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109 Incredible Cruise Ship Facts and Statistics 2023

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Accounting for over 30 million passengers every year, the cruise industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors of global tourism. Every single cruise voyage is the result of incredible feats of engineering, a hardworking crew, and a long history of sea travel.

We’ve put together a list of shocking cruise ship facts and statistics. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a first-time cruiser, you are bound to learn something new and fall in love with the incredible cruise ships on our list.

Table of Contents

Cruise Industry Statistics

• At its peak in 2019, the cruise industry catered to over 30 million passengers
• The total guest capacity of the cruise ship industry is almost 500,000 guests
• The cruise industry is the fastest-growing sector of the leisure travel market, with 7.4% year-over-year growth since 1980
• A quarter of US citizens have taken a cruise vacation.
• Cruisers average about 3.5 years between cruise vacations.
• Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise operator in the world with an estimated 45% of passenger volume. The cruise operator owns Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Holland Americal Line, Seabourn Cruises, Cunard Line, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises, and P&O Cruises Australia. ( Statista )
• Carnival Cruises, the largest cruise line by passenger volume, accounts for 21.3% of all cruise passengers.
• The second-largest cruise line, Royal Caribbean International, accounts for 16.67% of cruise passengers.
• MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately-owned cruise operator .
• Many cruise ships undertake world cruises which can take in more than 100 days at sea.
• Many cruise ships undertake “repositioning cruises,” where they travel to a new homeport and even a different continent. Passengers can typically book a cabin on these cruises at a reduced rate.
• One study found that in 2014, cruise ships dumped more than one billion gallons of sewage into the ocean.
• Your average cruise ship produces between 140,000 and 210,000 gallons of sewage per week. Eww!
• Around 300 ocean sailing cruise ships are currently in operation, and the number grows yearly.

Cruise Ship Facts and Figures

• The world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas , measures 236,857 gross tonnes
• The longest cruise ship in the world is twice the length of the Washington Monument
• The largest cruise ships in the world are as tall as a 16-story building
• More than 25 commercial cruise ships are currently being built worldwide.
• Most cruise ships skip deck 13 – due to superstitions
• Similarly, the Italian cruise line MSC cruises tends to omit deck 17 – due to Italian superstitions surrounding the number.
• A cruise ship can sail more than 73,000 nautical miles every year.
• Cruise ships sail an equivalent distance of three times around the world each year
• Cruise ships travel at an average speed of 18 to 20knots . That’s equivalent to 23mph or 37kph on land.
• The original Titanic would be barely half the size of most modern cruise ships .
• And the Oasis of the Seas is five times bigger than the Titanic in gross tons.
• Cruise ship godmothers include the Duchess of Cambridge, Julie Andrews, and the Queen.
• Cruise ships are roughly the same size under the surface of the sea as they are above.
• Many kitchens are located below sea level
• The Queen Mary 2 operates a kennel club so cruise ship passengers can travel with their pets .
• Cruise ships have onboard morgues .
• And almost all cruise ships have onboard jails .
• Any ship with more than 50 passengers must have a hospital.
• The Norwegian Epic has an onboard ice bar where guests can enjoy cocktails in sub-zero conditions – even when sailing through the Caribbean.
• A number of cruise ships offer AA meetings to ensure cruise ship passengers enrolled in the program don’t give in to temptation on the high seas.

Cruise Ship Building Facts

• A cruise ship can take anywhere from two to four years to build .
• Cruise ships are built-in blocks, or sections, that are assembled like legos into the finished ship.
• The average cruise cabin block manufacturer can produce 12,000 cabins per year.
• It costs over $1 billion to build a mega-cruise ship.
• Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is the most expensive cruise ship ever built at $1.6 billion.
• The Royal Princess took 3 million man-hours to build.
• Cruise ship anchors can weigh more than 17 tons or the weight of four elephants.
• The average cruise ship has more than 16 miles of sprinkler piping, six miles of fire hose, 5,000 sprinkler heads, 4,000 smoke detectors, five firefighting teams, and 500 fire extinguishers.
• The average cruise ship uses around 18.3 gallons of fuel per minute or 1100 gallons per hour.
• The cruise ship’s fuel efficiency is roughly 0.004 miles per gallon
• A large cruise ship can hold between 1-2 million gallons of fuel .
• Modern diesel-powered cruise ships have between four to six medium-speed (500 revolutions per minute) engines ( Source )
• Each engine has around 25,000 horsepower.
• The world’s largest cruise ship has enough electrical wiring to stretch from coast to coast in the US. Over 3,000 miles of electrical wiring.

Destinations

• The Caribbean/Bahamas is the world’s most popular cruise destination, accounting for over one-third of cruise itineraries
• The Mediterranean is the second most popular cruise destination
• Mainland Europe, Australasia, and Alaska make up the rest of the top five destinations.
• More than 2,000 ports worldwide can be visited by cruise ships.
• Almost half of all cruise ship itineraries depart from Florida
• It’s no surprise that the port of Miami is the world’s busiest cruise homeport.
• However, Nassau in the Bahamas is the busiest overall port.
• The average cruise itinerary is seven days.

Cruise Passenger Statistics

• The average age of cruise passengers is 50.
• 86% of cruise passengers are college/university graduates .
• 62% of cruise passengers are married and work full-time.
• 40% of passengers report returning to a destination more than once
• Famous cruise fans include David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Sharon Stone, and Meryl Streep.
• Most cruise ships have fake funnels for aesthetic purposes
• The average passenger gains a pound per day on a cruise
• Half of all cruise passengers reside in North America
• Three-quarters of people use a travel agent when booking a cruise
• There are many retirees living permanently on cruise ships

Jobs in the Cruise Industry

• The industry generates around 400,000 jobs throughout the country, paying $17.4 billion in wages.
• The cruise industry creates approximately 4,000 new jobs every year.
• Some ships have over 2000 crew members.
• Many crew members sleep in cabins below sea level
• A cruise ship captain’s salary is, on average, $96,000 per year, in a salary range that varies from $48,485 to $180,308
• The Monarch of the Seas was the first ship to have a female captain, Captain Karin Stahre Janson.
• Cruise ship crew members have secret code words to communicate.
• The average salary for a cruise ship worker is $16,000 to $20,000.
• The crew has their own bars and dining rooms on the crew decks.

