Cruise Lines Leverage Drydocks to Add Capacity to Existing Ships

Cruise Lines Leverage Drydocks to Add Capacity to Existing Ships

Cruise lines continue to add a significant number of staterooms to existing ships during routine drydocks, as highlighted in the new 2026 Drydock Report from Cruise Industry News.

The additional capacity generally fills in under utilized public areas, with revenue that flows right to the bottom line.

Among upcoming programs, the 2016-built Ovation of the Seas will see the addition of 40 new staterooms, which will take over space currently occupied by various public areas.

Also included in the company’s modernization effort, the Harmony of the Seas is set to enter drydock in April for a refit that will include the creation of 91 additional staterooms.

A third ship is also getting a significant capacity increase with 68 new staterooms: the Liberty of the Seas.

Silversea’s Silver Muse saw a seven percent increase in 2025.

After entering drydock in November, the 2017-built vessel returned to service with 18 smaller staterooms replacing its original larger suites.

Norwegian Cruise Line continued to expand its ships’ capacities in 2025 by adding 26 additional staterooms to the Norwegian Bliss. The increase followed similar projects carried out onboard the Norwegian Joy and the Norwegian Encore in 2024.

A second ship, the Pride of America, saw the addition of 26 new staterooms during a drydock on the West Coast in May.

Other key capacity addition projects:

• Celestyal Discovery – 47 new staterooms
• Carnival Miracle – 5 new staterooms
• Holland America’s Zuiderdam – 11 new staterooms
• Norwegian Epic – 8 new staterooms

Exploris One Reportedly Sold at Auction for 4.5 Million Euros

Exploris One Reportedly Sold at Auction for 4.5 Million Euros

The Exploris One was reportedly sold at an auction that took place in Nantes, France, on January 30, 2026.

According to Ouest France’s Le Marin, the ship was sold for 4.5 million euros, excluding mandatory legal fees.

The bid was considerably below the starting price of seven million euros set by the court, the French newspaper stated.

While the buyer’s name was not officially disclosed, Le Marin said that it is an “existing company that aims to put the ship back into expedition service.”

Originally built in the late 1980s, the Exploris One was designed for exploration cruises in remote and polar regions.

With a capacity for 132 guests, the 6,132-ton vessel was last in service for France-based Exploris Expeditions & Cruises.

Out of service since September 2025, the ship was auctioned as part of the liquidation of the company, which ceased operations in November 2025.

Interested parties were able to place bids for the expedition vessel online via Interencheres, a France-based marketplace for auctions.

According to the website, the sale was subject to a 14 percent premium in court proceedings, in addition to legal fees.

Bidders were also able to arrange visits onboard the vessel, which is currently laid up at the port of Caen in Northern France.

Built at the Rauma-Repola shipyard in Finland, the Exploris One sailed for a range of cruise lines over its 37-year career.

Before being acquired by Exploris in 2023, the ship spent over a decade operating for Silversea as the Silver Explorer and the Prince Albert II.

Other brands that operated cruises onboard the vessel include Society Expeditions, Sally Line, Delfin Risteilyt, Baltic Link and more.

Before being auctioned, the Exploris One was scheduled to undergo a statutory drydock at a shipyard in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Liberty: Pricing Higher in Caribbean Despite Capacity Increase

Liberty: Pricing Higher in Caribbean Despite Capacity Increase

Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said that the company’s pricing for Caribbean voyages was up despite the industry’s significant capacity increase in the region.

He said this was for all three company brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea.

“We’re seeing high demand wanting to go to the Caribbean. We’re not only seeing good volume, but our pricing is higher in the Caribbean than it was last year,” Liberty said.

Speaking on the company’s year-end and fourth quarter earnings call, Liberty made sure to mention the cruise line expected positive yield growth for key products, including the Caribbean, as its investments continued to differentiate it from its peers and strengthen its leadership position, despite elevated capacity in the Caribbean.

