NCL opens booking for newest cruise ship - plus more news to get excited about

Whether you take a short trip to an Australian destination, visit our neighbours in New Zealand or the South Pacific, or fly and cruise in Alaska, the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, cruise holidays offer great value to travellers.

Plus, these days there are cruise ships and itineraries that cater to pretty much every kind of person with the industry continuing to boom. Here are some cruise updates to get excited about.

Cruise line opens booking for new ship

October 21: Norwegian Cruise Line, has opened bookings for Norwegian Bella, its newest ship set to sail the Mediterranean, from May 2028.

Set to be one of the largest ships in NCL's fleet, Norwegian Bella will offer seven-day round-trip voyages from Barcelona, taking guests to destinations, including Rome, Florence, Marseille and Palma de Mallorca.

Some of the onboard highlights include a 10-deck dry slide, waterslides, a ropes course and a multi-level outdoor entertainment complex. 

An expanded pool deck, infinity pools, an adults-only beach club and dedicated family spaces are also on offer.

It’ll be the last ship in the Prima Class, which includes Norwegian Luna and Norwegian Aqua.

Read on for more cruise news...

MSC announces world cruise

October 20: Bookings for the 2029 MSC World Cruise are now open, inviting guests to join 119-night journey around the globe aboard MSC Magnifica including a rare circumnavigation of Australia, with eight calls.

Australian travellers can see the world and explore corners of their own backyard from Sydney Harbour through to Broome and Darwin in a single journey visiting 45 destinations in 21 countries.

Celebrity Cruises kicks off Aussie season

October 16: Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Solstice have both arrived in Australia for the cruise season.

The two ships will offer 20 local sailings spanning four to 14 nights across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

Options include overnight stays in Port Vila, Vanuatu; Cairns, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand.

Celebrity Cruises will also return to Luganville (Santo), Vanuatu, for the first time since 2019.

Two Asia repositioning and two transpacific sailings follow the local season across both ships.

Crown Princess sails into Melbourne

October 11: Crown Princess arrived at Melbourne’s Station Pier on Sunday morning officially marking the start of Victoria’s cruise season.

Carrying 3,080 guests and 1,200 crew on board, Crown Princess docked as part of its 28-day Round Australia voyage, with further scheduled port calls in Adelaide, Albany, Fremantle, Broome, the Kimberley Coast, Darwin, and Brisbane before returning to Sydney.

The visit comes as Princess Cruises shares plans to return to Melbourne as a seasonal homeport in 2028/29, with the season expected to generate an estimated $40 million in economic benefit for Victoria.

“We know how much our Victorian guests value being able to start their holiday closer to home, and we have heard loud and clear they have missed having a Princess ship based in Melbourne,” Princess Cruises’ Vice President Asia Pacific Matthew Rutherford said.

Disney Cruise Line unveils details of newest ship

October 8: Disney has unveiled details of it’s newest cruise ship, Disney Believe, which will set sail December 18, 2027, from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Inspired by “courageous Disney characters who believe in themselves, in their dreams”, the ship will debut the world’s first Encanto musical.

There will also be a family dining venue that expands the Frozen universe with an all-new setting and experience, and a Grand Hall inspired by the vibrant world from Moana.

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‘I was not expecting this balcony view on Disney’s biggest cruise ship’

Also returning to the Disney Believe is the popular Disney Cruise Line experience, the Haunted Mansion Parlor.

Disney Believe will offer four- and five-night sailings from south Florida to the Caribbean and The Bahamas, making stops at one or both of Disney Cruise Line’s island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Disney Believe will be the fourth in the Wish class, joining its sister ships Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny.

Luxury river paddlesteamer officially sets sail

October 5: Australia’s first, five-star, overnight river vessel, has officially set sail on the Murry River with its inaugural voyage departing Echuca, Victoria.

The new paddlesteamer, PS Australian Star, is run by Murray River Paddlesteamers (parent company The APT Travel Group) and will offer year-round cruises of three, four or seven nights on the Murray River.

