a maximum guest capacity of 4,300.
So yes, she won’t be anywhere near as big as the largest ships in the sea, but it’s still a significant step for Princess Cruises.
Even more significant is how this will be Princess Cruises’ first LNG-powered ship. Other cruise lines have launched LNG-fueled ships, but it’s good to see that Princess is also investing in this cleaner fuel that’s better for the environment.
Sun Princess will have an amazing 29 restaurants and bars to enjoy, and she will also see the debut of two new accommodation classes.
Sun Princess Signature Suite
The Reserve Collection includes Mini-Suites and Cabanas in some of the best areas of the ship, while the Signature Collection is the finest level of Suites. Both collections have their own private restaurants, with the Signature Collection also enjoying a private Sun Deck and Lounge too.
We don’t know the long-term plans for Sun Princess in terms of winter sailings, but her inaugural summer season will be spent cruising the Med. I’ve already booked for August and am super excited about it!
3. Brilliant Lady
Cruise line: Virgin Voyages
Estimated cost: $810 million
Expected delivery: May 2024 TBC
Originally scheduled to launch in December 2023, Brilliant Lady was unfortunately delayed in September 2023 due to a combination of staffing issues, supply chain problems and construction delays at the shipyard.
While it meant disappointment for a number of passengers already booked, it also means a few more months to get hyped about this incredible new ship.
With 20 onboard eateries, ranging from Michelin-style formal dining to casual snack venues for those late-night cravings, and with plenty of choices for bars and nightclubs, you won’t be short of things to see and do.
While we know the plans for Resilient Lady when it comes to itineraries, we’re still waiting for confirmation on Brilliant Lady’s deployment, but she’s sure to bring a touch of glamour to whichever ocean or sea she sails on.
4. Queen Anne
Cruise line: Cunard
Estimated cost: $600 million
Expected delivery: May 2024
With most cruise lines, a new ship is an exciting moment, but when Cunard launches a new ship it feels like an event.
I would argue that it’s because the ship launches don’t happen too often – this is the first new addition to the fleet since Queen Elizabeth joined in 2010. But the company has existed for so long that the new Queen Anne will actually be the 249th ship to have ever joined the Cunard fleet!
Of course, the fleet is a lot smaller these days, and she will be the fourth still sailing.
Cunard’s Queen Anne will be captained by Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge. The Danish grandmother has worked on ships since she was a child and has also captained ships for Seabourn, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises.
Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge
Queen Anne is not as big as Queen Mary 2 but she is larger than Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth (still talking about the ships, to be clear…)
She will offer the classic Cunard experience, but with comfortable modern decor and furnishings throughout, including spacious outdoor areas where you can relax and the sophisticated Bright Lights Society show bar.
5. Mein Schiff 7
Cruise line: TUI Cruises
Estimated cost: $625 million
Expected delivery: June 2024
Mein Schiff 7 will be the – you guessed it – 7th ship sailing for TUI cruises aimed at a German-speaking market. She isn’t radically different to previous ships in the fleet, but she will have some unique features, including more spacious cabins for single travellers and a new casino.
There are new dining options too, with an Asian restaurant and a Mediterranean restaurant serving global cuisine for an additional fee.
She’s also more environmentally friendly than past ships in the fleet, including a shore-power connection to reduce emissions while in port, and it is future-proofed for green methanol fuel in future.
6. Silver Ray
Cruise line: Silversea Cruises
Estimated cost: $600 million
Expected delivery: June 2024
Silver Ray will be the second Nova-class ship for Silversea, following in the footsteps of Silver Nova which launched in 2023.
These ships are the biggest ever built for the cruise line, but remember that this is still Silversea – even these ‘large’ ships will only host a maximum of 728 passengers when at capacity.
The ships are asymmetrical – unusual compared to most cruise ships – making the most of the available space and a lot of glass to open up the public areas and make the ship feel extremely spacious.
As with all Silversea ships, she will have a very high crew-to-guest ratio to ensure the very best service for every guest onboard. Even on a relatively small ship, there are still eight different restaurants and a selection of bars for passengers to enjoy.
When she launches she will offer primarily Mediterranean cruises, before crossing the Atlantic to explore South America.
7. Utopia of the Seas
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
Estimated cost: $1.3 billion
Expected delivery: Summer 2024
While ships like Sun Princess and Queen Anne represent new chapters for their respective cruise lines, Utopia of the Seas felt like a closing of one for Royal Caribbean, seeing as she was originally believed to be the final Oasis-class ship launching for the cruise line. We now know that’s not true though – another has been ordered for 2028, in a surprise move.
So that’ll mean a huge choice of dining venues, including Royal favourites like Chops Grille; it’ll mean a vast amount of activities to enjoy during the day and night, with stunning theatre shows and more; and some amazing accommodation options including the split-level suites.
Utopia of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida. The cruises are all three- and four-night breaks – and the ship has been dubbed the ‘Ultimate Weekend Cruise‘.
These ships couldn’t be more different from the MSC Cruises fleet though – expect small ships with a focus on opulence, incredible service and stunning destinations.
Explora II will have just 461 staterooms, all of which have a balcony. This includes some breathtaking suite options (called Penthouses or Residences). There are nine different restaurants onboard, all of which focus on healthy and delicious menus which are crafted using locally-sourced food from the ship’s destinations.
The entertainment and relaxation areas of the ships are generous too, with ten bars and lounges, curated shopping experiences, and a large indoor and outdoor spa area. Explora Journeys isn’t messing around with its new cruise ships – these will definitely rival the existing ultra-luxury lines sailing the oceans.
9. Viking Vela
Cruise line: Viking Ocean Cruises
Estimated cost: $400 million
Expected delivery: TBA 2024
Viking Ocean Cruises is working very much in the same vein as their river cruise fleet, building new ships at quite a rapid pace.
There are currently eight ships scheduled to launch for the ocean cruise line between 2024 and 2028, almost doubling the fleet (Viking Saturn, the new ship for 2023, takes the current fleet to nine).
There aren’t a lot of details about the new ship, though we do now know the name, with the cruise line returning to the convention of using constellations for names.
One other thing we do know so far is that the new ship for 2024 won’t be the same design as the previous ships, unless plans have changed.
All nine ships for Viking Ocean Cruises so far have measured 227 metres long, but it’s expected that the new ships will be slightly bigger, potentially up to 238 metres long. And they are planned to host 490 staterooms, compared to 465 on previous ships.
10. Disney Treasure
Cruise line: Disney Cruise Line
Estimated cost: $900 million
Expected delivery: December 2024
Disney doesn’t build a lot of cruise ships – since Disney Magic launched in 1998 to form the cruise line, only four more have followed since.
Disney Treasure will be the sixth, and the second in the Wish Class, following the success of the Disney Wish which launched in 2022.
Disney Treasure will have an Aladdin-inspired atrium to fit the ‘Treasure’ name, with bronze figures of Aladdin himself, Princess Jasmine and the Magic Carpet.