“And I know that may not feed into what maybe some groups want to hear, but that is a reality that we continue to see strong demand for the Caribbean, and we continue to see strong demand for our broader organization,” he added.

Liberty said company capacity was up 6.7 percent year-over-year, driven by the new Legend of the Seas launching this summer plus full-year service from the Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel.

Luxury Cruise Fleet Average Age: 12-Year-Old Ships

Luxury Cruise Fleet Average Age: 12-Year-Old Ships

Regent Seven Seas Grandeur photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr Account 

Data from the latest edition of the Luxury Market Report by Cruise Industry News shows that a luxury cruise ship has an average age of roughly 12 years in 2025.

After undergoing significant expansion in the past ten years, the luxury market saw newbuild after newbuild enter service over the last decade, led by aggressive growth from Viking, Ponant and others.

Ritz-Carlton, Swan Hellenic, Emerald and Explora are among the brands with the youngest fleets in 2025.

They also represent the newest brands, having all launched service with new vessels after 2020.

Brands such as Ponant, Silversea, Regent, Viking and Hapag-Lloyd have average fleet ages falling between ten and 15 years.

Among the brands owned by major public cruise corporations, Seabourn has the youngest fleet, with ships that are nine years old on average in 2025.

Silversea comes in second with an 11-year average fleet age, followed by Hapag-Lloyd with a 13-year average and Regent Seven Seas with a 14-year average.

Brands including SeaDream, Crystal, Paul Gauguin and Windstar have some of the oldest fleets in the market.

While extensively refurbished over the years, SeaDream’s yachts are among the oldest ships in the market, with a median age of 40 years in 2025.

Fresh from a major drydock in Singapore, Paul Gauguin’s sole ship, the Paul Gauguin, is another industry veteran with a nearly 30-year sailing career.

Amidst a rejuvenation project that includes the debut of two newer ships through 2026, as well as major refurbishment projects, the Windstar fleet had an average age of 28 years in 2025.

With a series of newbuilds scheduled to arrive starting in 2028, Crystal’s fleet currently has an average age of 26 years.

The Cruise Industry News’ report also shows that, with eight newbuilds scheduled to enter service for luxury brands, the market’s fleet median age is set to grow by nearly six months next year.

Silversea to Increase Muse’s Capacity During Drydock

Silversea to Increase Muse’s Capacity During Drydock

Silversea is planning a substantial increase in guest capacity for the Silver Muse during an upcoming dry dock.

According to the ship’s new deck plans, its double occupancy will grow by approximately seven per cent, reaching 632 guests from just under 600.

After entering service in 2017, the Silver Muse is scheduled to undergo a routine shipyard stay in Europe in November 2025.

The updated deck plans show that the capacity increase will be achieved through smaller staterooms.

Plans call for several larger Silver Suites on decks 9, 10 and 11 to replace smaller Medallion and Classic Veranda suites.

On Deck 9, six Silver Suites are being replaced with 12 new, smaller staterooms of different categories.

Cruise Industry News estimates that after the refit, the number of Silver Suites will decrease from 34 to eight.

According to a message shared with guests by Silversea, the Silver Muse will undergo a “redefining revitalisation” during its dry dock.

The 40,700-ton vessel will see the addition of “timeless beauty and elegance,” the company continued, as well as an “extension of the choice of suite options” onboard.

Other new features coming to the ship include S.A.L.T., which is described by Silversea as a “pioneering culinary experience.”

The speciality restaurant that features changing menus inspired by destinations being visited by the vessel will be added to Deck 4.

Taking the space previously occupied by the ship’s Asian speciality venue, Indochine, S.A.L.T. will also feature a bar for regionally inspired drinks and wines.

As part of the drydock, the ship’s La Dolce Vita main dining room is also set to be reduced for the creation of new technical spaces.

Currently offering summer cruises in Europe, the Silver Muse will debut its new enhancements in early December ahead of a winter season in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands.

