To say that cruising is increasing in popularity is an understatement. According to Cruise Lines International Association, 37.7 million passengers are forecast to set sail worldwide in 2025, with a jump to 42 million passengers in 2028.
And of all the destinations throughout the world, the Caribbean came in on top with 43% of cruise passengers (just under 15 million) sailing to the islands in 2024. In comparison, 5.77 million sailed the Mediterranean the same year.
In an effort to keep up, cruise lines are introducing new ships. In fact, five new ships set sail from the Sunshine State in November alone. Here, a look at what’s new on the Florida’s water.
Courtesy American Cruise Lines
American Pioneer
American Cruise Lines’ American Pioneer spent the first two weeks of November sailing from Amelia Island to St. Petersburg, Florida on the new 16-Day Grand Florida Coast & Keys itinerary, stopping in Key West for her christening on November 10. Each of the ship’s staterooms and balconies features private balconies from which to take in the sights, and a variety of lounges and dining options.
The intimate American Pioneer, accommodating just 130 guests, is sailing a nine-day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys Cruise roundtrip from St. Petersburg through March 20, 2026, and will then resume her 16-Day Grand Florida Coast & Keys itinerary between St. Petersburg and Amelia Island late-March.
Courtesy Princess Cruises
Star Princess
After a star-studded christening ceremony featuring the likes of godparents Camila and Matthew McConaughey, and a performance by Sheryl Crow, Princess Cruises’ 17th and newest ship, Star Princess, embarked upon her Caribbean season from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on November 7. Onboard guests will find 30 restaurants and bars ranging from fine dining to casual spots; a two-story spa; a new sports court for pickleball and basketball on the SkyDeck; and myriad entertainment, including a new candlelight concert series in a glass-enclosed dome.
Star Princess, which accommodates up to 4,300 guests, is sailing seven- to 14-day itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Port Everglades through April 2026 before setting off for Alaska for seven-day Inside Passage cruises for Summer 2026.
Oceania Allura
Though she set sail on her maiden voyage over the summer in the Mediterranean, Oceania Allura waited until her arrival at PortMiami for her christening ceremony on November 13; she is Oceania Cruises’ eighth ship and second in the Allura class.
In addition to incredible dining options—unsurprising from what is considered “the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line”—Oceania Allura boasts the most spacious staterooms at sea, starting at more than 290 square feet, and attentive service with two staff members for every three guests.
Accommodating 1,200 guests, Oceania Allura’s inaugural 2025-2026 features seven- to 14-day voyages to the Caribbean and Mexico, roundtrip from Miami, through March 2026, followed by a 16-day Transatlantic journey to Rome. She will spend Summer and Fall 2026 in the Mediterranean before returning to Miami for the winter season.
Courtesy Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Cruises’ took a different approach in the design and execution of Celebrity Xcel, the fifth ship in its Edge Series: the cruise line tapped into its global community of vacationers, known as Xcel Dream Makers, to provide input on the ship’s interior design, entertainment, and culinary offerings, which they then tested, tried, and voted. The result? Seven new, innovative spaces and experiences for everyone to enjoy.
Celebrity Xcel, which accommodates nearly 3,300 guests, set sail on her maiden voyage from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on November 18 and will spend the season in the Bahamas and Caribbean on seven-night itineraries before hopping the pond to explore the Mediterranean on seven- and 11-night itineraries through Summer 2026.
Courtesy Disney Cruise Line
Disney Destiny
Sister ship to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny embarked upon her maiden voyage from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on November 20, bringing with her the Disney magic guests have come to expect from the cruise line but with a first-of-its-kind design theme: Heroes and Villains. Iconic characters featured in the myths, legends, fairy tales, and fantasies from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Disney Parks are found throughout the ship in new and fun ways, including a larger-than-life sculpture of Spider-Man on the stern.
Disney Destiny, accommodating 4,000 guests, offers four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean.
In addition to these five new ships that set sail in Florida in November, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth embarked on her maiden Caribbean voyage in October. She is sailing 9- to 21-night Caribbean itineraries through April 2026 before returning to Alaska for the Summer 2026 season.
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