Cruise Ships That Are Changing Owners in 2025

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 10:00 PM ET, Thu January 2, 2025

New year, new owner.

A number of ships in the cruise industry are set to change owners this year, according to Cruise Industry News.

Carnival Cruise Line will be acquiring a few ships from P & O Cruises Australia which is ceasing operations, while Linblad Expeditions is picking up a former Celebrity cruise ship and American Queen Voyages will shed a few ships from its fleet, to be used moving forward by Victory Cruise Lines.

Here’s a closer look at some of the ships that will change owners in 2025.

Cruise Ships Changing Owners in 2025

Ship Name: Carnival Adventure 
Capacity: 2,600 guests
Year built: 2001 
Former names: Pacific Adventure and Golden Princess 
Previous operator: P&O Australia 
New operator: Carnival Cruise Line
Debut: March 2025

The Pacific Adventure is set to be transferred to Carnival Cruise Line in early 2025. Renamed the Carnival Adventure, the vessel will continue to operate in the Australian market, according to Cruise Industry News.

Ship Name: Carnival Endeavor
Capacity: 2,600 guests 
Year built: 2002 
Former names: Pacific Encounter and Star Princess 
Previous operator: P&O Australia
New operator: Carnival Cruise Line 
Debut: March 2025

The formerly named Pacific Encounter will also be transferred to Carnival Cruise Line. The ship will continue to operate in Australia, based in Brisbane.

Ship Name: Star Scorpio 
Capacity: 1,998 guests
Year built: 1997
Former names: Pacific Explorer and Dawn Princess 
Previous operator: P&O Australia 
New operator: Resorts World Cruises
Debut: March 2025

The Pacific Explorer will leave Carnival Corporation’s fleet and now be operated by Resorts World Cruises’ Star Scorpio, according to Cruise Industry News.

The ship is undergoing a $50 million renovation in Singapore. It will begin sailing in Southeast Asia in March 2025.

Ship Name: Ocean Victory
Capacity: 186 guests 
Year built: 2021
Former name: N/A 
Previous operator: American Queen Voyages 
New operator: Alma Cruceros 
Debut: April 2025

Operated by American Queen Voyages during the summer season, this cruise ship will now be operated by Alma Cruceros on a seasonal rotation beginning in April. The ship will sail in the Mediterranean, offering luxury voyages.

Ship Name: National Geographic Delfina 
Capacity: 16 guests 
Year built: 2007 
Former name: Celebrity Xploration and Athala II 
Previous operator: Celebrity Cruises 
New operator: Lindblad Expeditions 
Debut: February 2025

Sold by Celebrity Cruises, the previously-named Celebrity Exploration will begin sailing with Linblad Expeditions in February. The 16-guest catamaran has been renamed National Geographic Delfina and will undergo renovations before beginning sailings in the Galapagos, per Cruise Industry News.

Ship Name: National Geographic Gemini
Capacity: 100 guests
Year built: 2001 
Former name: Celebrity Xpedition and Sun Bay 
Previous operator: Celebrity Cruises 
New operator: Lindblad Expeditions
Debut: March 2025

Another former Celebrity ship that will be transferring to service with Lindblad Expeditions, the National Geographic Gemini (formerly Celebrity Xpedition) is a 100-guest ship that will sail the Galapagos Islands moving forward.

Ship Name: Victory I
Capacity: 202 guests 
Year built: 2001 
Former name: Ocean Voyager and Saint Laurent
Previous operator: American Queen Voyages
New operator: Victory Cruise Lines 
Debut: April 2025

Acquired by Victory Cruise Lines, the Victory I will sail the Great Lakes region as well as repositioning itineraries in Canada and New England.

Ship Name: Victory II 
Capacity: 202 guests 
Year built: 2001
Former name: Ocean Navigator and Sea Discoverer
Previous operator: American Queen Voyages
New operator: Victory Cruise Lines 
Debut: May 2025

Similar to Victory I, this ship will be operated by Victory Cruise Lines. It is set to offer cruises to the Great Lakes.