Silversea Opens Pre-Sale on Winter 2025-26 Sailings

Silversea Opens Pre-Sale on Winter 

2025-26 Sailings

Silversea has opened an exclusive pre-sale on its winter 2025-26 winter season, with over 150 new sailings to more than 200 destinations.

Departing between September 2025 and April 2026, also include nine maiden calls and two new grand voyages.

 “Broadening the most diverse and immersive destination offering in ultra-luxury cruise travel, we are pleased to open this exclusive pre-sale on over 150 new voyages for winter 2025-26,” said Barbara Muckermann, president of Silversea. “We are continuing to innovate for our guests’ enjoyment. Complementing opportunities for deep travel to iconic destinations with new calls to remote shores, the varied range of experiences offered with our latest voyage collection is simply unmatched. Our well-traveled guests will find inspiration, self-enrichment, and memories that will last a lifetime as they journey to the ends of the earth in Silversea’s trademark level of comfort.”  

Highlights of Silversea’s winter 2025-26 voyage collection include:

• The 75-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2025 sailing from August 20-November 2, 2025, from Fremantle (Perth) to Valparaiso;
• The 47-day Grand Australia 2025 voyage sailing roundtrip from Melbourne from October 14-November 30, 2025;
• 17 new voyages in Australia aboard the Silver Nova and Silver Moon:
• The brand’s first-ever circumnavigation of Australia onboard the Silver Nova;
• Maiden calls in Robe, on Australia’s Limestone Coast, and North Port, Marsden Point, in New Zealand;
• 38 expeditions to Antarctica onboard three ships;
• 43 sailings in the Caribbean and Central America
• 25 voyages aboard the Silver Origin in the Galapagos with two seven-day holiday sailings;
• Seven voyages to South America, including three scenic cruises to Antarctica aboard the Silver Whisper;
• Six voyages to Africa and the Indian Ocean, including safari opportunities in South Africa.

Royal Caribbean Group’s Executives Get a Preview of Silver Nova

Royal Caribbean Group’s Executives Get a Preview of Silver Nova

Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Chairman Richard Fain and Silversea’s President Barbara Muckermann enjoyed an exclusive preview of the Silver Nova.

Royal Caribbean Group’s executives were welcomed by Meyer Werft Managing Directors Jan and Bernard Meyer and enjoyed a detailed tour of the ship. 

“Innovation drives our mission to provide the best vacations, responsibly, and Silver Nova embodies this commitment in every way. This stunning ship revolutionizes ultra-luxury cruising and represents an important step on our sustainability journey,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “I would like to officially thank and congratulate the Meyer family, and the talented teams at Meyer Werft, Royal Caribbean Group, and Silversea for pushing industry boundaries to create such a pioneering ship.”

 “Silver Nova embodies the vision of our brand and the evolution of our fleet, demonstrating the extent to which our guests are benefitting from our brand being part of Royal Caribbean Group,” said Barbara Muckermann, president of Silversea. “Silver Nova introduces an industry-leading approach to sustainability, an unprecedented openness to the world, and an entirely new take on luxury at sea. She is a beauty and I can’t wait to personally greet our guests on board, introducing them to the future of ultra-luxury cruise travel.”

The Silver Nova will set sail on its maiden voyage on August 14, sailing roundtrip from Fusina (Venice). After a series of Mediterranean cruises, the new ship will cross the Atlantic to the United States of America to offer Caribbean and Central America voyages.

On January 4, 2024, the Silver Nova will depart on the 71-day Grand Voyage South America.

‘EXCEPTIONAL’ Q1 BOOKINGS HELP RCG UPGRADE 2023 PROFIT PROJECTIONS

Independence of the Seas in the port of Southampton, photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr).

Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) saw booking volumes in the first quarter of 2023 perform "considerably" better than expected, enabling the company to "significantly" improve its revenue expectations for all three remaining quarters of 2023.

In a recent trading update covering the three months to 31 March, the group, which owns Royal Caribbean, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises, saw an earlier start to an extended wave period generate a record level of bookings.

