As 2022 approaches, cruise lines are preparing to unveil new cruise ships that include some of the world’s largest and most innovative vessels. With more than 20 new cruise ships set to debut, the cruise industry is on par with the years before the pandemic, providing an optimistic outlook for the future of cruise travel.
Many new ships are arriving months, and in some cases, years behind schedule as shipyard delays and the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in many new cruise ships being pushed back to 2022. As a result, the arrival of a few ships has been pushed back to 2023.
Despite the delays, 2022 will be a big year for the cruise industry as many cruise lines have restarted sailing operations and prepared for the delivery of new vessels.
Notably, next year will see Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas launch, the largest cruise ship ever built. New cruise ships will also come from Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and more.
Many new ships are already taking reservations, and some have already sold out. With so many new ships arriving, we’ve compiled our list of the 15 most anticipated new cruise ships in 2022.
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Carnival Celebration (Carnival Cruise Line)
Maiden Voyage: November 2022
The highly-anticipated new cruise ship from Carnival, Carnival Celebration, will debut just in time for the cruise line’s 50th birthday!
Carnival Celebration is identical to its 2020 sister ship Mardi Gras, which debuted to overwhelmingly positive reviews. The new ship will feature six themed zones and the BOLT rollercoaster.
In addition to favorite restaurants such as Guy’s Burger Joint, passengers can also look forward to the newer Big Chicken, created by none other than Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neil.
Wonder of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)
Maiden Voyage: March 4, 2022
Royal Caribbean is breaking its own record with the launch of the new world’s largest cruise ship. Wonder of the Seas is the latest in the cruise lines’ innovative and record-breaking Oasis-class of vessels.
Measuring at 236,857 gross tons, it will officially become the largest cruise ship ever built upon its debut on March 4, 2022. The vessel is around 4% larger than the current record-holder and sister ship, Symphony of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean will build Wonder of the Seas similar to the other ships in its fleet but with a few new features for guests to explore. The vessel features eight themed neighborhoods, one more than the other Oasis-class ships. The brand new Suite Sundeck is an exclusive new zone reserved for guests staying in one of the ship’s suite staterooms.
The redesigned Boardwalk features a redesigned AquaTheatre, and the water park boasts the tallest water park at sea.
Like other Oasis-class ships, Wonder of the Seas will feature multiple pool areas, kids splash zone, FlowRider surf simulator, zip-lining, miniature golf, and a sports zone complete with a basketball court. And that’s just the top deck!
Inside the ship, you will find specialty restaurants, bars, lounges, shopping, a massive casino, Broadway shows, ice-skating, a handcrafted merry-go-round, and so much more.
MSC World Europa (MSC Cruises)
Maiden Voyage: December 2022
It won’t be the world’s biggest cruise ship, but it will be close. At around 205,000 gross tons, MSC World Europa will be nearly as big as Royal Caribbean’s record-size Oasis-class vessels, including the previously mentioned Wonder of the Seas.
There is one measurement that MSC World Europa outshines the Oasis-class ships, and that’s its height. At 21 decks high, the ship is not only three decks taller than the Oasis-class ships, but it will be the tallest cruise ship in the world.
The ship can hold 6,762 passengers in its 2,366 staterooms at maximum capacity.
In addition, MSC World Europa will have six pools, fourteen hot tubs, an 11-story slide, and an Aquapark with multiple waterslides that integrate with virtual reality technology.
The ship will have thirteen dining venues, including the new Chef’s Garden Kitchen, focusing on microgreens. The vessel will also have three separate buffet restaurants, each with its own ambiance. And if you’re looking for a drink, there is an English-style pub and the new Masters of the Sea Pub.
MSC World Europa is the first World-class ship for the cruise line, with three more on the way in 202, 2025, and 2027. The vessels are powered by LNG technology which produces lower carbon emissions than traditional diesel engines.
The World-class ships are the second-largest cruise ship class in the world, but MSC World Europa is also the largest LNG-fueled vessel ever built.
MSC Seascape (MSC Cruises)
Maiden Voyage: November 2022
MSC Seascape is one of MSC Cruises Seaside EVO ships that emphasize outdoor experiences for passengers. The ship has nearly 140,000 square feet (13,000 square meters) of outdoor space for passengers to connect with the ocean.