Accommodating just 38-guests in deluxe, airconditioned staterooms, PS Australian Star replicates an authentic, 19th Century paddlesteamer but with modern-day additions.

The new river boat is the largest wood-fired paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere and the only, five-star, accommodated paddlesteamer in the world.

Explora Journeys to launch river cruises

September 25: Explora Journeys has announced the cruise line has signed a Letter of Intent with Dutch shipbuilder Den Breejen Shipyard for the construction of its first luxury river ships.

This marks the brand’s planned entry into river cruising, with sales planned to open in 2027.

Since launching, Explora Journeys said it has sought to “change the way people experience ocean travel through its Ocean State of Mind philosophy”.

The brand intends to bring its signature approach to Europe’s most iconic rivers.

Further details regarding ship design, onboard experiences, delivery schedules and initial itineraries will be announced soon.

Celebrity’s first river cruise ship floats out

September 15: Celebrity Cruises has reached a major construction milestone in the development of its new premium river cruise experience.

Celebrity Compass, the first ship in the Celebrity River Cruises fleet, has successfully completing its float out in Rotterdam. 

The milestone marks the completion of the vessel’s exterior construction and the first time the ship has touched water.

The brand is now one step closer to Celebrity River Cruises launch when Celebrity Compass sets sail in August 2027. 

Cruise line launches entirely gluten-free voyage

September 14: Oceania Cruises has announced the industry’s first entirely gluten-free ocean voyage.

Sailing aboard Oceania Vista in 2028, the journey will allow guests to experience the full breadth of the line’s renowned culinary programme without the need to navigate menus, question preparation practices or worry about cross-contact.

Departing 31 May, 2028, the 12-night roundtrip voyage from Southampton will explore the landscapes and historic cities of England, Ireland and Scotland, with calls including Cork (Cobh), Dublin (Dún Laoghaire), Glasgow (Greenock), Stornoway in the Hebrides and Edinburgh (Newhaven).

“As a brand with food at its heart, we believe every guest should be able to experience the joy and discovery that define dining with Oceania Cruises,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises.

“This voyage gives our culinary team an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine our acclaimed onboard dining experiences through an entirely gluten-free lens.

“Most importantly, it will allow guests to relax into their vacation knowing the entire culinary experience has been created with them in mind.”

Viking floats out second hydrogen-powered ship

September 14: Viking has announced that the Viking Astrea was floated out, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. 

It is the company’s second hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions.

Scheduled for delivery in May 2027, the Viking Astrea will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Astrea has a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. 

‘World’s longest cruise’ sets sail from Rome

September 4: Aussie-owned Explorations by Norwegian has set off on the world’s longest continuous scheduled cruise.

Setting sail from Rome, the 348-room Regatta will spend 371 days exploring the world, visiting 220 ports across 62 countries.

In Europe, itineraries cover destinations like Santorini, Naples, Copenhagen and Helsinki; in Africa, it will include stops in places such as Cape Verde, Cape Town and Zanzibar.

Heading further afield to Asia, the itinerary covers everything from Hiroshima and Jeju Island to Colombo and Malé, while in the Americas you’ll go from Alaska to the Amazon.

The ship will visit Australia and New Zealand in January 2027.

Oceania Cruises floats out Oceania Sonata

August 27: Oceania Cruises has marked a major milestone in the development of its newest ship, Oceania Sonata, with the vessel now officially floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.

The first ship in the brand’s new Sonata Class, Oceania Sonata is set to debut in August 2027 and will introduce new suite categories, expanded public spaces and exciting new dining concepts.

With her exterior structure now complete, work will turn toward bringing Oceania Sonata’s interiors and onboard experiences to life.

At approximately 86,000 gross tons, Oceania Sonata will be nearly 30 per cent larger than Oceania Allura, yet will feature only 90 additional guest accommodations.

