New Cruise Ships 2026 and 2027: All the Major New Builds at a Glance

The shipyards continue to deliver at record pace: in 2026 and 2027 too, numerous new cruise ships enter service – from gigantic family ships to small luxury yachts. Here is the overview of the most important new builds.

Royal Caribbean: the Icon class grows

After the Icon of the Seas, which made headlines as the world's largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean is continuing the series. With the Star of the Seas, the second ship of the class joined the fleet, and a third sister ship is to follow. In parallel, the line is expanding its somewhat smaller Oasis and Quantum families. Royal Caribbean thus remains the benchmark when it comes to the “largest ship” question.

TUI Cruises: a new Mein Schiff generation

TUI Cruises is expanding the Mein Schiff fleet with a new generation. The start was made by the Mein Schiff Relax, the first ship of the new series, which also drew attention with its more environmentally friendly propulsion (methanol capability). Further sister ships have been ordered and will modernise the fleet in the coming years.

MSC Cruises: the World class and Explora Journeys

MSC is expanding its LNG-powered World class – after MSC World Europa and MSC World America, further ships of this series for the international market follow. The luxury subsidiary Explora Journeys is putting further ships into service after Explora I and II; for the later new builds in the series, hydrogen capability is even planned.

Disney Cruise Line: a strong fleet expansion

Disney is expanding its fleet faster than ever. After the Disney Wish and the Disney Treasure, further ships joined with the Disney Adventure (stationed in Asia) and the Disney Destiny. Disney thus remains the first choice for families with children.

Norwegian Cruise Line & Carnival

Norwegian Cruise Line is expanding with the Prima Plus class – including the Norwegian Aqua and the Norwegian Luna. Sister brands Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas are also receiving new builds. Carnival Cruise Line continues to rely on large family ships after its successful Excel class.

Princess, Cunard & Co.

Princess Cruises put a new Sphere-class ship into service with the Star Princess, and a sister ship is to follow. Cunard has already expanded its fleet to four ships with the Queen Anne. Classic premium cruise lines are also continuously modernising their fleets.

Luxury & yacht cruising

The most exciting trend is taking place in the small, exclusive segment: brands such as the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Four Seasons Yachts are bringing yacht-like ships with a few hundred guests to the market. They are aimed at travellers looking for the opposite of the mega-ship – exclusivity instead of crowds.

The common thread: propulsion and the environment

What is striking about almost all new builds is the theme of propulsion: LNG, methanol capability, shore-power connections and more efficient hull shapes are now standard. The industry is under pressure to cut its CO₂ emissions – every new build is also an answer to that. More on this in our article on sustainable cruising.

Conclusion

The years 2026 and 2027 bring new ships for every taste: gigantic family ships at Royal Caribbean and Disney, modernised fleets at TUI Cruises and MSC, and a growing selection of small luxury yachts. Anyone wanting to book a new build should reserve early – the first seasons of new ships experience shows are quickly sold out. We update this overview continuously.