Setting Sail in 2026: The 7 Most Anticipated New Cruise Ships
The year 2026 is shaping up to be a dream come true for cruise lovers, with more than a dozen new ships ready to set sail. But be warned, not all cruise ships are created equal. We’ve dived beneath the waves to bring you our selection of the seven most anticipated floating marvels that will leave us breathless in 2026. Get ready to dream about your next adventure!
1. Disney Adventure (Disney Cruise Line)
Sails: March 5, 2026
Hold on tight! The Disney Adventure promises to be the crown jewel of 2026. It will be the giant of the Disney fleet, the first to exceed 200,000 gross tons. Did you know its story is almost as magical as the ship itself? It was born from a design for another company, and Disney rescued it mid-construction to transform it into the ultimate Disney experience.
Imagine this:
- An Iron Man-themed roller coaster, the longest at sea! Are you ready to feel the adrenaline with your favorite superheroes?
- Other incredible attractions in the “Adventure Zone” like Pym Quantum Racers and Groot Galaxy Spin. The fun has no limits!
- “Toy Story Place,” a water park where the little ones (and the not-so-little ones) will go wild with pools, slides, and interactive water jets.
- Seven themed zones that will immerse you in different worlds, with the impressive “Disney Imagination Garden” as the vibrant heart of the ship.
This ship awaits you for short three- and four-day cruises, sailing from exotic Singapore. The magic of Disney is coming to Asia!
2. Norwegian Luna (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Sails: March 10, 2026
Welcome the Norwegian Luna, the second ship in NCL’s innovative Prima Plus class. Bigger, more spacious, and with 10% more capacity than its Prima siblings, this 156,300-gross-ton, 321-meter-long ship is designed for endless fun, with room for 3,550 passengers.
What awaits you on board?
- The Ocean Boulevard, an outdoor walkway that wraps around the ship, perfect for strolls with infinite ocean views!
- The Beach Vibe Club, an adults-only outdoor oasis, ideal for relaxing under the sun.
- Infinity Beach, where you’ll feel like you’re on the edge of the world with spectacular views.
- The Aqua Slidecoaster! Can you imagine a mix between a roller coaster and a water slide? Double the thrill is guaranteed!
- The Glow Court, a digital sports complex for all ages.
- The Drop, a 10-story free-fall slide. Only for the bravest!
- Multiple water slides and the Stadium, an outdoor space for complimentary activities.
And the cherry on top: Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a show dedicated to the legendary Elton John. Get ready to sing and dance! After a special voyage to Miami, the Luna will take you on seven-night cruises through the vibrant Eastern and Western Caribbean.
3. Four Seasons I (Four Seasons)
Sails: 2026
If you’re after the most exquisite luxury, the Four Seasons I will take your breath away. It will undoubtedly be the most opulent ship of 2026, redefining elegance on the high seas. This ultra-luxury yacht is a floating sanctuary with only 95 residential-style suites and a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio. Imagine the personalized attention!
With an investment of $4.2 million per suite, every detail has been meticulously designed. The Four Seasons I will offer you almost 50% more living space per guest than other luxury ships, ensuring privacy, flexibility, and spaciousness in an environment of pure nautical elegance. The best part? On marina days, you’ll have direct access to the sea. Additionally, its size allows it to reach coves and corners inaccessible to larger ships. Prepare for an unparalleled experience!
4. Legend of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Sails: July 2026
Get ready for the legend! The Legend of the Seas will be the third colossus in Royal Caribbean’s Icon class and will stand as the largest cruise ship in the world. If you’re looking for big-time entertainment, this ship is your destination.
Among its most outstanding areas, you will find:
- Surfside: A vibrant neighborhood specially designed for families with young children. Fun is guaranteed for everyone!
- Category 6 Waterpark: A water park with six slides that will make you feel the ultimate adrenaline rush.
- AquaDome: A spectacular space that hosts some of the most incredible shows you’ve ever seen at sea, under a breathtaking dome.
- 28 dining options and 17 bars and lounges. A world of flavors and atmospheres to explore!
- Legendary entertainment, including the Broadway production of Roald Dahl’s acclaimed “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
The Legend of the Seas will begin its journey with cruises in the sunny Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to offer seven-night cruises in the fall of 2026 through the fascinating Eastern and Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
5. MSC World Asia (MSC Cruises)
Sails: December 4, 2026
The MSC World Asia, the third giant in MSC Cruises’ World class and sister ship to MSC World America, will make its grand debut in December 2026. Its inaugural season will invite you to explore the Western Mediterranean, with stops in iconic cities like Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Valletta.
With its impressive 205,000 gross tons, it will be one of the largest cruise ships on the planet (surpassed only by the colossi of Royal Caribbean). The MSC World Asia will surprise you with subtle design details that pay homage to the rich culture, art, and beautiful landscapes of Asia. It will maintain that distinctive vertical bow that rises elegantly from the waterline and the iconic Y-shaped stern that opens to a spectacular open-air promenade. An imposing ship with an exotic heart!
6. Regent Seven Seas Prestige (Regent Seven Seas)
Sails: December 13, 2026
The Seven Seas Prestige promises a new chapter of excellence for the world’s most luxurious fleet. Built by Fincantieri, this 77,000-ton ship is 40% larger than its predecessors but, interestingly, will only accommodate 10% more guests (822 passengers and 630 crew members). What does this mean? More space, more privacy, and more luxury per person!
All its suites have balconies and are spread across 12 categories, including four completely new designs. Prepare for the majestic two-level Skyview Suites and the astonishing 817-square-meter Skyview Regent Suite. The Skyview Regent Suite will be the largest all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruise suite in history, with a starting price of $25,000 per night! A truly incomparable experience at sea.
The Seven Seas Prestige will debut in style in Miami and Los Angeles for the winter season, ready to pamper its exclusive travelers.
7. Viking Mira / Viking Libra (Viking)
Sails: Viking Mira: June 5, 2026; Viking Libra: December 3, 2026
Viking, the fastest-growing ocean cruise line in the world, brings us two nearly identical gems in 2026. The Viking Mira and the Viking Libra are ships designed exclusively for adults, at 54,300 gross tons and with a capacity for 998 guests in 449 elegant staterooms. If you are looking for tranquility, culture, and sophistication, these ships are for you.
A truly revolutionary feature of the Viking Libra is that it will be the world’s first cruise ship powered by hydrogen. This means it will be able to operate with zero emissions thanks to a propulsion system based partially on liquid hydrogen and fuel cells. A true pioneer in ecological navigation!
Both cruise ships will make their debut in the historic waters of Europe, promising journeys of discovery and unparalleled comfort.