Disney Cruise Line unveils new itineraries

August 26: Disney Cruise Line will return to New York City for the first time since 2023, with the Disney Wish arriving to New York in late September after the ship’s inaugural season in Europe. 

For seven special voyages, the Disney Wish will embark on four- to seven-night sailings to an array of beautiful destinations, bringing guests from “the city that never sleeps” to the vacation of their dreams.

The Disney Adventure will continue sailing from Singapore with new three-and four-night itineraries from September to December 2027.

Select sailings from 31 December 2026 will now also feature a new port of call in Langkawi, Malaysia. 

Royal Caribbean brings three ships to Australia

August 14: Royal Caribbean has announced it is expanding its 2027-28 Australian summer lineup with three ships heading to Aussie shores.

The newly amplified Ovation of the Seas will make Brisbane home alongsideVoyager of the Seas, while Anthem of the Seas returns to Sydney.

Itineraries will offer a combination of 2-to 12-night holidays, ranging from weekend getaways, plus tropical escapes exploring Australia, NewZealand and the sun-soaked South Pacific.

“This season is a major milestone for our region with three bold ships,” said Gavin Smith, vice president and managing director, Australia and New Zealand, Royal Caribbean.

“We’re thrilled to welcome more Royal Caribbean adventures Down Under.”

All South Pacific cruises from Sydney and Brisbane on Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas will also make a stop at the first private island destination for Australian cruisers.

Royal Beach Club Lelepa in Vanuatu will have two beaches to visit, including an adults-only retreat and a family beach with activities.

The expanded selection of 2027-28 holidays will open for bookings on Royal Caribbean’s website starting 19 August.

Explora III officially sets sail

August 6: Explora Journeys has celebrated the departure of EXPLORA III following her official Naming Ceremony in Barcelona, as the newest ship in the fleet embarks on her inaugural season.

EXPLORA III is the brand’s first LNG-powered ship and offers more public space per guest than any ship in the fleet.

The ship features 461 ocean-front Suites, Penthouses and Residences, including two Owner’s Residences designed by Patricia Urquiola.

Guests can enjoy seven culinary experiences, 13 bars and lounges, five heated swimming pools, and an expanded Ocean Wellness offering.

Following her Maiden Journey from Barcelona to Lisbon, EXPLORA III will sail through Northern Europe, exploring the Baltic Sea, the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and Greenland before crossing the Atlantic to Canada and New England.

Norwegian Cruise Line unveils major upgrades to two ships

July 30: A major refresh of two ships, the Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem, have been unveiled by NCL, ahead of their upcoming Alaska, Europe and Asia seasons.

The updates will bring some of the brand’s most popular guest experiences to even more passengers.

The Norwegian Jade will now have a brand-new adults-only Vibe Beach Club with private cabanas, a dedicated bar and premium loungers. The onboard spa will be expanded to add a charcoal sauna, salt room, ice room, IV lounge, four-senses loungers, experiential showers and a new plunge pool.

There will also be a new Starbucks on board. The Jade returns to Asia this season for the first time in seven years, with new ports including Brunei, Taiwan and the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Norwegian Gem will continue sailing seven-day Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, visiting destinations including Cannes, Florence, Dubrovnik, Split and the Greek Islands.

Onboard upgrades also include a new adults-only beach club with private cabanas and upgraded outdoor relaxation spaces.

The spa has also seen a refresh, with charcoal, salt and ice rooms, IV lounge, four-senses loungers, plus an upgraded Thalassotherapy pool and hot tub.

Renowned cruise ship to get revamp

July 21: Cunard cruise liner Queen Victoria will head to dry dock for a refresh.

Work will be done on the Grand Lobby, Queens Room, Cunard Grill’s suites and new eating spot The Pavilion Wellness Café. 

Eight new Britannia staterooms will also be introduced, including three from a new premium category, Britannia Deluxe Oceanview, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic ocean views. 

