If you thought cruise ships couldn’t get any bigger, bolder, or more innovative—think again. From massive floating resorts to sleek luxury yachts, the next few years are packed with jaw-dropping new ships that are set to change the game.
Whether you’re into record-breaking waterparks, next-level entertainment, or just want a breezy balcony with killer views, the future of cruising has something seriously exciting for everyone.
In this list, I’m going to highlight 21 incredible cruise ships launching between now and 2028, each one bringing fresh designs, new destinations, and standout features to the high seas.
To keep things simple, we’ve grouped the ships by the year they launch—so you can see what’s coming in 2025, 2026, 2027, and beyond.
Ships Coming in 2025
Here’s a look at the exciting new cruise ships making their debut in 2025:
Star of the Seas
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Maiden Voyage: August 31, 2025
Class/Series: Icon Class
Passenger Capacity: 5,610
Length: 1,196 ft. (365 m)
Key Features: Largest water park at sea, suspended infinity pool, Back to the Future: The Musical, Ultimate Family Townhouse, AquaTheater, 40+ dining/drink venues, LNG-powered
Launching in August 2025 from Port Canaveral, Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class mega-ship and promises to be an all-in-one floating resort for families, thrill-seekers, and luxury cruisers alike.
With record-breaking water slides, a suspended infinity pool, over 40 dining venues, a Broadway-style Back to the Future show, and stops at the private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, this 250,800-ton ship is setting a new gold standard for what a week at sea can look like.
Disney Adventure
Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line
Maiden Voyage: December 15, 2025
Class/Series: Global Class
Passenger Capacity: 6,000 passengers
Length: 1,122 ft. (342 m)
Key Features: Seven themed “lands,” Ironcycle rollercoaster, Marvel Style Studio, Toy Story water play area, open-air Disney Imagination Garden stage, Frozen-themed suites
Launching on December 15, 2025, Disney Adventure will be the largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet—and the first in the new Global Class. It will embark on its maiden voyage from Singapore and remain homeported there, marking Disney’s exciting debut in Asia.
This massive 208,000-ton “destination at sea” will sail around Asia most of the year, offering immersive fun across seven themed zones like Marvel Landing, Toy Story Place, and Disney Imagination Garden. With space for 6,700 guests and next-level attractions, Disney Adventure is set to transform family cruising in Asia.
Disney Destiny
Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line
Maiden Voyage: November 20 2025
Class/Series: Wish Class
Passenger Capacity: 4,000 passengers
Length: 1,119 ft. (340 m)
Key Features: Pride Lands Lion King dining show, AquaMouse Villain Mountain coaster, Hercules stage show, Marvel character meet-and-greets
Launching in November 2025, Disney Destiny is the third Wish-class ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, themed around the epic clash of heroes and villains. It will embark on its maiden voyage from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 20, 2025.
Onboard, guests can dine at immersive venues like Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, meet Marvel characters, and explore unique lounges like De Vil’s and The Sanctum. With themed rooms, new shows like Hercules, and fun for all ages, Disney Destiny promises magical adventures at every turn.
Celebrity Xcel
Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
Maiden Voyage: November 2025
Class/Series: Edge Series (5th ship)
Passenger Capacity: 3,260 passengers
Length: 1,073 ft. (327 m)
Key Features: The Bazaar festival hub, Mosaic restaurant, Spice casual eatery, Chef’s Studio, Infinite Veranda cabins, multilevel Sunset Bar, The Retreat suite area, enhanced entertainment from Celebrity Ascent
Launching on November 18, 2025, Celebrity Xcel will make its grand debut with a 5-night Bahamas & Mexico voyage departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As the fifth ship in Celebrity’s award-winning Edge Series, Xcel continues the line’s trend of innovation.
Among the ship’s standout additions is The Bazaar, a festival-style hub inspired by local cultures, plus upscale dining at Mosaic, and interactive culinary fun at the Chef’s Studio. With reimagined entertainment venues and beautiful design touches throughout, Celebrity Xcel is a ship that’s sure to deliver.
Star Princess
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Maiden Voyage: October 4, 2025
Class/Series: Sphere Class
Passenger Capacity: 4,300
Length: 1,133 ft. (345 m)
Key Features: LNG-powered, The Dome entertainment venue, Sphere Piazza, Arena Theater with reconfigurable seating, new Reserve and Signature Collection suites
Star Princess, debuting in fall 2025, will be the second ship in Princess Cruises’ groundbreaking Sphere Class and one of the largest in the fleet. This 175,500-ton ship will carry up to 4,300 guests and begin service with an inaugural 11-day Western Mediterranean cruise departing roundtrip from Barcelona, Spain.
Onboard, guests will find standout features like The Dome—a Santorini-inspired, glass-covered pool and entertainment space—along with The Sphere Piazza and The Arena, a versatile theater with multiple configurations. It will also feature more than 30 restaurants and bars, expanded favorites, and luxurious new suite categories.
