Biggest Cruise News Stories of January 2025

The new year is officially underway, with many travelers looking ahead and booking future vacations. Amid wave season and a slew of new ships, the cruise industry is hoping to capitalize on travelers’ year-ahead planning. Here are some of the biggest cruise news stories of January 2025.

2025 Wave Season Ramps Up 

Though wave season technically kicked off in December, additional cruise lines began unveiling their wave deals and promotions in January—from Royal Caribbean to Aurora Expeditions and more. Travel experts also revealed the trends shaping wave season this year, including trips that offer a good value and those that take travelers off the beaten path.

Celebrity Cruises Announces New River Cruise Offering

Celebrity Cruises made a splash this month when it announced plans to launch a new river cruise product. The company has ordered 10 new ships and hopes to begin sailing on Europe's rivers in 2027.

Viva Cruises Welcomes New Ship Viva Enjoy

VIVA Cruises christened its newest ship, Viva Enjoy, this month at its home port in Düsseldorf, Germany. The 190-guest ship features 95 cabins, three restaurants, a sun deck with a pool, and a fitness area.

VIVA Cruises' newest ship, the VIVA ENJOY. (Photo Credit: VIVA Cruises)

Riviera River Cruises Rebrands As Riviera Travel

As it continues to expand its presence in the U.S. market, Riviera River Cruises has rebranded as Riviera Travel. The new name “better reflects the diverse, luxurious experiences we now offer to even the most discerning American travelers seeking unforgettable European vacations,” says Marilyn Conroy, the company’s executive vice president of marketing and sales.

2025 Predicted to Be a Big Year For Cruise

This year is shaping up to be a big one for the cruise industry, with newly released data from AAA Travel projecting that 19 million people will take an ocean cruise this year. That represents a 4.5 percent increase from 2024. In addition, host agencies are also expecting a blockbuster year for cruising.

Cunard’s Queen Anne Makes North American Debut

Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, made its North American debut when it arrived in New York in mid-January. The line’s first new ship in 14 years, Queen Anne was embarking on a 107-day inaugural World Voyage. A few days later, the vessel visited Miami for the first time.

Queen Anne in New York Harbor with Cunard President Katie McAlister and Captain Inger Thorhauge. (Photo Credit: Cunard)

Celebrity Cruises Orders New Edge Series Ship

New year, new ship order: Celebrity Cruises signed an agreement with ship-builder Chantiers de l'Atlantique to build a sixth Edge Series vessel, slated for delivery in 2028.

The vessel will be the sister ship to Celebrity Xcel, which is scheduled to debut in November. 

Four Seasons Celebrates Float Out of First Luxury Yacht

The first Four Seasons Yacht is one step closer to welcoming passengers. Slated to launch on June 25, 2026, the ship touched water for the first time this month. Four Seasons, Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd and Fincantieri celebrated the new vessel’s float-out.

Ponant Explorations Group Buys Majority Stake in Aqua Expeditions

Ponant Explorations Group made headlines this month when it announced that it had bought a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions. The company,  which also owns Paul Gauguin Cruises and the Ponant cruise brand, is now adding the small-ship river and ocean cruise line to its portfolio. 

Aqua Expeditions currently sails in the Galápagos Islands, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Spice Islands, the Mekong River and the Peruvian Amazon River. The brand is also preparing to launch new East Africa itineraries in the Seychelles and Tanzania.

Disney Cruise Line Shares More Details About New Ships

Disney Cruise Line shared new details about the four new ships slated to join its fleet between 2027 and 2031. Three of the ships will be part of brand new class, while the fourth will be part of the existing Wish class.

The new class of ships will be smaller than the Dream and Wish classes, offering access to more global ports and destinations. 

Holland America Line Starts $70M Construction Project at Denali Lodge in Alaska

Amid growing demand for trips to Alaska, Holland America Line is investing $70 million to update its Denali Lodge property. The new multi-year expansion and renovation project starts this year and will continue through 2027. 

“Enhancing and expanding the Holland America Denali Lodge will help meet the growing interest in combined land and sea Cruisetours for our 49th state and further support the Alaska tourism industry,” says Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. 

The chance to see whales in the wild is a major attraction for HAL's Alaska cruises. (Photo Credit: Holland America Line)

Princess Cruises Unveils New Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Menu

While many travelers were participating in Dry January this month, Princess Cruises announced that it would be debuting a new non-alcoholic cocktail menu across its fleet starting in March. Called the “Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection,” the new offerings will be included in Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages.

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