“Queen Victoria has always held a special place in the hearts of our guests, celebrated for her distinctive character, intimate spaces and unmistakable sense of British elegance,” Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said.

“From the Grand Lobby to the Queens Room, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure Queen Victoria continues to deliver the timeless luxury she is known and loved for.”

The 2,061-guest ship will return to service in November.

The ship will visit Sydney on 24 February 2027 as part of her World Voyage.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises marks 35 years 

July 20: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which dubs itself “the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line”, will celebrate three and a half decades of “elevating luxury at sea” it says.

It’s launching a collection of 35th Anniversary Sailings in 2027.

They’ll cover six ships including the new Seven Seas Prestige.

Highlights include the 12-night Sapphire Sojourn from Los Angeles to Panama City on Seven Seas Prestige and a panama canal transit with Holiday in Panama on Seven Seas Splendor sailing from Miami to San Francisco.

“We are incredibly proud to be celebrating 35 years of setting the standard for ultra-luxury travel,” President Wesley D’Silva said.

Highlights include seven-day yacht-style sailings to the 120-day Cape to Cape World Cruise and the 96-day Grand Expedition: Pole to Pole

New ports of call including Taichung and Tainan (Taiwan), Petersburg, Valdez and the Chiswell Islands (Alaska).

Celebrity ship revealed after revamp

July 10: A revamped pool club with daybeds, entertainment spots, restaurants and open air outdoor space Sunset Park are coming to the modernised Celebrity Reflection.

It’s the second Solstice series ship to be given an update.

Also new are the three-storey Grand Plaza, Boulevard Lounge, Boulevard Bar and The Parlor, Trattoria Rossa, Fine Cut Steakhouse, and rooftop dining venue, Bora. 

Another favourite from Celebrity Solstice, The Parlor sports and gaming lounge. packed with hundreds of classic board games, billiards, and darts, is on the way.

The refreshed ship will set sail next March.

New River Nile ship on the way

July 6: It’s a bucket-list cruise for many and an Aussie-owned Nile ship is coming in September.

Travelmarvel Sirius launching in September 2026 will carry 124 guests across 62 cabins. Shore excursions are led by qualified Egyptologists.

The Treasures of Egypt and the Nile itinerary travels between Luxor and Aswan in includes by a Cairo stay featuring the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and Dendera Temple and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Other highlights include Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Queens, Abu Simbel and Philae Temple.

David Cox, CEO of APT Travel Groups said: “Egypt has always held a powerful allure for Australians, with a history spanning more than 3,000 years that continues to captivate travellers today, and we’re seeing it return to the top of travel wish lists.”

Royal Caribbean Legend of the Seas sets sail

July 2: The next ‘world’s largest cruise ship’ has made its debut in the Mediterranean and will officially set sail with passengers on July 4.

The 250,000-gross-ton Legend of the Seas by Royal Caribbean is the third Icon class ship to join the fleet, joining her mammoth sister ships Icon and Star of the Seas.

The ship has 18 decks split into eight “neighbourhoods”. It stretches 365 metres long, with a maximum capacity of 7,600 guests.

New luxury river cruise for India and Sri Lanka

June 18: As Aussies increasingly choose Asia over other cruise destinations around the world, Scenic has unveiled a new collection of luxury journeys through India and Sri Lanka.

Aboard the newly redesigned Scenic Aura, itineraries will be an integrated river-and-land program designed to show off the very best of these two fascinating countries.

With just 44 guests per departure and land groups capped at 25, the small trips allow for full immersion in the destination.

Two new Viking river ships

June 12: Viking has taken delivery of its newest river ships, the Viking Annar and the Viking Fjolvar.

The 95-stateroom Annar will host 190 guests, with three full decks and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, as well as asymmetric corridors that enable Viking to offer true two-room suites.

The Fjolvar will host 168 guests in 84 staterooms, and is is built specifically to navigate the Seine River and dock at Viking’s exclusive docking location in the heart of Paris.