Food & Alcohol

• Passengers aboard a single cruise ship can consume more than 5,000 eggs daily.
• Of the 5,000 eggs used daily, 1,956 are scrambled, 984 are used in omelets, 480 are eaten soft-boiled, 552 are served sunny side up, and 976 are made into other dishes.
• As well as 2,000 steaks and 1,000 baked potatoes every day.
• For any average 7-day cruise, approximately 5,040 pounds of lamb, 1,680 pounds of sausage, 24,236 pounds of beef, 7,216 pounds of pork, 10,211 pounds of chicken, 4,500 pounds of veal, and 3,156 pounds of turkey are consumed by passengers.
• And 400 bottles of champagne are drunk every week aboard a cruise ship.
• During a world cruise, more than 312 bottles of gin, 840 bottles of vodka, and 285 bottles of scotch will be drunk.
• Several celebrity chefs have restaurants aboard cruise ships, including Jamie Oliver, Atul Kochhar, and James Martin.
• A large cruise ship can go through 20,000 ice cream cones each week!
• And 600 gallons of ice cream.
• Approximately 17 tonnes of fruit will be consumed on an average week-long cruise.
• All this food consumption means that approximately 10,000 glasses, 12,500 plates, and 15,000 items of cutlery need to be washed up every day.
• The food is eaten off of 8,000 tablecloths, with 16,000 napkins.
• An average of 4,000 cups of coffee is served on a cruise ship daily.
• Carnival Cruise Line used to place over 10 million chocolates on passenger pillows annually before eliminating pillow chocolates.
• This is in addition to the 500 kilos of chocolates consumed on a 7-day cruise.
• Cunard Cruise Line purchases $500,000 worth of caviar in a single year.

• Passengers spend an average of $220 per day onboard a cruise.
• The most expensive cruise holiday could cost you millions. The Silver Whisper from Silversea Cruises offers packages costing a cool £1m.
• The most expensive cruise, The Silver Whisper from Silversea Cruises, offers packages costing over $1 million dollars.
• The P&O Britannia’s $1 million art collection includes more than 8,000 individual pieces.
• The most expensive cruise ships are Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas at $1.4 billion each.
• The average cruise passenger spends $385 in port before boarding a cruise.
• It costs around $500,000 to prepare a cruise ship before passengers can board.

Historical Cruise Industry Facts

• An Australian billionaire plans to build a replica of the Titanic, appropriately named Titanic II.
• Docked Cruise ships have served as hotels for major sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup and The Olympics.
• They even served as makeshift shelters in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
• Futuristic cruise ship amenities include robot bartenders and skydiving simulators.
• Several cruise ships were used during World War One, World War Two, and other major wars.
• It used to be common for ships to have topless sunbathing decks .
• P&O Cruises is the world’s oldest cruise operator – tracing its history back to 1837.
• In its history, more than 100 ships have sailed for Cunard Cruise Line.
• The first cruise ship to set sail was the Prinzessin Victoria Luise in 1900.
• The first swimming pool on board a cruise ship didn’t appear until 10 years later, in 1910.
• The first cruise ships had cows onboard to produce fresh milk for passengers

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10 Around-the-world Cruises for the Trip of a Lifetime

These world cruises offer the ultimate itineraries.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Want to island hop around French Polynesia, visit Africa's incredible cities, and cruise through Asia without ever switching hotels or repacking your bags? An around-the-world cruise provides the ultimate itinerary, packed with exciting international destinations (some even visit hard-to-reach destinations like Easter Island and Antarctica), and luxury cruise lines provide comfortable accommodations, specialty restaurants, and plenty to do on and off the ship.

There are two main things you need before booking a world cruise: plenty of time and some spare cash. Prices range from around $20,000 to upwards of $100,000 per person, and all our top picks are more than 100 days (one is even a whopping 275 days), so they're ideal for retired travelers looking for their next big adventure. Pack wisely for a range of destinations and climates, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime, filled with postcard-perfect destinations and new friends (because you're bound to meet a travel buddy or two after 100-plus days on a ship). If an around-the-world cruise is at the top of your travel list, you'll want to book sooner rather than later — these journeys frequently sell out because many cruise lines only offer a limited number of sailings.

Here are ten of the best around-the-world cruises you can take in 2023 and 2024.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking world cruise.

See 28 countries on the 138-day Viking World Cruise from Fort Lauderdale to London. After departing from Florida, the Viking Sky will sail the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, stopping in sunny destinations before crossing the Panama Canal to reach the Pacific. From there, the ship will visit destinations in Mexico and the continental United States, continuing on to Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, and Australia. Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and India are among the ports in Asia, then it's on to the Middle East before traveling to Europe, where final destinations include Italy, Spain, and Portugal en route to London. Fares start at $59,995.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Moments in time: world cruise 2024.

Sail around the world in 132 nights aboard the Seven Seas Mariner on a round-trip journey from Miami. You'll spend the days at sea enjoying the luxury ship's amenities, including the spa and several restaurants and lounges, between stops in destinations like Costa Rica, Mexico, Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, India, UAE, Israel, and Italy, among others. This 2024 world cruise , with fares starting at $73,499, is officially sold out , but you can join a waitlist to be notified of cancellations.

Royal Caribbean

The ultimate world cruise.

Royal Caribbean pulls out all the stops — and there are more than 150 of them — on this 274-night cruise to all seven continents. The itinerary aboard the Serenade of the Seas begins in Miami on December 10, 2023, and visits more than 60 countries, including Brazil, Ecuador, Nicaragua, French Polynesia, the Philippines, South Korea, India, Romania, and Greenland, before ending in Miami on September 10, 2024. Travelers who don't want to commit to the entire cruise can book shorter segments. Fares start at $59,999 for this cruise that gives travelers the opportunity to visit 11 of the great wonders of the world, including the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and Chichen Itza.