The ship will have a general theme of adventure too, so expect that to be reflected in the activities and especially the shows onboard.
The Grand Hall on Disney Treasure
As she is a sister of Disney Wish, many of the more popular features of that ship will be retained. That’ll include an updated AquaMouse, the first Disney “attraction” at sea that combines a waterslide with special effects.
There’ll be varied dining options, including the Worlds of Marvel interactive experience. And of course, Broadway-quality Disney shows.
11. Ilma
Cruise line: Ritz-Carlton
Estimated cost: $350 million
Expected delivery: TBA 2024
New cruise lines are rare, but the luxury market is definitely still available to be tapped, and one of the most famous hotel and leisure chains in the world took their first dip into the ‘yacht’ market in 2022 when Ritz-Carlton began offering itineraries. Ilma will be the second yacht to join the fleet.
The yachts are planned to be identical in design, although features may vary. But we do know from Evrima, the first yacht, that you can expect a high-class experience onboard, including an exceptional level of care and service from the crew.
Each yacht has only 149 suites onboard, so guest numbers are kept small. These aren’t bustling cruises, but are a good choice if you want to explore smaller ports in a more relaxing setting.
We don’t know where Ilma will sail yet, but Evrima has been offering cruises around the Caribbean in the winter months and the Mediterranean in the summer. Ilma may do the same, or it may be a chance for Ritz-Carlton to expand their offering to more destinations instead.
Ships That Were Due To Launch in 2024 But Have Slipped
1. Mein Schiff Relax
Cruise line: TUI Cruises
Estimated cost: $850 million
Expected delivery: March 2025 TBC
We don’t know much about this upcoming TUI ship, except that it will continue the Mein Schiff name. But we do know that this ship will be a step in a new direction for the company, being one of two new orders that are significantly larger than any ship previously sailing for the fleet.
This 160,000 GT ship will be comfortably in the “large” ship category and will be joined by her sister ship two years later.
The only information we do have about the ship so far is that she will be powered by LNG, and will generally have environmentally-friendly features not found on earlier ships in the TUI fleet.
It’s not just about sizing up, but this ship will also help to modernise the fleet for TUI, and ensure it joins other cruise lines in switching to a fuel that is better for the planet.
2. World Seeker
Cruise line: Mystic Cruises
Estimated cost: $80 million
Expected delivery: Q1 2025
The first of three new ships launching for the small Mystic Cruises cruise line in 2025 (hopefully), MS World Seeker is very much an expedition ship that aims to rival Silversea and Celebrity Cruises by balancing the lesser-travelled destinations with a luxury onboard experience.
Each ship built for Mystic Cruises has an “Ice Class” hull. This means she is designed to be able to navigate polar waters safely – not just without being damaged, but also minimising the discomfort to passengers as the ship breaks through.
This gives guests the chance to explore parts of the world that other cruise lines simply cannot reach.
Coupled with the fine dining prepared by world-renowned chefs, the beautifully-appointed Balcony Suites and Infinity Suites, and the plethora of locations onboard to unwind and enjoy the view, the overall experience of World Seeker is something to be very excited about.
3. World Adventurer
Cruise line: Mystic Cruises
Estimated cost: $80 million
Expected delivery: TBA 2025
World Adventurer will be the second of the new ships for Mystic Cruises launching in 2025, although information on this and World Discoverer is harder to come by.
We don’t know specific details but the ships are expected to be identical sisters, so World Adventurer will be the same as World Seeker and the existing ships in the fleet – MS World Explorer and MS World Voyager. These ships may slip into 2026 and beyond even.
4. World Discoverer
Cruise line: Mystic Cruises
Estimated cost: $80 million
Expected delivery: TBA 2025
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To Conclude
There we have it – the 11 cruise ships currently due to launch in 2024. We’ll see the newest and probably last addition to the incredible Oasis-class of ship with Utopia of the Seas, a brand new class of ship for Princess Cruises, a landmark launch for Cunard, and an exciting family-friendly ship for Disney.
Plus there are several smaller ships offering bespoke luxury and expedition sailings, and a few more details we’re still to find out. Whatever happens, you can be sure that 2024 is going to be a thrilling year for the cruise industry.
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
I love a new cruise ship – there’s always something to get excited about. Even if it’s a sister ship to one that’s already sailing, there are normally a few new features, or at least the chance to experience that class of ship in some new destinations.
And in 2025, we’re hardly getting shortchanged – there’s an impressive 15 new cruise ships due to launch that year, although one of them is a little different from anything I’ve heard of before.
Let’s take a look at all 15 cruise ships that are due to launch in 2025, though be aware, delays aren’t uncommon and some of these could slip into 2026.
1. Mein Schiff Relax
Cruise line: TUI Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 160,000
Capacity: 3,894
Expected delivery: March 2025
Mein Schiff Relax is scheduled to be the eighth ship in the TUI Cruises fleet, primarily aimed at the German cruise market (though it’s far from exclusive and anyone’s welcome to book).
She’ll be quite distinct from the seven ships that have come before her, as she’ll be the first in the new InTUItion class.
Apart from being almost 50% bigger, she’ll have new features to look forward to, including single occupancy cabins for the first time on a TUI ship, and the beautiful Freedom Suite – a two-storey option that sleeps up to six guests.
She’ll also be the first TUI ship to be powered by LNG, a cleaner fuel type. She’s due to be joined by a sister ship in 2026.
2. MSC World America
Cruise line: MSC Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 215,863
Capacity: 6,762
Expected delivery: April 2025
The second World Class ship to launch for MSC Cruises, MSC World America will join MSC World Europa as the largest ships in the fleet.
She’ll also be the biggest MSC Cruises ship to sail around the Caribbean, offering cruises to the eastern and western sides of the region from Miami, including visits to MSC’s private island Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
She’ll continue the trend of recent MSC ships to blend innovative tech with sleek, modern design. There’ll be more than 30 bars, lounges and restaurants where guests can unwind, along with a host of leisure facilities including the MSC SportPlex with rollerskate arena, and plenty of live entertainment in the theatres and lounges, along with pop-up experiences all over the ship.
3. Norwegian Aqua
Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Gross Tonnage: 156,000
Capacity: 3,550
Expected delivery: April 2025
Norwegian Cruise Line is set to introduce a new sub-class of ship with Norwegian Aqua. She’ll be the first Prima Plus ship, taking the design of the existing Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Aqua and expanding upon it.
Norwegian Aqua won’t be the biggest ship in the fleet – the Breakaway Plus subclass keeps that title – but she will offer a huge range of exciting features.
Chief among those will be the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first combination rollercoaster and waterslide (not just at sea, but anywhere in the world!).
Guests can also look forward to relaxing in the sumptuous Infinity Beach area, bracing the glass-floored Oceanwalk, and the most luxurious Haven accommodations yet.
