Choosing the right cruise ship determines the quality of your vacation. Many travelers look forward to the launch of the upcoming new cruise ships because they offer the latest technology and fresh designs. The years 2026 and 2027 will see several massive ships enter the ocean. These ships cater to families, luxury seekers, and fans of specific brands. You can find massive waterparks on some and quiet, high-end suites on others. This list covers the latest upcoming cruise ships to book.
Best Upcoming New Cruise Ships of 2026
The year 2026 brings a diverse range of cruises to the ocean. Leading brands like Royal Caribbean and Disney are preparing to launch ships that focus on entertainment. Meanwhile, luxury lines are building smaller ships for more private experiences. These upcoming new cruise ships in 2026 will change how people travel across the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Asia and all-around world. Most of these ships are already open for booking. Travelers should plan early to secure the best cabins on these upcoming cruises in 2026.
Disney Adventure
Disney Cruise Line is expanding its reach to Asia with the Disney Adventure. This ship will be the largest in the Disney fleet, weighing 208,000 gross tons. It will homeport in Singapore starting in March 2026. The ship is unique because it was originally started by another company and then finished by Disney. It features seven themed areas inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Marvel stories. Families can explore the Disney Imagination Garden or visit Marvel Landing for a rollercoaster at sea.
The Disney Adventure will offer three- and four-night cruises to Malaysia and Thailand. These short trips are perfect for families in the region. The ship uses green methanol for fuel, making it an eco-friendly choice. Guests can enjoy Disney’s signature rotational dining, where they visit different restaurants each night. The ship can hold about 6,700 passengers and 2,500 crew members. It is a major highlight among upcoming new Disney cruise ships because of its scale and location.
Norwegian Luna
Norwegian Cruise Line will launch the Norwegian Luna in April 2026. This ship belongs to the Prima Plus Class and is 10 percent larger than previous Prima ships. It will sail from Miami to the Caribbean. The ship features a striking hull art design by artist Elle. One major attraction is the Aqua Slidecoaster. This ride combines a rollercoaster with a waterslide for a fast-paced experience. The ship also features a large Vibe Beach Club for adults who want a quiet space.
The entertainment on Norwegian Luna focuses on music and high energy. A new show called Rocket Man will celebrate the music of Elton John. The ship also hosts a 90s dance party and a tribute to the Eagles. For dining, guests can visit the Indulge Food Hall for a variety of global cuisines. The ship accommodates about 3,550 guests at double occupancy. It offers many suite options, including the Haven, which is a private area with its own pool and lounge. It is one of the most exciting new upcoming cruise ships.
Viking Libra and Viking Mira
Viking continues to build its fleet of small ocean ships. The Viking Mira will debut in 2026, followed by the Viking Libra. These ships are identical and carry only 998 guests. Their small size allows them to enter ports that large mega-ships cannot reach. Both vessels feature an all-veranda design, meaning every stateroom has a private outdoor space. The interior design follows a clean Scandinavian style with lots of light wood and natural materials. There are no casinos or children’s areas on these ships.
Viking Mira will focus on cultural enrichment and quiet travel. Guests can enjoy the Nordic Spa, which includes a snow room and a sauna. The ship offers multiple dining venues, such as Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and the World Café. There are no extra charges for specialty dining or wine with lunch and dinner. These ships provide a peaceful environment for adults. They will sail in regions like the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. They are excellent choices for travelers who prefer a calm and sophisticated atmosphere.
Legend of the Seas
Royal Caribbean will add Legend of the Seas to its fleet in the summer of 2026. This ship is the third in the Icon Class. It follows the success of Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. The vessel will carry up to 7,600 passengers. It will take its first season in Europe, sailing from Barcelona. This is the first time an Icon Class ship will be homeported in the Mediterranean. It offers the same massive waterpark and neighborhood concepts found on its sister ships.
Guests can enjoy the Category 6 waterpark, which features six record-breaking slides. The ship also includes the AquaDome for high diving shows and the Pearl for striking views. One new feature is the Royal Railway restaurant. This venue offers a dining experience themed after the Silk Road in Asia. It uses digital screens to make guests feel like they are traveling on a train through different landscapes. As a new cruise ship, it sets up a high bar for family entertainment and large-scale attractions.
Explora III
Explora Journeys is a newer brand that focuses on a yacht-like feel. Explora III will launch in the summer of 2026. This ship is the first in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas. It features 463 oceanfront suites and penthouses. The design emphasizes a connection to the sea with large windows and open-air decks. Guests can enjoy five heated pools and a large wellness center. The ship has a very high ratio of space to guests, ensuring it never feels crowded.
The dining experience on Explora III is diverse. It includes six different restaurants and several bars. Guests can eat pan-Asian food at Sakura or enjoy a steak at Marble & Co. Grill. The ship will start its season in Northern Europe before moving to the Caribbean for the winter. It caters to travelers who want a modern and refined environment. The service is personalized, and the atmosphere is relaxed. It represents a new way to experience high-end cruising on upcoming new cruise ships.
MSC World Asia
MSC Cruises continues its expansion with the MSC World Asia. This vessel is the third in the World Class series. It uses liquefied natural gas for cleaner operations. The ship features an Asian-inspired design and will sail in the Mediterranean starting in December 2026. Guests can see a massive dragon sculpture in the World Promenade. This sculpture is 12 meters long and shines with thousands of LED lights. The ship also includes the Spiral @ Tree of Life, a dry slide that drops through 11 decks.
The dining on MSC World Asia reflects its name. A new pan-Asian street food venue will serve dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. Families will enjoy the Harbour district, which offers an outdoor park and a high ropes course. The ship also introduces the Royal Duplex Suite for luxury travelers. This suite has two bedrooms and a private whirlpool. With a capacity of over 6,700 guests, this ship provides a lot of space for relaxation and play. It is a top choice for upcoming cruise ships.