Brilliant Lady
Cruise Line: Virgin Voyages
Maiden Voyage: September 2025
Class/Series: Lady Class
Passenger Capacity: 2,700 passengers
Key Features: Adults-only, 20+ dining venues, Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, seven brand-new shows, nightclub-style entertainment, wellness-focused amenities, balcony-heavy cabins
Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady is set to make her maiden voyage from New York in September 2025, marking a bold new chapter for the adults-only cruise line. This 110,000-ton ship will bring Virgin’s signature all-inclusive experience to new North American destinations—including its first-ever sailings to Alaska.
Onboard, guests can look forward to stylish balcony cabins, nearly 20 distinctive dining spots (no buffets or main dining rooms), and seven all-new shows. From late-night disco parties to Spanish-inspired cuisine and wellness-focused perks, Brilliant Lady offers a more playful, adult-centered take on cruising.
Oceania Allura
Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises
Maiden Voyage: July 18, 2025
Class/Series: Allura Class
Passenger Capacity: 1,200
Length: 832 ft. (251 m)
Key Features: All-veranda staterooms, solo traveler suites, 12 dining venues, Ember restaurant, Aquamar Kitchen, Chef’s Studio, Ralph Lauren-designed suites
Set to launch in July 2025, Oceania Allura is the second ship in Oceania Cruises’ Allura-class and will embark on its inaugural voyage from Trieste, Italy. Designed for a refined, small-ship experience, the ship carries 1,200 guests, with every stateroom featuring a private veranda.
New highlights include solo traveler suites, Ember restaurant serving modern American classics, and an expanded Chef’s Studio for hands-on culinary classes. With a focus on wellness, elevated design, and immersive itineraries across, Allura brings a fresh take to Oceania’s lineup.
Ritz-Carlton Luminara
Cruise Line: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Maiden Voyage: July 2025
Class/Series: Luminara Class
Passenger Capacity: 456
Length: 794 ft. (242 m)
Key Features: 228 all-balcony suites, 5 restaurants, 6 bars, wine vault, Ritz-Carlton Spa, expanded marina platform, LNG-powered engines, highest space and service ratios at sea
Luminara, the third superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, will embark on its maiden voyage in July 2025, sailing from Monte Carlo to Civitavecchia, Italy. Designed to feel more like a private yacht than a traditional cruise ship, Luminara offers an ultra-luxury experience from the moment you step aboard.
With only 228 all-balcony suites, five gourmet dining spots, a marina for watersports, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, this yacht caters to those who seek space, seclusion, and first-class comfort. Powered by LNG, it sails in comfort and style across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and beyond.
Viking Vesta
Cruise Line: Viking (Ocean)
Maiden Voyage: July 2, 2025
Class/Series: Ocean Small Ship
Passenger Capacity: 998
Length: 784 ft. (239 m)
Key Features: Owner’s Suite with sauna and boardroom, Nordic spa with thermal suite, Explorers’ Lounge, Wintergarden afternoon tea, Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, The Chef’s Table
Viking Vesta is set to debut in July 2025 as the newest addition to Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet. It is scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage on July 2, 2025—a 12-day Mediterranean Odyssey cruise that will depart from Venice (Marghera), Italy, and conclude in Barcelona, Spain.
Onboard, expect elegant rooms, relaxing spaces, and enriching experiences over loud entertainment. Dining is included at guest-favorite venues like Manfredi’s Italian and The Chef’s Table, and the Nordic spa offers a soothing retreat.
American Patriot
Cruise Line: American Cruise Lines
Maiden Voyage: June 21, 2025
Class/Series: Patriot Class
Passenger Capacity: 125
Length: 243 ft. (74 m)
Key Features: All-balcony staterooms, Grand Suites up to 620 sq ft, Sky Lounge, fitness center, open seating dining, bow terrace, café on sun deck
Embarking on its maiden voyage on June 21, 2025, American Patriot will launch with a 14-night “Grand New England Cruise” sailing roundtrip from Boston, Massachusetts. The inaugural itinerary will visit 13 iconic destinations, including Martha’s Vineyard, Newport, Bar Harbor, and Provincetown.
As the first ship in the new Patriot Class, American Patriot offers a luxurious yet intimate experience for just 125 guests. All staterooms include private balconies—many among the most spacious at sea—and the ship features elegant interiors inspired by U.S. heritage, a top-deck café, and wide observation lounges.
