The Best New Cruise Ships Launching in 2026
- Adrian Pittaway
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
At Cruise Retail Academy, we love seeing the new ships enter the cruise industry, full of amazing new innovations, designs and features.
So once again, the cruise industry is set to welcome another impressive lineup of ships in 2026, offering guests a remarkable array of experiences, from thrilling mega-ships that rival floating cities to intimate, ultra-luxury yachts.
These new vessels showcase cutting-edge engineering, a focus on sustainability with LNG power and other alternative fuels, and innovative features designed to cater to every kind of traveler.
Here is our closer look at some of the most anticipated cruise ships debuting in 2026:
Legend of the Seas
Royal Caribbean continues its "bigger is better" strategy with the third ship in its groundbreaking Icon-Class. The goal is to dominate the family vacation market by offering an unparalleled variety of experiences and amenities that compete with land-based resorts. The reuse of the name "Legend of the Seas" (from a smaller, older ship sold in 2017) highlights the brand's evolution and scale.
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Type: Contemporary
Size: ~250,800 Gross Tons (GT)
Passengers: ~5,610 (double occupancy), max capacity up to 7,600
Built: Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland
New Features: This "floating metropolis" will boast the world's largest waterpark at sea, a hybrid ropes course/thrill ride called Crown's Edge, the family-focused Surfside neighborhood, an ice rink, and over 40 bars and restaurants.
Where she will sail: Debuting in the Western Mediterranean from Barcelona in summer 2026, then moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November 2026 for Caribbean
itineraries.
Retailer: Starboard Group
Main Guest Demographic: USA
Norwegian Luna
Part of the Prima Plus class (a larger version of the Prima class), the Norwegian Luna represents NCL's commitment to enhancing guest space and onboard experiences. This strategy focuses on providing more room and a higher level of service to passengers, ensuring a contemporary and exciting cruising experience in key markets like the Caribbean.
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Type: Contemporary
Size: ~156,300 GT
Passengers: ~3,550 (double occupancy)
Built: Fincantieri shipyard in Italy
New Features: Building on Prima class successes, it features an overall 10% increase in size, the Aqua Slidecoaster (a hybrid waterslide and rollercoaster), the 10-story free-fall slide "The Drop," a digital sports complex called Glow Court, and themed entertainment including a Prince-themed show.
Where she will sail: Sailing roundtrip from Miami, Florida, with itineraries in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Retailer: Avolta
Main Guest Demographic: USA
MSC World Asia
The third ship (out of 8!!) in MSC's World Class, the MSC World Asia continues the line's expansion into global markets and its commitment to environmental responsibility, using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) power. The strategy is to offer a diverse, city-like experience to a wide range of international travellers.
Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
Type: Contemporary
Size: ~215,863 GT
Passengers: ~6,758 (max capacity)
Built: Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France
New Features: Boasts over 40 bars and dining venues, seven themed districts, a rollerskating arena, bumper cars, a large theatre for West End-worthy shows, and the premium MSC Yacht Club "ship-within-a-ship" complex.
Where she will sail: Its inaugural season will be in the Mediterranean.
Retailer: MSC Cruises
Main Guest Demographic: Italy, France, Germany, Spain
Seven Seas Prestige
As the first in the new Prestige Class, this vessel aims to redefine ultra-luxury cruising. Regent's strategy is to maintain the highest guest-to-crew ratios and offer all-suite, all-balcony accommodations with exceptional space, service, and inclusive amenities (like fine dining and excursions).
Cruise Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Type: Ultra-luxury
Size: ~77,000 GT
Passengers: ~822 (double occupancy)
Built: Fincantieri shipyard in Italy
New Features: One of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry, 434 spacious suites, new dining concepts, and a focus on intimate, opulent experiences.
Where she will sail: Maiden voyages and seasonal itineraries are expected across Europe and potentially other global destinations.
Retailer: Diamonds International
Main Guest Demographic: USA
Four Seasons I
Four Seasons is entering the cruise market with a focus on delivering a bespoke, hotel-like luxury yacht experience at sea. Their strategy aims to attract discerning travelers looking for intimate journeys with exceptional service and custom-designed vessels.
Cruise Line: Four Seasons Yachts
Type: Ultra-luxury Yacht
Size: ~34,000 GT
Passengers: ~180
Built: Fincantieri shipyard in Italy
New Features: An all-suite luxury experience, a massive "Funnel Suite," and a bespoke onboard marina are among its defining features.
Where she will sail: Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Retailer: TBC
Main Guest Demographic: International
Disney Adventure
Acquired by Disney as a partially-built hull ("Global Dream") after its original owner went bankrupt, the Disney Adventure is being reimagined as a floating kingdom for families. It will be the first Disney ship homeported outside the U.S. and represents Disney's strategic move into the lucrative Asian market, specifically from Singapore.
Cruise Line: Disney Cruises
Type: Contemporary
Size: ~208,000 GT
Passengers: ~6,000 to 6,700
Built: Meyer Werft (Wismar, Germany)
New Features: Themed "worlds" from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars; first-ever roller coaster at sea (Ironcycle Test Run); extensive youth clubs; methanol-powered propulsion system.
Where she will sail: Operating year-round from Singapore, with a maiden voyage scheduled for March 10, 2026.
Retailer: Disney Cruises
Main Guest Demographic: Singapore
Explora III
Explora Journeys is the luxury lifestyle brand of MSC Group. Their strategy focuses on "Ocean State of Mind" cruising, offering sophisticated, all-inclusive experiences on smaller, modern luxury ships that can access smaller ports. EXPLORA III will be the first of their fleet to run on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), highlighting a strong focus on sustainability.
Cruise Line: Explora Journeys
Type: Luxury
Size: ~63,900 GT
Passengers: ~926
Built: Fincantieri shipyard in Italy
New Features: Nine restaurants, several pools, a large spa, and expansive all-suite accommodations with private terraces.
Where she will sail: Itineraries will include global destinations, focusing on immersive and unhurried exploration.
Retailer: Explora Journeys
Main Guest Demographic: International
Star Explorer
Windstar specializes in small ship cruising, offering a more intimate and personalized experience compared to large vessels. Their "Beyond Ordinary" strategy focuses on accessing smaller, less crowded ports. The Star Explorer (formerly known as Star Pisces and originally designed for short Asian cruises) has been acquired and is undergoing a major refit to fit the Windstar luxury standard.
Cruise Line: Windstar Cruises
Type: Luxury
Size: ~9,315 GT
Passengers: ~224
Built: Refitted in Palermo, Italy (Original hull from the mid-90s)
New Features: A complete transformation to a luxury, all-suite yacht with new dining venues, expanded deck areas, and enhanced sustainability features.
Where she will sail: European itineraries, including the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Retailer: Starboard Group
Main Guest Demographic: International
CRA Poll
Which of these 2026 ships are you most excited about?
0%Legend of the Seas
0%Norwegian Luna
0%MSC World Asia
0%Seven Seas Prestige
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