Norwegian Aqua will offer sailings from New York, Port Canaveral and Miami, with itineraries including calls at NCL’s private resort Great Stirrup Cay.
4. Allura
Cruise line: Oceania Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 68,000
Capacity: 1,200
Expected delivery: May 2025
Typically, when a cruise line names a class after a ship, it’s the first ship in that class given the naming right. Typically, but not always. Oceania is making an exception, as Allura is set to become the second ship in the new Allura Class, following her sister ship Vista which launched in 2023.
Expect a continuation of everything that makes Oceania’s ships so great, including incredible dining options as part of The Finest Cuisine at Sea.
There’ll also be beautiful luxury accommodations that you can book, and exciting experiences. Allura will have a focus on mixology, with “experiential beverage carts” taking cocktails to whole new levels.
Allura’s inaugural season will include sailings in the Eastern Mediterranean and then around the Americas.
5. American Patriot
Cruise line: American Cruise Lines
Gross Tonnage: TBA
Capacity: 125
Expected delivery: June 2025
American Cruise Lines is a smaller cruise company based in the US (and before you say “duh”, Norwegian Cruise Line ISN’T based in Norway, even if it was founded there, so it’s a valid point…).
They offer a mix of coastal and Great Lakes cruises, and American Patriot will be the first of two new Coastal Cat ships, part of a new Patriot Class.
She’s set to offer cruises in the New England region, and will accommodate up to 125 guests across just 56 suites, all of which have a private balcony. Her inaugural sailing will be a 14-night cruise from Boston.
6. Viking Vesta
Cruise line: Viking Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 47,000
Capacity: 998
Expected delivery: July 2025
Viking Vesta will be the 12th ocean cruise ship in the Viking fleet – this is one company that loves to build a large fleet, as we’ve already seen with their river cruise arm.
Like her sister ship Viking Vela, which launches in December 2024, she’ll be larger than the previous 10 ships in the fleet, though not by much – she will still offer a luxury experience for under 1,000 guests.
Expect the same high-class facilities as you’d find across the rest of the fleet, including several bars and lounges, a main dining room and two speciality restaurants, a winter garden and two separate pool decks. She’ll also feature stunning accommodations including the Owner’s Suite, which has its own private library, an ocean-view dry sauna and more.
Viking Vesta will offer cruises all across Europe in her inaugural season.
7. Luminara
Cruise line: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 46,750
Capacity: 452
Expected delivery: July 2025
Luminara will be the third superyacht sailing for Ritz Carlton, the company that also owns several of the most luxurious hotels around the world.
She will have 226 suites available to guests with an incredible space ratio, including two categories of suite that have 1,000 square feet of space.
The ship will feature five restaurants and six bars, as well as a wine vault for the wine connoisseurs out there. She’ll also feature an expanded marina, allowing guests to enjoy even more water sports activities directly from the ship.
Her maiden season will be spent in the Mediterranean.
8. Star Princess
Cruise line: Princess Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 175,500
Capacity: 4,300
Expected delivery: August 2025
The third ship named Star Princess to have sailed for Princess Cruises over the years, this latest vessel will set sail in the second half of 2025 and join Sun Princess in the Sphere Class.
It’s expected that she’ll be an almost identical twin, though Princess Cruises may have some surprises up their sleeves as we get closer to her launch.
She’ll have a huge range of bars and restaurants available and 1,500 cabins with balconies. She’ll also be the second Princess ship to be powered by LNG.
The Signature Suites return, as does the impressive dome, where guests can enjoy a wide variety of entertainment throughout their cruise. Her inaugural season will include cruises throughout Europe.
9. Star of the Seas
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
Gross Tonnage: 250,800
Capacity: 7,600
Expected delivery: August 2025
Royal Caribbean has a habit of making very small adjustments to cruise ship sizes when new ships are launched within a class – so, while it is yet to be confirmed, there’s a good chance that Star of the Seas will be the standalone biggest cruise ship in the world when she arrives in 2025.
Failing that, she’ll share the title with her sister ship, Icon of the Seas.
We do know that Star of the Seas won’t be an identical twin when it comes to the features onboard, but we don’t yet know what the differences will be.
She will still retain many of the features that Icon of the Seas guests already love, including the Category 6 waterpark, the Swim & Tonic bar and so much more.
Star of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral and offer cruises to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with every cruise including a visit to the private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.
10. Celebrity Xcel
Cruise line: Celebrity Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 141,000
Capacity: 3,260
Expected delivery: November 2025
The next and perhaps final ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class is Celebrity Xcel, set to debut in the Caribbean in late 2025.
While we don’t know a huge amount of detail yet. Celebrity Cruises has said that the ship will blend all the best bits of the Edge Class with some new experiences that will “change the game all over again”, so I can’t wait to see what those involve.
You can view the Celebrity Xcel deck plans already but they are mostly covered up with a “Coming Soon” notice. It does confirm that the Magic Carpet, the moving bar that’s attached to the side of the ship, will be present.
11. American Pioneer
Cruise line: American Cruise Lines
Gross Tonnage: TBA
Capacity: 125
Expected delivery: November 2025
The second of the new Patriot Class ships for American Cruise Lines, American Pioneer will debut six months after her sister ship the American Patriot. Like her sister, she’ll offer comfortable accommodation in the biggest suites for the cruise line.
The new ships will also feature the very best in stabilisers, designed by Rolls Royce, along with special designs to make sure that the coastal cruises are as smooth as can be, even when the seas aren’t particularly calm.
American Pioneer will sail around the Florida Coast and Florida Keys, with the maiden voyage being a 14-night cruise from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg.
12. Disney Adventure
Cruise line: Disney Cruise Line
Gross Tonnage: 208,000
Capacity: 6,000
Expected delivery: TBA 2025
In 2016, Disney Cruise Line announced two new ships that would ultimately become the Wish Class, with a third ship confirmed in 2017.
But amongst that, an opportunity arose – Dream Cruises, a company owned by Genting Hong Kong, went out of business and put its under-construction ship Global Dream up for sale. Disney bought it, and is now putting the finishing touches to what will be the Disney Adventure.
She’s set to be the biggest Disney cruise ship by quite some margin – the Wish Class ships are all around 144,000 GT,
While we don’t know a huge amount about the ship, we know that she will be based out of Singapore for her inaugural season, and will serve the Southeast Asian market throughout the year.
13. Disney Destiny
Cruise line: Disney Cruise Line
Gross Tonnage: 144,000
Capacity: 4,000
Expected delivery: TBA 2025
That third Wish-class ship I mentioned above is also due for delivery in 2025, and is set to be called Disney Destiny.
She will have a Heroes & Villains theme, and will feature a range of encounters with characters from movies like The Lion King, Hercules, and One Hundred and One Dalmatians – plenty for guests young and old to get excited about!
Beyond that, we don’t know a huge amount of detail yet, but expect that she’ll feature a version of the AquaMouse attraction at sea, along with several themed kids’ club areas drawing on the Disney, Pixar and Marvel universes.
