28 What are the logistical consequences of a boom in cruise ship construction? An estimated 70 new ships are set to enter service between 2025 and 2033, and passenger capacity expected to reach nearly 44 million (according to the 2025 State of the Cruise Industry report from Cruise Lines International Association), and many of these construction projects are already underway. However, there is a limited number of shipyards equipped to build cruise ships. Almost all of them are based in Continental Europe and many are reporting full books following the extraordinary number of newbuilds ordered in 2024. Meanwhile, the refurbishment industry has not been left behind. The wave of newbuilds delayed during the pandemic (just as the industry was reaching a record number of orders) were launched in 2021 and are now starting to be scheduled in for routine maintenance and refurbishment. As new cruise lines enter the sector and guest numbers continue to swell, established brands are buoyed by confidence in the market and emboldened to create ever more innovative vessels. In January 2025, for example, Celebrity Cruises announced it would be launching river cruises for the first time in its 40-year history. It is making a bold entrance to the river cruise market with a 10-vessel order from TeamCo shipyard, based in the Netherlands, and a launch date of 2027. Another cruise line is experiencing an unprecedented resurgence. The once briefly shuttered Crystal Cruises has secured financing for two newbuilds to be constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The luxury cruise line has turned around its fortunes since being relaunched by A&K Travel Group in 2023, refurbishing its existing ships Crystal Serenity ABI MCMAHON Abi McMahon is content manager at Elite Exhibitions. MARKETWATCH: EVENT PREVIEW Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe Commentary: Abi McMahon 3-4 December 2025 | Hamburg, Germany
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