The Viking Annar will sail Viking’s itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, while the Viking Fjolvar will sail itineraries on the Seine River.

Carnival launches Australia’s first-ever beach club

June 12: Aussie cruisers will be able to chill-out in private-island style cabanas.

Carnival Cruise Line guests sailing to Tangalooma on Moreton island in Queensland will be able to visit the new Tangalooma Dunes Cabana Club

Carnival guests can book one of 20 private cabanas from August 1.

They include a fridge, towels, lovers and chagrin points and hold eight people.

They cost $399.99 a day.

Viking gets new ocean ship

May 27: Viking has taken delivery of its newest ocean ship, Viking Mira.

Like all Viking ocean vessels, it’s classified as a small ship, with 499 staterooms for 998 guests.

Built in Italy, she will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

“Our guests are curious travellers, and the arrival of a new ship allows us to offer them even more opportunities to explore the world in Viking comfort,” Leah Talactac, President and CEO said.

Also on the way is Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions.

Cunard announces landmark celebration

May 7: Cruise line Cunard has announced an historic rendezvous of its four ships as part of its 2008 voyages.

The landmark historic event will see all four ships, Queen Anne, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria meet on the River Mersey in Liverpool on 16 May 2028.

Festivities set to take place both on land and on board.

Plus cruise enthusiasts can book a range of back-to-back sailings, allowing guests to experience the best ports across Europe and up to four Queens in one holiday.

The four-Queen voyage spans 40-nights from Southampton to Civitavecchia and includes the momentous Four Queens Celebration in Liverpool.

Windstar Cruises completes full transformation of Wind Star

April 29: Windstar Cruises has completed a full transformation of Wind Star, the original yacht that the company says "pioneered modern sailing cruises".

After first debuting 40 years ago, the newly reimagined 148-guest sailing yacht will now set course for the Med, Greek Isles and Tahiti.

"As our original sailing yacht, Wind Star has always held a special place in our fleet. With these significant updates, we've honoured what guests love most while elevating every aspect of the experience," Stijn Creupelandt, chief operating officer of Windstar Cruises, said.

"Now, she's ready to deliver that experience in entirely new ways, in some of the world's most iconic destinations."

Oceania Cruises unveils new ship, Oceania Aurelia

April 23: Oceania Cruises has unveiled Oceania Aurelia, which will debut in late 2027.

The new ship has been purposefully designed for extended global itineraries, including the company's 2028 and 2029 Around the World voyages as well as a series of expansive Grand Voyages.

Oceania Aurelia will hold fewer than 500 guests, served by 400 officers and crew.

Luxurious suites with dedicated butler service define the onboard experience, with 179 of the ship's 238 accommodations designed as spacious suites. Most exceed 28 square metres, with a select few spanning up to 93 square metres.

"Oceania Aurelia is our ultimate world explorer," Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, said.

"She is designed specifically for guests who desire greater space, more suites, and a deeper level of personalised care, particularly for extended journeys."

Princess Cruises unveils largest-ever Japan season

April 15: Princess Cruises has announced its largest-ever Japan summer season for 2028, alongside an expanded Southeast Asia program for 2027-2028.

The new deployment features 96 departures across 61 itineraries, with two ships homeporting in Tokyo for the first time.

"This is the most immersive Japan season we've ever introduced and one that reflects how our guests want to experience the destination today," said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer.

"With Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess homeporting in Tokyo for the first time, late‑night stays timed to Japan's most celebrated summer festivals, and sailings that visit all four main islands during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, we're delivering unprecedented access to the culture, cuisine and traditions that define Japan."

Oceania Vista makes maiden arrival into Sydney Harbour

April 9: Oceania Vista, one of Oceania Cruise's newest Allura-class ships, arrived into Sydney Harbour this morning for her maiden voyage into Australian waters as part of her 2026 around-the-world cruise.

The ship sailed into Australia from New Caledonia, following an 18‑night voyage starting in Papeete (Tahiti).