World Cruise 2024

Enjoy 133 days on Silversea's Silver Shadow with this round-trip sailing from San Francisco. During that time, the ship will visit 65 ports in 14 countries, including Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Japan, and Canada. Fares start at $66,000 for this 2024 sailing, which currently has waitlist availability.

2024 World Cruise: Extraordinary Horizons

Climb aboard the Seabourn Sojourn for a 145-day world cruise from Los Angeles to Athens, visiting 72 ports in 28 countries. The cruise departs Los Angeles and goes to Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, Japan, and China — just to name a few places — before ending in Greece. Visit the website for booking details and shorter segments.

Oceania Cruises

Around the world in 180 days.

Travelers on Oceania's 180-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles to New York aboard the Insignia will see some of the world's most impressive sights. Highlights include stops in stunning French Polynesia, Indonesia, Thailand, Egypt, Spain, France, and Iceland. Fares start at $48,499 for the 2024 sailing .

MSC Cruises

Msc world cruise 2024.

The MSC Poesia will take guests to 56 destinations on this 120-day cruise starting in Rome. Countries visited during this journey include Argentina, Chile, Peru, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, and Jordan. When you're not exploring each port, you can relax in the swimming pools and hot tubs, visit the many restaurants, bars, and lounges, or go to the spa. Fares start at $17,199 per person; find booking details on the MSC website.

Princess Cruises

111-day world cruise.

This round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on the Island Princess will visit 47 ports in beautiful places like New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Sri Lanka, UAE, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Bermuda, Mexico, and more. Fares for this 2024 sailing start at $19,497.

Holland America Line

128-day grand world voyage.

Explore the world on this 128-day round-trip journey from Fort Lauderdale on the Zuiderdam . This cruise's itinerary includes a trip down the Amazon River, stops in the Caribbean, a Panama Canal crossing, and stops in cities like Honolulu, Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and more. Fares start at $23,599 for this 2024 cruise .

Azamara World Cruise

This 155-night itinerary to more than 40 countries kicks off in Fort Lauderdale and finishes in Barcelona. The itinerary features ports for experiencing some of the great wonders of the world, including the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, as well as Petra in Jordan and the Colosseum in Rome. Travelers can also choose to join segments of the cruise aboard the Azamara Onward for as few as 10 nights. Fares for this 2024 sailing start at $36,379.

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How Fast Do Cruise Ships Go? | Cruise Ship Travel Speed

Cruising Speed of Some Popular Cruise Ships

“Cruising speed” is the speed at which most cruise ships travel on open seas.  It is sometimes referred to as service speed.  It is not the maximum speed but a rate at which the ship will offer a comfortable ride, using the least amount of fuel for the distance traveled.  If a cruise ship traveled with “the pedal to the medal”  it would not only give the passengers a rough sailing, but it would also use much more fuel than necessary.

Here is the cruising speed of some popular cruise ships:

Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Vista: 23 knots Carnival Breeze: 22 knots Carnival Liberty: 19.6 knots Carnival Fantasy: 19.5 knots Carnival Dream: 22.5 knots

Royal Caribbean International: Oasis of the Seas: 20.2 knots Freedom of the Seas: 22 knots Quantum of the Seas: 22 knots Majesty of the Seas: 21 knots Jewel of the Seas: 24 knots

Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Bliss: 22 knots Norwegian Breakaway: 22 knots Norwegian Epic: 22.5 knots Norwegian Sky: 23 knots Norwegian Jade: 24.6 knots

Fastest Cruise Ship in the World

So what is the fastest cruise ship in the world?  Well it really depends what class of cruise ship you are talking about.  The 25,000 ton Olympia Voyager  (aka Costa Voyager, Voyager, and Grand Voyager and now owned by Bohai Ferry Company) can travel as fast as 27 knots or 31 miles per hour.  But 25,000 tons is very small by the standards of today’s cruise ships, and the Voyager is really an ocean liner and not a cruise ship.

When you have ships like the Oasis of the Seas, which is 9 times larger at 225,282 tons, traveling at speeds of 20.2 knots or 23 mph, it really is astounding.

The Queen Mary 2  holds the title of fastest cruise ship in the world with speeds of 30 knots .  That’s over 34 miles per hour.  This is a phenomenal speed considering the ship is close to 150,000 gross tons in size .  This incredible speed allows Cunard to offer 7 day transatlantic cruises between Southampton and New York on Queen Mary 2 .  No other vessel this size can cross the Atlantic as fast as Queen Mary 2 .

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class ships are quite speedy as well, being able to travel at speeds of 25 knots or 28 mph.

But just because these cruise ships CAN travel that fast doesn’t mean they ever do.  Usually the cruising speed of one of these massive ships is around 18-22 knots.  So when you ask, “How fast do cruise ships go?” you have to consider that these ships aren’t out there racing each other.  They are more concerned with luxury than speed.

Some Notable Mentions for Fastest Cruise Ships

MS Chinese Taishan , formerly known as Grand Voyager and Costa Voyager, has a blazing top speed of 28 knots .   The ship currently sails in Asia, but in 2005 a freak 40 foot wave in the Mediterranean broke through a window on the bridge and did some damage to the ship’s engine controls.  In 2014 the vessel was sold to Bohai Ferry Company for $43 million dollars.    Chinese Taishan is only a 24,427 ton vessel with a maximum capacity of 927.

Built in 1995, MV Oriana was the first new ship commissioned for P&O Cruises.  This vessel hit 26.2 knots in sea trials and is considered the 3rd fastest cruise ship in the world.   The ship is 69,153 tons with a maximum capacity of 1,928.

When Do Cruise Ships Travel at Top Speed?

If there is a storm at sea a cruise ship will have to go a little faster to get around it or to get away from it.  In these cases it’s worth giving the passengers a bumpy ride to avoid an even bumpier one if the ship ran into the storm.

In cases of emergency a cruise ship may travel at top speeds as well.  For instance, if a distress call comes in and the ship needs to assist another vessel a captain will use the ship’s full resources to lend aid as quickly as possible.

