While two new brands entered service in late 2024, at least three cruise lines are scheduled to kick off their maiden seasons this year.
Aroya Cruises
First Ship: Aroya (former World Dream)
Built: 2017
Capacity: 3,400 guests
Inaugural Cruise: December 2024
After debuting in mid-December, Aroya Cruises will complete its first month of service this month. Launched by Cruise Saudi, the cruise line is the first dedicated to the Arabian market.
Currently sailing from Jeddah to destinations in the Red Sea, the Aroya was fully refurbished before launching service for the brand.
Originally built for Dream Cruises as the World Dream, the 3,400-guest vessel is offering a product that is said to reflect Saudi culture and values.
Eastern Cruise
First Ship: Eastern Venus (former Pacific Dream)
Built: 1998
Capacity: 696 guests
Inaugural Cruise: December 2024
Eastern Cruise launched a new operation in South Korea with the former Pacific Venus. After debuting with a Christmas sailing, the 696-guest vessel is offering a series of cruises out of Busan.
According to the company, the operation opens a new chapter for traditional cruising in the region with a traditional cruise experience focused on the South Korean national market.
Deployment includes short cruises to ports of call in Japan, which will be followed by longer sailings to additional countries starting in April 2025.
Victory Cruise Lines
First Ships: Victory I and Victory II (former Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager)
Built: 2001
Capacity: 202 guests each
Inaugural Cruise: April 2025
After acquiring American Queen Voyages’ former coastal ships, Victory Cruise Lines is relaunching service in 2025.
Focusing its operations on the Great Lakes, the company will embark on its maiden voyage – a repositioning voyage that sails from Portland to Toronto – in April 2025.
Led by John Waggoner, who previously founded American Queen, the company has rehired various former employees for its shipboard and management teams. Onboard, Victory aims to offer a premium product that includes a focus on destination experiences and upscale gastronomy.
Alma Cruceros
First Ship: Ocean Victory
Built: 2021
Capacity: 186 guests
Inaugural Cruise: April 2025
Alma Cruceros is embarking on its maiden cruise in April 2025. Chartering the Ocean Victory from SunStone Ships, the Spain-based company aims to offer a new product aimed at Spanish-speaking markets.
Operating primarily out of Málaga, Alma will offer luxury cruises to other destinations in Spain, as well as ports of call in France and Italy.
The seasonal operation is said to include an onboard experience shaped to reflect Spain’s culture, entertainment and food and beverage.