After a brief visit in Sydney, the ship is set to depart this evening on an 18‑night voyage to Singapore, calling at Mooloolaba, Whitsunday Beach, Townsville, Cairns and Darwin, before continuing through Indonesia and arriving in Singapore at the end of April.

The ship is on Oceania's inaugural 197-day 2026 World Odyssey voyage, which first set sail on December 20 to circumnavigate the world, visiting over 100 ports across 43 countries.

The cruise lasts until July 6, 2026 when you disembark in Miami, and is one of the longest travellers can book.

World's first hydrogen-powered cruise ship is 'floated out'

March 24: Viking has announced that the Viking Libra, the world's first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions, was officially "floated out".

The float-out ceremony for the Viking Libra hydrogen cruise ship took place at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Ancona, Italy, ahead of her November 2026 delivery.

"From the beginning, our approach to ship design has focused on reducing fuel consumption, and the Viking Libra is our most environmentally friendly vessel yet," Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, said.

Following a two-day process that will set the Viking Libra afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.

The ship will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Carnival Encounter returns from dry dock

March 20: Carnival Encounter has returned home to Queensland from dry dock with a refreshed look inside and out.

As well as a new hull design, guests can experience a new spa relaxation zone, the Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suite, featuring heated thermal lounges, saunas and steam baths.

All five pool areas have also been revitalised, and all seven jacuzzi tubs replaced.

Behind the scenes, extensive energy-efficiency upgrades have been carried out throughout the ship, including the galleys, laundry and cold rooms.

"We are excited to be offering Queenslanders a whole new spa experience and fresh fun onboard the only cruise ship sailing year-round from Brisbane," Anton Loeb, Carnival Cruise Line Assistant Vice President Sales and Marketing, said.

"Carnival Encounter provides a great value holiday at sea in autumn, winter, spring or summer."

MSC expands Yacht Club

March 19: MSC Cruises has opened sales for its award-winning MSC Yacht Club aboard MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra, offering guests keycard-only access to an array of private venues along with 24/7 personalised service.

The ships will be the latest in the cruise line's fleet to undergo a major dry-dock refurbishment.

Other updates include the addition of two speciality restaurants - Butcher's Cut, an American-style steakhouse, and Kaito Sushi Bar, along with a newly refreshed MSC Aurea Spa, and an enhanced MSC Gym Powered by Technogym.

With the addition of MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra, the MSC Yacht Club will be available across 19 ships fleetwide.

Viking takes delivery of newest river ship in Europe

March 12: Viking has announced it has taken delivery of the Viking Eldir, the company's newest Viking Longship.

"We are pleased to welcome the Viking Eldir to our growing river fleet," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking.

"With our exclusive docking locations, we proudly bring our guests closer to destinations along the great rivers of the world."

Hosting 190 guests in 95 staterooms, the Viking Eldir is built specifically to navigate the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

The ship will sail popular itineraries that include Rhine Getaway, Grand European Tour, Passage to Eastern Europe, European Sojourn and Christmas on the Rhine.

Disney Adventure Arrives in Singapore

March 4: The Disney Adventure has arrived at its new home port of Singapore.

A water salute and fireworks celebrated the arrival of the mammoth ship.

The Disney Adventure sets sail on her maiden voyage from Singapore on 10 March 2026, embarking on three- and four-night sailings.

"The arrival of the Disney Adventure in Singapore marks a significant milestone in our global expansion, introducing Disney cruising to Asia for the very first time," says Joe Schott, president of Disney Signature Experiences.

Disney says The Disney Adventure offers seven themed areas, with itineraries designed to entertain guests for multiple days at sea.

The company's newest ship will be the closest one for Aussies to sail on after the company pulled out of the country.

Regent Seven Seas orders another ship

February 18: Ultra-luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas cruises is getting a new ship.

It'll be the fourth vessel in its Prestige‑Class series. It's set for delivery in 2036.

