Iglu Cruise News - 2025 End of Year Roundup
The year is coming to a close, and an exciting 2026 awaits. So, we’re doing something a little different with this month’s Iglu Cruise News. Rather than focus on just December’s announcements, we’re going to explore the entire year’s cruise news, picking out some of the highlights for you to check out below.
With a sensational selection of new cruise ships setting sail over the last 12 months, plenty of exciting refurbishments to talk about, and announcements you’ll want to know about when taking advantage of any upcoming cruise deals, there’s a lot of ground to cover. So, without further ado, let’s get stuck in!
A roundup of the biggest cruise news this year
Iglu Cruise returns to river with fantastic deals
This May saw Iglu Cruise make its triumphant return to river cruising, with a fantastic selection of river cruise deals available right now. Starting with AmaWaterways, Emerald River Cruises, and Scenic River Cruises, the months following have seen Iglu Cruise continue to expand its range of incredible river cruises.
Now, you’ll find fantastic adventures along some of the world’s most exciting waterways from Riviera Travel, Uniworld River Cruises, APT Luxury River, and Travelmarvel. Iglu Cruise is also selling upcoming Celebrity River Cruises, which promise to bring Celebrity Cruises’ trademark quality and exciting onboard experiences to even more destinations around the world.
With 2026 promising to be an excellent year for river cruising, watch this space; even more sensational sailings from the world’s leading river cruise lines are coming.
Sensational new cruise ships set sail
This year saw a whole host of remarkable cruise ships embark on their maiden voyages, alongside numerous announcements from major cruise lines that more ships are set to arrive in the coming months and years. From Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean to Virgin Voyages, Disney Cruise Line, and more, this year’s new cruise ships are overflowing with exciting attractions, engaging entertainment, and unmissable onboard experiences. Below, we’re running through a handful of the top ships that set sail this year, with a bit of information about what you can expect onboard each one.
Star of the Seas - August
Guest Capacity: 5,610
This August saw Royal Caribbean’s sensational Star of the Seas embark on its maiden voyage, an exciting cruise from Florida’s Port Canaveral to several sought-after destinations in the Caribbean. An exceptional addition to Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Star of the Seas features a host of popular Icon Class amenities and attractions – such as the FlowRider surf simulator, exhilarating Adventure Peak area, and Crown’s Edge. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy a fantastic selection of established Royal Caribbean restaurants, bars, and lounges onboard, ensuring there’s never a dull moment and always something delicious to tuck into while you’re exploring the sensational destinations on each itinerary.
Brilliant Lady - September
Guest Capacity: 2,770
September saw Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady embark on her maiden voyage, sailing from New York City to Bermuda, Canada, and New England ahead of a season offering Caribbean cruises from Miami, Florida. The fourth ship in Virgin Voyages’ impressive fleet, Brilliant Lady, brings everything excellent about this cruise line’s other ships to new destinations across North America and beyond. Offering a unique adults-only experience, you’ll find entertainment unlike anything else at sea on Brilliant Lady, alongside sensational dining spots, stylish lounge spaces, and a laid-back atmosphere worth spending time enjoying.
Celebrity Xcel - November
Guest Capacity: 3,260
In November, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel embarked on its maiden voyage – and it was an exciting one. Sailing from Port Everglades in Florida, this sailing saw Celebrity Xcel visit Cozumel in Mexico alongside several destinations in the Western Caribbean. An innovative addition to Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class, Celebrity Xcel boasts established Edge Class features, such as the now-iconic Magic Carpet and Resort Deck, alongside fresh experiences like The Bazaar, Attic at the Club, and Celebrity Pool Club. A cruise ship that elevates Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class experience even further, an adventure on Celebrity Xcel is worth looking forward to.
Disney Destiny - November
Guest Capacity: 4,000
November also saw Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Destiny embark on its maiden voyage, sailing from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas and Caribbean. A dazzling addition to an already-impressive fleet, Disney Destiny adopts a unique ‘Heroes and Villains’ theme. This theme sees Spider-Man and his Spider-Bots grace the ship’s stern, T’Challa (Marvel’s Black Panther) stand tall in the Grand Hall atrium area, and more incredible themed amenities and attractions onboard – from a Haunted Mansion-themed bar, a lounge designed after Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum, The Incredible’s Hero Zone, and so much more.
TUI Bahareya - November
Guest Capacity: 136
River cruisers were also in for a treat this November, with TUI River Cruises’ TUI Bahareya embarking on its maiden voyage from Luxor, Egypt. This cruise line’s second Nile-based river cruise ship, TUI Bahareya boasts Arabic-inspired interiors, dining venues that deliver regional cuisines throughout your cruise, and a top deck featuring a pool, a bar, and plenty of sun loungers for sightseeing. You’ll also find Egyptologists onboard, making each voyage as informative and interesting as it is relaxing and indulgent.