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

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Celebrity Beyond

Launched in April 2022, Celebrity Beyond is the third ship in the cruise line's Edge Series, capable of holding up to 3,260 passengers and over 1,400 crew members. On board, guests have their pick of 32 food and beverage venues serving everything from Greek to French to Italian cuisine; there are also several cocktail bars and lounges where guests can grab a drink.

One of the highlights of Celebrity Beyond is its 4,500-piece art collection, which includes works by travel photographers and international artists. There is also no shortage of unique entertainment options; these range from acrobatic shows to juggling mixologist performances. To enjoy stunning water views, enjoy Celebrity's "Magic Carpet," a large platform that hangs off the edge of the ship and moves from deck to deck.

Staterooms offer amenities like plush bathrobes, comfortable Cashmere mattresses and flat-screen TVs; many also come with private verandas. For a one-of-a-kind experience, splurge on a room in The Retreat. This resort-within-a-resort features villas and suites with added luxuries like plunge pools, hot tubs and butlers. Plus, guests of The Retreat have exclusive access to a private sundeck, restaurant and lounge, along with an onboard credit that can be used however you see fit.

Celebrity Beyond sails to a variety of popular Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations, including Italy, Mexico and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Celebrity Beyond, if you're lucky, your drink might be poured by Captain Kate McCue herself during the nightly flair bartender show at the Grand Plaza Martini Bar. Make sure to follow her behind-the-scenes adventures on Instagram. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Celebrity Edge

Debuted in December 2018, the Celebrity Edge stands out for its modernity. The vessel carries 2,918 guests at double occupancy, 3,373 guests at maximum occupancy and 1,320 crew members. The Edge is dressed to the nines in contemporary designs and features a diverse array of technologies, amenities, activities and dining venues on board. Passengers can delight in the ship's rooftop garden, take a dip in one of many ocean-facing pools, work up a sweat on the jogging track or relax at the on-site spa.

You'll find plenty of evening entertainment options, too, including themed bars and lounges, a club and a theater showcasing a variety of productions. The Edge was the first Celebrity ship fitted with the Magic Carpet – the line's cantilevered venue at sea that travels 13 stories. The open-air venue can be repositioned alongside several decks, allowing it to transform from a live music venue to a bar to an exclusive specialty restaurant, depending on its location.

For dining, passengers have 29 options to choose from. These include four main restaurants and specialty options serving a range of cuisines, from sashimi to French bistro classics. After a bite to eat, take a break and relax in your modern stateroom or suite. Every room offers technology that allows guests to control temperature, service and lighting with a touch screen. What's more, with a roughly 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, service across the ship will be spot on.

Celebrity Edge makes sailings across  Alaska, Hawaii, Asia, Australia and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Edge Series ships, park yourself at the Sunset Bar with a spicy margarita every evening – it’s the best spot on the ship to watch for the fabled green flash. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Viking Venus

Launched in May 2021, Viking Venus features modern amenities and a contemporary design. The ship holds 930 passengers at double occupancy and 465 crew members. Amenities include multiple pools and shops, as well as a cinema, a live performance theater, a jazz lounge, a spa, a fitness center and a salon. Plus, you can attend a lecture or discussion with the onboard historian, who helps educate passengers on the cultural aspects of each destination. An onboard cooking school, The Kitchen Table, also allows guests to learn about each destination's unique cuisine. 

Cruisers can enjoy daily updated food options at The Restaurant, diverse cuisine at the World Café, expertly paired tasting menus at The Chef's Table and Italian favorites at Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. There are eight dining venues on board, in addition to the ship's cooking school at The Kitchen Table and 24/7 room service.

When it's time to rest, there are six types of accommodations to choose from – all with private verandas. The standard Veranda Staterooms measure 270 square feet and feature plush beds, free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. Higher-tier rooms come with extras like priority shore excursion reservations, priority spa reservations, in-room coffee and free laundry services. Plus, travelers in these cabins will have more space: Rooms reach up to 1,448 square feet and may include separate living and dining areas.

Viking Venus sails to popular destinations across Alaska, the Mediterranean, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Debuted in October 2021, Rotterdam welcomes up to 2,668 guests at double occupancy, 3,172 guests at maximum capacity and 1.048 crew members. The name hearkens back to the line's founding in the late 19th century, when its first ship, Rotterdam, sailed from the Netherlands to New York. Though the ship's name is rooted in the cruise line's past, its amenities are anything but antiquated. 

Among Rotterdam's standout facilities is World Stage, a performance venue that features a two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen that creates a panorama of light and sound for audience members. For more entertainment, passengers can catch a performance at any of the ship's numerous music venues, including the Rolling Stone Rock Room and B.B. King's Blues Club.

When travelers aren't grooving to live tunes, they can test their luck at the onboard casino or relax at the spa. Meanwhile, kids can play the day away at the Kids Club. Foodies will be pleased to hear the ship offers eight dining options, including Rudi's Sel de Mer, a French brasserie, and Tamarind, which highlights the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan.

Cabins range in size from 143 square feet to 1,290 square feet, with some of the luxury suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, whirlpool baths and verandas with hot tubs.

Sailings aboard Rotterdam depart from ports like Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and Amsterdam to destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and the Panama Canal.

U.S. News Insider Tip: The art collection aboard Rotterdam is valued at more than $4.1 million and has 2,645 pieces of diverse works ranging in value from $500 to $620,000. Take some time to walk around the ship to explore the collections. Each of the three stairwells has a theme that reaches from top to bottom: architecture, music or zoology. – Jill Schildhouse, Contributor

Seven Seas Splendor

Debuted in September 2021, the 746-passenger (double occupancy), 548-crew member Seven Seas Splendor is the newest ship within the Regent fleet. Seven Seas Splendor – along with most of the line's other ships – takes opulence to the next level by equipping each suite with its own private balcony. Other standard in-room amenities include interactive flat-screen TVs, luxurious bath products, bathrobes and slippers, signature queen-size beds and dining tables for two. There are 10 suite categories available, ranging from the smallest Veranda (307 square feet) and Deluxe Veranda suites (308 to 361 square feet) to the largest Regent (4,443 square feet) and Master suites (1,895 to 2,108 square feet). 

