Coming in 2026: New Cruises to Watch

2026 is already shaping up to be a huge year for cruising. A fresh wave of brand-new ships is on the way, from mega-resorts loaded with thrills to intimate, ultra-luxury yachts that feel more like boutique hotels at sea.

In this blog, we will highlight some of the most exciting new ships launching in 2026, then break them down by destination so you can see which ones will be sailing to your favorite regions. If you like planning ahead, this is your sneak peek at the ships that will be making headlines, social feeds, and bucket lists next year.

Spotlight: New Cruise Ships Launching in 2026

Four Seasons I – Four Seasons Yachts

Launching January 2026

Luxury hotel brand Four Seasons is officially going to sea. Four Seasons I is a 190-guest superyacht that focuses on space, privacy, and five-star service. There are only 95 suites, and each one has floor to ceiling windows and a private terrace. The over-the-top Funnel Suite spans four decks, includes more than 9,000 square feet of space, and even has its own wading pool and spa.

Food will be a highlight. Expect 11 elevated restaurants and lounges, including a fine dining venue that will host Michelin-level guest chefs and a tiny 16-seat omakase sushi bar. Onboard, guests can relax at a full-service spa, stretch out by the pool, or step right into the sea from the yacht’s marina platform.

Four Seasons I is scheduled to debut with seven-night Caribbean itineraries such as Barbados to Aruba, then reposition to the Mediterranean later in 2026. If you want the Four Seasons experience in yacht form, this is one to watch.

Star Seeker – Windstar Cruises

Launching January 2026

Windstar will welcome Star Seeker in early 2026. This all-suite ship carries just 224 guests and blends small ship intimacy with several new features. Most of the 112 suites offer full private verandas or floor to ceiling infinity windows, so sea views are never far away.

Guests can choose from five included dining venues, such as Basil + Bamboo for creative cuisine and a casual cafe for light bites. Decor is calm and nature inspired, and a new infinity style Watersports Platform at the stern lets you swim and enjoy water toys directly from the ship when conditions allow.

Star Seeker will cross the Atlantic from Málaga to Miami in January, then begin a Caribbean season. In summer 2026, the ship will head to Alaska for a full season of coastal and fjord sailings that larger ships cannot reach. Late in the year, Star Seeker continues on to Asia, bringing Windstar back to Japan and Southeast Asia with an all-new yacht.

Emerald Kaia – Emerald Cruises

Launching April 2026

Emerald Kaia joins Emerald Cruises’ luxury yacht fleet in spring 2026 with space for 128 guests. The design focuses on airy, indoor-outdoor living. About 88 percent of the 64 cabins include private balconies. Even standard Balcony Suites are roomy for a yacht at around 340 sq. feet. The largest suites have expansive terraces and the Owner’s Suite has its own private spa pool.

Around the ship, you will find an Observation Deck at the bow with a spa pool, a refreshed Sky Deck with cabanas, and a larger fitness center with open air access. A Marina Deck at water level makes it easy to paddleboard, snorkel, or use water toys.

Dining is intimate and upscale. La Cucina Dining & Terrace serves farm-to-table cuisine with open kitchen views. Night Market Grill offers an eight-seat tasting menu experience inspired by Asian street food.

Emerald Kaia’s maiden voyage is an 11-day cruise from Cyprus to Athens in April 2026. The inaugural season will focus on the Eastern Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic, then expand to include exotic sailings to the Seychelles later in the year.

Norwegian Luna – Norwegian Cruise Line

Launching April 2026

Norwegian Luna is the next Prima Plus class ship for Norwegian Cruise Line and will arrive in April 2026. It is about 10 percent larger than Norwegian Prima and Viva, and will be based in Miami for its first season, sailing seven-night Caribbean itineraries starting April 4.

Western Caribbean cruises will visit ports such as Roatán, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Harvest Caye. Eastern Caribbean routes will call on Puerto Plata, Tortola, St. Thomas, and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island.