Beyond this, March saw Carnival Cruise Line acquire two new cruise ships from P&O Cruises Australia: the now-named Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. Bolstering this popular cruise line’s offerings in Australasia and the Pacific region, both ships were refreshed with popular Carnival Cruise Line amenities and attractions, while still maintaining much of what made them special under P&O Cruises Australia. You can find the latest Carnival Adventure cruise deals and Carnival Encounter cruise deals right here.
Looking forward to 2026 and beyond, MSC Cruises’ fleet of World Class cruise ships is set to grow dramatically in the coming years, with MSC World Asia set to debut in December 2026, MSC World Atlantic eyeing a November 2027 debut, and four more World Class cruise ships expected by 2031. Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas is also due to embark on its maiden voyage in Summer 2026, something that will make it the cruise line’s first Icon Class cruise ship to cruise Europe.
Meanwhile, Disney Cruise Line has confirmed its plans to add five new ships to its fleet by 2031, and popular river cruise line AmaWaterways has confirmed similar plans to expand its already impressive fleet with eight new ships by 2030. Riviera Travel will see Riviera Alba debut in 2027 alongside Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Sonata, and Celebrity Cruises will see Celebrity Xcite debut in 2028 alongside Scenic’s Scenic Ikon. It’s safe to say that there’s a lot to look forward to in 2026 and beyond.
Adventure awaits aboard more freshly-refurbished cruise ships
Not only was last year an excellent one for new ships, but 2025 also saw numerous cruise ships undergo refurbishments and refits, preparing them to deliver incredible cruise experiences and unforgettable adventures around the world for the coming months and years. While the extent of the refurbishments seen throughout the year varies, the following are all examples of cruise lines ensuring they deliver the best possible onboard experience to their guests.
In the spring, HX Expeditions completed major refurbishments for both MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen, improving the Science Centre on both ships alongside extensive cabin renovations and improvements to the dining venues onboard.
This period also saw Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas undergo extensive refurbishments. Allure of the Seas returned to service with a redesigned pool deck and a revamped Adventure Ocean area alongside the introduction of The Perfect Storm: a trio of thrilling waterslides. Favourite Royal Caribbean venues like The Mason Jar, Playmakers, and The Lime & Coconut were also introduced to Allure of the Seas, giving guests updated options when it comes to dining and drinking while onboard.
Meanwhile, Utopia of the Seas – which is among the world’s largest cruise ships – saw a larger non-smoking casino introduced alongside an improved Crown Lounge venue, improving what’s on offer for higher-tier Crown and Anchor members.
April also saw Holland America Line’s Oosterdam undergo extensive refurbishments ahead of an exciting summer season. Alongside significant interior design improvements shipwide, numerous cabin balconies and cabin bathrooms were fully renovated during this refurbishment. New equipment has been introduced to the Salon and Fitness Centre, with the Salon and Spa now featuring a new thermal suite and a refreshed Relaxation Lounge. The onboard casino venue was expanded, and new retail experiences were introduced, replacing the small theatre venue onboard. If that wasn’t all, new furniture and refreshments were also made to the Crow’s Nest, Neptune Lounge, the Rolling Stone Lounge, and the Lido Market. It would be an understatement to say that Oosterdam saw a dramatic improvement during this springtime refurbishment.
Paul Gauguin Cruises’ MS Paul Gauguin was also among the cruise ships that received extensive refurbishments throughout April, with ship-wide improvements and extensive sustainability improvements made ahead of a season of sailing around the South Pacific. Not only does this ship now feature new soft furnishings in social spaces and a reimagined pool deck, boasting a brand-new shaded cabana area, but it also now features a refreshed Le Grill with updated interior designs. With all of the new interiors designed to celebrate the natural beauty of the ship’s tropical surroundings, the atmosphere onboard is nothing short of exquisite.
Throughout late September, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel enjoyed some refurbishments, primarily introducing the adults-only Vibe Beach Club area to the Jewel Class cruise ship. Featuring premium sun loungers, exclusive whirlpool hot tubs, and a full-service bar, this is a fantastic addition to the amenities already available onboard.
In October, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Mardi Gras re-entered service after an extensive refurbishment. A variety of new retail venues, an expanded casino space, and accessibility improvements for public restrooms and select cabins are among the enhancements introduced throughout this period.