Guests have a wide array of things to do while on board. Spend your days relaxing at the spa, playing paddle tennis or bocce ball, working up a sweat on the jogging track or taking a dip in the ship's two whirlpools and two pools, one of which is an infinity-edge pool that stretches along the edge of the ship, providing swimmers with exceptional views of the ocean. At night, enjoy one of five shows at the onboard theater. 

When it comes to food, Seven Seas Splendor offers eight eateries ranging from casual to fine dining. Enjoy your breakfast alfresco at La Veranda and grub down for lunch at the Pool Grill buffet. For something more formal, opt for a French-inspired meal at Chartreuse, Pan-Asian dishes at Pacific Rim or Compass Rose, the largest restaurant on the ship.

Seven Seas Splendor visits a variety of European and Mediterranean destinations, as well as ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and South America.

Celebrity Apex

The Celebrity Apex – which made its inaugural sailing in June 2021 – can hold up to 2,910 passengers at double occupancy, 3,385 at maximum occupancy and 1,320 crew members. Guests can wine and dine at 29 restaurants, bars and lounges, then spend the night testing their luck at the casino or enjoying live music at the Magic Carpet (which offers great ocean views). Specialty restaurants include a steakhouse and a raw bar, while main dining options feature Mediterranean, Italian and French cuisines. There are also meeting spaces and multipurpose areas on board, as well as upscale shops. 

Visit the spa or adults-only Solarium pool to stay relaxed throughout your stay at sea. For younger travelers, there are some kid-friendly areas of the ship – such as a Camp at Sea. However, the ship is geared more toward adult clientele (or families with older children) looking for a relaxing escape.

The ship's staterooms, which start at 181 square feet, offer smart TVs, customizable air conditioning and plenty of storage space. Many rooms also offer private verandas. If you're willing to splurge, consider booking a room in The Retreat. This exclusive section of the ship features luxury accommodations as well as access to a private restaurant, sun deck and lounge. Plus, rooms in The Retreat offer more space, measuring up to 1,892 square feet.

The Celebrity Apex sails to European destinations like Italy, Croatia and Portugal, as well as to Caribbean hot spots like St. Thomas , Puerto Rico , Belize and Grand Cayman . 

Viking Saturn

Debuted in May 2023, the adults-only Viking Saturn holds 930 passengers (at double occupancy) and 465 crew members. Travelers love the ship's clean Scandinavian design and compact size, which allows it to dock in smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot reach.

On board, travelers have access to a slew of amenities, including a fitness center, a spa, a library, a state-of-the-art theater, a hair salon, an infinity pool and more. A resident historian is also on board to offer lectures and educational programming about upcoming port destinations. When hunger strikes, Viking Saturn offers an array of dining options, from fresh seafood at World Café to afternoon tea service at Wintergarden to traditional Norwegian cuisine at Mamsen's. Or, learn how to prepare regional dishes from your itinerary at the onboard cooking school.

Starting at 270 square feet, standard staterooms come equipped with king-size mattresses (which can be converted into two twin beds), flat-screen TVs, full-size verandas and bathrooms with heated floors. What's more, each accommodation includes 24-hour room service. Travelers who opt to stay in one of the ship's upgraded suites (which reach up to 1,448 square feet) have access to additional perks such as separate living areas and dining rooms, complimentary laundry services and a welcome bottle of Champagne, among other luxuries.

Viking Saturn sails to a variety of destinations in northern Europe (such as Bergen, Norway; London  and Stockholm ) and the Mediterranean (think: Barcelona, Spain ; Rome ; Athens, Greece ; and Istanbul ).

The 930-passenger (double occupancy) Viking Sky – which debuted in February 2017 – receives rave reviews from past cruisers for its port-heavy itineraries (fares include one complimentary excursion per port) and luxurious, comfortable staterooms. Cabins offer between 270 and 1,448 square feet of space and include balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and bathrooms with heated floors, among other amenities. Those who opt for an upgraded stateroom or suite are treated to additional perks, like priority reservations at the spa and specialty restaurants.

Viking Sky's activities include classes at the fitness center, treatments at the spa and destination-focused lectures. The ship also offers two pools and two whirlpools, including an infinity pool on the stern of the ship. In the evenings, passengers can enjoy live performances in the theater or watch destination-related movies in one of two cinemas.

Guests also have their choice of cuisine, from alfresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace to Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. The ship maintains a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio.

Viking Sky sails to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Central America, the South Pacific and Australia. The ship also offers world voyages.

Viking Mars

Viking Mars accommodates 930 passengers at double occupancy. Since it's a smaller vessel, it can dock in many ports that some of the larger ocean-faring cruise ships can't reach. The all-veranda accommodations on this ship, which debuted in May 2022, range in size from around 270 square feet to 1,448 square feet. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars filled with drinks and snacks, robes, slippers and 24-hour room service.

Visitors will find a relaxing spa, a hair salon, a yoga area and a well-equipped indoor fitness center (plus an outdoor fitness center) aboard the ship. Those looking to unwind with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other should snag a cozy spot in The Living Room. Like other Viking ships, the Viking Mars offers educational programming, lectures, cooking classes and more on board.

Cruisers can also enjoy amenities like the main pool and hot tub, the infinity pool, the cinema, the theater, a jazz lounge and various bars. Dining options on this ship include Manfredi's Italian Restaurant, Aquavit Terrace, World Café, The Chef's Table and The Kitchen Table.

Viking Mars receives rave reviews from recent cruisers. The variety of excursions, the delectable onboard dining and the comfortable cabins are a few things previous guests highlighted as superb. However, the staff received mixed reviews: Some experienced attentive and friendly employees, while a few noted they were expecting better service across the board for the price point.

Upcoming itineraries on Viking Mars visit the Mediterranean, Canada and Central America. 

Seven Seas Explorer

Regent Seven Seas Explorer debuted in 2016. It's one of the largest vessels in the fleet, welcoming up to 746 passengers at double occupancy. The ship makes service a top priority, with 548 crew members on board. According to past cruisers, the staff is friendly and attentive.