Onboard, Norwegian Luna introduces several new thrills. The Aqua Slidecoaster is a hybrid water slide and roller coaster with dual racing slides and a magnetic launch that propels riders around three decks near the funnel. The Drop is a 10-deck dry slide for a fast freefall experience. Glow Court serves as a digital sports court by day and becomes a neon lit nightclub at night.

In the Haven ship within a ship enclave, Luna debuts three-bedroom duplex Haven Suites with two levels, a private balcony, and even an in-suite sauna. Haven guests enjoy dedicated butlers and an exclusive infinity pool and sundeck. Elsewhere, you will find Norwegian favorites such as the Ocean Boulevard promenade, Indulge Food Hall, infinity pools, and a new Thai specialty restaurant, Sukhothai. Entertainment is also getting a boost with plans for an Elton John themed production show.

If you like big new ships with lots of choice and a very social vibe, Norwegian Luna will be a strong pick for a 2026 Caribbean cruise.

Legend of the Seas – Royal Caribbean International

Launching July 2026

Legend of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s third Icon class ship and one of the largest cruise ships ever built. It will carry over 5,600 guests at double occupancy and up to around 7,000 with all berths filled.

Legend will debut in Europe as the first Icon class ship to sail the Mediterranean. Its inaugural voyage is a seven-night Western Med cruise round trip from Barcelona on August 2, 2026. After a summer of three-to-seven-night Med cruises from Barcelona and Rome, Legend of the Seas will move to Fort Lauderdale in November 2026 for year-round Caribbean sailings. Expect six-night Western and eight-night Southern Caribbean itineraries from South Florida.

Onboard, Legend will showcase 28 different dining options, more than any other ship at sea. New concepts include Hollywoodland Supper Club, a jazz and dinner experience inspired by classic Hollywood, and Royal Railway – Legend Station, an immersive restaurant that feels like dining on a train as you “travel” along the Silk Road with a themed tasting menu.

The ship will also feature Royal Caribbean signatures such as the largest water park at sea, surf simulators, rock climbing walls, and the Icon class neighborhoods including Surfside for families, Central Park, and the high tech Aquadome. A full-scale production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is slated to headline the main theater. Legend of the Seas will run on LNG fuel and include advanced environmental technology, adding a greener edge to its big ship fun.

 Orient Express Corinthian – Orient Express Yachts

Launching June 2026

Orient Express Corinthian brings the legendary Orient Express brand to the sea as the world’s largest sailing yacht. Carrying 108 guests in 54 suites, this ship focuses on intimacy, elegance, and sustainable technology.

Three 100-meter masts support 4,500 square meters of SolidSail rigid sails that can propel the 220-meter yacht at up to 17 knots when wind conditions are favorable. A hybrid LNG electric engine provides backup power and efficiency, while solar panels, advanced wastewater systems, and AI-assisted systems designed to reduce impact on marine life support its eco-friendly mission.

Suites are generously sized with panoramic sea views. Entry level accommodations are already over 430 sq. feet, and the top penthouse duplex suites come with private terraces and jacuzzis. Interior design draws on Art Deco heritage with modern touches and rich materials.

Guests can choose from five main restaurants, including La Table Orient Express by Chef Yannick Alléno, plus several bars and lounges, a Guerlain spa, a cinema, a recording studio, and an amphitheater for live performances.

Corinthian will begin with four- and six-night cruises along the French and Italian Rivieras out of Marseille in summer 2026, then sail a 14-night Lisbon to Barbados crossing to start a winter Caribbean season. For travelers seeking the romance of sail with six-star comforts, this ship will be a standout.

Viking Mira – Viking Ocean Cruises

Launching June 2026

Viking Mira expands Viking’s ocean fleet in June 2026. The ship carries 998 guests and follows Viking’s familiar adults only, all veranda design.

All cabins include private balconies, king beds, and heated bathroom floors. The style is clean and Scandinavian with light woods and abundant natural light. The largest Owner’s Suite includes more than 1,400 sq. feet of space, a private sauna, and a combined boardroom and dining room.

