New Ocean Cruise Ships Launching in 2026
New Ocean Cruise Ships Launching in 2026: Complete Guide
Updated January 2026
A look at all the new ocean cruise ships launching in 2026, from ultra-luxury yachts and expedition vessels to the latest generation of mega-ships. Image: Canva AI Generated
2026 is shaping up to be one of the most important years in cruising for over a decade. From ultra-luxury yachts and expedition vessels to some of the largest cruise ships ever built, the year brings a wave of new ships that reflect the industry’s future. Sustainability, spacious layouts, destination-focused itineraries and next-generation onboard experiences all play a role.
This is the complete Cruise Lowdown guide to all new ocean cruise ships scheduled to debut in 2026, listed in chronological launch order with dimensions, key highlights and editorial summaries for each vessel.
Find out more about these ships on the cruise line’s official website via links in text. Launch details are correct at time of publication.
Comparison Table of All 15 New Cruise Ships for 2026
Comparison table of all new cruise ships launching 2026. Image: Kathy Taylor, Cruise Lowdown
January 2026
Four Seasons I
Cruise Line: Four Seasons Yachts
Ship Type: Luxury ocean yacht
Gross Tonnage: Not publicly disclosed
Length: Not publicly disclosed
Guest Capacity: Approx. 190
Accommodation: All-suite
Key Highlights
Residential-style all-suite design
Expansive private terraces and marina access
Focus on wellness, spa and personalised service
Overview
Four Seasons Yachts’ first ocean yacht, Four Seasons I, is the hotel brand’s first move into ocean cruising. It prioritises space, privacy and bespoke experiences over traditional entertainment, offering an intimate, resort-like experience for luxury travellers.
March 2026
Norwegian Luna
Norwegian Luna debuting in 2026. Image: Norwegian Cruise Line
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Class: Prima Plus
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 156,300 GT
Length: Approx. 322 metres
Guest Capacity: Approx. 3,550 (double occupancy)
Key Highlights
Aqua Slidecoaster hybrid attraction
Expanded Ocean Boulevard outdoor promenade
Enhanced Haven suite complex
Larger footprint than earlier Prima Class ships
Overview
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Luna represents the next stage of NCL’s Prima Class concept, combining premium spaces with high-energy attractions. It balances entertainment, outdoor living and flexible dining for modern cruisers.
Spring 2026
Disney Adventure
Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line
Class: Global Class
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 208,000 GT
Length: Approx. 342 metres
Guest Capacity: Approx. 6,000
Key Highlights
Largest ship in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet
Multiple immersive themed zones
Broadway-style shows and character experiences
Singapore homeport
Overview
Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure marks the brand’s first permanent move into Asia. It delivers family entertainment at scale while bringing the Disney storytelling experience to a new region.
June 2026
Orient Express Corinthian
Cruise Line: Orient Express
Ship Type: Luxury sailing yacht
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 26,200 GT
Length: Approx. 220 metres
Guest Capacity: Approx. 110
Accommodation: All-suite
Key Highlights
Largest luxury sailing yacht in the world
Three solid sails with LNG-assisted propulsion
All-suite accommodation with terraces
Focus on design, gastronomy and slow travel
Overview
Orient Express Corinthian luxury sailing yacht blends traditional sailing with modern hotel-style design. It is aimed at travellers who value intimacy, craftsmanship and unhurried itineraries over conventional cruise entertainment.
Viking Mira
Cruise Line: Viking Ocean Cruises
Class: Viking Ocean
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 54,300 GT
Guest Capacity: 998
Key Highlights
All-veranda staterooms
Scandinavian design aesthetic
Adults-only environment
Strong cultural enrichment program
Overview
Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Mira continues Viking’s signature model: calm, refined cruising focused on destination immersion. It appeals to travellers prioritising space, comfort and curated shore experiences.
July 2026
Mein Schiff Flow
Cruise Line: TUI Cruises
Class: InTUItion Class
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 161,000 GT
Length: Approx. 333 metres
Guest Capacity: Approx. 4,000
Key Highlights
LNG dual-fuel propulsion
Wellness-focused deck areas
Relaxed, premium experience for European market
Overview
TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff Flow strengthens the brand’s premium positioning. It combines large-ship amenities with a calmer, wellness-oriented onboard atmosphere, appealing to European cruisers seeking a modern, inclusive experience.