14. Four Seasons Yacht
Cruise line: Four Seasons
Gross Tonnage: TBA
Capacity: Approximately 200
Expected delivery: TBA 2025
Four Seasons has decided to follow in the footsteps of Ritz Carlton and move from the luxury hotels game into the world of cruising, with the launch of its first superyacht later in 2025.
But there’s a catch, which makes this quite unique from a cruising perspective – for the initial season at least, cruises are by invitation only.
So, you won’t be able to book onto a cruise unless Four Seasons invites you, with priority going to loyal hotel guests.
This is shaping up to be a seriously special ship. She is being designed around immersive luxury experiences and will have just 95 suites, with the best being the Funnel Suite.
This stunning accommodation option will be the first four-storey suite at sea, with a huge outdoor terrace and an incredible 9,500 square feet of space. That’s considerable, seeing as the suite is designed for a maximum of six guests.
The ship will have a massive 20-metre (66 feet) pool, a marina that stretches the entire length of the ship, and plenty of space to relax with a glass of Champagne and some fine dining. She will sail in both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean when she launches.
15. World Seeker
Cruise line: Mystic Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 9,934
Capacity: Approximately 200
Expected delivery: TBA 2025
The World Seeker is a delayed cruise ship that is expected to launch at some point in 2025. She’s designed as an expedition ship, and will offer cruises in the polar regions.
Mystic Cruises doesn’t reveal a huge amount about its fleet of ships, even those already sailing for the cruise line.
But you can expect luxurious service and comfortable accommodations in both balcony and infinite suites, and signature dining with menus designed by renowned chefs.
I’ll keep you updated if the cruise line reveals any more information on the ship, including a more specific debut date.
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To Conclude
There’s a real mix of ships due to launch in 2025, including a new biggest ship in the world, some fantastic luxury cruise ships, and some that are packed with family-friendly activities.
It’s going to be an exciting year, that’s for sure, so let’s cross our fingers that all the ships on this list launch as planned.
Bookings are already open for many of them, so don’t hang about – inaugural seasons sell out quickly and you’ll want to secure your place if you want to be one of the first onboard.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company, today announced it has signed an agreement with Meyer Werft shipyard for a fifth Excel-class cruise ship for its namesake Carnival Cruise Line brand. The delivery date is set for 2028.
In mid-February, Carnival Corporation announced the first newbuild order placed in five years, with news that a fourth Excel-class ship would join the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in Spring 2027.
Carnival Corporation Orders 11th Excel-Class Ship
This announcement confirms the 11th Excel-class ship for the corporation’s fleet across four world-class brands and the fifth to be sailed by Carnival Cruise Line. “Carnival’s Excel-class fleet will soon be a quintet of these very popular ships that provide outstanding guest amenities and tremendous operating efficiencies,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Since the introduction of Mardi Gras in 2021 and the subsequent expansion with Carnival Celebration in 2022 and Carnival Jubilee in 2023, these Excel-class ships are driving excitement, demand, and strong guest satisfaction ratings. With the arrival of Carnival Firenze in April, we are completing the addition of five ships to our fleet in less than 20 months, and then we will pivot to another phase of growth with these two Excel ships.”
This fifth Excel-class ship will be built on the same platform as its sisters, with the 180,000-ton ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and designed to carry over 6,400 guests and 1,800 crew.
“This new order continues to balance our commitment to growth with our responsible capital approach to utilize strong free cash flow over the next several years to strategically improve our balance sheet, significantly reduce our leverage levels and continue to transfer value from debt holders to shareholders,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.
Carnival Expanding Passenger Capacity
Our tour review for Carnival’s first Excel-Class ship, Mardi Gras
“Carnival Cruise Line continues to perform at an outstanding level, and we are focused on adding capacity across the company where it aligns with demand and our position in the marketplace. This measured capacity growth strategy will result in our adding one to two ships per year beginning in 2027, and we will be identifying additional fleet plans over the coming months for our cruise lines to meet capacity demand and improve execution across all aspects of our operation, with the benefit of yielding higher return on invested capital,” said Weinstein.
“We are proud of the role the Excel-class from MEYER WERFT and MEYER TURKU has played in contributing to the success of Carnival Corporation for many years now. We look forward to continuing this success story together,” said Bernd Eikens, CEO MEYER Group. This order is contingent upon financing, which is expected to be completed later this year.
In early 2026, Four Seasons Yachts will sail their first cruises in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. This new cruise line has released more information on their first ship that will have modular walls for customizable living space.
The Loft Suite on Four Seasons Yacht: Living Room
The ship is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy. It will offer 50% more living space than any other cruise ship. All suites will have floor-to-ceiling windows, double vanity bathrooms, and private terraces.
There will be more than 100 different connection options between suites thanks to modular walls that include the ability to reserve an entire side of a deck. This unique design will allow for spaces up to 13,000 square feet, perfect for large families and groups.
The Inaugural Four Seasons Yacht
“We are excited to showcase the breathtaking destinations and world-class design awaiting guests aboard Four Seasons Yachts as we approach our inaugural season in 2026,” says Alejandro Reynal, President and Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons. “At Four Seasons, guest-centricity has always been the foundation of our luxury service offering and our exceptional Yacht will extend this approach to the seas. Our teams are dedicated to innovating and delivering genuine service, ensuring each journey is defined by comfort, elegance, and personalization, setting a new standard for luxury hospitality experiences at sea.”
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The largest suites on the yacht will be just under 10,000 square feet in size. The Funnel and Loft Suites will have three bedrooms, outdoor showers and splash pools.
The Loft Suite: Terrace
The Loft Suite can connect to seven additional suites that will be able to accommodate groups up to 20.
“Our goal was to craft an environment that feels both familiar and extraordinary, with warm hues and open designs. We are creating an inviting, welcoming environment that reflects the same feeling one experiences at a Four Seasons hotel or resort,” says Fredrik Johannson, Partner and Executive Director of Tillberg Design of Sweden. “At the same time, we are designing a look and feel that is unique to this project, creating an elegant yet simple interior that stands out on its own, while blending beautifully with the majestic seas that will surround it.”
Four Seasons Yacht is promising to redefine luxury at sea. Their ships will have a crew to guest ratio of 1:1 while delivering world class service on a residential style yacht.
Four Seasons Yachts Pool Deck
Four Seasons Yacht will debut in January 2026 and the inaugural season will visit 130 destinations in 30 countries.
The first cruises will sail in the Caribbean before the yacht heads to the Mediterranean in the spring.
The Port of Baltimore has suspended cruise operations during the state of emergency, following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
In the early hours of the morning on 26th March 2024, a large container ship named Dali struck a support pier for the bridge, which resulted in the entire structure collapsing.
At the time of writing, there are still six people missing, believed to be construction crew repairing potholes on the bridge.
The bridge is key infrastructure for the port, with both Carnival’s Carnival Legend and Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas currently on cruises that were scheduled to return to the port on 31st March and 4th April respectively.