It will follow the debut of Seven Seas Prestige in December 2026, with the second and third Prestige‑Class ships entering service in 2030 and 2033.

All four vessels will be built at Fincantieri shipyards in Italy.

Seven Seas Prestige will be 40 per cent bigger than previous Regent ships yet carry only 10 per cent more guests the firm says.

Royal Caribbean announces brand new Discovery Class ships

January 30: Royal Caribbean has announced a major expansion of its fleet, confirming a brand new Discovery Class to be built at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France.

The first Discovery Class debut is planned for 2029, followed by a second in 2032.

Royal Caribbean says the new class will introduce a bold, guest-first concept, combining cutting-edge design, immersive experiences and next-generation technology.

"The Discovery Class introduces a bold new concept that puts our guests at the centre of it all. It will deliver extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences," Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, said.

The company is gearing up to welcome its next icon class ship, with Legend of the Seas set to debut later this year.

Celebrity Cruises reveals an order of ten more river ships

January 30: Celebrity River Cruises has announced an order of 10 new ships – doubling the fleet to 20 by 2031.

It has also now opened its 2028 season for booking, with 80 per cent more European destinations available to guests.

The news comes as the company marks the first piece of steel cut on its very first river ship, Celebrity Compass.

The inaugural 2027 season for Celebrity Compass sold out in under six minutes during presale.

Aman at Sea's first luxury vessel open for reservations

January 22: Aman at Sea has unveiled the inaugural itineraries for Amangati, its first ocean-going motor yacht, with reservations now open.

The brand’s first-ever Mediterranean journeys have been unveiled, with Amangati set to hit the ocean for the first time from Spring 2027.

Amangati is a 180-metre, nine-deck yacht designed to reflect Aman's signature principles.

There are only 47 expansive suites ranging from 68 to 354 square metres, accommodating 94 guests, all with their own terrace.

The vessel's debut season will consist of five- to eight-night Mediterranean journeys.

Select journeys will also see the ship remain at anchor during significant cultural moments, including the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix, providing a rare vantage point from which to experience these occasions.

Norwegian Aura now available to book

January 19: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled Norwegian Aura, the longest and largest vessel in its fleet, which is now available to book.

The cruise ship will homeport in Miami beginning in June 2027 following her debut in Europe in late May 2027.

Norwegian Aura will be almost 1,130 feet long, 168,000 gross tons and will accommodate 3,840 guests at double occupancy, that's 10 per cent larger than its predecessor ships Luna and Aqua (launching this year).

At the centre of the design is the all-new Ocean Heights, an open-air activities complex complete with a ropes course, that can transform into a laid-back space at night.

"Norwegian Aura represents the evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line and the celebration of bringing together families, friends, and travellers from around the world," said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Azamara Cruises announces major fleet updates and expansion

January 16: Azamara Cruises has announced an enhancement program across its fleet, representing the most extensive renovations and refurbishments in the company's history.

Called Azamara Forward, the updates will include a brand new Chef's Table experience, a reimagined cocktail lounge, refreshed staterooms and suites, and upgraded public spaces.

Exclusively on Azamara Quest, the program will introduce 12 all-new premier suites exclusive to the ship, including an entirely new Penthouse Deck exclusively on Azamara Quest's highest level, and the all-new Grandview and Panorama Suites.

"This transformation reflects years of listening to our guests and travel partners and an extraordinary amount of creativity and collaboration across our teams," Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, said.

Oceania Cruises goes adults-only

January 9: From now, Oceania Cruises will exclusively welcome over-age guests, in a move the company says is in pursuit of a more serene, upscale experience at sea.

Executives say the change comes after extensive guest research and feedback.

Any existing reservations with minors will still be honoured, but going forward, everyone who books onto an Oceania Cruise must be over 18.

The culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line is a premium brand within the portfolio of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

"By transitioning to an adults-only experience, we are enhancing the very essence of the Oceania Cruises journey–one defined by sophistication, serenity and discovery," said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises.

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