Travel 2025: Cruise Lines Offer Bigger Ships, Private Islands and a Family Vibe

Responding to record cruise demand, major cruise lines will continue to launch new mega-ships this year, with countless over-the-top features and amenities that will appeal to families.

“With every big, splashy new ship launch, we’re seeing even more investment in the family market,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of the cruise news site Cruise Critic. “No longer are cabins for five the definition of the ultimate in family-friendliness, but now we’re seeing actual ‘neighborhoods,’ dedicated to families.”

MSC’s largest ship, the World America, will begin sailing out of Miami in April with a family-oriented district packed with water slides, a ropes course, bumper cars, roller rinks and an over-the-water swing. Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the 250,800-ton sister of the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, will launch from Port Canaveral, Fla., in August. It will have many of Icon’s features: eight “neighborhoods,” six water slides, seven swimming pools and more than 40 dining, drinking and entertainment venues.

Another trend to watch is the evolution of luxury cruises, which have started to resemble the boutique hotel experience. Traditionally, luxury cruising was associated with formality and opulent design, but the products offered on luxury ships today are more subtle, with elevated service and dining in a more relaxed atmosphere. Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean line from MSC Cruises with super-yacht-inspired luxury ships, will sail in the Caribbean and Mediterranean this year.

Cruise lines are not only enlarging their fleets, but are investing heavily in land-based real estate to create exclusive private island and beach club experiences. Royal Caribbean is developing an all-inclusive private beach club in Nassau, the Bahamas, one of its most visited port stops, scheduled to open in December. With more than 17 acres, it will include a family beach, an adult-only beach, a party cove and a V.I.P. area with poolside service.

Carnival Corporation is also investing in a pier extension to develop a private beach in the Celebration Key area on Grand Bahama, which is set to open in July.