The port remains open, but cruise operations are on hold and officials at the port have said that they don’t currently know when they will be resumed.
It may be that those cruise ships are diverted to another port at the end of their cruise, and that future cruises from Baltimore are cancelled or offered from another port.
Cruise lines will update passengers as soon as possible, but rightly the immediate focus is on the tragic events unfolding and the search for the missing people.
John Heald, Brand Ambassador for Carnival
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Carnival Cruise Line has revealed details for Paradise Plaza and Calypso Lagoon, two of the five portals at its new Celebration Key™ cruise destination on Grand Bahama. It is set to debut in July 2025.
Celebration Key’s Paradise Plaza
Just a short walk from the ship, Paradise Plaza will welcome guests with a brightly colored promenade and radiant sun-shaped arch perfect for photo-taking. Guests will be immersed in the destination’s beauty as the sound of live music fills the air and the sight of the centerpiece 10-story-high Suncastle starts to build excitement for the paradise that awaits. Wayfinding and destination information will help guests choose how they want to spend their day – introducing them to options that fit any age or interest, whether that’s relaxing in a cabana, playing water sports, joining shore excursions, or simply taking in the gorgeous view of the ocean from a mile-long pristine beach. A Bahamian-themed fountain and ice cream shop add to the welcoming atmosphere.
Celebration Key’s Massive Calypso Lagoon
As guests survey their options, the adult-friendly Calypso Lagoon will surely be the first choice for many. To the west of Paradise Plaza, this portal is designed for adults seeking a lively and social atmosphere. Guests seeking athletic activity can visit the sports court. At the same time, those looking for a more laid-back vibe can dip in the massive freshwater lagoon, the largest in the Caribbean*, and relax on one of the many loungers, daybeds, or cabanas.
On one side of the lagoon, guests will find a unique bar with nearly 50 swings for those who want to dip their toes in the cool water, enjoying fantastic views across the lagoon as they sip on classic poolside and Bahamian cocktails. Additional bars around Calypso Lagoon will ensure everyone’s thirst is quenched. Guests will also find two dedicated full-service restaurants and a variety of casual snack shacks spread through the portal. The breathtaking Bahamian beach is also a perfect backdrop for lounging on the warm sand, swimming in the glistening Caribbean water, or enjoying fun-in-the-sun activities.
A Designated Adult-Only Area
A portion of Calypso Lagoon and the adjacent beach will be designated an adult-only area. In this section, guests will find a large swim-up bar with a DJ, keeping the energy going all day. This area will also feature Bahamian food trucks, cabanas, daybeds, and loungers.
“When guests see our Suncastle as they arrive at Celebration Key, they’ll know immediately they’re in for big FUN. Paradise Plaza will be the perfect welcome spot and will set the tone for the entire visit to this truly unique destination. These new details show the creative design that’s gone into the development of each portal, with Calypso Lagoon alone offering a wide variety of options to fill the day while honoring the beauty of Grand Bahama and celebrating Bahamian culture,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Three other portals have been announced, including a family-friendly portal, a private retreat, and a retail area. Carnival will share further details about these portals in the coming months, as it also plans a second phase of the destination that will add new features beyond the five portals, including a waterpark.
Welcoming First Guests in July 2025
Celebration Key’s first guests will visit in July 2025. More than 500 itineraries currently open for sale feature visits to the new destination, with 18 ships set to call on Celebration Key from ten U.S. homeports through spring 2026.
Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises are among the biggest cruise lines in the world. And yet while they offer a similar style of experience onboard, there are enough differences to make them appeal to different groups of people, too.
I’m lucky enough to have cruised on several Royal Caribbean ships (Allure of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas) along with a few MSC ships (MSC Preziosa, MSC Virtuosa twice, and MSC Euribia) so I know what each cruise line is really like.
In this guide, I’ll explain everything about both cruise lines, including factual information and my own experiences, so that you can decide which of these two cruise giants is the best fit for you.
Ships
Royal Caribbean’s fleet of ships is the biggest in the world – there are 27 ships already sailing for the cruise line, and another two are currently under construction.
MSC’s fleet is smaller but not by much – 22 ships are sailing for the brand at the moment, and three more are under construction.
Royal Caribbean Ships
Royal Caribbean has eight classes of ships:
Icon Class – the biggest cruise ships in the world accommodating up to 7,600 guests
Oasis Class – six mega ships that can accommodate around 6,800 guests
Quantum Ultra Class – two modern ships accommodating 5,500 guests
Quantum Class – three ships accommodating 4,900 guests
Freedom Class – three ships accommodating 4,400 to 4,900 guests
Radiance Class – four ships accommodating 2,500 guests
Voyager Class – five ships accommodating 4,000 guests
Vision Class – four ships accommodating 2,400 to 2,700 guests
The oldest ship still sailing for Royal Caribbean is Grandeur of the Seas. She’s part of the Vision Class and she launched in 1996.
The newest ship in the fleet launched in January 2024, and is Icon of the Seas – not only the biggest ship in the fleet but the biggest in the world.
There’s not much between the fleets when it comes to the size of the fleets, or indeed the size of the ships.
Do you want to try a smaller, quieter cruise ship? Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class and MSC’s Lirica Class are good options.
Or do you prefer super-ships that are absolutely packed with features? MSC’s World Class isn’t quite as big as the Icon Class but both cruise lines have impressive options.
Ultimately it’s going to come down more to the food, entertainment, itinerary etc. So let’s discuss those…
Destinations
Both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises offer a wide range of cruise destinations that guests can choose from.
Royal Caribbean tends to operate more in the Caribbean, while MSC’s European base means that there are more Mediterranean cruises available, but each cruise line has a good range of options further afield too.
Here’s a breakdown of all the cruise itineraries available for each cruise line:
Royal Caribbean
MSC Cruises
Alaska
96
0
Africa
0
8
Australia & New Zealand
29
0
Bermuda
7
5
Canada & New England
8
5
Caribbean & Bahamas
47
122
East Asia
36
19
Europe
107
342
Hawaii
7
0
Mexico & Latin America
8
0
Middle East & South Asia
3
12
Pacific Northwest
4
0
Panama Canal
5
0
South America
0
42
South Pacific
14
0
Transatlantic
22
0
Transpacific
5
0
World Cruise/Grand Voyages
1
77
Royal Caribbean Destinations
Royal Caribbean cruises sail from 35 destinations around the world, so you really aren’t short of options for beginning your sailing.
Most of those ports are in North America but there are several in Europe too, including Southampton – there’s always one ship stationed in the UK for the summer months for cruises to Spain and France.
Royal Caribbean has two private island locations that are included on cruises in the Caribbean – Labadee, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Both resorts are packed with fun things to enjoy, and are very popular with guests.
MSC Destinations
MSC is one of the only cruise lines that can outshine Royal Caribbean when it comes to departure ports, and it absolutely blows Royal away with choice – there are 66 ports available for you to cruise from if you want to enjoy an MSC cruise.
