The year in cruise design: 2025 marked by stunning features, s​ubtly marvellous interiors​

Consultant project manager and owner of Terraqua Consulting Group Inc, Stephen Fryers says that while the pandemic forced cruise lines to delay upgrades and refurbishments, the industry has now bounced back.   

“There’s a lot of newbuilding going on and people are placing orders for new ships,” he explains. “There is a feeling within the industry that demand is high.” 

Regarding trends, Mr Fryers says he has noticed a move towards lines retrofitting older ships with venues, such as bars and restaurants, found on their newer vessels.  

Mr Fryers explains, “If you think back, there was the trend of everybody putting water parks on, and now most ships have them and they are somewhat standard. It’s looking at designs and opportunities to put in a wow factor that can attract guests over to whatever brand it happens to be. For more, please see our interview with Mr Fryers in Passenger Ship Interior & Refurbishment Review 2025/2026. 

In terms of wow features on board vessels delivered in 2025, there are too many to mention here. Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest ship, Norwegian Aqua, certainly turns heads with the addition of the Aqua Slidercoaster, the first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea, but there are plenty of subtle interior design details on Norwegian Cruise Line’s next-generation vessel to marvel at, as well. 

And over at Marella Cruises, its refit of Marella Discovery 2 includes the line’s first-ever life-sized interactive Play Wall.  

Speaking of refits, there has been a growing trend of large interior revitalisations within the cruise ship sector. Cunard has drawn on the design of its newest ship, Queen Anne, launched last year, as part of the inspiration for the revitalised Queen Elizabeth. The 90,400-gt vessel, which launched in 2010, underwent a three-week makeover at Seatrium’s Admiralty Yard in Singapore. 

Add to that many other refits, including Windstar Cruises’ Wind Surf’s transformation of its common spaces and suites, and there really is a trend to make older ships as good as new. 

The river cruise industry has also been buoyant and has seen a lot of innovation with both new ships and refits. For example, Avalon Artistry II is the latest vessel of the Avalon Waterways’ trademark suite ships to undergo a bow-to-stern refurbishment. 

And we have river cruise operator Tauck, which is launching a ship in France in 2027 and a second ship on Portugal’s Douro, bringing the fleet to 13 vessels. The latest generation of ships have been designed with the help of guest-driven innovation. 

For more on these vessels and on other river cruise ships, please see Passenger Ship Interior & Refurbishment Review 2025/2026. 

A trend to make older ships as good as new and stand-out features, a healthy orderbook and drydock scheme, are just some of the things that highlight a buoyant industry with more to look forward to in 2026 and beyond.