The Nordic Spa is one of the highlights, featuring a full Scandinavian thermal circuit with a steam room, sauna, snow grotto, and plunge pool. The two-deck Explorer’s Lounge at the bow is wrapped in glass for panoramic views.

Dining includes Viking favorites such as Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, The Chef’s Table with rotating regional tasting menus, the World Café, Aquavit Terrace, and Mamsen’s deli.

Viking Mira’s maiden voyage is a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Rome on June 5, 2026. After its Med debut, the ship is expected to sail Northern Europe itineraries around the British Isles and Scandinavia. As with other Viking ships, you can expect a quiet, culture-focused cruise with many inclusions.

MSC World Asia – MSC Cruises

Launching December 2026

MSC World Asia is the third ship in MSC’s World class, and the only brand-new mega ship set to launch at the end of 2026. It will carry around 5,400 guests at double occupancy and showcases a strong Asian design influence even though its first year will be in Europe.

The interior promenade will be a visual centerpiece with a 39-foot stainless steel dragon sculpture overhead, inlaid with mirrors and LED lights. The Spiral @ Tree of Life will be the longest dry slide at sea, dropping riders down 12 decks in a sleek metallic tube.

On deck, The Harbor will bring a family fun zone with a ropes course, aqua park, playground, and Cliffhanger, an over water swing ride high above the sea. The Clubhouse nearby will offer bumper cars, roller skating, arcade games, and a LEGO play area.

World Asia will have more than 40 bars and restaurants. A new Pan Asian Street Food venue will specialize in Southeast Asian flavors in a casual setting. Guests staying in the expanded MSC Yacht Club will enjoy the line’s largest private suite enclave yet, with its own pool, lounge, restaurant, and a new two-level Royal Duplex Suite.

The inaugural cruise is planned as a seven-night round trip from Barcelona on December 4, 2026, visiting Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina, and Malta. The ship will continue with similar Western Med routes into 2027. Powered by LNG and equipped with modern environmental systems, MSC World Asia combines big ship thrills with a focus on sustainability.

Seven Seas Prestige – Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Launching December 2026

Seven Seas Prestige brings ultra luxury line Regent its first new ship in more than six years and will become the largest vessel in the Regent fleet. It carries 822 guests in all suite, all balcony accommodations.

The ship is about 40 percent larger than prior Regent ships but hosts only 10 percent more passengers, which translates to very generous space per guest. Suite categories span 12 levels. Deluxe Veranda Suites start at roughly 300 sq. feet, while at the top, the two-level Skyview Regent Suite offers nearly 8,800 sq. feet including a wraparound veranda, two bedrooms, private spa room, gym, sauna, and a serene lounge. Guests in this suite enjoy a private car and guide in every port, unlimited in-suite spa treatments, and a dedicated butler.

Seven Seas Prestige will feature 11 dining and bar venues. New concepts such as Azure, a Mediterranean mezze and tapas restaurant, will join Regent favorites like Compass Rose, Chartreuse, and Prime 7. The Serene Spa & Wellness center will offer a full range of treatments and curated wellness shore experiences.

The maiden voyage is a 14-night Barcelona to Miami crossing in December 2026. From there, Seven Seas Prestige will focus on the Caribbean and Panama Canal region for its first winter, with Regent’s typical all-inclusive approach that covers dining, drinks, excursions, Wi-Fi, and gratuities.

Star Explorer – Windstar Cruises

Launching December 2026

Star Explorer is Windstar’s second new all suite yacht and sister to Star Seeker. The ship also carries 224 guests in 112 suites and maintains Windstar’s casual yet upscale style.

What makes Star Explorer unique is where it can go. Its small size and shallow draft allow it to sail into rivers and smaller harbors that big ships cannot reach. Planned routes include sailing up the Garonne to Bordeaux, navigating the Seine to Rouen for access to Paris, and even docking near Tower Bridge on the Thames in London. The ship will also be able to visit small ports like San Sebastián and Saint Jean de Luz.