Star Seeker
Cruise Line: Windstar Cruises
Launch Date: December 28 2025
Maiden Voyage: December 28 2025
Class/Series: Star Class
Passenger Capacity: 224
Length: 431 ft. (131 m)
Key Features: All-oceanview suites, private verandas or infinity windows, Basil + Bamboo specialty dining, ice-strengthened hull, watersports platform with sea access
Star Seeker, Windstar Cruises’ newest yacht, is set to launch in late 2025 with its inaugural cruise—a 16-night transatlantic journey from Málaga, Spain, to Miami, Florida. This stylish small ship promises a modern, ultra-cozy take on luxury cruising, with all 112 suites facing the ocean.
Built with an ice-strengthened hull, Star Seeker is also equipped for polar exploration. Following its maiden voyage, the ship will sail immersive itineraries through the Caribbean, Alaska, Japan, and beyond, offering guests the chance to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations in luxurious comfort.
American Pioneer
Cruise Line: American Cruise Lines
Maiden Voyage: November 1, 2025
Class/Series: Patriot Class
Passenger Capacity: 125
Length: 243 ft. (74 m)
Key Features: Sky Suites and Grand Suites, Sky Lounge, bow terrace, sun deck café, fitness center, elevator to all decks, stabilizers for comfort at sea
American Pioneer will launch in November 2025 with an inaugural round-trip 7-night Florida Gulf Coast and Keys Cruise out of St. Petersburg, Florida. As the second ship in American Cruise Lines’ new Patriot Class, it’s built for intimate, small-ship exploration along the U.S. coast.
Accommodating just 125 guests, the ship features 56 spacious staterooms—all with private balconies—and Grand Suites that span 620 sq ft. (58 sq m). With a classic look, coastal design, and inviting spaces like the Sky Lounge and sun deck café, American Pioneer offers a relaxed, elegant way to explore the U.S. shoreline.
Ships Coming in 2026
From luxury to adventure, here are the newest ships arriving in 2026:
Legend of the Seas
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Maiden Voyage: August 2, 2026
Class/Series: Icon Class
Passenger Capacity: 7,000
Length: 1,198 ft. (365 m)
Key Features: Category 6 waterpark with 6 slides, Crown’s Edge aerial challenge, FlowRider surf simulator, AquaTheater with 55-ft waterfall, Absolute Zero ice rink
Legend of the Seas, debuting in August 2026, is Royal Caribbean’s third Icon Class ship and will embark on its maiden voyage out of Barcelona, Spain. It will begin sailing the Western Mediterranean, offering families a new standard of adventure and luxury at sea.
With seven pools, the largest waterpark at sea, and dazzling entertainment in venues like AquaTheater and Absolute Zero, this floating mega-resort is built for unforgettable vacations. After its Mediterranean season, Legend will transition to Fort Lauderdale to begin Caribbean sailings.
MSC World Asia
Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
Launch Date: December 11 2026
Class/Series: World Class
Passenger Capacity: 6,762
Length: 1,093 ft. (333 m)
Key Features: Over 40 bars and restaurants, Yacht Club with duplex suites, Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, onboard microbrewery, Cliffhanger attraction
Debuting on December 11, 2026, MSC World Asia is the third and most spacious ship in MSC Cruises’ innovative World Class series. Despite its name, the ship will launch from Barcelona and begin its journey in the Western Mediterranean.
With more than 40 dining and drinking venues, Asian-inspired design elements, a full-scale brewery, family-friendly attractions, and an ultra-luxe Yacht Club, this 6,762-passenger ship offers a next-gen cruise experience.
Mein Schiff Flow
Cruise Line: TUI Cruises
Maiden Voyage: August 16, 2026
Class/Series: InTUItion Class
Passenger Capacity: 4,000
Length: 1,093 ft. (333 m)
Key Features: LNG-powered, three-deck atrium, Atlantic restaurant with panoramic views, Street Art Bar, Captain’s Bar, Sur Mer French bistro, light and sea-inspired interior design
Mein Schiff Flow, the second ship in TUI Cruises’ new InTUItion class, will embark on its maiden voyage from Palma de Mallorca, Spain. A sister ship to Mein Schiff Relax, it’s designed to evoke a sense of ease and “flow,” featuring panoramic views, airy atriums, and sea-inspired color palettes.
Powered by LNG and ready for shore power and future bio-LNG use, Mein Schiff Flow will feature standout venues like the Atlantic restaurant, the Captain’s Bar with nautical flair, and the bold, photo-worthy Street Art Bar.
Norwegian Luna
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Maiden Voyage: April 4, 2026
Class/Series: Prima Plus Class
Passenger Capacity: 3,550
Length: 1,056 ft. (322 m)
Key Features: Aqua Slidecoaster hybrid coaster, The Drop free-fall slide, The Haven 3-bedroom duplex suites, Ocean Boulevard wraparound promenade, Glow Court digital sports complex
Norwegian Luna, the latest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Plus class, is set to debut in April 2026 with Caribbean itineraries sailing roundtrip from Miami. The ship features high-tech attractions like the thrilling Aqua Slidecoaster and elevated luxury with roomy Haven suites, including all-new three-bedroom duplexes.
