Need to know
Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and MSC Cruises are some of the cruise lines preparing to welcome new additions to their fleets for 2026
- There are five new cruise ships set to sail in 2026, all offering the likes of water parks, dazzling theatre shows, huge pools, heaps of bars and restaurants, and of course plenty of sun-soaked itineraries for passengers. We take a look at the five ships that any cruise fan will want on their radar.
- Royal Caribbean will be welcoming Legend of the Seas to its fleet in summer 2026, which will be the world’s largest cruise ship, a sister ship to Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. It will sail from Barcelona before doing a winter season from Florida around the Caribbean. The ship will boast heaps of entertainment but highlights are sure to include the largest waterpark at sea and a 40ft-long surf simulator.
- Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest ship, Norwegian Luna, is set to sail in March 2026 from Miami around the Caribbean. The ship will boast waterparks, games arcades, its own beach club, and the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea. For the very brave there’s also The Drop, the world’s first free-fall slide at sea that plunges you down 10 storeys (and therefore definitely not for the faint-hearted).
- TUI Cruises (based in Germany) is adding the Mein Schiff Flow cruise ship to its InTUItion class in July 2026. It will boast 17 bars and lounges, a spa, gym and reading lounge as well as a 25m-long outdoor pool.
- MSC Cruises’ highly-anticipated MSC World Asia will sail on her maiden voyage in December 2026 around the Mediterranean. The mega ship will host up to 6,758 passengers and could rival a small city thanks to the bars, restaurants, theatre, water parks and rollerskating arena on board.
- Disney Cruise Line’s fleet is about to expand with the addition of Disney Adventure, which will homeport in Singapore. With themes including characters from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, the ship will offer dazzling shows, deck parties, movie screenings and more. Restaurants will include various themes including Pixar, and Disney films Tangled and Frozen.
- For those already booking their 2027 sailings, there will be another wave of new ships next year too. Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises are all expected to welcome new ships in 2027, although they have yet to confirm names and full details of what will be onboard for passengers…
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