On top of this, November saw Marella Cruises’ Marella Discovery and Marella Voyager undergo routine maintenance, which also included numerous technical upgrades. While not a significant refurbishment of the interiors, guests travelling aboard either ship in the coming months can expect a refreshed experience. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl also underwent refurbishments throughout November, introducing the adults-only Vibe Beach Club area alongside other improvements.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opens in Nassau
In December, Royal Caribbean raised the bar on exclusive Caribbean cruise experiences yet again with the introduction of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, an extraordinary private island resort destination in the Bahamas. An exclusive, all-inclusive experience you won’t want to miss, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is split into three distinct neighbourhoods: Family Beach, Party Cove, and Chill Beach. Throughout, you’ll find three swimming pools, two stunning beaches, three dining spots to indulge in, and 10 bars – alongside a healthy amount of private cabanas available to rent for the duration of your stay.
What makes this addition to Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean cruises exciting is that access is available through unique day passes, which offer unlimited food and drink while you're there. This makes enjoying everything Royal Beach Club Paradise Island has to offer even easier, and this destination is an excellent complement to the itineraries visiting this region.
Boasting a blend of family-friendly fun, sunny spots to soak up the sunshine, and sensational local cuisine to indulge in, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Whether you’re looking to socialise in the sun or unwind poolside, Royal Caribbean has you covered.
Significant updates to Great Stirrup Cay are on the way
This August, Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed its plans to introduce a whole host of new updates and improvements to Great Stirrup Cay, its remarkable private island destination in the Bahamas. With these updates starting in late 2025 and stretching into Summer 2026, there’s a lot to look forward to.
In the first wave of these improvements, Norwegian Cruise Line revealed its plans to update the welcome centre and introduce a new two-ship pier, alongside the Great Life Lagoon heated pool, a kid-friendly Splash Harbour area, and numerous swim-up bars.
By Summer 2026, it plans to introduce Hammock Bay, the Vibe Shore Club, Horizon Park, and the Great Tides Waterpark to Great Stirrup Cay. An impressive array of improvements brings exciting new activities to this private island destination, alongside an abundance of places to soak up the sunshine and revel in the refreshed atmosphere. Great Stirrup Cay is quickly becoming a must-visit destination in the Bahamas.
Great Tides Waterpark, for example, is set to feature 19 waterslides, a new jet-karting experience, and an immersive, dynamic lazy river. If you’re looking for something exciting, this is shaping up to be unmissable.
Royal Caribbean reveals Royal Beach Club Santorini
In October, just a few weeks ahead of the highly anticipated opening of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas, Royal Caribbean unveiled Royal Beach Club Santorini, a new resort-style experience slated to open in 2026.
A continuation of this cruise line’s unwavering commitment to delivering unforgettable and exclusive cruise experiences, Royal Beach Club Santorini will form an integral part of Royal Caribbean’s plans to introduce an expansive experience in this bucket list destination moving forward. Not only will you be able to soak up the sunshine and enjoy poolside relaxation in the resort itself, but Royal Caribbean also plans to introduce experiences that feature authentic explorations of Santorini’s culture, cuisine, and iconic sights. An idyllic destination in the Aegean Sea, this is certainly something to look forward to on upcoming Mediterranean cruises with Royal Caribbean.
Princess Cruises improves Princess Plus and Premier offerings
In July, Princess Cruises announced that new benefits will be available with Princess Plus and Princess Premier on all cruises departing from 14 January 2026.
In addition to the existing benefits, guests with Princess Plus will be able to enjoy two more casual dining experiences than before, starting from January 2026. Meanwhile, guests with Princess Premier will find that the package comes with a new shore excursion credit bonus. The value of this additional shore excursion credit varies depending on the length of your cruise, with it being up to $300 on cruises lasting more than 21 days.
Something that makes these packages even more rewarding, cruising with Princess in 2026 promises to be even more exciting.
Oceania Cruises bolsters Your World Included inclusions
Earlier in the year, Oceania Cruises enhanced Your World Included by introducing new inclusions to this already excellent offering, making cruising with Oceania Cruises even more inclusive and offering better value. An improvement that features on all bookings made on or after 17 September 2025, Oceania Cruises’ Your World Included now allows you to choose one of two additional inclusions: extra Shore Excursion Credit, or complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner.
The value of the optional extra Shore Excursion Credit varies depending on the length of your cruise; cruises up to nine days in length will receive up to $400 additional Shore Excursion Credit, and this value will increase incrementally to $1,200 additional Shore Excursion Credit for sailings longer than 26 days. Meanwhile, the complimentary drinks include a variety of beers and wines by the glass, all of which will be available at no additional cost during the set lunch and dinner hours onboard.