The reason for that is because MSC doesn’t just run cruises that have a set embarkation and disembarkation port. Instead, ships will run longer cruises, and guests can pick most ports from that itinerary to be the start and end of their cruise.
So a ship might be running a 21-day itinerary around all of the Med, but you might opt for a 7-day segment beginning in Southampton and ending in Barcelona. Whereas someone else might decide to join the ship in Lisbon a couple of days after you, and then cruise for 10 days until the ship reaches Rome, for example.
While it’s great for choice, it does mean that the ship is constantly busy with guests arriving and disembarking, and if you have a cabin next to a crew stairwell, it can mean that you often hear suitcases being moved around each night.
MSC has a private island in the Caribbean too, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. With significant investment and expansion in 2024, the island is a rival to the best that Royal Caribbean has to offer.
Which to Choose?
If you want to cruise the Caribbean or Europe, then both MSC and Royal Caribbean are good choices, though you’ll likely find more flexibility for dates in the Caribbean with Royal, and in Europe with MSC.
There are certain destinations exclusive to each cruise line too. Choose Royal Caribbean if you want to cruise to Australia, Alaska or Mexico, while MSC is the cruise line to choose if you want to see South Africa.
MSC is also a better choice if you want your sailing to incorporate multiple regions. While Royal Caribbean has cruises that cross the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, these are minimal and they don’t include many ports on either side of the oceans.
MSC’s Grand Voyages are longer sailings which typically combine two cruises with an ocean crossing. If you have the time available, then they are a wonderful way of exploring more regions without having to commit to a full world cruise.
Staterooms and Suites
When deciding between two cruise lines, accommodation can factor into the decision but it’s not often a deal breaker. The cruise lines both offer some unique options, though these aren’t available across their fleets.
Most of the cabins or staterooms on both cruise lines are made up of your typical options – inside cabins when you’re on a tighter budget, outside cabins when you want to enjoy a view of the ocean, balcony cabins if you want a private space to enjoy the view and the fresh air, and suites that have more space and come with a range of additional perks.
Both cruise lines have solo cabin options, though not across their entire fleet. You may be limited in your choice of ship if you want a dedicated solo cabin, but that could be better than paying a single supplement on another ship, where you’ll essentially pay the price of two people even though you’re sailing alone.
Be careful with MSC though, as there are some solo cabins that don’t even have a proper bed, but a sofa bed only!
Here’s a look at some of the more unique accommodation options you can enjoy with Royal Caribbean:
Virtual Balcony Staterooms
An inside cabin is a good choice if you want to save money, and they’re great for people who like to sleep in the dark too – having no natural light, you can get into a really deep sleep at night! But there are a lot of people who aren’t as keen, especially since it can be hard to know what time of the day it is when you first wake up.
Virtual Balcony Staterooms solve that issue by having a screen on one wall that acts as a – you guessed it – virtual balcony. It projects a live view from the side of the ship, so it’s like you have a balcony in your room even though it’s just a flat wall.
You don’t get the fresh air of a balcony, or the benefits of actual sunlight, but it’s a nice way to enjoy a view without paying for a higher-cost balcony cabin of your own.
Interior Balcony Staterooms
Some of the biggest Royal Caribbean ships – the Oasis-class and Icon-class ships – are so wide that they have an open space running through the middle of the ship, with a boardwalk area and a park full of real, living plants.
And running up the sides of these spaces are balcony rooms that face the inside of the ship, instead of out to the ocean. They have their own private outdoor seating area, but your view is over the park or boardwalk instead.
They’re a good choice for anyone who wants a balcony but doesn’t want to pay the price for an ocean view, though you have to bear in mind that there are hundreds of cabins across from you that can see your room. Make sure you keep those curtains drawn when you’re getting dressed!
AquaTheater Suites
A really cool accommodation option on some of the bigger Royal Caribbean ships are the AquaTheater Suites. Available with one or two bedrooms, these are suites that have a balcony directly overlooking the ship’s AquaTheater – an outdoor performance space with high diving boards.
Essentially it’s a suite where you have a balcony theatre seat attached – giving you the best private view of the performances whenever you want them, and amazing views out to see too.
Ultimate Family Accommodations
Available on selected Quantum-class, Oasis-class and Icon-class ships, the Ultimate Family Suites and Ultimate Family Townhouses truly are something else if you’re cruising with kids.
These are rooms that feel like they were designed by children themselves – but it’s more than just bright colours. Think a staircase that doubles up as a piano, so that each step plays a note. Think a slide from the upstairs to the lower floor, because why not? Games consoles, popcorn makers, board games…
Every element offers kids (and big kids) a thrilling vacation and that’s before you even explore the rest of the ship.
MSC Staterooms and Suites
Here are some of the accommodation considerations with MSC Cruises
These fares will dictate which class of cabin you get – choose the cheapest Bella fares, and you’ll be assigned a cabin in one of the less desirable parts of the ship. This includes balcony cabins with metal railings, so you can only see over them when stood up.
Choosing Fantastica gives you more options, but the best cabins and suites are reserved for Aurea fares – so bear that in mind when choosing your cruise.
The MSC Yacht Club is the top-tier accommodations on an MSC ship, and is called a “ship-within-a-ship” concept. That’s because only MSC Yacht Club guests can access these exclusive areas on the ship, including private lounges and restaurants.
You get a long list of perks as part of the Yacht Club, including butler service and free drinks both in your suite and in the Yacht Club venues, but you have to weigh up whether they’re worth the additional cost.
Which to Choose?
Royal Caribbean has more innovative accommodation options, particularly if you’re not looking to book an expensive suite.
MSC’s Yacht Club is a fantastic concept, but it’s similar to the suite benefits you’ll get with Royal Caribbean, and some Royal Caribbean ships have a similar Suite Neighborhood area of the ship.
Royal Caribbean’s rooms have more variety but both offer comfortable and contemporary accommodation options.
Food
When cruising, you’re going to be eating the vast majority of your meals on the ship, so the food options are extremely important when deciding on which cruise line is right for you.
Royal Caribbean Food
With Royal Caribbean, you’re guaranteed a huge range of options even on the smaller ships – though the biggest ships will truly blow you away with the variety on offer, with 20 or more dining venues alone – enough to try somewhere different for every meal of your holiday!
You’ll have the main dining room, of course, offering a changing menu of classic formal favourites, and the Windjammer buffet has an extensive range of casual items for snacks or for more relaxed meals.
There are complimentary options through the ship such as the popular Sorrentos pizzeria, which is open late. There are also a wealth of speciality options you can try, such as the relaxed Johnny Rockets burger restaurant that serves excellent milkshakes, and more formal restaurants like the Chops Grille steakhouse, the Izumi sushi restaurant, and Wonderland – a unique venue serving creative dishes that look as good as they taste.
