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USANew cruise ships large and small are on the horizon for 2026 and there’s bound to be one that suits you. Here’s the full list.
New cruise ships large and small are on the horizon for 2026 and there’s bound to be one that suits you. Here’s the full list.
Launch date: January
Number of passengers: 180
The latest international hotel brand to take the plunge and launch a cruise vessel is Four Seasons Yachts. Offering guests the Four Seasons lifestyle at sea, in a marked change from traditional luxury cruising fares will be charged by the suite, not per person, similar to hotel room bookings. The most impressive room is the Funnel Suite, which spans four decks and has its own private lift.
In a coup for the new brand, the captain of Four Seasons I is social media personality Kate McCue. The first American woman at the helm of a large cruise vessel, she has jumped ship from Celebrity Cruises to take charge of the first Four Seasons ship.
Launch date: March
Number of passengers: 6,700
Due to launch in 2025, Disney Adventure’s planned debut was delayed due to shipbuilding issues. However, good things are worth waiting for, especially as this ship will be the largest in the Disney fleet, carrying 2,500 more passengers than some of the others. It was originally destined to be Global Dream, but was bought by Disney after the Asia-based Dream Cruises line collapsed.
Disney Adventure will homeport in Singapore for five years, offering a raft of new itineraries to experience life aboard a Disney ship. It will also have three all-new Disney attractions in an adventure zone centred around Ironcycle Test Run, the longest rollercoaster at sea.
Launch date: April
Number of passengers: 128
If you fancy the private yacht lifestyle without the price tag to match, Emerald Cruises is upping the ante on its next-generation ocean vessel Emerald Kaia. Larger than its two predecessors, Azzurra and Sakara, fun new toys on Emerald Kaia include a four-deck inflatable waterslide and a water trampoline. For keep-fit enthusiasts there’s an outdoor gym where you can dive straight into the sea to cool off afterwards.
Back on board, there are bigger staterooms – and almost 90 percent have balconies – and an enlarged spa. New dining venues include the intimate Night Market Grill, a speciality Asian private dining experience for up to eight passengers.
Launch date: March
Number of passengers: 3,550
You can’t miss the vibrant dreamscape splashed across Norwegian Luna. Norwegian Cruise Line’s second Prima Plus class vessel has head-turning hull artwork – La Luna – by Californian street artist Elle, who has worked with major brands including Nike, Reebok and Ralph Lauren.
Elsewhere, the ship is almost identical to its younger sister Norwegian Aqua. Thrill seekers can head to the Slidecoaster, a cross between a rollercoaster and waterslide, which winds around the ship’s funnel. Passengers looking for the best address on the ship can check into a two-storey Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suite, found in the exclusive ship-within-a-ship complex, The Haven.
Launch date: June
Number of passengers: 110
More than 140 years after the launch of its first luxury trains, the Orient Express legacy is taking to the seas with a futuristic vessel that will become the world’s largest sailing yacht. With an interior inspired by the golden age of the Orient Express, the floating palace will have vintage-style interiors and bespoke furnishings.
The exterior will be dominated by three 328-foot rigid sails which tilt to catch the wind. In suitable conditions the yacht will be propelled solely by wind power. The rest of the time it will run on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) which is currently the cleanest marine fuel.
Launch date: June
Number of passengers: 998
The world’s largest river cruise line is continuing to expand its ocean fleet with 10 more ships over the next six years, and first off the block is Viking Mira. While other cruise lines up the ante with each new ship, Viking resolutely sticks with what works. So this latest vessel will be a clone of all the ones that have gone before – and are yet to come – with sleek Scandinavian good looks.
The adult-only ship continues the Nordic vibe at both ends of the temperature scale with an ice grotto in the spa, complete with fresh snowfall each day, and a private sauna in the huge Owner’s Suite.
Launch date: June and September
Number of passengers: 130
In addition to river vessels, the largest river cruise line in America has an expanding fleet of coastal ships. Ideal for passengers who don’t like the idea of being ‘all at sea’, these ships hug the scenic East Coast and always sail within sight of land (which you’ll never miss as there are no inside cabins).
The 130-passenger American Maverick launches in the summer, followed in autumn by identical sibling vessel American Ranger. The hallmark of American Cruise Lines’ Patriot class vessels, which first debuted in 2025, are supersize Grand Suites and dedicated solo cabins with the luxury of a balcony.
Launch date: July
Number of passengers: 7,000
Get ready for more larger-than-life adventures on Legend of the Seas, the third ship in Royal Caribbean’s record-breaking Icon class. With sister ships Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, this behemoth is the biggest cruise ship in the world. It’s also coming your way, as it will be the first Icon ship to homeport in Europe during the maiden season.
It’s got the largest waterpark at sea, the most dining destinations and thrills including Crown’s Edge, a skywalk and ropes course where the floor can drop away at any second and send you soaring along a zipline over the sea.
Launch date: August
Number of passengers: 922
The third ship in MSC’s luxury lifestyle brand Explora Journeys promises more of the same, aside from the fact it will be the first in the fleet to be powered by LNG fuel. The stylish ship, with its classic lines, has plus ocean-facing suites which Explora describes as “Homes at Sea”, including a huge Owner’s Residence.
You can dine your way around the world in the restaurants, which include French-inspired Fil Rouge, the relaxed Med Yacht Club with its Mediterranean cuisine and the pan-Asian Sakura. There will also be indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, private cabanas and poolside dining.
Launch date: December
Number of passengers: 6,758
The second whopping ship to set sail in 2026 is MSC’s third World class vessel. The name follows the format of the two other World class ships – Europa and America – that pay homage to different continents, and it has signature design touches, experiences and features inspired by Asia.
The LNG-powered ship is divided into seven distinct zones, to help passengers find their way around and seek out their favourite spots. It also boasts one of MSC’s largest Yacht Clubs, the private all-suite enclave. Here you’ll find the new Royal Duplex Suites, which have two bedrooms and can accommodate up to six guests.
Launch date: December
Number of passengers: 224
While technically not a brand-new ship, Star Explorer will be undergoing the Windstar treatment to give it an all-new look and a new name which is why we’ve included it here. Built in 2019 as World Explorer and more recently chartered to Quark Expeditions, the says the vessel will have a comprehensive refurbishment, so it is “unmistakably Windstar”, prior to its maiden season with the small ship line.
Windstar fans will find plenty of familiar features on the ship, including the Amphora dining room, Star Grill, Yacht Club cafe and marina deck.
Launch Date: December
Number of Passengers: 998
Cue drum roll. For once there’s something new to say about the second Viking ship launching in 2026. And it’s pretty big news. Viking Libra will be the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating for periods of time with zero emissions. Setting a new benchmark for the industry, it will sail in some of the world’s most environmentally sensitive areas.
Elsewhere, there will be a sense of déjà vu as design-wise Viking Libra is a clone of the rest of the line’s stylish adult-only vessels. Standout spaces include the Aquavit Terrace, for indoor and al fresco dining, and a two-level observation lounge packed with nautical artefacts.
Launch date: December
Number of passengers: 822
If you want to stay in the Skyview Regent Suite on Seven Seas Prestige, you’d better start saving now. Double the size of the line’s previously most expensive suite, it’s also twice the price and will set you $27,000 (£20,640) a night. For that you’ll get a two-deck suite, high above the bridge, with two bedrooms, an expansive living room, gym, sauna and private lift.
Other features being unveiled on this ultra-luxury vessel, where all cabins have balconies, include the speciality restaurant Azure. Here you’ll find tasty mezze-style bites made for sharing and colourful mains inspired by countries such as Greece, Turkey and Egypt.