Beyond this, Your World Included also includes the following:
- Complimentary dining experiences in gourmet speciality restaurants
- Unlimited Wi-Fi, powered by Starlink
- Complimentary soft drinks, including speciality coffees, bottled waters, juices, and smoothies
- Complimentary homemade gelatos and gourmet ice creams
- Shipboard tips
- Complimentary laundrette services, with additional laundry services for Concierge and Suite levels
Virgin Voyages debuts fresh VoyageFair Choices cruise fares
In October, Virgin Voyages debuted its new VoyageFair Choices cruise fare programme, something that makes enjoying an unforgettable getaway aboard one of Virgin Voyages’ exceptional cruise ships even easier.
Aiming to give you more options when booking a Sea Terrace stateroom, Virgin Voyages’ VoyageFair Choices cruise fares are as follows:
- Base Tier - this is the most affordable option, including Basic Wi-Fi for one device per guest, but it is non-refundable
- Essential Tier - this option is the most similar to Virgin Voyages’ previous cruise fare, offering Classic Wi-Fi for one device per guest alongside additional services like name and date change privileges, a 45-day dining reservation window, and more
- Premium Tier - this cruise fare gives guests in Sea Terrace staterooms the chance to enjoy a 60-day dining reservation window, Premium Wi-Fi for two devices per guest, an included Bar Tab of varying value, and exclusive pre-booking support
It’s important to note that these new fares only apply to Sea Terrace staterooms, so the options available when booking RockStar and Mega RockStar Quarters remain the same. You’ll also find all the existing stateroom amenities and general inclusions remain the same when booking one of Virgin Voyages’ new VoyageFair Choices fares – with the exception that tips are now no longer included in your fare price. Ultimately, this is a fantastic way to customise your onboard experience further, while still enjoying all the excellent amenities and attractions available throughout Virgin Voyages’ unforgettable adventures.
P&O Cruises and Cunard both introduce new Inclusive packages
Rounding out a remarkable year of exciting cruise news, December saw both P&O Cruises and Cunard introduce brand new inclusive cruise packages for you to purchase on upcoming adventures around the world with both cruise lines.
Available to purchase from 18 December 2025, for all sailings of five nights or more departing from March 2026, P&O Cruises’ All-Inclusive packages are available in two tiers: All-Inclusive Classic and All-Inclusive Deluxe. When purchasing P&O Cruises’ All-Inclusive Classic, you’ll enjoy the following:
- Classic Drinks Package (costs £55 per person, per day, when bought onboard)
- Essential Wi-Fi plan (costs £14 per day when bought onboard)
- Additional onboard credit for speciality dining (up to £55 per person)
However, with P&O Cruises’ All-Inclusive Deluxe, you’ll enjoy the following:
- Deluxe Drinks Package (costs £65 per person, per day, when bought onboard)
- Ultimate Wi-Fi plan (costs £20 per day when bought onboard)
- Additional onboard credit for speciality dining (up to £80 per person)
With both boasting overall savings of roughly 30%, this is a fantastic way to transform a fantastic P&O Cruises’ adventure into an inclusive escape you won’t forget in a hurry. You can find out more about P&O Cruises’ All-Inclusive packages right here.
Similarly, Cunard’s inclusive Signature Packages are not to be missed. Available to purchase from 18 December 2025, for voyages departing from March 2026, these inclusive packages are available in two tiers: Cunard’s Signature Package and Cunard’s Premium Signature Package. When purchasing Cunard’s Signature Package, you’ll enjoy the following benefits at a fraction of the cost:
- Cunard’s Beverage Collection
- Essential Wi-Fi Plan
- Additional Dining Credit (varies depending on duration of voyage)
Meanwhile, Cunard’s Premium Signature Package will see you enjoy the following benefits at a similar discount:
- Premium Beverage Collection
- Premium Wi-Fi Plan
- Additional Dining Credit (varies depending on duration of voyage)
A sensational way to further enhance your onboard experience, these packages offer savings of approximately 30% per person when purchased individually. You can find out more about Cuanrd’s Signature packages right here.
Book your next Iglu Cruise Getaway Today
It's never too soon to book your next cruise holiday, and Iglu Cruise is home to a sensational selection of cruise deals and offers for you to choose from. Whether you're looking for an all-inclusive escape, luxury adventures to exotic shores, family cruises where fun is at the forefront of every moment, or even a solo adventure to whisk you away somewhere sensational, there's a cruise out there to suit your travel preferences and needs.
If you don't find something you like, be sure to keep checking back as we head into 2026; you'll find new cruise deals added every day, along with more interesting blog posts from the Iglu Cruise creative team to look forward to!