July 2025 Review
It’s not only new river and ocean ships making the news, but other debutants due to launch later this year and beyond, plus the return of a familiar name. A roll-call of captivating new shore experiences, along with intriguing on-board activities is also sparking added interest.
New ships and new features
Oceania Cruises unveiled eighth ship Oceania Allura and confirmed an order for two new Sonata Class vessels, while American Cruise Lines christened American Patriot, the first of its new Patriot Class, in Rhode Island. Celebrity Cruises detailed new spaces on latest Edge-class ship Celebrity Xcel, ahead of its November launch, that include an oasis-style VIP pool area and an “all-day, all-night” games room, while Windstar Cruises’ revealed that Star Explorer will debut with winter Mediterranean sailings following its December 2026 launch. Explora Journeys marked three major milestones in Genoa with the float-out of Explora III, coin ceremony of Explora IV and steel-cutting of Explora V in Genoa.
and a familiar face . . .
Here’s a welcome return with Swan Hellenic’s founding ship SH Minerva back in the fleet, sailing from November to Antarctica for the winter season.
Bookings boost
Regent Seven Seas Cruises reported record-breaking launch day business for Seven Seas Prestige, arriving in December 2026, while Royal Caribbean International opened bookings for itsRoyal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas, which opens this December.
Rivers are rollin’
Saga Cruises welcomed third river ship Spirit of the Moselle which was named in Amsterdam and starts its maiden season on the Main, and TUI River Cruises revealed new venues on TUI Bahareya, which launches on the Nile in November. Wining and dining is on the cards for VIVA Cruises this November with its first gourmet voyage along the Danube, while CroisiEurope guests can savour Provencal vinos on a wine-themed voyage along the Rhone. Riverside Luxury Cruises is bringing a cultural flavour to sailings with art-themed excursions that include a private viewing of Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss in Vienna.
Pepping up ship life
Calling all intrepid explorers. HX Expeditions is spicing up Antarctica voyages with more kayaking and camping adventures this winter. Azamara Cruises is building on its reputation for cultural immersion with new Live Like a Local shore excursions that go one step further with visits to festivals and artisan workshops, culinary experiences and private access tours, while Cunard has unveiled a treasure trove of 30-plus exclusive shore experiences for Queen Elizabeth’s debut season of Caribbean sailings from Miami this winter. Murder, mystery and Martinis take centre stage on Virgin Voyages’ first True Crime Voyage to the Caribbean this October, while Holland America Line is spilling backdoor secrets by reintroducing behind-the-scenes ship tours that include the bridge, galley and engine control room.
New voyages for 27/28
Emerald’s 2027/28 Yacht Collection offers 25 new voyages, 19 new port calls and marks the inaugural season of Emerald Raiya which debuts in April 2027. Regent’s 2027/28 Voyage Collection features 234 departures, including 19 maiden port calls, a 133-night world cruise and five Grand Voyages, while SeaDream Yacht Club’s 2028 Caribbean season ushers in more calls at the British and US Virgin Islands, increased overnight stays at St Barts, full moon parties and maiden calls at Port St Charles in Barbados and St Pierre, Martinique.