Travelers were even more impressed by the all-suite accommodations, which are some of the largest offered among ocean liners. All 373 suites include spacious balconies, marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, interactive flat-screen TVs and unlimited Wi-Fi.

Another high point: the cuisine. Explorer offers eight dining areas that range from the casual Pool Grill to Asian creations at Pacific Rim. As part of the 'Regent Experience,' all specialty dining is included in the cruise fare.

Outside the cabins, guests can spend their days participating in cooking demonstrations, lounging by the pool or relaxing in the library. At night, entertainment options include casino games, cocktail lounges and shows in the Constellation Theater. Complaints about this ship are few and far between, though some reviewers felt the entertainment could be more impressive. 

The best perk, according to recent passengers? All shore excursions are included. Seven Seas Explorer sails to destinations in Alaska, Asia, Australia and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Pacific Rim is a favorite dining venue among cruisers, with its Asian-inspired cocktails and cuisine offering a selection of dishes from Thailand, Korea, China, Vietnam and Japan. Spin the bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel as you enter the restaurant and be sure to sample the miso black cod. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

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Cruise Ship Cruising Speed

How fast is a cruise ship, which is the fastest cruise ship in the world? Read all about the cruise ship speed (average/top cruising speed) which is generally measured in knots, but also in mph/kph. This page is integrated with our surveys on ship dimensions , ship propulsion/engines, power and our cruise tracker (current positions).

How fast is the fastest cruise ship in the world?

Cunard Line 's Transatlantic liner RMS Queen Mary 2 (QM2) weighs almost 151,500 tons, with a cruising speed of 29 knots (33,5 mph / 54 kph). This unique vessel is the only currently operational Atlantic Ocean liner crossing weekly the huge distance between Southampton (Great Britain's maritime capital) and NYC New York USA (world's financial capital). The below photo shows an engine room telegraph (aka engine order telegraph or Chadburn). This device was used on older ships and submarines for communication between Navigation Bridge and Engine Room, where crew powered the vessel at certain (fixed) speeds.

QM2's Transatlantic crossing distance is almost 3,000 nautical miles, or ~3,400 statutes/normal miles (5,500 km), and this is done in less than 7 days. The world's most famous ocean liner (maybe after RMS Titanic ) has an exterior deck space of 14,200 m2 for passengers to enjoy the "fastest sea ride" ever, and, of course, transparent windscreens to shield them at the high speeds.

The world's second-fastest cruise ship is MS Voyager (last named Costa Voyager ), now owned and operated by a Chinese company. Liner's service speed is 28 Kn (32 mph - 51,5 kph). But there's a trick - this vessel weights just 24,400 tons. In comparison, the world's largest cruise ships - Royal Caribbean's Oasis-Class (nearly 225,300 tons each) cruise with an average speed of 20 knots (23 mph / 37 kph) and can go with "top speed" 22,5 Kn (26 mph / 42 kph).

The world's third-fastest cruise ship is P&O Oriana (now Piano Land) . In 1997, it won the "Golden Cockerel" award for being the company's fastest vessel - accomplishing a maximum cruising speed of 26,2 Kn (31 mph / 50 kph).

Cruising Speed

By definition, the term "cruising speed" signifies the speed for any vehicle (could be cars, ships, aircraft) and it's usually about a speed somewhat below the maximum (as specified by the manufacturer) that is comfortable, but also economical.

Generally, modern cruise ships don't have to be fast - it's not necessary at all. Instead, the new cruisers' demand is for big vessels (as tonnage and passenger capacity), stable and safe (related to propulsion and generators), comfortable, regular as departures, excitingly thrilling as to onboard activities and amenities, and also alluringly tempting as itineraries. And the latest trend is cruise ships also must be more and more fuel-efficient.

For bigger ships, the optimum cruising speed is 20-22 Kn (23 mph / 37 kph). Bigger passenger ships have a large draft (the "invisible" part of the vessel, beneath the waterline), which causes huge resistance and hampers "fast and furious at sea" performances. In return for it, drafts of 23-30 ft (7-9 m) allow smooth rides when traveling even with 25-27 mph (over 40 kph). The vessel's close to top speed cruising is generally used when avoiding storms (especially during the Caribbean summers), during tests, and sometimes when assisting other vessels.

The speed of cruise ships is measured in knots (Kn), 1 knot is 1 nautical mile per hour. Cruise help - for the "normal" speed values, multiply knots by 1,15  (mph), or 1,852 (kph). Below, you may compare the average passenger ship speed in the huge fleets of several big cruise ship companies and lines.

The knot is a nautical term, meaning cruising one hour the distance of one nautical mile. And one nautical mile (by the contemporary world standards) equals 1,15 statue (or "land") miles (6,080 "modern" feet) or 1,852 kilometers. So, to convert the speed values of ships (and riverboats, and of whatever floats) simply multiply knots by the above constants. Worldwide, the knot speed measuring is also used in meteorology and air navigation.

Cruise ship speed (knots to mph/kph conversion)

Speed of cruise ships in knots (kn), miles per hour (mph) and kilometres per hour (kph).

The cruise ship top speed is 2-3 knots higher than its service speed, and it's required rarely - in cases of emergencies (to avoid storms or on rescue operations) and during tests. The average speed of cruise ships is about 20-24 knots. But if you really need the details - well, enjoy the data from our table!

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Why Cruise Demand Is Even Bigger Now Than Pre-Pandemic

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When the Grand Princess — a cruise ship that carried thousands of passengers bound for Mexico — instead sailed into an Oakland, California, port in early 2020, the ship quickly became a symbol of the COVID-19 pandemic. The vessel's passengers were among the first documented cases of coronavirus in the U.S. And as they waited — quarantined in their onboard staterooms — the image of a floating city-state adrift in a sea of uncertainty became a defining image of the era.

Journalists , politicians and infectious disease experts have referred to cruises as “petri dishes.”

Yet, despite the early skeptics and pandemic-induced challenges, the cruise industry has not only survived but thrived. In fact, demand for cruises is now even higher than it was before the pandemic.

Cruises make a comeback

The number of cruise transactions worldwide in the first quarter of 2024, including bookings and onboard purchases, was about 16% more than the same period in 2019, according to a 2024 report from the Mastercard Economics Institute.

