New Cruise Ships Debuting in 2026
Very little in the cruise world beats being one of the first onboard a brand-new ship. You get to be the first to explore the ship before others and enjoy that lovely fresh new ship smell. Being among the first to stay in your stateroom or experience the dining venues, pools, and theatres is exciting. There is also the general excitement among the crew and other guests onboard - nothing can top that feeling! If this sounds appealing to you, now is the time to begin researching and plan to sail on or (or more) the new cruise ships debuting in 2026.
Following is a rundown of all the new cruise ships launching in 2026, including all the details we know on that ship and its projected launch date. Start planning your vacation today!
AmaKaia - AmaWaterways
Date: August 2026
Passengers: TBA
About the Ship: AmaWaterways is designing the AmaKaia to sail the Mekong River. The ship has already been announced for 22 sailings, with port visits in Vietnam and Cambodia. It joins the AmaDara in sailing this region for AmaWaterways.
AmaSofia - AmaWaterways
Date: May 2026
Passengers: TBA
About the Ship: AmaSofia is the 24th ship of AmaWaterways to sail Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers.
American Maverick and American Ranger - American Cruise Line
Date: 2026
Passengers: 25
About the Sister Ships: The American Maverick and American Ranger are the 7th and 8th vessels in American Cruise Line's Project Blue series of small ships for the U.S. market. The ships will be fully stabilized coastwise ships for smooth sailing along the Eastern Seaboard and increase the itinerary options for the company’s coastal cruises from Maine to Florida.
American Maverick and American Ranger will offer 5 decks and fifty-six total 100% private balcony accommodations, for both double and single occupancy. The 4th deck on both ships will house all-suite accommodations ranging from 420 to 620 square feet.
Each ship will feature a 5th deck Sky Lounge - an entire deck for relaxation and panoramic views, a 360° Skywalk (walking track), and a casual outdoor Back Porch Café. Both American Maverick and American Ranger will have a Main Lounge and Restaurant on deck 1, Bow Terrace and Horizon Lounge on deck 3, and an indoor Fitness Center on deck 4.
EXPLORA III - Explora Journeys
Date: Summer 2026
Passengers: 922
About the Ship: EXPLORA III will be the first of Explora Journeys’ fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The cruise operator has yet to release detailed information on the ship, but it is to be built identical to EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, with six restaurants, 12 bars, and a majority of suite accommodations. The vessel is being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.
Related: Two Explora Journeys Ships Reach Construction Milestones
Four Seasons I - Four Seasons Yachts
Date: January 2026
Passengers: 190 Guests
About the Ship: Four Seasons I is the first yacht to be built by new luxury operator Four Seasons and joint operator Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd. The vessel will set a new standard for luxury with an all-suite product. Among the announced features are the 9,975-square-foot Funnel Suite and a bespoke onboard transverse marina. The yacht will sail winter/spring in the Caribbean for its debut season, followed by the Mediterranean in the Summer of 2026.
Related: Four Seasons Yachts Celebrates Keel Laying for Four Seasons I
MSC World Asia - MSC Cruises
Date: May 2026
Passengers: 6,762
About the Ship: MSC World Asia will be MSC Cruises' third World-Class ship. It is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. When complete, the vessel will feature cutting-edge technologies and be among the most energy-efficient ships in the world.
Related: MSC Cruises Marks Construction Milestones for Two World-Class Ships
Norwegian Luna - Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Luna - Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line
Date: April 2026
Passengers: 3,550 Guests
About the Ship: Norwegian Luna will make its debut sailing from Miami in April 2026. The ship will boast an overall 10% size and capacity increase from fellow Prima Class ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, and is being designed as a sister ship to Norwegian Aqua.
Related: Norwegian Cruise Line Announces Next Ship, Norwegian Luna
Seven Seas Prestige - Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Date: TBA
Passengers: 850 Guests
About the Ship: The newest luxury ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and the first of its Prestige Class will launch in 2026. The ship will offer a total of 434 suites, one of the highest guest-to-space ratios in the industry. Seven Seas Prestige is currently under construction at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy. The cruise line and shipbuilder celebrated the vessel's steel cutting in October 2024.
Star Seeker - Windstar Cruises
Date: January 2026
Passengers: 224
About the Ship: Star Seeker is currently under construction at the West Sea shipyard in Portugal. The ship will offer 112 suites, five dining options, a spa, a fitness center, and a revamped Watersports Platform. The ship will spend its first year in service operating in the Caribbean, Alaska, and Japan.
TBA Icon Class - Royal Caribbean
Date: TBD
Passengers: 5,610
About the Ship: Royal Caribbean’s yet-to-be-named third Icon Class ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard. When complete, it will have a tonnage of 250,800 GT, a similar capacity to other Icon Class vessels. The ship will feature the same eco-friendly propulsion technology as other Icon Class vessels. Royal Caribbean celebrated the keel laying for the third Icon Class ship in Finland in October 2024.
TBA - Viking Ocean Cruises
Date: TBA
Passengers: TBA
About the Ship: The cruise operator has confirmed a yet-to-be-named Viking Ocean ship. The ship will be constructed at the Fincantieri Shipyard and, when complete, will be 54,300 tons and able to accommodate 998 passengers.
Read More:
Post A Comment