Whether strolling Ocean Boulevard or catching a show in Glow Court, guests will find endless ways to unwind and be wowed. Add in a dynamic dining lineup and sun-soaked open spaces, and Luna is perfect for travelers looking for both excitement and elbow room.
Orient Express Corinthian
Cruise Line: Orient Express (Accor)
Launch Date: June 2026
Class/Series: Orient Express Sailing Yachts
Passenger Capacity: 110
Length: 721 ft. (220 m)
Key Features: 54 luxury suites, SolidSail wind propulsion system, hybrid LNG engines, five restaurants including one by Yannick Alléno, eight bars including a speakeasy, Guerlain spa
Orient Express Corinthian is set to launch in June 2026—not as a traditional cruise ship, but as the world’s largest sailing yacht. With just 54 ultra-luxurious suites, it offers an exclusive and elegant experience inspired by the golden age of the original Orient Express.
Aboard, guests can indulge in Michelin-starred dining, a speakeasy-style bar, a Parisian cabaret, a Guerlain spa, and sleek, French-crafted interiors. Powered by a hybrid LNG engine and the innovative SolidSail system, the Corinthian promises an unforgettable journey at sea.
Explora III
Cruise Line: Explora Journeys (MSC Group)
Maiden Voyage: Summer 2026
Class/Series: Explora Class
Passenger Capacity: 922
Key Features: 463 ocean-view suites, LNG-powered, 6 restaurants, 12 bars/lounges, multiple pools and whirlpools, Ocean Wellness spa and fitness center
Set to debut in summer 2026, Explora III is the third luxury vessel in Explora Journeys’ fast-growing fleet—and the first to be powered by cleaner LNG fuel. Designed to feel like a private superyacht, the ship will carry just 922 guests.
Onboard, guests will find spacious ocean-facing suites, 6 refined restaurants, 12 elegant bars and lounges, and reimagined wellness and youth spaces. It’s designed for immersive journeys across Northern Europe, Greenland, North America’s East Coast, and the Caribbean.
Ships Coming in 2027
These cruise ships launching in 2027 are raising the bar:
Carnival Festivale
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Launch Date: Spring 2027
Class/Series: Excel Class
Key Features: Sunsation Point waterpark, immersive music-themed zones, 1,000 interconnecting cabins, new dining concept by Emeril Lagasse, Guy’s Burger Joint, Big Chicken, Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, LNG-powered
One of the most eagerly awaited ships in Carnival’s fleet, Carnival Festivale is set to make waves when it launches in spring 2027 from Port Canaveral. This LNG-powered mega-ship offers fan-favorite venues with exciting new concepts, including immersive music-themed zones and a top-deck family waterpark called Sunsation Point.
Festivale also features more interconnecting staterooms than ever before, plus dining by Emeril Lagasse and vibrant nighttime entertainment. It’s shaping up to be a full-on celebration at sea—from sunrise to long after sundown.
MSC World Atlantic
Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
Launch Date: February 2027
Maiden Voyage: Winter 2027–2028
Class/Series: World Class
Passenger Capacity: 6,762
Length: 1,093 ft. (333 m)
Key Features: 7 themed districts, 19 restaurants, 21 bars and lounges, Cliffhanger swing, The Spiral dry slide, Yacht Club duplex suites, Luna Park Arena
Currently under construction in Saint-Nazaire, France, MSC World Atlantic is set to launch in winter 2027 as MSC Cruises’ fourth and most advanced World Class ship. It’s the first World Class ship to call Florida home, sailing roundtrip Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral.
With space for over 6,700 guests, the ship will feature seven themed “districts,” 19 restaurants, 21 bars, jaw-dropping attractions like the over-ocean Cliffhanger swing and The Spiral slide, and an upgraded Yacht Club for a touch of luxury. MSC World Atlantic is poised to make waves as a new Caribbean favorite.
Ships Coming in 2028
There’s just one ship on the radar for 2028—but it’s a big one:
Carnival Tropicale
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Launch Date: Spring 2028
Class/Series: Excel Class
Key Features: Sunsation Point waterpark, six waterslides, DJ & nighttime waterpark access, music-themed zones, 1,000 interconnecting cabins, Turtles kids’ program
Carnival Tropicale is an upcoming Excel-class cruise ship arriving in spring 2028 with all-new family features. Built for family fun, this LNG-powered megaship will feature Sunsation Point—a vibrant, multi-deck outdoor zone with a waterpark, adventure trail, and nighttime entertainment.
Adding to the fun, the ship will include music-focused venues and a record number of interconnecting cabins for families and groups. It’s shaping up to be one of Carnival’s most family-focused ships yet, with cruises likely headed for the Caribbean.
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