in the know
Left: Star Princess sailing through Alaska image: princess cruises. WORDS: GEORGIA LEWIS
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ALL ABOARD
Cruise launches in 2025 and beyond include art programs, innovative dining concepts and the unveiling of two new LNG-powered ships
F all 2025 is set to be an exciting time in the world of cruising with the launch of two new ships from Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages. The 4,300-passenger, LNG-powered Star Princess follows the launch of sister ship Sun Princess and features a three-story dining room and entertainment venue inspired by the architecture of Santorini, Greece. Its maiden voyage will be an 11-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona in October, followed by Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Virgin Voyages’ adults-only Brilliant Lady, however, will focus on U. S. voyages including New England, Alaska and the West Coast. It promises entertainment, creative dining, enhanced cabins and a wide range of itineraries from five to 16 nights to broaden its appeal across different cruising demographics.
Other launches in 2025 include Viking’ s 12th ocean ship, Vesta, which will set sail on the high seas in July. Although slightly bigger than its predecessors, Viking is promoting it as a ship that can‘ dock where larger ships cannot’.
Its maiden season will include Mediterranean cruises and voyages to Northern Europe and Iceland. The 47,000-ton, 998-guest, all-veranda ship features wellness facilities, multiple dining and entertainment options, two pools and a large Owner’ s Suite. Fall will also be a busy time for both MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. MSC World America, the brand’ s third LNG-powered ship, is set to launch in April after successfully completing deepwater tests in a final sea trial. Norwegian Aqua will start week-long Caribbean voyages the same month, with a Prince tribute show as one of its entertainment highlights.
Elsewhere, Oceania Cruises is set to launch Allura in July, which features the Grand Dining Room, where guests can choose from among more than 270 specially-created dishes. August will see Royal Caribbean launch Star of the Seas— its sevennight Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings will feature the return of the Artist Discovery Program, which helps regional artists showcase their work.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Royal Caribbean club opening The cruise travel giant is launching a series of beach clubs for passengers starting with the Bahamas in late 2025. The 17-acre club will include beach and swim-up bars and more than 40 cabanas.
The White Lotus boom for Thailand Season three of the hit TV series The White Lotus is attracting tourists to locations in Phuket, Koh Samui and Bangkok. Many hotels have reported a rise in interest since the series aired.
Brilliant bites in New Orleans The city has bolstered its culinary offering with a host of new restaurant openings. Rising stars include steakhouses The Husky and Bon Ton Prime Rib, as well as Tatlo, an Asian-inspired absinthe bar.
summer 2025 • 15