Best new cruise ships launching in 2026

Taking a cruise vacation is more popular than ever. In fact, according to Cruise Lines International Association, the travel style is growing exponentially. In 2024, the cruise industry welcomed 34.6 million passengers, and the expected passenger count in 2025 was 37.7 million. Additionally, 31% of passengers are first-time cruisers, and 82% of cruisers plan to cruise again. So it’s no wonder that some of the most popular lines have pushed out a new cruise ship nearly every year for the past few years. 

If your family is looking to sail on a new cruise ship in 2026, there are plenty of options, from family-friendly brands like Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line to luxury ships from Regent Seven Seas and Viking. Whether you’re looking for a ship with entertainment around every corner or something where relaxation and top-notch service are central to the experience, there’s a new cruise ship coming in 2026 that will fit your family’s travel style and needs. 

Family-friendly cruise ships

Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas

This summer, Royal Caribbean will launch its newest ship, Legend of the Seas. The Icon-class ship will have 28 ways to dine, seven pools, the largest water park at sea, the hit Broadway musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical, and more. If anyone in your family is feeling brave, you can conquer Crown’s Edge, a small obstacle course that has you dangling over the side of the ship.

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When it’s time for some relaxation, head to the Aquadome, where incredible views are paired with delightful cocktails and snacks from the nearby Aquadome Market. And for the ultimate in family dining, Royal Railway – Legend Station will have you riding in a beautiful train car along the Silk Routes, with a dinner that matches the scenery outside.

Maiden voyage: July 11, 2026

Itineraries: Seven-night Mediterranean cruises in summer 2026; three- to 10-night Caribbean sailings in fall 2026 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Price: Starting from $862 per person based on double occupancy

Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure

The Disney Adventure will be Disney Cruise Line’s first ship to homeport in Asia. It’s also Disney’s biggest ship to date, with room for over 6,000 guests. The ship will feature seven themed areas, including a splash area called Toy Story Place; Marvel Landing, where guests can ride theme park-style attractions; and San Fransokyo Street, which features two kids’ clubs, a movie theater, shops, and more.

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Of course, no Disney Cruise is complete without entertainment, and the Disney Adventure will feature multiple shows around the ship. One show I’m excited to see is Remember, which stars Wall-E and EVE from the Pixar movie Wall-E. During the show, Wall-E tries to restore EVE’s memory through musical numbers from beloved Disney movies. (I saw a very short preview of this show in 2025, and it’s sure to be a tearjerker in all the best ways.)

Maiden voyage: March 10, 2026

Itineraries: Three- and four-night Singapore cruises

Price: Starting from $1,084 for two

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Luna

Norwegian Luna is the brand new vessel from Norwegian Cruise Line. The ship can carry 3,571 guests at double occupancy, so while the ship is large, the crowd sizes are manageable compared to some of the bigger mega-ships sailing the high seas. One thing I love about the new ships from Norwegian is the ample number of outdoor spaces, from Ocean Boulevard and outdoor dining spaces, to Infinity Beach’s spacious infinity pools and the comfortable lounge space at La Terrazza.

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When it’s time for a bite to eat, there are plenty of options from the incredible Indulge Food Hall to new additions like the Japanese restaurant, Sukhothai. As the sun goes down, the theater heats up with its incredible productions, the highlight of which will be ELTON: A Celebration of Elton John. 

Maiden voyage: March 10, 2026

Itineraries: Seven-day Caribbean cruises from Miami, Florida

Price: Starting from $389 per person based on double occupancy

MSC Cruises’ MSC World Asia

Following the success of MSC World Europa and MSC World America, MSC World Asia will feature all of the guest favorites from kids clubs and the iconic MSC Yacht Club (the line’s ship within a ship concept). Throughout the ship, guests will notice nods to Asia in decor and design, including a massive dragon sculpture in World Promenade. For a real thrill, slide down 12 decks on the dry slide dubbed The Spiral @ Tree of Life. The ship will also feature more than 40 bars and dining venues, including six specialty restaurants. A new option is Pan-Asian Street Food, which will serve iconic street foods from around Asia. 

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Maiden voyage: December 4, 2026

Itineraries: Seven-night Mediterranean cruises  

Price: Starting from $796 per person based on double occupancy

Luxury cruise ships

Viking’s Viking Mira

When it comes to luxury ocean sailing, Viking is a great option thanks to its adult-only sailings and quiet ships without casinos. The newest vessel joining the Viking fleet is Viking Mira, which can accommodate just under 1,000 guests. Onboard, each of the staterooms has a verandah, which is nice for relaxing mornings, sipping coffee, or watching the sunset in the evening before dinner. Additionally, the modern Scandinavian design allows each space to feel fresh and open. One area that I can’t wait to enjoy is the Aquavit Terrace, which has an aft-facing infinity pool. Talk about great views while catching some rays. 

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Maiden voyage: June 2026

Itineraries: Eight- to 29-day Mediterranean itineraries

Price: Starting from $2,599 per person based on double occupancy

Viking’s Viking Libra 

A sister ship to Viking Mira, Viking Libra will also accommodate about 1,000 guests and feature Viking’s signature Scandinavian design. What truly makes this adult-only ship stand out, though, is that it’s the first hydrogen-powered cruise ship. This means that it can operate with zero emissions. The ship will mainly sail through the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. One itinerary that’s particularly interesting to me is the 13-day In Search of Northern Lights. Seeing the natural phenomenon from the dark ocean sounds simply magical. 

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Maiden voyage: December 2026

Itineraries: Eight- to 29-day Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries

Price: Starting from $2,299 per person based on double occupancy

Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Prestige 

Those wanting to sail on an ultra-luxury cruise ship will want to book Regent Seven Seas’ newest addition to its fleet, Seven Seas Prestige. The ship can accommodate 822 guests and 630 crew members. The all-suite ship features a variety of cabins, starting with standard veranda suites that offer 440 square feet of room. Then there’s the opulent Skyview Regent Suite with nearly 9,000 square feet of room, a spa bath, private gym, in-suite elevator, and more. Onboard, guests can expect incredible service, and be sure to get a reservation for Azure, the line’s newest restaurant, highlighting Mediterranean cuisine.

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Maiden voyage: December 13, 2026

Itineraries: Seven or more nights around the Caribbean and Mediterranean

Price: Starting from $4.949 per person based on double occupancy

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