More money is floating into cruises, too. Mastercard found that, as of May 2024, nine out of the last 10 all-time record spending days in cruises occurred in 2024.

Spending on cruises is not just up pre-pandemic, but over the past year. According to Bank of America credit and debit card data from May 2024, spending on cruises is up 12% year-over-year.

Why are cruises so hot in 2024?

A few factors indicate why cruises are sailing toward growth:

Pent-up demand: Cruises are, in part, riding the general wave of pent-up demand for travel. People who skipped cruises (or trips as a whole) in the early years of the pandemic might now be ready to return.

Appeal to older demographics: While there are certainly great cruises for families or cruises for young couples, cruises tend to have special appeal to older folks. According to Bank of America’s internal data from January through May 2024, baby boomers, (which the company defines as people born between 1946 and 1964) make up around half of total spending on cruises.

Unique offerings: Cruises these days are appealing to younger demographics, too.

Disney Wish, which is the newest in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet, capitalizes on "Frozen" fandom with a one-of-a-kind “Frozen”-themed restaurant that includes an Olaf puppet, live music (performing songs from the film, of course) and technology such as invisible fiber optics embedded in the ceiling designed to look like Elsa’s magic.

That’s not the only example of unique experiences that can only be had at sea.

The Sun Princess by Princess Cruises offers a cruise line version of the Magic Castle, which is a famously tough-to-get-into, exclusive club in Los Angeles. The cruise line version, called Spellbound by Magic Castle, guides guests through magic-themed rooms and serves them clever cocktails. The biggest difference between the Los Angeles version versus the cruise version is that the latter is quite easy to get into. All you need is to book a sailing on the Sun Princess and reserve your spot, which means paying an additional $149 admission fee.

Other unique cruise line bars include the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar aboard certain Norwegian Cruise Line ships. The entire bar (including seats and glasses) is made entirely from ice.

More cruises on the horizon

As many of the biggest cruise operators are expanding their fleets, cruisers now have even more choices. Disney’s current fleet of five ships is an example of an operator in the midst of massive growth.

Among the new ships to join Disney’s fleet include a Japan-based cruise, which is expected to launch in early 2029. Then in August 2024, Disney announced four additional ships, which are expected to be ready between 2027 and 2031. That means Disney’s fleet of five will grow to 13 by 2031.

The first of those new ships, the Disney Treasure, will take its maiden voyage in December 2024. The Haunted Mansion Parlor, which is a bar themed to the iconic theme park attraction, is among the ship’s most-anticipated features.

Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise company, also made waves this year when it announced a new ship would join its namesake Carnival Cruise Line brand. The ship, which is expected to be ready by 2027, marks Carnival’s first newbuild order in five years — suggesting the company is ready to invest after a pandemic-era lull.

Sure, the pandemic cast a long shadow over the cruise industry. But going forward, the industry appears to be full steam ahead.

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Cruise on the moon: Norwegian reveals new ship debuting in 2026, Norwegian Luna

• Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship, Norwegian Luna, will launch in April 2026.
• The vessel will be part of the line’s Prima Plus Class.
• Luna will sail round-trip Caribbean cruises from Miami, Florida.

Norwegian Cruise Line guests can soon go to the moon – no space travel required.

The cruise line revealed details about its new ship, Norwegian Luna, which will launch in April 2026. The vessel will be part of the line’s Prima Plus Class.

“Inspired by the relationship between the moon and the tides of the ocean, we are excited to introduce Norwegian Luna as the vessel that perfectly complements her sister ship, Norwegian Aqua,” David J. Herrera, the line’s president, said in a news release. “The debut of Norwegian Luna truly showcases our ongoing commitment to providing guests more of what they enjoy and value – a brand-new ship with the latest, innovative offerings sailing to the beautiful, tropical destinations of the Caribbean.”

Where will Norwegian Luna sail?

The ship, accommodating 3,550 guests at double occupancy, will sail round-trip Caribbean cruises from Miami, Florida, beginning with a pair of Western Caribbean itineraries to Roatan in Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Norwegian’s Belize destination Harvest Caye.

Luna will then sail Eastern Caribbean cruises for the rest of its inaugural season, visiting Tortola in the British Virgin Islands; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the line’s Bahamas private island , Great Stirrup Cay.

What can passengers expect?

The ship’s theme will be evident from the time guests embark, courtesy of hull art from street artist ELLE, titled “La Luna.” The piece – measuring 1,056 feet long – will serve as “a visual exploration of humanity’s deep-rooted connection with the celestial forces in space as human beings are intrinsically linked to the ebb and flow of the moon,” the line said in the release.

Luna will also boast a number of features making their debut on Aqua, such as a combination waterslide and roller coaster, the Aqua Slidecoaster ; Thai specialty restaurant Sukhothai; and the Glow Court, a digital sports complex that turns into a nightclub as the sun goes down.

Other familiar amenities will include a free-fall slide, The Drop , allowing thrill-seeking guests to plummet 10 stories; Cagney’s Steakhouse; the sustainability-focused Metropolitan Bar ; French eatery Le Bistro; the adults-only Vibe Beach Club and more.

The cruise line will share other specifics about Luna’s guest experiences “in the upcoming new year,” according to the release.

An African safari cruise?: This Norwegian sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure

How much does Norwegian Luna cost?

Prices vary by sailing date, stateroom category and other factors, but available itineraries currently start at $1,394 per person based on double occupancy, according to Norwegian’s website .

The fare includes many meals on board, beverages like iced tea and regular coffee and more.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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Chart: See the Dramatic Rise in the Size of Cruise Ships

How much larger have cruise ships become? Until you are standing next to a modern cruise ship, it’s hard to appreciate just how massive they actually are.

Many times they are called floating cities. That’s not just a cute phrase. It’s accurate. The largest cruise ship in the world — Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas — can hold more than 7,000 passengers and 2,300 crew. That’s nearly 10,000 people.

Meanwhile, the amenities onboard include everything you need to run a city of that size, from more than 20 places to get a bite to eat to medical facilities, from laundry facilities to storefronts.

