SIXTEEN new cruise ships that will launch in 2026

Legend of the Seas under construction in Finland

The cruise industry is anticipating 14 new ships entering service in 2026.

The vessels will add 33,000 berths to the fleet at a total cost of €10.1bn. Average capacity per ship is 2,365 guests across tonnage from 20,000 to 250,800. Luxury hotel brands such as Four Seasons Yachts, Orient Express, Emerald Cruises, Viking, Explora Journeys and Regent Seven Seas are debuting new vessels.

The overall orderbook encompassed 72 ships through 2036 valued at over €64bn and added nearly 200,000 berths.

Four Seasons I, Four Seasons,190 passengers, Luxury yacht offering intimate all-suite accommodations; inaugural seven-night Caribbean itinerary from Barbados in January 2026, featuring 11 suite categories.
Emerald Kaia, Emerald Cruises, 128 passengers (double occupancy), Upscale yacht for small-group luxury cruising; debuts with 11-day Mediterranean voyage from Cyprus in April 2026, with 8 cabin categories focusing on Adriatic and Aegean Seas.
Norwegian Luna, Norwegian Cruise Line, 3,550 passengers (double occupancy), Second Prima Plus-class ship with thrilling attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster and Indulge Food Hall; starts with transatlantic crossing to Caribbean sailings from Miami in April 2026.
Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International, 5,628 passengers (double occupancy), Third Icon-class megaship with over 40 dining options, seven pools, and a massive waterpark; summer Mediterranean from Barcelona, then year-round Caribbean from 2026.
Orient Express Corinthian, Orient Express, 108 passengers (double occupancy), Elegant sailing yacht inspired by classic ocean liners; launches with French Riviera itineraries from Marseille in June 2026, offering 14 cabin categories.
Viking Mira, Viking, 998 (double occupancy), Longship-style ocean vessel for destination-focused cruises; maiden Western Mediterranean voyage in June 2026, followed by Northern Europe itineraries.
MSC World Asia, MSC Cruises, 6,762 passengers, Third World-class ship with innovative design including a dry slide from deck 21; debuts in Mediterranean from Barcelona in December 2026, with 19 cabin categories.
Seven Seas Prestige, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, 822 (double occupancy), First Prestige-class all-suite luxury ship with high space-to-guest ratio; transatlantic maiden from Barcelona to Miami in December 2026, then Caribbean and Panama Canal.
Star Explorer, Windstar Cruises, 224 passengers, Modern Star-class yacht blending luxury and adventure; inaugural Mediterranean season from Barcelona in December 2026, with 12 cabin categories.
American Maverick, American Cruise Lines, 125 (full occupancy), Patriot-class coastal explorer for U.S. rivers and coasts; enters service in 2026 with all-balcony staterooms and 5 cabin categories.
American Ranger, American Cruise Lines, 125 (full occupancy), Sister to American Maverick, focusing on domestic U.S. itineraries; 2026 debut with similar coastal cruising features.
Explora III, Explora Journeys, 926 (double occupancy), Luxury exploration ship with ocean residences; starts in Mediterranean from Barcelona in August 2026, venturing to Northern Europe and Caribbean.
Disney Adventure, Disney Cruise Line, 6,000 passengers, Disney’s largest ship, converted from Global Dream; homeported in Singapore for short Southeast Asia cruises starting March 2026, with family-themed entertainment.
Mein Schiff Flow, TUI Cruises, 3,984 passengers,Second InTUItion-class vessel emphasizing relaxation and family fun; debuts in Europe in July 2026 with extensive pools, spas, and kids’ programs.