With Royal Caribbean, the whole idea of dining is about choice – choosing when and where to dine, so that everyone has an amazing time and never feels limited in their options.
MSC Food
MSC offers a similar level of variety to Royal Caribbean, though not with quite as much choice – the bigger ships do have a lot of restaurant options but not quite as many as Royal’s fleet.
You’ll still have a main dining room, although depending on where you’re sailing the menu might be more Mediterranean-themed than it would be on a typical Royal Caribbean ship.
There’s a buffet for casual dining too, and a selection of speciality venues for steak or seafood. Casual burger and pizza options are available, though with less theming than you’d find on Royal Caribbean.
One cool feature is the option to have your kids taken to their own buffet area by the crew, if they’re in the kids’ clubs, so they can enjoy a bit of independence while you have a more formal dining experience.
Which to Choose?
If you want the best variety, then Royal Caribbean is definitely the way to go, especially on the biggest ships in the fleet. It’s not like MSC is boring, but there are just more options to choose from, and a lot more that have a fun theme too.
MSC has a reputation for its food not being as good quality as Royal Caribbean’s, too, and based on some of my past cruises (especially as a vegan) I would have agreed, but my most recent cruise on MSC Euribia had excellent options and fantastic quality – so perhaps the quality overall is improving.
Onboard Activities
Both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises offer a range of activities for guests of all ages to enjoy onboard.
Royal Caribbean Activities
Royal Caribbean ships always have a wealth of things you can enjoy on the ship. The older ships tend to stick to more classical activities, such as dance lessons, bingo, quizzes and more but even the mid-size ships are packed with exciting activities, many of which you won’t find on other cruise lines.
Some of the activities you can try, depending on your ship, include:
Royal Caribbean’s fleet is aimed at all ages, and so there’s always something fun happening onboard. A Royal Caribbean cruise is as much about the ship as it is the destinations.
MSC Activities
MSC’s list of activities isn’t a million miles away from Royal Caribbean’s. It has the same traditional activities including sports, arcades, quizzes etc. But there are a few other unique options to enjoy too:
4D Cinemas
Formula One simulator (with full-size car to sit in)
Flight simulators
Robotic arm coaster ride
MasterChef competitions (for adults and kids)
The longest dry-slide at sea on MSC World Europa
Which to Choose?
MSC Cruises has some exciting activities to try, although the Robotron ride and the Venom Drop dry slide are exclusive to one ship each.
Royal Caribbean’s best activities tend to appear on multiple ships, so you’ve got more options to enjoy on each sailing.
Royal Caribbean edges it here, but if you don’t need your entire day to be packed with activities then an MSC cruise still offers plenty to enjoy.
Entertainment
Your cruise activities extend into the evening with both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, with a wide selection of entertainment options to choose from.
Royal Caribbean Entertainment
Royal Caribbean has a range of live entertainment across the venues on the fleet. The main theatre is where you’ll find Broadway shows – not just Broadway-style, but many ships feature actual renowned productions that you may already love, such as:
Grease
Cats
Hairspray
Mamma Mia!
We Will Rock You
These complement the in-house productions that you’ll enjoy both in the main theatres, the AquaTheaters, the ice-skating rinks and more. Some ships have karaoke bars, most have live comedians, and there are always bands performing songs in different bars around the ship.
MSC Entertainment
MSC’s entertainment doesn’t include licensed Broadway shows but the theatres do have Broadway-style entertainment, including some shows which may include big musical numbers you know and love.
There’s plenty of variety too – it’s not just singing and dancing, but there are a lot of circus-style acts too, and magic. The entertainment is very family-friendly and I really enjoyed it on my latest cruise.
Which to Choose?
Both Royal Caribbean and MSC have great live entertainment around the ship, and it’s hard to pick one that’s better.
If you really enjoy live comedy, then Royal Caribbean will be a better fit – most MSC cruises don’t have a comedian on board because of the multilingual nature of the demographic. It’d take a long time for each joke to be translated!
Royal’s also better if you want to see a licensed Broadway show although check before you book, as shows can change and not every ship has one, it may have its own in-house productions instead.
Kids Facilities
If you’re travelling with kids, then you’ll also want to factor in the facilities and entertainment aimed specifically at them.
Royal Caribbean Kids’ Facilities
Royal Caribbean has the Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs for younger ages, starting from 3 years old. There are different age groups, so that kids are kept together with similar ages and can enjoy suitable activities. There’s a lot of educational fun to enjoy, with the Adventure Ocean Science Lab for experiments and the Imagination Studio for creativity.
The kids even get their own Adventure Theatre for movies and TV shows.
Teens have their own spaces, with activities including video game tournaments, pizza parties and more.
MSC Kids’ Facilities
MSC also has various kids club groups to entertain younger ones, and the cruise line has developed many of the activities in partnership with famous brands Lego and Chicco, so there are some great toys and games that young guests can take part in.
Teens get their own club too, with the latest VR games and cool hangout spots. MSC also has a Baby Club for guests under 3 years old, with dedicated facilities including music and rhythm games.
Which to Choose?
Both cruise lines are great for kids, but bear in mind that MSC’s kids’ clubs will be multilingual. I didn’t find that to be a problem, but if your kids are shy and may struggle to make friends anyway, just think about how they’ll do in a scenario where other children can’t understand them. Maybe they’ll be fine!
MSC also has better facilities for babies, so if you’re a younger family then I’d suggest MSC could be the cruise line to go for.
Cruiser Demographics
While the experience on both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises is not too dissimilar, the demographics are where you’ll find some of the biggest differences.
Royal Caribbean Demographics
Royal Caribbean attracts guests who are “adventure-seeking” and who are typically in their 30s to 50s. Many guests travelling with Royal Caribbean will be families, although younger families with parents in their 20s are less common as the cruises aren’t super-cheap.
You do get multigenerational families with grandparents too, as well as a number of couples and solo passengers.
Royal Caribbean ships are all primarily English-speaking although there are several ships based out of the US that will have a lot of Spanish-speaking guests too.
MSC Demographics
MSC’s cruises tend to be cheaper than Royal Caribbean’s, which means you can get a wider demographic onboard including younger families.
Guests are typically cruising more for the destinations too, seeking their adventures ashore, so while MSC ships have great attractions they are more of a bonus to the ports of call – guests are more interested in seeing the world.
MSC ships are multilingual, especially with so many ships and itineraries in Europe, so while the crew will understand English fine, there may be a lot of guests who don’t.
This tends to make for fun experiences in the kids clubs though, as children often work out ways of communicating even if they can’t speak each others’ language.
Price
Understandably, budget will play a huge factor in deciding your cruise line, and there is a clear difference between the lines here too.
Royal Caribbean Prices
Royal Caribbean is not a luxury cruise line, but nor is it cheap either. Some of the smaller ships do have some good value itineraries, but if you want to cruise on a newer and bigger ship, you should expect to pay a premium for that.