Seven Seas Prestige
Luxury travelers are waiting for the Seven Seas Prestige. This ship launches in December 2026 as the first in the Prestige Class. It is designed to offer a high amount of space per guest. The vessel carries only 822 passengers, which allows for a very personal experience. It will sail from Barcelona to Miami on its first voyage. The ship features the Starlight Atrium, a two-deck space with a grand design. Every room on this ship is a suite with a private balcony.
The most expensive room is the Regent Suite, which covers nearly 4,000 square feet. It includes a private spa and a personal butler. Dining options include several fine-dining restaurants that serve gourmet food. The ship also has a large wellness center with a sauna and steam room. This vessel aims to redefine luxury at sea with its quiet elegance and attentive service. For those who want the best experience, this is the top upcoming cruise ship choice in the luxury market.
Best Upcoming New Cruise Ships of 2027
The year 2027 will see the arrival of even more impressive vessels. These ships will bring new themes and better technology to the sea. From massive family resorts to specialized river ships, the variety is growing. These upcoming new cruise ships 2027 will expand the fleets of major companies and introduce new classes of travel. If you want to be among the first to see these innovations, you should watch booking announcements soon and book a cruise earlier.
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Cruise Line will launch the Carnival Festivale in May 2027. This ship is part of the Excel Class and will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida. The theme of the ship is music and how it brings people together. It will feature several new zones, including Studio 724. This area is inspired by the music-making process and includes live performances and craft cocktails. The ship also has a zone called The Festival, which recreates the energy of an outdoor music event.
The Carnival Festivale will be a great choice for families. It includes the largest waterpark in Carnival’s history, with six different waterslides. The ship also features a mini-golf course and an adventure trail with netted bridges. It can hold over 5,000 guests and offers many connecting rooms for large groups. Guests can enjoy popular Carnival features like Guy’s Burger Joint and the BOLT rollercoaster. As one of the upcoming new carnival cruise ships, it promises a fun and loud vacation experience.
Viking Astrea and Viking Brahmaputra
Viking is expanding its river cruise options in 2027 with the Viking Astrea and Viking Brahmaputra. These ships are built for specific rivers and offer a very different experience than ocean cruising. The Viking Brahmaputra is designed to navigate the Brahmaputra River in India. It carries only 80 guests, making it a very intimate vessel. The ship features a Scandinavian design with large windows for viewing the river landscape. It includes a restaurant, a lounge, and a spa area on board.
The Viking Astrea will also debut in 2027, focusing on European rivers. These river ships offer a way to see the heart of a country by stopping in small towns. Every stateroom on these ships is designed for comfort, with many featuring balconies. Viking includes a free shore excursion in every port, which helps guests learn about local history. These ships are popular with travelers who enjoy history and scenic views. They are important additions to the list of upcoming cruise ships for 2027.
Explora IV
Explora IV is scheduled to join the Explora Journeys fleet in 2027. This vessel continues the brand's commitment to sustainable luxury. It is the second ship in the fleet to use LNG power. It will feature 461 ocean-view suites, each with a private terrace. The ship has a boutique hotel feel with 14 decks of luxury. Guests can find 11 different bars and lounges on board. This variety ensures that every traveler can find a spot that fits their mood.
Explora IV will offer journeys through Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. It features four pools and a large outdoor fitness area. The Ocean Wellness Spa provides treatments inspired by the sea. For entertainment, guests can visit the Journeys Lounge for live music or the casino for table games. The ship maintains a high ratio of crew to guests to provide excellent service. It is a great choice for those who want a sophisticated and environmentally friendly vacation on new upcoming cruise ships.
Oceania Sonata
Oceania Cruises will introduce a new class of ships with the Oceania Sonata in August 2027. This ship is designed to carry 1,390 guests, offering a mid-size luxury experience. It focuses heavily on gourmet food and immersive travel. The Oceania Sonata will debut two new dining concepts that have never been seen at sea. One of these is La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, which serves high-end French cuisine. This restaurant will offer an intimate setting for only 18 guests per night.
The ship also keeps popular venues like Red Ginger and Polo Grill. The interior design will be elegant and modern, with a focus on comfortable public spaces. It will sail to various destinations around the world, offering longer stays in port. The service on Oceania is known for being attentive without being formal. This ship is perfect for travelers who prioritize dining and cultural discovery. It marks an important evolution for the brand as a new cruise ship for the 2027 season.
MSC World Atlantic
MSC Cruises will launch the MSC World Atlantic in 2027. This ship is the fourth and final vessel in the World Class series. It will be homeported in Florida and sail through the Caribbean. Like its sister ships, it features a unique Y-shaped aft and a long promenade. The ship can hold over 6,800 passengers across 22 decks. It is designed to be one of the greenest ships in the world. It uses LNG engines and can connect to shore power to reduce emissions.
The MSC World Atlantic will have 19 restaurants and 18 bars. It features the Harbour family area, which includes a waterpark and a VR raft slide. The World Galleria will be a large indoor space with a kinetic LED ceiling. Guests can enjoy three levels of shopping and entertainment in this area. The ship also includes an enhanced Yacht Club for those who want a private, upscale experience. This ship is a strong contender for those looking at upcoming new cruise ships 2027.
The next few years are full of exciting launches for the cruise industry. Whether you want a giant ship with a rollercoaster or a small ship with fine dining, there is a choice for you. Many of these ships focus on sustainability by using cleaner fuels. They also offer more space and better technology than older vessels. You can start looking at itineraries now to find the perfect trip for 2026 or 2027. Book your cruise now.
