Caribbean Cruises Are More Popular Than Ever. These Are the Newest Ships On the Way, from Royal Caribbean to Norwegian Cruise Line

More than 30 million people visit the Caribbean every year on a cruise ship, and Caribbean cruises remain more popular than ever before. That means more expansion and more new ships, with the world’s biggest cruise lines rolling out some spectacular new vessels — each one more innovative, more luxurious, and yes, even more massive than the last. From floating cities to eco-forward marvels, here are the five biggest new cruise ships currently being built that are headed to the Caribbean — and why you might want to start packing your bags.

MSC World America (MSC Cruises)

MSC Cruises is kickstarting its major push in the Caribbean with its new MSC World America next month (and has already taken delivery of the new ship). This state-of-the-art vessel will embark on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from PortMiami, offering guests an unparalleled blend of European elegance and American comfort.

A highlight of MSC World America is the new Eataly restaurant (we’re very excited about it) bringing authentic Italian cuisine to the high seas.

There’s new entertainment onboard with the first-ever at-sea performance of “Dirty Dancing in Concert.” This live adaptation of the iconic film promises to captivate audiences, adding a unique flair to the onboard experience. 

Families will appreciate The Harbour, a revolutionary outdoor space designed for all ages to gather, play, and relax together. This area is all about MSC Cruises’ commitment to creating memorable experiences for guests of all ages.

Accommodations aboard MSC World America cater to a range of preferences, from luxurious suites in the MSC Yacht Club to innovative Infinite Ocean View cabins with sliding windows that transform into glass railings, offering panoramic sea views. 

Norwegian Aqua

Another major April debut, Aqua is the latest evolution in NCL’s Prima Class, offering an array of innovative features and amenities designed to elevate the cruising experience. The ship will feature the world’s first Aqua Slidecoaster, blending the thrills of a rollercoaster with a water slide for an unprecedented at-sea adventure, something we’re particularly excited about. 

On the food front, you’ll find eateries like Sukhothai, offering authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, and Planterie, focusing on plant-based dishes. These venues complement established favorites such as Cagney’s Steakhouse, Los Lobos, and Onda by Scarpetta, among others. 

On the room side, there’s the addition of the new three-bedroom duplex suites, the first of its kind for NCL. 

Star of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean International is poised to enhance its Icon-class fleet with the introduction of Star of the Seas, scheduled to launch operations in August 2025 from Port Canaveral, Florida. 

Star of the Seas is designed to offer a diverse array of amenities aimed at redefining the cruise experience. The Caribbean cruise ship will feature seven distinct pools, including The Hideaway, a suspended infinity pool accompanied by a vibrant beach club atmosphere, and Cloud 17, an adults-only section. For families, the Surfside neighborhood provides a dedicated area with engaging activities tailored for all ages.

The ship will house over 40 dining and beverage venues, offering a wide range of culinary experiences. Notable additions include the Lincoln Park Supper Club, inspired by what the company says is 1930s Chicago, delivering a multi-course dining journey paired with live jazz performances. Entertainment offerings are set to be equally impressive, featuring the AquaTheater with a 55-foot waterfall and high-diving performances, as well as Absolute Zero, an ice arena showcasing stunt-filled skating shows.

Accommodations: Star of the Seas will offer a variety of stateroom categories to cater to diverse guest preferences. The suite accommodations include ten distinct categories, with options such as the multi-story Royal Loft, Icon Loft, and the Ultimate Family Townhouse.

Itineraries: The vessel’s initial deployment includes weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, each featuring a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. These sailings aim to offer guests a blend of onboard innovation and immersive shore experiences.

Star Princess (Princess Cruises)

Princess Cruises is set to expand its fleet with the introduction of the Star Princess, the second vessel in its Sphere-class lineup, scheduled to debut in August 2025. This new ship aims to enhance the premium cruising experience with a range of innovative features.

The Star Princess is starting life in the Mediterranean, but this fall it will be embarking on a 14-day transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale on October 22, 2025, marking the beginning of its Caribbean season.

Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Cruises, which is actually a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group, is set to launch Celebrity Xcel in November 2025, marking the fifth addition to its Edge Series lineup. The ship represents the brand’s most ambitious project to date, targeting premium-market consumers with a combination of design-forward spaces and expanded cultural programming.

A key innovation is The Bazaar, a new multi-deck venue that functions as an experiential marketplace. Inspired by global street markets and cultural festivals, the space will host rotating local vendors, culinary pop-ups, mixology showcases, and live entertainment tailored to the ship’s destinations.

Celebrity says it is actively soliciting input from its customer base. Through its “Dream Makers” initiative, the cruise line has opened the development process to public participation via online polls and interactive content, offering early access incentives including a spot on the ship’s naming voyage.

Xcel will sail a series of 7-night Caribbean itineraries out of Fort Lauderdale, with Eastern and Western routes that include stops in The Bahamas, Mexico, Grand Cayman, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. The deployment underscores Celebrity’s continued investment in the North American premium cruise market.

The ship will offer a range of accommodations, from standard staterooms to luxury suites, with upgraded bedding, expanded living spaces, and enhanced tech integration. Rooms range from 181 square feet to over 2,500 square feet, each featuring king-size beds and interactive smart TVs.

A little known fact about Celebrity? Based on our experience, it’s a terrific family option, despite what seem like a perception that it’s adults-only. Taking your kids on a Celebrity ship means you get a world-class kids club where they actually get far more individual attention than they would on a larger, traditionally family-friendly trip.

Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic escape or an action-packed family getaway, these next-gen ships are making waves — literally and figuratively. The future of cruising? It’s bigger, bolder, and more Caribbean-bound than ever.

Want help planning your first trip on one of these floating resorts? Just say the word.