Cruising is riding a wave of momentum as the industry celebrates major milestones and record-breaking projections. From Viking’s 100th ship to Disney’s newest vessel and dramatic rescues at sea, October 2025 has been a standout month for the cruise industry. These are some of the biggest cruise news stories of October 2025.
AAA Predicts Record Number of Americans Will Cruise in 2026
The cruise industry is booming: AAA is forecasting another record year in 2026, with 21.7 million Americans projected to take an ocean cruise vacation.
Cruise ships spotted from Doctor’s Cave Beach Club in Montego Bay (Photo Credit: Chee-Onn Leong/Adobe Stock)
If AAA’s predictions come true, 2026 would mark the fourth consecutive year of record cruise passenger volume. Though 2025 is still in full swing, AAA is projecting a final tally of 20.7 million ocean-going American cruise passengers—higher than it had originally predicted.
“These numbers reflect the growing demand for ocean cruises among U.S. travelers,” says Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “Our travel agents see this every day when booking dream vacations for AAA members. Whether it’s an anniversary trip to relax in the Caribbean or a family reunion to explore Alaska, ocean cruises offer variety, convenience and lifelong memories.”
Viking Celebrates 100-Ship Milestone With Massive Christening Event
Viking achieved a major milestone on October 21 when it simultaneously christened nine new river boats. The new additions bring the total fleet size to 100 river, ocean and expedition vessels.
The ceremony was held onboard Viking Honir in Basel, Switzerland, while the other eight Longships were scattered around the globe—three in Rostock, Germany; two in Luxor, Egypt; and one each in Porto, Portugal; My Tho, Vietnam; and Paris, France. All seven godmothers — and two godfathers—were in Basel, and the other ships joined the festivities via live hookups.
“We have always been quite a bit different from others in the travel industry—we like to be contrarian,” says Torstein Hagen, chairman and chief executive officer of Viking. “Over the last 28 years, we have grown from four ships to more than 100—a fleet size that no other line has achieved—and we have done so because of our innovative approach. First, we modernized river voyages; then we reinvented ocean voyages and perfected the expedition experience. We look forward to continuing our leadership in experiential travel in the years to come.”
Disney Cruise Line Takes Delivery of Disney Destiny
In mid-October, the shipbuilding team at Meyer Werft handed over Disney Destiny to the cruise line on Wednesday in Eemshaven, the Netherlands.
Disney Destiny float up (Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line)
The “heroes and villains”-themed ship will debut in November at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Disney Destiny will offer 4- and 5-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean.
Cruise Ship Rescues 63 People in the Ionian Sea
A Mediterranean leisure cruise took a dramatic turn this week when a Norwegian Cruise Line ship came to the aid of dozens of people stranded at sea. Norwegian Epic participated in a search-and-rescue operation being coordinated by Greek authorities on October 22, and successfully rescued 63 individuals in the Ionian Sea.
“The individuals were brought on board and tended to by the ship’s crew, who provided a medical evaluation, food and other items for their comfort,” according to a statement shared with USA Today. “Following a mandatory directive from the Rescue Coordination Centre, the ship proceeded to Kalamata, Greece where the rescued individuals were turned over to the Greek authorities.”
Royal Caribbean Starts Construction on Seventh Oasis Class Cruise Ship
Royal Caribbean marked a major milestone this month, as construction officially began on its seventh Oasis class ship. A steel-cutting ceremony was held at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ship, which does not have a name, is scheduled to launch in 2028.
Star Princess Takes To the Seas With Maiden Mediterranean Voyage
In early October, Princess Cruises welcomed its newest Sphere class ship, Star Princess, as the ship set sail on an 11-day inaugural Western Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona. The line’s fleet now includes 17 ships.
Star Princess (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)
“Star Princess shines brightly as one [of] the largest and most spectacular ships we’ve ever built, and we proudly welcome excited guests on her inaugural voyage,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Princess Cruises. “We wish our Star Princess captain, senior officers and crew much success—may her voyages be safe, her sunsets unforgettable, and may she shine, as her name promises, in the sky and on the seas.”
American Cruise Lines to Launch 10 Ships by 2028
American Cruise Lines announced its plans to launch 10 new ships by 2028, starting with American Pioneer on October 31. After that, the company plans to debut five new riverboats and four new Patriot Class ships, which are part of the line’s Project Blue series.
“American’s order book reflects our confidence in the domestic cruise market and the product we have pioneered in the U.S.,” says Charles B. Robertson, president and chief executive officer of American Cruise Lines. “The new ships will roll out at an average pace of one every four months and keep us on a disciplined growth trajectory.”
Royal Caribbean Shares First Look Details of New Ship: Legend of the Seas
Royal Caribbean shared more details about its forthcoming ship Legend of the Seas, which is scheduled to launch in July 2026. The new vessel will have eight neighborhoods, 28 dining options, more than 20 bars and lounges, new nightlife and entertainment offerings and more.
Legend of the Seas (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean International)
Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is making its debut at sea in the Royal Theater, bringing the magical world of Willy Wonka to life. The new vessel will also have a redesigned three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, plus an ultra-luxe and exclusive Suite Neighborhood.
“With Legend of the Seas, we are bringing to life our most legendary vacation yet as we continue to push the boundaries with more of what guests know and love,” says Michael Bayley, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean. “Those looking to get the most out of their vacation can have it all with Legend’s combination of adventure-packed experiences and incredible destinations in Europe and the Caribbean.”
Celebrity Cruises Adds Newest Ship, Announces Name for Next Vessel
This month, Celebrity Cruises took delivery of its newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The cruise line also announced the name of Celebrity Xcel’s sister ship and its sixth Edge Series vessel, introducing Celebrity Xcite with a ceremonial steel cutting and construction launch. Celebrity Xcite is scheduled to set sail in 2028.
“Celebrity Xcel has been designed with our guest as our north star, we even involved them in the design process through the Xcel Dream Makers program, so we know she will be the happy place of vacationers globally,” says Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “We’re thrilled to welcome guests aboard next month and are excited to further expand these offerings on Celebrity Xcite.”
Scenic Group to Launch New Discovery Yacht Scenic Ikon in 2028
Scenic Group announced this month that it will launch its newest Discovery Yacht, the Scenic Ikon, in 2028. The vessel will welcome up to 270 guests in a luxurious, expedition-style cruising experience.
Rendering of the Scenic Ikon’s Yacht Club Pool and Terrace. (Photo Credit: Scenic Group)
The new Scenic Ikon will weigh 26,500 gross tons and span 672 feet. With 135 suites, all with private verandas, travelers will enjoy luxurious, boutique-style accommodations. Boasting 15 dining venues, large relaxation spaces and a two-story spa, travelers will enjoy a truly all-inclusive luxury experience.
“Every element of Scenic Ikon’s design has been optimized to deliver unrivaled experiences across diverse destinations and environments, from its primary base, the Mediterranean, to the wilds of Antarctica,” says Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group.
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