Star Explorer will stay in Europe year-round. Expect winter and shoulder season itineraries that visit the Mediterranean and Northern Europe when most other lines have moved on. Guests will enjoy Windstar favorites such as the Yacht Club Café, the Star Bar, and the watersports platform at the stern. Dining is expected to mirror Star Seeker’s multiple included restaurants and James Beard Foundation inspired menus.

The inaugural voyage is planned as an eight-night round trip from Barcelona right after Christmas 2026. In 2027, the ship will expand into a broader mix of European itineraries focused on in depth exploring.

American Maverick & American Ranger – American Cruise Lines

Launching June and September 2026

American Cruise Lines is adding two small coastal ships in 2026: American Maverick in June and American Ranger in September. Each carries 130 guests and is designed for domestic U.S. rivers, lakes, and coastal routes.

All cabins have private balconies, including solo cabins for individual travelers. Public spaces include roomy lounges with large windows, a top deck lounge and walking track, and a main dining room with panoramic views. An elevator connects all decks and self-service laundry facilities cater to longer journeys.

These ships will operate a range of itineraries. American Maverick is expected to start with East Coast and Great Lakes cruises in summer 2026, including new all U.S. Great Lakes routes such as Upper Peninsula & Lake Michigan and Lake Erie & Niagara Falls. In fall, the ships may operate Hudson River fall foliage cruises and New England coastal sailings.

American Ranger’s late 2026 plans include Southeast and Gulf itineraries such as Great Smoky Mountains River cruises and Gulf Coast routes between New Orleans and Florida. American Cruise Lines includes shore excursions, lectures, wine and beer with meals, and a pre-cruise hotel stay in the fare, which makes these new small ships appealing for travelers looking for easy, close to home exploration.

EXPLORA III – Explora Journeys

Launching August 2026

EXPLORA III is the third luxury ship from Explora Journeys, MSC Group’s new high-end brand, and will launch in August 2026. It will be the first Explora ship powered by LNG, aligning with the brand’s sustainability goals.

The ship offers 463 oceanfront suites, penthouses, and residences for around 926 guests, all with private terraces. Suites are designed to feel residential, with marble bathrooms, rain showers (and bathtubs in higher categories), walk-in closets, and thoughtful amenities like binoculars and espresso machines.

Outdoor space includes four pool areas, including a covered pool with a retractable glass roof and an aft infinity pool. There are cabanas and daybeds everywhere for relaxed sea watching.

Six main restaurants and multiple casual venues cover cuisines from pan Asian at Sakura to classic steakhouse offerings at Marble & Co. Grill, refined Italian, and global tasting menus at Chef’s Kitchen. A dozen bars and lounges, from a whisky lounge to poolside bars, create a lively yet polished atmosphere.

EXPLORA III’s maiden voyage is a seven-night Barcelona to Lisbon cruise on August 3, 2026. After its Mediterranean debut, the ship will sail Northern Europe, Greenland, and Iceland, then cross to North America’s East Coast before finishing the year in the Caribbean. Onboard, guests can expect an extensive spa and wellness program, curated cultural experiences, and inclusive touches that focus on destination immersion.

Caribbean – New Ships Sailing Warm Waters

If a Caribbean escape is on your wish list, 2026 will give you plenty of new options.

• Norwegian Luna will homeport in Miami starting April 2026 with weekly Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries that feature stops like Roatán, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Puerto Plata, Tortola, St. Thomas, and Great Stirrup Cay.
• Legend of the Seas will arrive in Florida in November 2026 and operate six- and eight-night Western and Southern Caribbean routes from Fort Lauderdale that may include Perfect Day at CocoCay, Jamaica, Aruba, and Curaçao.
• Seven Seas Prestige will position to Miami for winter 2026 and early 2027 for ultra luxury Caribbean and Panama Canal sailings.
• Four Seasons I will spend winter 2026 in the Caribbean with exclusive seven-night yacht itineraries in the Lesser Antilles.
• EXPLORA III will reach the Caribbean toward the end of 2026 after Northern Europe and North America.
• American Maverick and American Ranger will offer coastal cruises around Florida, the Keys, and the Southeast United States for those who want a domestic spin on warm weather sailing.