 

The strong trends resulted in an acceleration of the group’s booked position in relation to prior years, with the company generating "significantly" more bookings at "meaningfully" higher prices.

 

This year’s wave resulted in strong close-in demand at higher prices for the first quarter and enabled a significant improvement in revenue expectations for all three remaining quarters.

 

The increase in yield expectations for the year is predominantly related to higher load factors in the first quarter and higher prices for all four quarters, especially for Caribbean sailings.

 

Consumer spending onboard, as well as pre-cruise purchases, continue to exceed 2019 levels driven by greater participation at higher prices. The company expects load factors to reach "historical" levels by late spring.

 

"We knew that demand for our business was strong and strengthening, but we have been pleasantly surprised with how swiftly demand further accelerated well above historical trends and at higher rates," said Jason Liberty, president and chief executive of RCG.

 

"Leisure travel continues to strengthen as consumer spending further shifts towards experiences. Demand for our brands is outpacing broader travel due to a strong rebound and an attractive value proposition."

The company reported a net loss for the first quarter of $47.9 million compared to a net loss of $1.2 billion for the same period in the prior year. 

 

The group also experienced particularly strong close-in demand for Caribbean itineraries, which accounted for close to 80% of first-quarter capacity. Load factors in the first quarter were 102%.

 

Adjusted earnings per share for the full year are expected to be in the range of $4.40 to $4.80 per share.

Silversea Names Silver Endeavour in Antarctica

Silversea Names Silver Endeavour in Antarctica

Silversea Cruises has officially named Silver Endeavour in a naming ceremony held on November 19.

The cruise line held the celebration in the Lemaire Channel, Antarctica, where the Silver Endeavour was inaugurated as the 11th ship in the fleet.

This also makes Silver Endeavour the first ship ever to be named in the Lemaire Channel.

“We are excited to officially welcome Silver Endeavour to the Royal Caribbean Group fleet, bringing our global fleet to 64 ships,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group.

“Silver Endeavour will continue to strengthen Silversea’s position as the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, allowing us to grow capacity while building upon Royal Caribbean Group’s mission of delivering the best vacations in the world, responsibly.”

The celebration was attended by Silversea Cruises executives, the ship’s Godmother Felicity Aston MBE as well as select members of the cruise line’s extended family.

“We are incredibly proud to have hosted ultra-luxury cruising’s first Antarctica naming ceremony for Silver Endeavour­­, our third ship to be named in just nine months,” said Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea Cruises.

“I would like to thank Captain Niklas Peterstam and the ship’s crew, the entire Silversea team, Jason Liberty and all those involved at Royal Caribbean Group for their invaluable support in reaching this momentous milestone. Silver Endeavour strengthens our position as the industry’s leading cruise line, broadening our diverse polar offering for our guests’ enjoyment.

“A source of great inspiration for our guests, we are honoured to name Felicity Aston as the ship’s Godmother. Felicity is the perfect ambassador for Silversea; she shares the same unwavering sense of curiosity and adventure that unites all of our guests.”

As per the tradition, Aston blessed Silver Endeavour and cut the ribbon alongside Captain Niklas Peterstam.

Cruise Saudi Welcomes Second MSC Cruises Ship to Saudi

Cruise Saudi Welcomes Second MSC Cruises Ship to Saudi

MSC Virtuosa entering the Liverpool docks, photo credit Spacejunkie2

Cruise Saudi has welcomed MSC Cruises’ MSC Virtuosa to Jeddah, making it the line’s second vessel to visit the Jeddah Islamic Port.

The ship spent around 17 hours at the port before continuing its voyage along the Red Sea.

The MSC Virtuosa joined MSC Bellissima at Saudi’s largest and busiest port, where the latter ship has been homeporting throughout the 2021-2022 Summer and Winter Seasons.

The visits are part of Cruise Saudi’s efforts to build a fully integrated, world-class cruise industry in the country, elevating tourism in line with Vision 2030 - the Saudi leadership’s transformation plan to diversify the economy, according to a press release.