Growing in Size Over the Years

Gone are the days where a cruise ship was designed simply to be the vessel to get you from port to port. Today, the cruise ship is the destination.

For years there’s been an arms race when it comes to ships. The major cruise lines — including Carnival , Royal Caribbean , and Norwegian — have competed to create ships that not only push their own fleets bigger, but also put them on par with their rivals.

That’s led to the largest cruise ships the world has ever seen and a steady increase in average size over time.

Consider that from 1990 until 2000, most cruise new ships built were in the 70,000-80,000 gross ton range. (Gross tonnage is a standard measure of a ship’s size.) The average size of all new ships during this time from the major cruise lines was 80,000 gross tons.

But since then the size of ships has soared.

From 2015 until today, the average gross tonnage of a new cruise ship from the major cruise lines is 170,435 gross tons — more than twice the size of a ship built during the 1990s. That includes the Icon of the Seas, which comes in at a staggering 250,800 gross tons.

Take a look at just how dramatic the increase in cruise ship size has been during the past decades:

As you can see from the chart, when it comes to size, all the cruise lines continue to move toward larger ships. Every single cruise line has dramatically increased in size over the past several decades.

However, Royal Caribbean is the line that pushes the envelope the most when it comes to building bigger ships.

The line of ships at the top of the chart represent the cruise line's Oasis class of ships and then its Icon class, which are now the biggest in the world. Oasis first launched in 2009, and the ship within this class are all at least 225,000 gross tons. Icon class debuted in 2024 with Icon of the Seas, which is roughly 250,000 gross tons.

That's about three times the size of the average ship built in the 1990s .

Why Cruise Ships Continue to Get Bigger

So why do cruise ships continue to get larger? For cruise companies and passengers, there are a number of benefits to larger cruise ships.

For passengers, larger ships simply mean more options. With more space comes more restaurants, public areas, activities, and cabin types.

Consider Carnival's Jubilee. The new mega-liner debuted at the end of 2023, and will have more than 20 spots to eat on board. That's a long way from just having a buffet, dining room and maybe another restaurant or two like you would have found on much older cruise ships.

Norwegian's Breakaway-Plus class of ships like Norwegian Encore have the space to include a number of activities that were unheard of just a few years ago. This includes laser-tag arenas, virtual reality areas, and even go-kart tracks at sea.

For cruise lines, larger ships bring economies of scale come into play. Put simply, it's much cheaper for a cruise line to build and operate one 6,000 person cruise ship than two ships with 3,000 people sailing. It requires less staff, and less cost to build a single large ship than two smaller ones.

With more space, there are also more chances to earn money from passengers. As mentioned by Travel Weekly , "large ships have far greater potential for onboard revenue than smaller ones, with more space for bars, restaurants, and bigger casinos and spas."

Finally, cruise ships act as a marketing tool for the cruise line.

With each new ship comes new media coverage and attention to the ship and the line. In the race to gather attention, bigger and more extravagant lead the way to gather the imagination of potential passengers. There's a very good reason that you never see older ships in the advertisements from the cruise lines.

Limits on Cruise Ship Size

Given the current trend, you might think that cruise ships will continue to increase in size in the future. That's likely not the case. There does come a point to where size becomes a negative instead of a benefit.

Consider that the Oasis of the Seas -- the first of the largest Oasis-class vessels built by Royal Caribbean -- was built in 2009, more than a decade ago. Since then, it's had several sister ships built, that have been marginally larger at most. Icon of the Sea is larger on a tonnage basis, but only by about 6%

Instead, at least for now, this seems to be the upper limit for how large cruise ships will become. As ships get larger, so too do the logistical issues that come with them. Namely, not every port of call can handle the size and scale of the largest vessels.

For example, the Port of Tampa Bay simply can't have the largest cruise ships dock because the height of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at the entrance to the bay is too low.

The Port of Galveston (the busiest cruise port outside of Florida) now welcomes Oasis-class ships, but first had to work with Royal Caribbean to build an entirely new terminal that could accommodate ships of that size.

But while the limit on the size of ships may have maxed out for now, there is still room for more vessels to be built up to current standards. Of the cruise ships included on our chart above, about a third of them are less than 100,000 gross tons.

For those that enjoy the older and smaller ships, the trend is definitely not in your favor.

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NCL Reveals Its Newest Ship… And It Is Stunning

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Subscriber only, travel | ncl names new miami-bound cruise ship norwegian luna.

This rendering shows Norwegian Luna, coming to Miami in 2026. (Courtesy/Norwegian Cruise Line)

This rendering shows the Aqua Slidecoaster coming to Norwegian Luna when it debuts out of Miami in 2026. It will be the second such ride after its debut on Norwegian Aqua out of Port Canaveral in 2025. (Courtesy/Norwegian Cruise Line)

This rendering shows the Luna Glow Court coming to Norwegian Luna when it debuts out of Miami in 2026. (Courtesy/Norwegian Cruise Line)

This rendering shows Sukhothai, a Thai restaurant coming to Norwegian Luna when it debuts out of Miami in 2026, but also debuting on Norwegian Aqua out of Port Canaveral in 2025. (Courtesy/Norwegian Cruise Line)

This rendering shows the patio outside Indulge Food Hall coming to Norwegian Luna when it debuts out of Miami in 2026. (Courtesy/Norwegian Cruise Line)

This rendering shows the Belvedere Bar coming to Norwegian Luna when it debuts out of Miami in 2026. (Courtesy/Norwegian Cruise Line)

This rendering shows the Luna Haven duplex entrance coming to Norwegian Luna when it debuts out of Miami in 2026. (Courtesy/Norwegian Cruise Line)

This rendering shows the Luna Haven duplex bedroom coming to Norwegian Luna when it debuts out of Miami in 2026. (Courtesy/Norwegian Cruise Line)

This rendering shows the Luna Haven duplex living room coming to Norwegian Luna when it debuts out of Miami in 2026. (Courtesy/Norwegian Cruise Line)

Norwegian Cruise Line on Wednesday announced its new ship will be named Norwegian Luna and will sail out of Miami beginning in 2026.

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