Cruises are taking luxury travel to the next level to improve their offering to travellers; there has never been so much choice, from state-of-the-art innovation to new destinations and smaller ships. We have highlighted our favourite new luxury cruises that will soon be setting sail.
Pure Amazon
The Pure Amazon, scheduled for launch in mid-2025, has a sophisticated design that showcases local artisans and Peru’s rich cultural heritage. The 10 elegant suites and two single cabins feature hand-crafted furnishings made from locally sourced materials, and expansive windows throughout the ship immerse guests in the ever-changing passing Amazon.
Abercrombie & Kent
Later in 2025 Abercrombie & Kent will launch down the Nile With over four decades of expertise in Nile cruising, Abercrombie & Kent plans to position this riverboat as a high-end floating hotel. The boat will offer an array of amenities, including two restaurants – one indoor and one outdoor – where travellers can relish cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, passengers can indulge in the spa, gym, elegant social spaces, swimming pool, and a sundeck designed for relaxation between excursions. This small boat features 32 cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows so guests can admire the passing views while travelling. Like all A&K tours, these journeys will showcase local culture, food and artisans, giving guests an immersive experience.
Floating Hotels
As more travellers turn to cruising around multiple destinations more well-known luxury brands joining the cruise space with bespoke and unmatched luxury experiences. The Ritz Carlton Luminara will launch in 2025 – a superyacht featuring 226 suites with private terraces, five restaurants, six bars and a wine vault.
The Four Seasons will soon follow with the launch of their luxury yacht in 2026. Offering voyages across the Caribbean and the coasts of the Mediterranean with meticulously crafted itineraries, these ultra-luxury cruises are set to be in a world of their own.
Explora III
Launching in summer 2026, Explora III will evoke the feeling of being aboard a private yacht. As the first in the fleet powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), this innovative ship underscores a commitment to sustainability while delivering unmatched elegance.
With 463 spacious suites, penthouses, and residences, all featuring private terraces and ocean views, Explora III promises a serene and indulgent experience at sea. Guests can savour world-class dining across multiple venues, from fresh seafood to gourmet international cuisine, or unwind in the ship’s spa and wellness spaces.
While sister ships Explora I and Explora II are currently cruising, Explora III will navigate the dramatic landscapes of Northern Europe and continue westward through Iceland and Greenland to the vibrant coasts along North America’s East Coast and New England. Designed for discerning travellers, this ship combines sustainable innovation with refined luxury, setting a new benchmark for cruising.
Emerald Cruises
Emerald Cruise is set to launch its new super yacht, the Emerald Kaia on its maiden voyage in April 2026. Emerald Kaia promises cruisers to embody the superyacht lifestyle fully. With a capacity for 128 passengers, this new superyacht promises a larger guest ratio than the earlier Emerald yachts. Guests can look forward to reimagined Sky Deck cabanas, varied dining options, indoor/outdoor sun and pool lounges and a gym where you train inside or outside, meaning you can even dip in the sea after your session!
Tauck
Luxury river cruise provider Tauck has announced the production of two new ships that will be completed in 2026. The two new riverboats will set sail along the Rhone and will feature 68 cabins accommodating a maximum of just 130 guests. Along with these cabins, the riverboats will also feature eight spacious suites ranging in size from 300 sq ft to 180 sq ft. As with all Tauck riverboats, these two new ships will sail with a dedicated Cruise Director and up to three Director Guides to provide the highest level of service to guests on fully inclusive itineraries.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line, Regent Seven Seas, is set to announce its first new ship class in 10 years, Seven Seas Prestige. The cruise line hopes to continue its legacy of revolutionising ultra-luxury travel with this new ship, which is the epitome of elegance and excellence. Seven Seas Prestige will host up to 850 guests with one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios in the industry in beautiful suites, lavish restaurants, bars and public areas. The new ship class was designed with luxury travellers in mind, maintaining intimate and luxurious service Regent Seven Seas guests have come to love and expect while providing even more space throughout the ship.
The new Prestiege-Class will introduce new accommodation categories, dining experiences and reimagined suites. The second of the two Prestige-Class ships will be released in 2029. Both of these ships will feature the Regent Seven Seas high level of standard and inclusive luxury experiences, which include flights and transfers, gourmet cuisine in a range of specialty restaurants and al-fresco dining venues, fine wines and spirits, entertainment, unlimited internet access, free valet laundry, gratuities, one-night, pre-cruise hotel packages for guests staying in Concierge-level suites and higher and more.
On the Horizon
Crystal
Crystal Cruises is powering ahead with plans to expand its fleet, firming an agreement to build a third new ocean ship with Italian shipbuilder, Fincantieri. Plans for the new ship, which is tentatively set for delivery in 2032, will carry 690 passengers in double occupancy, making her slightly larger than fleet-mate Crystal Symphony but noticeably smaller than Crystal Serenity.
The benchmark for luxury cruising is constantly rising and promises innovation, unparalleled service and an experience that is nothing short of elegance. If you are looking to book a luxury cruise in 2025 or beyond, we have a range of cruise deals suited to every type of traveller. Simply view our top cruise deals or speak to one of our Cruise Specialists to discuss your plans.