Commenting on MSC Virtuosa’s visit, Lars Clasen, Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Saudi, said: “We are proud to host the flagship of one of the world’s most established and popular cruise lines. MSC Virtuosa’s visit highlights Saudi as an exciting cruise destination for international cruise lines and travellers. At Cruise Saudi, we look forward to welcoming more guests and operators to experience the glistening waters of the Red Sea as the tourism industry gathers pace.

“By supporting Saudi’s tourism industry, we are not only enabling the world to experience Saudi’s pristine islands and beaches as well as a unique culture, heritage and hospitality - but we are also opening new gateways to connect Saudi with the world and transform the country into a tourism hub.”

Cruise Saudi has welcomed several major international cruise lines since its launch including MSC Cruises, Scenic Group, Silversea, and Viking, which have completed more than 70 sailings during the 2021/2022 Summer and Winter Seasons.

In April 2021, Cruise Saudi established a five-year deal with MSC Cruises to bring their ships to Saudi. MSC Bellissima spent 2021/22 Summer and Winter Season's homeporting in Jeddah and sailing around the Saudi coast.

Royal Caribbean To Sell Azamara Brand To Sycamore Partners

Azamara Quest.

Royal Caribbean Group today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Azamara brand to Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm specializing in consumer, retail and distribution investments, in an all-cash carve-out transaction for $201 million, subject to certain adjustments and closing conditions.

Sycamore Partners will acquire the entire Azamara brand, including its three-ship fleet and associated intellectual property. The transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021. Royal Caribbean Group noted the transaction allows it to focus on expanding its Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea brands.

"Our strategy has evolved into placing more of our resources behind three global brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, and working to grow them as we emerge from this unprecedented period," said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Group. "Even so, Azamara remains a strong brand with its own tremendous potential for growth, and Sycamore's track record demonstrates that they will be good stewards of what the Azamara team has built over the past 13 years."

"We are pleased that Royal Caribbean Group has entrusted Sycamore to support Azamara in its next phase of growth," said Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore Partners. "We are excited to partner with the Azamara team and build on their many years of success serving the brand's loyal customers. We believe Azamara will remain a top choice for discerning travellers as the cruising industry recovers over time."

Azamara's value proposition and operations will remain consistent under the new arrangement, and Royal Caribbean Group will work in close collaboration on a seamless transition for Azamara employees, customers and other stakeholders. In conjunction with the transaction, Azamara Chief Operating Officer Carol Cabezas has been appointed President of the brand.

The transaction will result in a one-time, non-cash impairment charge of approximately $170 million. The sale of Azamara is not expected to have a material impact on the Royal Caribbean Group's future financial results. Perella Weinberg Partners LP served as financial advisor to Royal Caribbean Group and  Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP provided legal counsel. Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal advice to Sycamore Partners.

Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean brands extend US cruise suspensions

The two largest US cruise combines will not sail again until the new year at the earliest.

The North American brands of Carnival Corporation and those of rival Royal Caribbean Group confirmed an extension of sailings until December 31 – joining Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which confirmed an extension of its suspension of cruises across its three brands until the end of 2020.

The latest pause affects Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard North America, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn together with RCG lines Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea.

Global ocean cruising has already been shut down since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic with many lines already cancelling cruises well into 2021.

The US last week cleared the way for the cruise ship to resume sailing in American waters from November 1, but have yet to confirm when paying passengers will be allowed on board.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s ‘Framework for Conditional Sailing Order’ will see cruise lines operate itineraries with no passengers on board to demonstrate the effectiveness of Covid-19 prevention measures and compliance with CDC measures.

Carnival Corporation chief executive Arnold Donald, confirming the extension of the pause in operations of its North American brands from December 1 until December 31, said: “Our highest responsibility and top priorities are always compliance, protecting the environment, and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in communities we touch, our crew and shoreside employees.

