From mega ships to super yachts: All the major new cruise ships launching in 2026
Updated . First published
Holidays at sea are booming, with cruise companies finding ever more lavish ways to impress passengers.
A total of 35 million people cruised globally in 2024, and that's set to grow by millions more by 2026.
Younger people and first-timers are among those getting on board with the holiday trend, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) says, with "gen-X and millennials leading the way."
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Star of the Seas launched in 2025 - and a sister is on the way. Supplied
Here are all the major new ships setting sail next year.
Norwegian Luna
Hot on the heels of Norwegian Aqua, renowned for its rollercoaster-waterslide hybrid is another ship from the company.
Norwegian Luna is coming in April 2026 and will have 3,571 berths. It'll sail seven-day Caribbean cruises from Miami including visiting the revamped Great Stirrup Cay.
Like all Norwegian ships it'll have a snazzy hull, this time created by artist ELL and inspired - as the name suggests - by the moon.
Dining options include Sukhothai and Planterie, Indulge Food Hall and Cagney's Steakhouse.
Other highlights include Vibe Beach Club, a private adult-only retreat, Glow Court, a sports court by day and lounge area by night and The Drop, the world's first free-fall slide at sea, coupled with another Aquaslide Coaster.
The company also boasts the cabins will have the "largest standard bathrooms ever."
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Norwegian Luna will launch in mid 2026. Supplied
Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean
Best-known for building the world's biggest cruise ships, Royal Caribbean is preparing to launch another behemoth with Legend of the Seas.
Sister to Icon of the Seas and the latest, Star of the Sea, the third Icon class ship will launch in the Med in the July 2026, sailing from Rome and Barcelona.
The ships feature eight neighbourhoods with more than 40 ways to dine and drink.
A huge waterpark will adorn the top decks.
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Legend will launch in 2026, following the launch of Star of the Seas in August 2025. Supplied
Disney Adventure
While Disney won't homeport a ship in Australia for now, a new vessel filled with the famous magic is coming to Singapore.
Disney Adventure will be the firm's biggest.
With a gross tonnage of 208,000 and capacity for around 6,000 passengers, the 1,122-foot-long Disney Adventure will feature seven themed "lands" and a few Disney firsts - including a rollercoaster.
Round-trip journeys will embark from Singapore, making the Disney Adventure the cruise line's first ship to homeport in Asia.
These trips will be short – there are primarily three or four night voyages on offer. There are no ports of call, with the holiday all about the ship.
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Disney Adventure features the longest rollercoaster at sea. Supplied
Viking Mira
The latest ship from the popular luxury cruise company, Viking, Viking Mira, is set to sail in June 2026.
With only 998 guests personal service is on offer as it visits ports including Rome, Athens, Lisbon and Barcelona.
The company is famous for offering all inclusive holidays without many cruise staples such as kids and casinos.
The new ship was 'floated out' for the first time in July.
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The new Viking Mira ship was 'floated out' for the first time in July. Supplied
MSC World Asia
The third World Class ship, following World America and World Europa MSC World Asia, is expected to launch in December 2026.
It will sail the Mediterranean with 6,762 guests.
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It will boast 30 bars, lounges and restaurants including six speciality restaurants such as the Asian-inspired Kaito Teppanyaki Grill and Kaito Sushi Bar, the classic American-style steakhouse Butcher's Cut, the Latin American street food-inspired Hola! Tacos & Cantina.
The MSC Yacht Club 'ship within a ship' offers extra touch of luxury for those looking for a treat.
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MSC World Asia is coming in 2026 Supplied
Seven Seas Prestige
A new ship from super luxe cruise line Regent Seven Seas will take to the ocean in December 2026.
With capacity for only 822 guests, Seven Seas Prestige will boast one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios in the cruise industry.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Chief Luxury Officer, Jason Montague, said by limiting the number of guests on the ship it will offer "unrivalled space at sea like never before".
It will be Regent's first new ship class in 10 years.
The Starlight Atrium connects four decks on the Seven Seas Prestige. Supplied/Regent Seven Seas
Four Seasons I
While most will only be able to wave as it sails by, hotel brand Four Seasons is launching a yacht-come-cruise ship.
It's set to bring a lavish new element to luxury sailing. Four Seasons I won't be anything like normal cruise ship.
While the yacht will only have suites aboard, the one every millionaire will want to book is the Funnel Suite.
The Funnel suite on the new super yacht, Four Seasons I. Supplied
The near 1000sqm apartment is actually situated in the boat's funnel and has three bedrooms across a lavish four levels.
A private plunge pool, outdoor gym and lift will mean you don't have to mingle with anyone else.
Captain Kate McCue has jumped ship from Celebrity Cruises to captain it when it starts sailing in March, 2026.
