To celebrate the new year, cruise lines have begun to debut fresh cruise itineraries for the 2025 sailing season. With stops in ports like Mompox, Colombia, and Qingdao, China, lines like Amawaterways and Viking Cruises are furthering their reach, and showing travelers how fundamental the past is to the cultivation of present day destinations.
In addition to new routes, we’re seeing a ton of just-built ships making inaugural sailings to beautiful destinations across the Caribbean and along the Florida coast. Whether you want to head to one of the world’s most popular destinations or venture off the beaten path, there really is a cruise itinerary waiting for every type of traveler.
And best of all, the new year also brings with it new deals. January through March is a cruiser’s favorite time of year: wave season. It’s a chance for travelers to score major savings on cruises sailing throughout the whole year. As you prepare to book, don’t forget to check and see if any of these exciting new cruise routes are on sale.
Explore Colombia’s Magdalena River with Amawaterways
Amawaterways has been accepting reservations for its highly anticipated, first-of-its-kind itinerary departing from both Cartagena and Barranquilla in 2025 to sail down Columbia’s longest river, the Magdalena. The seven-day sailing will explore Colombia‘s deep cultural history with a spotlight on music and food. In addition to the new route, there will be two new ships—the 60-passenger AmaMagdalena and 64-passenger AmaMelodia—that each boast 30 staterooms and suites with balconies, a main restaurant, a fitness center with three spa treatment rooms, and a sun deck with a relaxing whirlpool.
Immerse yourself in East Asian customs with Viking Cruises
Japan has been a sought-after destination for the last few years, with Tokyo a particularly popular city thanks to its innovative hotels and unique fashion sense. Viking Cruises has curated six new itineraries with Japan and China at the center, with sailings starting in September 2025. On the Viking Yi Dun, a 930-passenger ship, itineraries include immersive onboard experiences and regional cuisine. One of the longer voyages is the 15-day Jewels of Japan & China itinerary where cruise-goers make nine stops from Beijing to Tokyo in pursuit of the history, culture, and cuisine of the Far East. If Hong Kong or Beijing have always been on your bucket list, opt for the 20-day Classic China Discovery cruise starting September 5. Travelers are immersed in traditional Chinese customs while sailing the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea.
Venture down St. Lawrence River in Canada’s Far North with Ponant
Explore the Great White North on a 13-day cruise from Saint-Pierre and Miquelon to Quebec City. Ponant has crafted the Le Commandant Charcot to withstand and excel in the harsh terrain of the St. Lawrence River. Passengers will get close encounters with wildlife and a chance to connect with the Inuit and Micmac communities while traveling. With stops at the Magdalen Islands, Gaspé, Sept-Îles, and Le Baie, this extraordinary voyage offers a wealth of cultural experiences and knowledge. Sailings will be taking place in January and February of 2025.
Expect the unexpected during Windstar’s President’s Mystery cruise
For those who love surprises, Windstar Cruises will be keeping passengers on their toes during the eight-day President’s Mystery cruise departing April 19, 2025. Passengers will be traveling roundtrip from Athens on board the Star Legend, a 312-passenger ship built entirely of suites. While guests will know where to embark and disembark, the ports of call aren’t announced until the day of—a fun surprise for travelers willing to fly by the seat of their pants. Without giving too much away on possible destinations, the Star Legend is built to travel through narrower channels and dock at smaller ports.
Visit the Florida Coast with American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines is spotlighting the Sunshine State during the 15-day Grand Florida Coast & Keys cruise sailing from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg. The inaugural sailing takes place on October 31, and passengers will spend a little over two weeks wandering through the antique shop-lined streets of Fernandina Beach, basking in the sun on Key Biscayne, and exploring the botanical gardens of Punta Gorda. The new route calls for new ships—the 130-passenger American Pioneer and American Patriot were made to cruise the US East Coast.