2021 is set to be a bumper year for the cruise community. Cruise lines have reported record bookings and eager cruise guests will especially be looking forward to catching a glimpse of the newest – and hottest – vessels. Due to the events of 2020 it will be an especially action-packed year for newbuilds, with many launches delayed to 2021.
There have been so many exciting cruise interior designs that we have been desperate to get a peek at. As the popularity of cruise holidays has grown, so has the innovation and creativity of the interior design. We can’t wait to see all that the 2021 cruise season has to offer!
Hold onto your hats because we have mega ocean ships, boutique expedition vessels, legacy brands and world-firsts all launching:
Note: all dates are correct at the time of publication and could be subject to change.
Silversea Silver Origin – December 2020
OK, Silver Origin is technically debuting at the end of 2020, but it’s such an attractive ship that we can’t leave it off this list. Passengers can expect ultra-luxury from this expedition vessel, with balcony showers, lounge firepit and panoramic Horizon Balcony.
Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Apex – December 2020
The second ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge series, Apex will also feature the innovative, deck-spanning Magic Carpet. Passengers who take advantage of Apex’s wellbeing creation The Retreat will have access exclusive spaces on board.
Carnival Cruise Line Mardi Gras – February
The first rollercoaster at sea, an atrium built into the side of the ship, a street market diner… there’s a lot of design to be excited about with Carnival Cruise Line’s mega-sized newbuild, Mardi Gras.
Saga Spirit of Adventure – February
Saga’s boutique ocean offering Spirit of Adventure joins sister ship Spirit of Discovery to await her inaugural voyage in February. She offers a balcony for every guest and two new speciality restaurants that are free-to-dine for passengers.
P&O Cruises Iona – February
P&O Cruises’ Iona rounds out the delayed February 2021 offerings. Iona is the largest cruise ship built for the UK market and features the groundbreaking Skydome – a flexible space that transforms from daytime pool and dining area to a night time performance and party space.
Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas – April
Passengers will be able to sun themselves on the two-story poolside terrace when they’re not receiving drinks from robot bartenders in the Bionic Bar.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Evrima – April
Ritz-Carlton are aiming to bring the same level of luxury that they’re known for in the landside hospitality world to the cruise industry.
Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady – unknown
Although the vessel has debuted, due to COVID-19 she has not yet completed her first revenue sailings. Virgin Voyages have shaken up the cruise industry with their fresh, modern offerings and it will be good to see passengers finally enjoy Scarlet Lady.
MSC Virtuosa – Spring
Environmentally friendly, staffed with humanoid robotic bartenders and one of the largest ships in MSC’s fleet – there’s a lot to admire about Virtuosa. The real sweetener is the Galleria Virtuosa, the longest LED screen at sea.
AIDA AIDAcosma – Spring
AIDAcosma can be spotted on Meyer Werft’s shipyard webcam where she is looking very fine indeed. Passengers can look forward to taking in an ocean view from the infinity pool.
Ponant Le Commandant Charcot – May
The world’s first hybrid electric luxury polar expedition cruise vessel. This luxury expedition ship promises that every cabin will feature a private balcony. The vessel numbers among its special features an indoor swimming pool and a wintergarden.
Quark Expeditions, Ultramarine – May
This technologically advanced polar explorer has leaned into sustainable design features. Although it will be cold outside, passengers will be kept warm with underfloor heating in the bathrooms.
Holland America Line, Rotterdam – July
Designed by Tihany Design and YSA, Rotterdam may be seventh ship in Holland America Line’s fleet bearing that name, but there will be much on board that passengers have not seen before. The interiors are reportedly inspired by the theme of the ‘architecture of music’.
Costa Cruises, Costa Firenze – Summer
Due to arrive at Dubai via China, Firenze has been redeployed to the Mediterranean due to Toscana delivery being pushed to 2022. Firenze features The Beach Club – a pool area covered by a retractable glass roof – and an outdoor LED wall.
Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady – Autumn/Fall
Virgin Voyages have continued to draw from land-based design inspiration by tapping designers such as Design Research Studio, Roman & Williams and Concrete Amsterdam to serve as part of the ship’s design collective.
Princess Cruises, Discovery Princess – November
Discovery Princess’ Sky Suites host a range of amenities, including a telescope for star-gazing, but the real excitement comes from their ‘largest balconies at sea’, which offer a 270 degree view of the ocean.
Albatros Expeditions Ocean Victory – November
A stylish small-ship expedition vessel, equipped with 93 cabins. Set to be deployed in polar regions and featuring a lecture room, wellness area and 90 percent cabins featuring balconies.
Sea Cloud Cruises Sea Cloud Spirit – 2021
The tall sail ship reached a construction milestone in August 2020 when the aft mast was raised. Sea Cloud Cruises intends for the three-mast cruise ship to have the luxury feel of a private yacht.
Coral Expeditions Coral Adventurer – 2021
Coral Expeditions have expanded their deck suite offerings with Coral Adventurer, in response to guest demand. However in all other ways they have remained committed to small ship sailing, serving only 120 passengers.