Around 65% of the public spaces on the ship have been redesigned to offer guests a new cruising experience. The ship features over 2,000 cabins, ten restaurants, 20 bars, six pools, including an infinity pool at the stern of the ship, a 1,772 foot-long promenade, the largest MSC Yacht Club in the fleet, and a glass-floor “Bridge of Sighs” that offer incredible views of the ocean from Deck 16.
The ship is built with environmental friendliness in mind, with catalytic reduction systems to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90% and sulfur oxide emissions by 98%.
Norwegian Prima (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Maiden Voyage: August 2022
For the first time in nearly ten years, Norwegian Cruise Line will be introducing an entirely new class of cruise ships. Norwegian Prima will be the first of six sister ships set to debut between 2022 and 2027. Built under the code name Project Leonardo, the ships will collectively be known as the Prima-class.
Under development since 2017, the 142,500 gross ton ship will be notably smaller than the recent vessels constructed by the Norwegian Cruise Line. The ship’s smaller size will allow it to access smaller ports around the world, offering passengers experiences and itineraries not found on larger vessels.
Norwegian Prima still boasts some incredible amenities and entertainment options despite its smaller size. The ship features The Drop, a 10-story slide that the cruise line says provides more g-force than an accelerating F1 car. If that isn’t enough, the ship has a go-kart track that spans three decks, a first for any cruise ship.
Additionally, the vessel has a three-deck theatre that converts into a Las-Vegas style nightclub and interactive game shows, including versions of “The Price Is Right,” “Press Your Luck,” “Supermarket Sweep,” and “Beat the Clock.”
Norwegian Prima marks a shift for the cruise line towards a more upscale experience. Norwegian says that the new cruise ship will be the most spacious cruise ship at sea. The ship will offer the largest three-bedroom suites of any new cruise vessel as well as the brand’s largest interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins.
Norwegian also says that Norwegian Prima will offer more outdoor deck space than any new cruise ship, including more total pool deck space than any other ship in the cruise lines fleet. They also claim that the ship will offer the highest staff level of any other new ship.
Disney Wish (Disney Cruise Line)
Maiden Voyage: Summer 2022
Disney Cruise Line is getting its first new ship in nearly ten years. The 140,000 gross ton Disney Wish is slightly larger than the last two Disney cruise ships (Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy).
The new cruise ship will have a whole new array of Disney property-themed amenities, including the Star Wars-themed “Hyperspace Lounge,” an Avengers-themed restaurant, and a Frozen-themed restaurant with Norwegian cuisine.
Among many new features is the reimagined Oceaneers Club for kids aged 3 to 12. The new kids club offers a Marvel Super Hero Academy where kids can design and fly in their very own super suit, with the help of virtual reality technology. The club also offers Rapunzel’s Art Studio, Belle’s Library, and Anna and Elsa’s Sommerhus, with Olaf serving as the host.
Disney Wish is the first of three new Triton-class cruise ships that Disney has on order. The new ships scheduled to be delivered over the next few years will double its passenger capacity across its fleet.
Resilient Lady (Virgin Voyages)
Maiden Voyage: August 2022
Virgin Voyages will continue to grow its fleet in 2022 with its third ship, Resilient Lady. The ship is scheduled to debut in the Mediterranean before moving to the Caribbean.
Virgin Voyages has grown in popularity with its adults-only offering focused on quality dining and vibrant nightlife. The new ship doesn’t add anything flashy, but it promises to deliver on its sisterships stellar reputation for fun.
Celebrity Beyond (Celebrity Cruises)
Maiden Voyage: April 2022
Celebrity Beyond is the third ship in Celebrity’s highly regarded Edge Series. The main deck on Celebrity Beyond is 40% larger than her sister ships, providing passengers with more space to soak up the sun and connect with the outdoors.
In addition, the ship features a new two-story Sunset Bar, a redesigned Rooftop Garden, and a redesigned Grand Plaza with multiple stories and new dining options.