“We continue to work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and global government and public health authorities, as well as top medical and scientific experts around the globe, on a comprehensive plan for the eventual restart of cruising in North America.

“With their collective guidance, we have developed and continue to update our enhanced health and safety protocols that are in the best interest of our guests, crew and overall public health.

“Whenever we restart our cruise operations in the US, we certainly look forward to welcoming our guests onboard.”

The date for restarting cruise operations will be communicated by each respective brand and available on their websites, Carnival Corporation said.

“The company and its brands are also notifying crew members, travel professionals and other stakeholders,” the group added.

RCG said: “Our primary goal continues to be a healthy return to service for our guests, crew and the communities we visit.

“As we work with the CDC and others toward this shared goal, Royal Caribbean Group will be extending the suspension of sailings to include those departing on or before December 31, 2020, excluding sailings from Singapore.

“Celebrity Cruises has already suspended their full 2020-21 winter programme in Australia and Asia.

“Additionally, Azamara has suspended their 2020-21 winter sailings throughout Australia and New Zealand, South Africa and South America.

“We will be reaching out to our guests and travel partners to share further details and address any questions or concerns they may have.”

Welcoming the CDC’s pathway for return to service announced on Friday, RCG said: “While we are eager to welcome our guests back on board, we have a lot to do between now and then, and we’re committed to taking the time to do things right.

“This includes training our crew in new health and safety protocols and conducting a number of trial sailings to stress-test those protocols in real-world conditions.”

Royal Caribbean Drops ‘Cruise Line’ from Group Name

Independence of the Seas in Southampton photo credit Dave Jones.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, the world’s second-largest cruise line operator, will now go by the new moniker: Royal Caribbean Group.

With the new name comes a new identity, as well. The company’s logo has also been updated with the iconic crown and anchor emblem being sharpened and made more symmetrical. The crown will officially now reside inside a circle at all times.

“The name is simpler, fresher and more modern. It’s also more descriptive—Royal Caribbean Group sounds like a parent company name, reflective of our growth and evolution since we last updated our identity more than 20 years ago,” said Royal Caribbean Group chairman and CEO Richard Fain.

Royal Caribbean Group’s flagship cruise line brands still include Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, Azamara, TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, the brands operate 63 ships with an additional 16 on order as of July 10, 2020.

The new branding comes as the Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has suspended all sailings through September due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The voluntary suspension is in-line with the U.S. CDC required suspension for cruise lines operating out of the United States.

Royal Caribbean puts up 28 ships as collateral for $3.2bn bond

Royal Caribbean puts up 28 ships as collateral for $3.2bn bond

Royal Caribbean fleet fact sheet.

Royal Caribbean Cruises has launched a $3.2 billion bond offering while pledging 28 of its ships and “material intellectual property” as collateral.

The move followed the world’s second-largest cruise group forecasting heavy losses for the first quarter of the year as Covid-19 brought global sailings to a standstill.

The company expects to report a preliminary first-quarter net loss of $1.44 billion compared to a profit of $249.7 million a year earlier.

Royal Caribbean, which was forced to suspend its cruises globally and cut about 23% of its US workforce, said the health crisis has dented its quarterly net income by about $453 million.

Preliminary total revenue for the three months ended March 31 fell 16.7% to $2 billion against the same period last year.

Royal Caribbean declined to specify which ships it had pledged for its debt offering. It had vessels with a net book value of about $22.7 billion as of December 31, including Symphony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship.

The net proceeds from the offering of the $3.3 billion notes will be used to repay a $2.35 billion 364-day loan.

The remainder will be used for “general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of additional indebtedness”.

The parent company of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea, estimates its cash burn to be about $250 million to $275 million a month during a prolonged suspension of operations.

MSC To Be Third Biggest Luxury Player

With MSC Cruises entering the luxury market with dedicated 1,000-guest ships, the family-owned company will be the third biggest luxury operator by 2027, according to Cruise Industry News estimates.

