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.
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
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.
TBA Prima Class - Norwegian Cruise Line
Date: TBA
Passengers: TBA
About the Ship: NCL’s fourth Prima Class Ship is anticipated to debut in 2026. The ship will be about 10% larger than the first Prima-class ship (Norwegian Prima) at 157,000 gross tons.
Related: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Announces Long-Term Fleet Expansion
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.
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