Top Cruise Industry Highlights and Updates From July 2025
July 2025 was a busy month for the cruise industry, marked by ship debuts, new private destinations, record sales, and major announcements from leading cruise lines.
Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled a $150 million expansion of Great Stirrup Cay, highlighted by the six-acre Great Tides Waterpark opening in 2026. Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the official opening of Celebration Key in the Bahamas, with Excel-class ship Mardi Gras making a milestone visit. Royal Caribbean also took over management of the Port of Costa Maya for its upcoming Perfect Day Mexico private destination.
Several new ships made headlines this month. Oceania welcomed Allura, its latest luxury vessel, while Saga christened Spirit of the Moselle in Amsterdam. Viking named Viking Vesta in Croatia and announced a new 2027 Brahmaputra River itinerary. American Cruise Lines introduced American Patriot, the first in its new Patriot Class, while Royal Caribbean officially took delivery of Star of the Seas, its second Icon-class ship.
Record-breaking bookings also made waves. Avalon Waterways reported its strongest sales ever for 2026 river cruises, while Regent Seven Seas Cruises set a new single-day booking record with the launch of Seven Seas Prestige. Explora Journeys marked three shipbuilding milestones, including the float out of EXPLORA III.
Other highlights included Princess Cruises previewing entertainment for Star Princess, Silversea launching new Galápagos charter flights, HX Expeditions expanding Antarctic adventure options, and Celebrity Cruises unveiling new spaces aboard Celebrity Xcel.
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