Viking Ocean will control most of the market pie, with 18 ships and an estimated market share of 35.7 per cent based on passenger capacity.

Silversea, with an aggressive newbuilding program and a new owner in Royal Caribbean Cruises, will be the second largest luxury line, with 12 ships and 13 per cent of the market come 2027, based on the existing cruise ship orderbook.

MSC Cruises is next, as the Italian brand will have four 64,000-ton luxury ships, 4,000 berths and just under 10 per cent of the luxury market, not including the company’s Yacht Club berths on its quickly-expanding fleet of megaships.

Crystal and Seabourn round out the top five, as both are expanding into the expedition market with new ships and Crystal has also committed to a new class of larger ocean-going vessels.

Cunard announces plans for its first new ship in 12 years

Cunard announces plans for its first new ship in 12 years

Cunard has announced plans to add a fourth ship to its fleet – its first new ship in 12 years.

The new 3,000 passenger ship, which will be built at the Fincantieri shipyard, was announced as Cunard marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of the legendary QE2.

The new ship will join the fleet in 2022, joining Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

It will be the first time since 1998 that the brand has had four ships in service at the same time. The new build will be the 249th ship to fly the Cunard flag, according to the line.

Simon Palethorpe, senior vice president of Cunard, said: “We have only recently marked the 50th anniversary of one of Cunard’s much-loved ocean liners, the legendary QE2.

“What better way to celebrate her important role in Cunard’s past than by announcing our commitment to Cunard’s future with the commissioning of a new ship. Cunard offers unrivalled luxury ocean experiences and the new ship firmly underpins our plans to continue our growth across international markets.”

The news of Cunard’s expansion comes just a week after Silversea announced a new ship order.

Silversea said the move signalled buoyancy in the market. These two announcements are the latest sign of the strength of the luxury cruise sector, with Ritz-Carlton recently announcing its plans to enter the cruise sector with three yachts. Meanwhile, Celebrity Cruises has three ships on order, Ponant has four, and Crystal Cruises, Scenic, Seabourn and Star Clippers also have new vessels set to launch.

22 Tips for Finding Peace & Quiet at Sea

22 Tips for Finding Peace & Quiet at Sea

Ah, the cruise life. Imagine a blissful week away from the daily stresses and drudgery, complete with a soak in the hot tub, leisurely dinners full of genteel conversation and some quiet reading -- or snoozing -- in the sun. That is, until a gang of rug rats swamps the hot tub, whines through dinner and comes careening around the sun deck, all high-pitched shrieks and spraying water.

Like it or not, the mainstream cruise lines have gone family-friendly. This is a boon for parents and multi-generational groups looking for trips with something for everyone. It's less appealing for couples and groups of adult friends who aren't won over by wee travellers ... or parents hoping desperately for some time to themselves while the grandparents stay home with the kids. Although cruise lines do their best to occupy the under-18's with kitted-out kids' clubs and dawn-till-dusk activities (not to mention late-night parties and baby-sitting), kids have been known to run free on ships, hanging out in stairwells, incessantly riding the elevators and generally annoying their elder shipmates.

If you don't want to put up with wayward whipper snappers on your cruise, you don't have to. Many cruises sail entirely kid-free or with a minimal number of well-behaved tykes. The key is picking ships and itineraries with reduced family appeal. The following cruise types are tops for sailing without the brat pack on-board -- plus we have a few tips for avoiding children when you don't want to give up your mainstream, peak-season sailing.

Cruising with kids? See our Family Cruises section for the best cruises for babies, kids and teens.

Luxury Ships
The intimate ships of high-end lines like Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, SeaDream Yacht Club and Regent Seven Seas Cruises (or luxury-lite lines, such as Oceania Cruises,Windstar Cruises and Azamara) are refined, dignified and geared to adults. They're also among the industry's most expensive lines. Those factors combined mean you'll find few kids on-board. While some luxury ships offer the occasional children's program during holiday periods, the vessels won't be overrun with under-18's, and those who do go tend to be well-behaved, well-travelled tykes and teens (possibly accompanied by nannies to keep them in check).