Europe & The Mediterranean – Fresh Ships on Classic Routes

Europe will be a major playground for new ships in 2026.

• Legend of the Seas will spend its first summer offering three-to-seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona and Rome.
• EXPLORA III debuts in the Mediterranean, including routes that connect the Spanish Riviera, French and Italian coasts, and Greek Isles.
• Four Seasons I is expected to operate Mediterranean yacht voyages by mid-2026.
• Orient Express Corinthian will focus on the French and Italian Rivieras and nearby Med ports on intimate four- and six-night cruises.
• Star Seeker will join Windstar’s European lineup later in 2026, and Star Explorer will remain in Europe all year, exploring the Med, rivers, and Northern Europe including smaller ports and winter itineraries.
• Viking Mira will transition from the Med into Northern Europe with British Isles and Scandinavian voyages.
• MSC World Asia will spend its first full year in the Western Mediterranean with seven-night itineraries from Barcelona, Marseille, and Genoa.

North America & Alaska – Close to Home and Scenic

Several of these new ships will sail North American waters.

• Star Seeker will spend summer 2026 in Alaska, navigating narrow channels and remote ports that larger ships cannot reach and offering kayaking and paddle boarding directly from the ship.
• American Maverick and American Ranger will serve Great Lakes routes such as Upper Peninsula & Lake Michigan and Lake Erie & Niagara Falls in summer 2026, then shift into Hudson River foliage cruises and Southeast River and Gulf Coast itineraries in fall and winter.
• EXPLORA III will cross the Atlantic to North America’s East Coast in fall, visiting Canadian Maritimes and New England ports before continuing to the Caribbean.
• Seven Seas Prestige will include transatlantic and possibly Canada New England style voyages as it repositions before settling into its winter schedule.

If you want to stay closer to home but still try one of the newest ships in the industry, 2026 will give you several interesting options.

Asia, Polar Regions and Other Exotic Routes

For travelers looking further afield, a few of these ships will venture into more exotic territory.

• Star Seeker will head to Japan and Southeast Asia in late 2026 for boutique small port itineraries.
• EXPLORA III will include Greenland and Iceland on its first-year route map and could continue toward South America by 2027, offering more far-flung journeys.
• Orient Express Corinthian will transition from the Med to the Caribbean for winter sailings that feel like an old-world sailing yacht getaway.

While not all of these deployments are fully confirmed yet, these brands have signaled that these new builds are intended for global roaming. Expect more detailed itineraries to roll out as launch dates get closer.

The ships launching in 2026 cover nearly every type of cruise experience. You will see:

• Mega ships like Legend of the Seas, Norwegian Luna, and MSC World Asia that raise the bar on entertainment, water parks, dining, and family fun.

• Yacht style ships such as Four Seasons I, Star Seeker, Star Explorer, Emerald Kaia, EXPLORA III, and Orient Express Corinthian that offer an intimate, high end feel with access to smaller ports.

• Ultra luxury options including Seven Seas Prestige and Viking Mira for travelers who value space, quiet, and all-inclusive comfort.

• Small domestic ships such as American Maverick and American Ranger opening new routes on U.S. rivers, lakes, and coasts.

If you like to be among the first on a new ship, now is the time to start watching for inaugural sailing and early season itineraries. Many of these 2026 voyages are already open for booking, and the most special routes often sell out quickly.

Whether your ideal trip is a big family adventure on a record-breaking ship or a peaceful week on a small yacht tucked into hidden harbors, the class of 2026 has something that fits.

You bring the bucket list. These new ships will bring new horizons.