Explora III
Cruise Line: Explora Journeys
Class: Explora Class
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 63,900 GT
Guest Capacity: Approx. 922
Key Highlights
LNG-powered propulsion
Large oceanfront suites and residences
Multiple pools and wellness areas
Focus on slow travel and longer port stays
Overview
Explora Journey’s Explora III bridges contemporary lifestyle cruising with luxury. It prioritises space, design and immersive itineraries for travellers who want refined comfort without formality.
Legend of the Seas
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
Class: Icon Class
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 250,000 GT
Guest Capacity: Approx. 7,000
New for 2026 - Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas. Image: Royal Caribbean
Key Highlights
Neighbourhood-style layout
Large-scale water attractions
Family entertainment zones
Advanced environmental technology
Overview
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas continues Royal Caribbean’s tradition of experience-driven mega-ships. It combines record-breaking attractions with more efficient design, ideal for families and thrill-seekers.
November 2026
Magellan Discoverer
Cruise Line: Antarctica21
Ship Type: Expedition cruise ship
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 9,500 GT
Length: Approx. 100 metres
Guest Capacity: Approx. 100
Key Highlights
Hybrid-electric propulsion
Purpose-built for polar conditions
High ice-class rating
Small-ship expedition layout
Overview
Antarctica21’s Magellan Discoverer is designed for expedition cruising rather than traditional ocean voyages. It supports Antarctica fly-cruise itineraries, highlighting the growing demand for low-impact, small-ship adventure travel.
December 2026
Viking Libra
Cruise Line: Viking Ocean Cruises
Class: Viking Ocean
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 54,300 GT
Guest Capacity: 998
Key Highlights
Hydrogen-powered propulsion
All-veranda staterooms
Adults-only itineraries
Emphasis on sustainability
Overview
Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Libra becomes the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship. It shows how new technology can be integrated into ultra-luxury, adults-only cruising while maintaining Viking’s destination focus.
MSC World Asia
Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
Class: World Class
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 215,863 GT
Guest Capacity: Approx. 6,762
Key Highlights
Seven onboard districts
LNG-powered propulsion
Extensive dining and entertainment venues
Large-scale ship design for the Asian and global markets
Overview
MSC Cruises’ MSC World Asia is the largest ship launching in 2026. Its scale and amenities demonstrate MSC’s continued expansion in mega-ships while emphasising LNG-powered environmental technology.
Seven Seas Prestige
Cruise Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Class: Prestige Class
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 76,550 GT
Length: Approx. 257 metres
Guest Capacity: 822
Key Highlights
All-suite accommodation with private balconies
High space-to-guest ratio
Inclusive luxury fare
New ship class for Regent
Overview
Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Prestige introduces a new generation of ultra-luxury cruising. With fewer guests, expansive suites and highly inclusive offerings, it targets travellers seeking personalised, high-end experiences.
Star Explorer
Cruise Line: Windstar Cruises
Ship Type: All-suite motor yacht
Guest Capacity: 224
Key Highlights
Small-ship, all-suite design
Marina platform for water sports
Access to smaller ports
Informal, yacht-style atmosphere
Overview
Windstar Cruises’ Star Explorer offers intimate cruising and access to ports larger ships cannot reach. It is ideal for travellers who prefer personal service, relaxed onboard environments and niche destinations.
Adora Flora City
Cruise Line: Adora Cruises
Class: Vista Class
Gross Tonnage: Approx. 135,500 GT
Length: Approx. 323 metres
Guest Capacity: Approx. 5,200
Key Highlights
Designed for the Chinese cruise market
LNG-powered propulsion
Large-scale entertainment and dining
Second Vista Class ship for Adora Cruises
Overview
Adora Flora City reflects the growth of the Chinese cruise market. Tailored to regional preferences, it signals the localisation of large-scale cruise design and investment in domestic itineraries.
What this means for cruisers in 2026
2026 showcases a clear divergence in cruising styles. Ultra-luxury yachts like Four Seasons I and Orient Express Corinthian cater to private, design-focused experiences. Adults-only vessels such as Viking Mira and Libra focus on calm, culturally rich itineraries. Mega-ships like MSC World Asia and Disney Adventure target families and entertainment-led cruises, while expedition vessels such as Magellan Discoverer highlight small-ship adventure in remote regions.
For travellers, this means more choice than ever. Whether you prefer intimate yachts, high-end luxury, large-scale family ships or polar expeditions, 2026 offers a diverse spectrum of new cruising options, signalling an era of innovation, sustainability and more personalised experiences at sea.