Small Cruise Ships
Some premium lines (Holland America, Princess Cruises) keep a few older vessels around that are smaller and attract a more senior passenger base. That's primarily because kids' facilities are limited on those vessels, and the ships sail longer, more exotic itineraries. Think Holland America's Rotterdam and Prinsendam (pictured), and Princess Cruises'Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess. If you're a devotee of these lines, you'll get to pick up your loyalty points and still sneak in a kid-free cruise every now and then. (Even Holland America's larger ships are mid-sized in an industry of behemoths and tend to appeal to a more mature clientèle, especially on non-holiday dates.)

Riverboats
A schedule of culturally focused walking tours in historic cities and a lack of mega-ship amenities (production shows, youth lounges, etc.) tend to keep river cruises kid-free. (In fact, some middle-aged travellers claim they're not old enough for river cruises either -- but that's another story.) The exceptions are family-focused theme sailings, which usually take place during the summer. But on average, you can take your pick from the rivers of Europe, America, Egypt and Asia, and enjoy local wines and scenic cruising in an appropriately sedate atmosphere.

True Adults-Only Ships
Your safest bet is to cruise on a ship that doesn't allow any children onboard at all. Yes, they do exist, but there aren't too many. P&O Cruises, a British line, keeps three ships -- Arcadia, Adonia andOriana -- as adults-only. You must be 50+ to sail with Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises or the U.K.-based Saga Holidays (though travel companions can be as young as 40). Voyages to Antiquitycruises are deemed "unsuitable for children under the age of 12," and children younger than 16 are dissuaded from cruising. You may also find lifestyle-based, full-ship charters that are kid-free (such as cruises for nudists or gay couples).

Exotic Itineraries
Kids can certainly be world travelers, but generally speaking, the more exotic the itinerary, the fewer families it will attract. Try cruises to the Far East,South Pacific (Bora Bora pictured), South America(excepting roundtrip Brazil immersion cruises),Africa, the Arctic and Antarctica, and you'll typically find more adult-oriented environments. Even lines that ordinarily attract families will have fewer on these sailings.

Longer 

Cruises

Families tend to take week long or shorter cruises. Choose a longer itinerary, and you're pretty much guaranteed to be sailing with fewer kids. If you're set on the Caribbean, choose a 10-night or longer itinerary, particularly those that include a full or partial Panama Canal transit. For Hawaii, skip the round trip Honolulu itineraries, and opt for the two-week round trips out of Southern California. Lengthy repositioning cruises, grand voyages and world cruise segments have a good shot at being kid-free, as well.


School-Term Sailings
Many parents are loath to take their kids out of school for a vacation. Book your cruise during the school term, and you'll definitely see a dip in the number of youngsters on-board. While a Carnival or Royal Caribbean cruise to the Caribbean will always feature children on-board, non-holiday sailings probably will have fewer and feel less overrun with kids. Or combine a term-time trip with some of the above categories (say, a long sailing to an exotic destination on a more adult-friendly line), and you'll greatly reduce your chances of fighting for control of the elevators and hot tubs with the under-18 set. And if you just have to sail that mega-ship during the summer ...

Upgrade to a Kid-Free Haven
You can employ certain tricks to avoid junior cruisers on a mainstream, peak-season sailing ... but it probably will cost you. Book a suite with a large balcony and maybe even a whirlpool tub to reduce your time spent on public sun decks and in public lounges. Some ship-within-a-ship complexes on lines like Norwegian (pictured) and MSC Cruises even come with exclusive pools, gyms, restaurants and lounges. (Though, beware, some families do frequent these top digs.) Choose the late dinner seating or, better yet, dine in speciality venues (the later the better) to dodge dining with the knee-biters. At the very least, try to book a verandah cabin for some outdoor privacy, and take advantage of room service. And whatever you do, avoid the buffet at rush hour.