These 7 massive new cruise ships are launching in 2026
A record number of Americans are expected to take cruises next year. And those 21.7 million expected cruisers will have many new options to choose from.
A wide range of cruise lines are launching cruise ships in 2026. Those will include a new addition to Royal Caribbean International’s Icon Class – the largest cruise ships in the world – and the debut of a new class of ships from luxury brand Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Four Seasons Yachts, an at-sea extension of the beloved hotel brand, will also set sail for the first time.
USA TODAY rounded up seven of the biggest cruise ship launches for 2026.
Norwegian Luna
Maiden voyage: March 10, 2026
Capacity: 3,571 at double occupancy
What to expect: Norwegian Cruise Line’s next Prima Plus Class ship will include new features like the concert-style “Rocket Man: A Celebration of Elton John” and mixed-reality “HIKO” shows, along with others that past guests will recognize. Those include a combination water slide and roller coaster and a Thai specialty restaurant, Sukhothai, which debuted on Norwegian Aqua in 2025. The ship will launch with Caribbean cruises from Miami, following its initial transatlantic voyage.
Disney Adventure
Disney Adventure.
Maiden voyage: March 10, 2026
Capacity: 4,222 passengers at double occupancy
What to expect: Disney Adventure will mark the eighth ship in Disney Cruise Line’s growing fleet, and the first to homeport in Asia. Onboard attractions will draw on a range of beloved characters, including Ironcycle Test Run – billed as the longest roller coaster at sea – where guests can ride Tony Stark’s Ironcycle prototype and Mike & Sulley’s – Flavors of Asia, offering a Japanese steakhouse, teppanyaki room and more. “Duffy and The Friend Ship,” a show featuring Mickey Mouse’s teddy bear, will include new original songs as well.
Four Seasons I
Four Seasons I.
Maiden voyage: March 20, 2026
Capacity: 222 passengers at double occupancy
What to expect: Four Seasons Yachts’ first ship will feature 15 decks, 11 restaurants and bars and 95 suites. The company said the rooms will “offer 50% more living space per guest than currently available with any competitor at sea,” according to a fact sheet on its website. Passengers can also enjoy a 66-foot saltwater pool, a spa and a transverse marina with sea access while the vessel visits more than 30 countries and territories in its first year, including in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Legend of the Seas
Legend of the Seas.
Maiden voyage: July 11, 2026
Capacity: 5,610 guests at double occupancy.
What to expect: The third in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class will join its two sister vessels as the largest cruise ships in the world, and mark the first to sail from Europe. The ship will spend its first season in the Mediterranean before heading to the Caribbean in the fall. New features include Royal Railway – Legend Station, an immersive dining experience in a full-size rail car (building on a similar concept from Utopia of the Seas), and the at-sea debut of the Broadway musical, Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” There will also be returning venues and one of the Icon Class’ signature Chief Dog Officers.
Explora III
Explora III.
Maiden voyage: Aug. 3, 2026
Capacity: 463 suites (the line does not disclose guest count)
What to expect: Explora III will build on the success of the model established by Explora Journeys’ first two vessels, with some tweaks. The ship will mark the first in the fleet to be powered by cleaner-burning liquefied natural gas, and feature new dining and lounge spaces among its seven restaurants and 13 bars and lounges (with more specifics to come). The vessel, which will launch in Europe, will also include “reimagined” spa and wellness spaces, according to a news release.
MSC World Asia
MSC World Asia.
Maiden voyage: Dec. 4, 2026
Capacity: 5,164 at double occupancy
What to expect: MSC World Asia will feature subtle design elements that “reflect Asia’s rich culture, art and landscapes,” the cruise line said in a December news release. Those include a stainless-steel dragon sculpture suspended over the ship’s World Promenade and a Pan-Asian Street Food venue serving Southeast Asian cuisine. The World Class vessel, which will sail the Mediterranean, will also boast what MSC bills as the longest dry slide at sea, The Spiral @ Tree of Life, spanning 12 decks, among other features.
Regent Seven Seas Prestige
Regent Seven Seas Prestige.
Maiden voyage: Dec. 13, 2026
Capacity: 822 guests at double occupancy
What to expect: The first ship in Regent Seven Seas’ new Prestige Class will be 40% bigger than the line’s previous ships – but accommodate just 10% more guests. That will give passengers extra space to enjoy spaces like Azure, a new Mediterranean specialty restaurant; the two-story Starlight Atrium with a glass-enclosed ceiling; and Galileo’s Bar. The ship also features the nearly 9,000-square-foot Skyview Regent Suite, which comes with a spa-like main bathroom, private gym, butler service, car, driver and guide in port and more.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].
