Top Five New Cruise Ships 2026
30-01-26
As we ‘sail’ into a brand-new year; 2026 sees the launch of almost 30 new ships into the ever-expanding and exciting world of cruising. With so many to choose from, we’d like to turn the spotlight on our top five new ships and their highlights to hopefully inspire you to set sail in 2026 and beyond.
Whether you’re planning a fun-packed sailing with the family and friends, want to treat the kids to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or are simply looking to escape on a luxurious adults-only holiday; these amazing new ships have something to suit all ages and tastes!
All-Rounders:
Aprils 2026 sees the debut of NCL’s Norwegian Luna with sailings out of Miami to the Caribbean and New York to Bermuda. This Prima Plus Class ship will host up to 3,571 guests, breathtaking hull art, and amazing wide-open outdoor spaces. Swim on top of the ocean at Infinity Beach, cosy up on a daybed at La Terrazza, enjoy family time at the Kids’ Aqua Park, buckle up for a wild ride on the Aqua Slidecoaster, let gravity do all the work on The Drop free-fall slide, jump, run, and step at the Glow Court, escape for a dip in the infinity hot tubs at the exclusively for adults Vibe Beach Club, and cool off with a tropical drink at Waves Pool Bar. Please your palate at Indulge Food Hall, sip cocktails with a view at Observation Lounge, relish a special seaside dinner at the elegant Palomar and Onda by Scarpetta eateries, and walk on water under the stars over Oceanwalk glass bridge.
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas’ first adventures begin in July with Mediterranean itineraries for up to 5,610 guests from Barcelona and Rome, followed by Southern and Western Caribbean sailings – including the award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay – out of Fort Lauderdale from November. Brave an all-out aerial test of courage on the Crown’s Edge℠, experience zero gravity moments and 360-degree tailspins at Category 6, and meet the challenge of FlowRider®, while youngsters enjoy Splashaway Bay℠ and the all-new Wonder Playscape℠. Take your tastebuds on a global tour with all-day fare at AquaDome Market, dinner at Royal Railway℠ - Legend Station, or date-night at the new Hollywoodland Supper Club℠. Have the ultimate night on the town with 20 bars and lounges, seven live music spots, and the Broadway smash hit Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Closing the year in style - MSC’s World Asia debuts in December 2026 and sails her inaugural season out of Barcelona on seven-night round-trip Mediterranean cruises with up to 6,758 guests. This new MSC Cruises World Class ship is designed for unique and unforgettable experiences at sea and reflects Asia’s rich culture, art, and landscapes including the stunning Dragon sculpture in the air in the World Promenade. Be captivated by The Spiral @ Tree of Life - a thrilling ride that lets you slide between 12 decks in seconds – and a world of entertainment at The Cliffhanger, The Harbour, and Luna Park Arena. The all-inclusive, private club atmosphere of MSC Yacht Club – a ‘ship within a ship – is the ultimate treat. Foodies can go down the fine dining to casual and informal route at 30+ bars, lounges, and dining venues including Masters of the Sea British pub with its micro-brewery, the classic American-style steakhouse Butcher’s Cut, and new concepts like Pan-Asian Street Food.
Exclusively for Adults:
The 190-guest TUI River Cruises’ TUI Aria’s inaugural season begins in Summer 2026 when she sets sail on five, seven, and nine-night adult-only cruises along the Rhine, Main, and Moselle Rivers and Dutch and Belgian waterways. The pool is the star of the show thanks to its retractable roof - which means you can take a dip year-round, soak up the sunshine, and escape the winter cold – and a floor that closes over it in the evening for Italian cuisine at Reflections and occasional films and live music. Add into the mix tasty fare in the Verdastro main restaurant, Observatory Lounge with entertainment, the top deck with loungers, Yoga, shuffleboard, and putting green; and Full Board Plus with three meals a day with drinks; and it’s easy to see why this new ship will be popular.
Family Favourites:
March 2026 sees the arrival of Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure as she sets sail with up to 6,700 guests on three, four, and five-night round-trip cruises from Singapore. Experience a magical adventure as you explore her seven magical themed areas - Disney’s Imagination Garden, Toy Story Place, Marvel Landing, San Fransokyo Street, Wayfinder Bay, and the Town Square – filled with one-of-a-kind attractions bringing to life tales from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel. Take the joy of play to infinity and beyond at Toy Story Place, dive in for aquatic fun at Toy Story Splash Pad, and enjoy Andy’s Toy Box’s interactive props and gadgets at Disney’s Oceaneer Club, while all Avengers meet the challenge of the Ironcycle Test Run roller coaster. Enjoy a taste of the good life with adult-exclusive dining at Palo Trattoria or let the good times roll at Tiana’s Bayou Lounge. Walk the red carpet into Hollywood Spotlight Club or be dazzled by the all-new musical extravaganza Remember and Moana: Call of the Sea show.