The new cruise ship will also offer the largest range of staterooms and suites of any ship in Celebrity’s fleet. There is something for every traveler to love with so many options, from budget-conscious veranda cabins to two-story villa suites.
Discovery Princess (Princess Cruises)
Maiden Voyage: March 2022
Discovery Princess is the sixth and final Royal-class ship for Princess Cruises and the third designed for MedallionClass.
Like her sister ships Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess, the new ship will feature the cruise line’s latest outdoor and pool spaces with more spa tubs, two deep-tank polls, and an infinity pool and bar.
Additionally, Discovery Princess will include Take Five, a live jazz and craft cocktail venue, and the Princess Live Cafe. The ship will offer itineraries along the western coast of North America, including Alaska, Mexican Riviera, and California Coast sailings.
Arvia (P&O Cruises)
Maiden Voyage: December 2022
Sister ship to P&O Cruises’ Iona, Arvia is an Excel-class cruise ship with new features and experiences. It is the second LNG-powered cruise ship for the cruise line.
The ship’s SkyDome is a retractable glass roof above the pool area, which P&O says allows passengers to “see the world in widescreen, with sunshine and blue skies.”
In addition, the cruise ship features a high rope course, a nine-hole mini-golf course, and Altitude Splash Valley for kids. The sleek and modern architecture on the pool deck is complemented by the brand new swim-up bar.
New dining options include Green & Co, an upscale eatery with an Asian flair, and 6th Street Diner for all your favorite American eats.
Seabourn Venture (Seabourn)
Maiden Voyage: April 10, 2022
Seabourn Venture will mark the first expedition ship for the 33-year-old cruise line.
The ship will be built to travel to some of the world’s most remote destinations, including the Amazon, Antarctica, and the Arctic. The “small” ship is designed to carry just 264 passengers, with extra storage space for off-ship adventures such as kayaks and bikes.
Seabourn Venture will also carry a staggering 24 Zodiac boats for exploring remote areas through water travel. The Zodiac boats have enough space to take every passenger on the ship simultaneously!
The new exploration ship will also be home to 26 expedition guides, including scientists, historians, and naturalists who provide regular educational lectures and lead guided tours.
Seabourne Venture’s standout feature is its two six-person submarines that can explore the world below the surface in polar regions.
Wildlife enthusiasts will get incredible views from the onboard high-definition Cineplex camera to capture wildlife from up to four miles away. The camera streams the footage to the Discovery Center for passengers to view while leaving the wildlife undisturbed.
A Seabourn cruise wouldn’t be complete without a taste of luxury. Every cabin on Seaborn Venture is a suite with its own balcony. And the restaurants onboard serve elegant cuisine created in partnership with leading American chef Thomas Keller.
Evrima (The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection)
Maiden Voyage: May 6, 2022
The long-delayed Evrima is the first ship from startup line The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, a new luxury cruise line from The Ritz-Carlton.
After two years of delays from shipyard troubles to the Covid-19 pandemic, the cruise line is adamant that the ship will debut in 2022. Another small ship on our list, Evrima, will carry just 298 passengers aboard its yacht-like vessel.
The ship promises the same luxury you can expect from their hotels with features that include spacious cabins, plenty of top deck lounge space, and five separate restaurants, including the à la carte venue designed by three Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld.
Viking Octantis (Viking Cruises)
Maiden Voyage: January 2022
Viking Octantis is another new expedition ship debuting in 2022 and the first for Viking Cruises. The ship will hold just 378 passengers, and just like Seabourne Venture, the ship will take travelers to remote locations around the globe.
The expedition ship is well equipped to handle tough adventures with a reinforced bow and extra storage for fuel and food. Viking Octantis will have its own landing craft to take passengers ashore as well as kayaks and even submarines!
Viking Octantis will sail with a seasoned “expedition team” that includes biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists, and ornithologists who provide guests with regular educational lectures.
A first for any expedition ship is The Hanger – an enclosed space for passengers to transfer onto the ship’s zodiac while protected from the elements.
In another first for polar expedition cruise ships, every cabin will have floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to give passengers incredible views from their staterooms.
Which cruise ship are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments down below!