As a guide, a 7-night cruise on Wonder of the Seas – which is one of the biggest ships in the fleet, but not the absolute biggest and newest – will typically cost you somewhere between £100/$130 and £130/$165 per person, per night for an Inside Stateroom.
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MSC Prices
MSC has a reputation for being a cheaper cruise line and that’s typically earned – most cruise fares are lower than they would be on Royal Caribbean, but the biggest ships could have equivalent fares.
Consider that many people feel that the MSC standard of service and food is a little below Royal Caribbean, though my most recent cruise dispelled that as a myth for me.
A typical 7-night cruise on one of the Seaside EVO Class ships in the Caribbean will cost between £80/$100 and £120/$153 per person, per night for an Inside Stateroom. But you can often find cruises as low as £30/$40 per night, if you’re flexible on dates and destination.
Bear in mind that, on cruises in Europe, you don’t have to pay gratuities on an MSC cruise, while you do with Royal Caribbean.
The Verdict
Royal Caribbean has long been viewed as a more premium cruise line than MSC and that’s broadly true – you’ll get more variety in your accommodation and dining options, there are more innovative facilities for daytime entertainment, and the evening shows are officially licensed productions that you may already know and love.
But MSC is definitely improving, and I certainly wouldn’t say it’s a lot worse than a Royal Caribbean cruise experience. If you get a good deal on an MSC ship then I’d definitely consider it, and even at comparable prices, I think MSC still has a lot to offer.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Viking® has announced its newest ship for the Nile River—the 82-guest Viking Hathor—was “floated out,” marking a significant construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Set to debut in August 2024, the Viking Hathor will join the company’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art ships for the Nile River and will sail Viking’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
Float Out of Viking Hathor
“Egypt is a phenomenal destination, and we are pleased with the continued interest for our Nile River voyages. Our guests are thinking people who are curious about the world—and Egypt, with its cultural treasures and ancient antiquities, remains at the top of the travel list for many of them,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “With the float out of the Viking Hathor, we look forward to welcoming more guests to experience this fantastic region.”
The traditional float-out ceremony of the Viking Hathor took place at Massara shipyard in Cairo. It is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. She will be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.
TheViking Hathor & Viking’s Growing Egypt Fleet
Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new, state-of-the-art Viking Hathor is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships with the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. An identical sister ship to the Viking Osiris and the Viking Aton, the Viking Hathor features several aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Viking will have six ships sailing the Nile by 2025 with the addition of another sister ship, the Viking Sobek, which is already under construction and will be delivered next year. Additional ships in the Egypt fleet currently include the Viking Ra and the MS Antares.
Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids Itinerary
Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary
During the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, guests begin with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where they can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, or the Grand Egyptian Museum. Guests then fly to Luxor, where they visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding a Viking river ship for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River, featuring visits to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel and the High Dam in Aswan, and a visit to a colorful Nubian village, where guests can experience a traditional elementary school. Finally, the journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.
Recently, the Viking Osiris was named one of the “Best New Cruises” in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List” and the “Best Luxury River Cruise” in Forbes’ “Best Luxury Cruises” list. Additionally, TIME magazine featured both Giza and Saqqara on its “World’s Greatest Places” list, recommending sailing the Nile River with Viking. TIME notes that Viking is among the very few who stop in both Giza and the village of Sakkara, where excavation sites, like the megatombs of animal and human mummies, are active.
For guests looking to extend their journey in Egypt, Viking also offers Pre and Post Extensions that provide Privileged Access to archives and exhibits. Guests on the five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt extension will begin the journey in London, where they will meet their Viking Tour Director, an expert Egyptologist, and experience Privileged Access to two museums: first a private, early morning visit to the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum before it opens to the general public – and then a visit to the home and personal museum of world-renowned architect, Sir John Soane, where the tour will be illuminated by candlelight, a re-enactment of how Soane entertained guests and showcased his exquisite collection of Egyptian antiquities, including a 3,000-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus. Guests will also visit London’s Petrie Museum, which houses more than 80,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt and Sudan. In Oxford, guests will visit the Ashmolean Museum, one of the oldest in the world, and home to a varied collection of Egyptian mummies and art—and go behind the scenes at Oxford University’s Griffith Institute, where they will enjoy a Privileged Access visit to see Howard Carter’s archives, which detail the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Lastly, guests will have further Privileged Access with an exclusive visit to Highclere Castle to view the Earl of Carnarvon’s magnificent private collection of Egyptian artifacts, as well as archives and exhibits not normally accessible to the public.
Additional offerings include a three-night Pre-Extension in Istanbul, where guests can visit the timeless city and important religious sites, including the “Blue Mosque” and the legendary Hagia Sophia. After concluding the river voyage, guests can also extend the journey with a 4-night Post-Extension to Jordan—Petra, Dead Sea & Ammanto view Roman antiquities at Jerash, Crusader-era castles at Kerak or Shobak and experience the lost city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Carnival Cruise Line is the second largest cruise line in the world right now in terms of the number of passengers that take cruises on their ships every year. Their parent company (Carnival Corp.) owns eight other cruise lines including some of the more popular ones like Princess Cruises and Holland America Line.
How many cruise ships does Carnival Cruise Line have right now?
Carnival Cruise Line currently has 27 cruise ships, with at least two more being added to the fleet in the next four years. A fourth Excel class ship will debut in 2027 with a 5th coming out a year later.
This is now tied with Royal Caribbean, which currently has 27 cruise ships in their fleet as well.
Carnival has become world renown for creating shorter cruises that people of all ages can enjoy at an affordable price. They cater to families and a younger audience, but also offer a lot of amenities for those in their golden years of life as well.
Carnival is also called “America’s Cruise Line” since they offer cruises from more homeports in the U.S. than any other cruise line.
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“The Fun Ships” is what Carnival calls their fleet of vessels that carry fun-loving passengers all over the world. These ships also carry with them the award winning youth program called Camp Ocean which has been a huge success. If the kids are happy on the cruise ship, it makes for a better experience for everyone right?
With so many ships from Carnival it shouldn’t be hard to find a ship at a port near you. You can read a few of our Carnival ship reviews here, and check out some of the cool features that each one has.
Here is a list of all of the cruise ships Carnival Cruise Line has in their fleet right now:
Excel Class Carnival Celebration Carnival Jubilee Mardi Gras
Costa by Carnival Carnival Firenze Carnival Venezia
Vista Class Carnival Horizon Carnival Panorama Carnival Vista
Dream Class Carnival Breeze Carnival Magic Carnival Dream
Fantasy Class Carnival Elation Carnival Paradise
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Sunshine Class Carnival Radiance Carnival Sunshine Carnival Sunrise
Conquest Class Carnival Conquest Carnival Glory Carnival Valor Carnival Liberty Carnival Freedom
Splendor Class Carnival Splendor
Spirit Class Carnival Spirit Carnival Pride Carnival Legend Carnival Luminosa Carnival Miracle
