The cruise industry is adding significant capacity in 2026, but it’s one of the last years you’ll see this kind of expansion. According to industry data, 2025 will see 6.5% capacity growth, followed by 6% in 2026—then growth drops to 4% in 2027 and settles around 3% annually through 2033. For context, that’s roughly 21,000-23,000 new berths in 2026 versus pre-pandemic averages of 15,000-18,000 annually. This matters because capacity constraints have been the primary challenge for booking larger suites and penthouses, particularly on luxury and premium lines where demand has consistently outpaced supply since the pandemic restart.

Here are six notable launches coming next year.

Explora III (Explora Journeys)

Launch: August 2026
Capacity: 463 suites accommodating 922 passengers

Explora III represents the midpoint of Explora Journeys’ planned six-ship fleet (the brand launched in 2023 with Explora I, followed by Explora II in 2024). The third vessel addresses one of the brand’s early challenges: availability. The first two ships sold out quickly, often at premium prices, leaving potential guests frustrated. This ship is 10% larger than its predecessors but adds only two additional suites—the expansion went toward more spacious public areas and higher-tier accommodations.

The notable change is in suite mix. Explora III features 109 Ocean Penthouses (up from 67 on Explora I & II) and 39 Ocean Residences, plus two Owner’s Residences instead of one. To understand what this means: Explora’s base accommodations are Ocean Terrace Suites—already generous at 377 square feet with private balconies. Ocean Penthouses step up to 753-1,604 square feet with separate lounges, dining areas for four, and significantly larger terraces with daybeds. Ocean Residences go further, offering butler service and prime positioning. If you’ve been priced out of Explora I or II’s penthouse categories, this ship may offer better availability.

What’s new: The ship runs on LNG (liquefied natural gas) rather than traditional marine fuel, making it Explora’s first vessel with this propulsion system. Other additions include an expanded sports court with pickleball and padel, a redesigned Nautilus Club for families with dedicated teen spaces, and an outdoor cigar lounge. Explora III also fixes a configuration issue from the first two ships—twin beds can now convert to doubles across all categories, not just select suites.

2026 Routes: Maiden voyage August 3 from Barcelona to Lisbon (7 nights), then Mediterranean and Northern Europe sailings, Greenland/North Atlantic crossings through fall. Winter 2026-27 switches to Caribbean from Miami. 2027 brings Alaska deployments—Explora’s first.

MSC World Asia (MSC Cruises)

Launch: December 2026
Capacity: 2,614 cabins accommodating 6,782 passengers

MSC World Asia is the third ship in the World Class series, following MSC World Europa (2022) and MSC World America (2025). Despite the name, it won’t initially sail in Asia—the maiden season runs Mediterranean routes from six European homeports. The Asian deployment comes later.

The ship features Asian-inspired design elements throughout, from deck names based on Asian capitals to venue theming. New dining additions include a Pan-Asian specialty restaurant focusing on Southeast Asian cuisine. The Clubhouse, a family zone spanning an entire deck, offers LEGO play areas, bumper cars, and roller skating all in one space—an evolution from the separated entertainment zones on earlier World Class ships.

What stands out: The Tree of Life dry slide extends 12 decks, making it the longest at sea. The ship also introduces a Royal Duplex Suite in the Yacht Club section—a two-level, two-bedroom unit with a terrace whirlpool that sleeps six. The World Promenade, an open-air space with LED light shows, anchors the ship’s social life, while Luna Park provides a two-deck arena for daytime games and evening entertainment.

Like its sisters, MSC World Asia runs on LNG with fuel cell technology for port operations.

2026-27 Routes: Seven-day Mediterranean roundtrips from Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Rome, Messina, and Valletta.

Norwegian Luna (Norwegian Cruise Line)

Launch: April 2026
Capacity: 3,550 passengers

Norwegian Luna is NCL’s fourth Prima-class ship, following Prima (2022), Viva (2023), and Aqua (2025). It’s 10% larger than the first two and represents the final vessel in this series before NCL transitions to an entirely new, larger class for 2030 deliveries.

The key attraction is the Aqua Slidecoaster—a hybrid roller coaster/waterslide that twists around the upper decks. It’s been on Prima and Viva, but Luna’s version incorporates refinements. The Drop, a 10-story free-fall slide, remains. What’s genuinely new: Sukhothai, NCL’s first Thai specialty restaurant, debuts on Luna alongside returning favorites like The Local, Cagney’s Steakhouse, and Onda by Scarpetta.

The Haven—NCL’s ship-within-a-ship luxury complex with private restaurants, sundeck, and concierge—now includes three-bedroom duplex suites with separate living/dining areas and three bathrooms. These four units (up from zero on earlier Prima ships) target multigenerational groups who want Haven exclusivity with space for six to eight people.

Hull art by street artist ELLE features a celestial “La Luna” design inspired by moonlight on water—a signature NCL touch that makes each ship visually distinctive.

2026 Routes: Year-round seven-night Caribbean from Miami, alternating between Western Caribbean (Roatán, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Harvest Caye) and Eastern Caribbean (Puerto Plata, Tortola, St. Thomas, Great Stirrup Cay with NCL’s new pier).

Four Seasons Yacht I (Four Seasons Yachts)

Launch: March 2026
Capacity: 95 suites accommodating 190-222 guests

Four Seasons enters the cruise market with a yacht-style vessel that’s the first in what the brand hopes will be a larger fleet (a second yacht is planned for 2027). At 95 suites, it’s smaller than most ocean-going ships but larger than typical expedition vessels—a positioning Four Seasons describes as “between yacht and cruise ship.”

The signature feature is the Transverse Marina—a platform that opens on both sides of the yacht, creating a 105-person bar and lounge connecting port and starboard. This isn’t just for views—direct water access allows swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding from the ship itself. Morning yoga sessions, smoothies, and evening cocktails happen in this space, which effectively transforms the lower deck into a floating beach club on marina days.

The ship also carries two custom tenders: a Limo Tender (10 meters, fully crewed for private coastal tours) and a Beachlander (high-speed access to secluded beaches and snorkeling spots). All suites include private terraces, with top categories exceeding 1,000 square feet. The Funnel Suite spans four levels with its own plunge pool.

Dining includes 11 venues: Sedna (main restaurant), Terrasse (Mediterranean), Miuna (sushi bar), and Pistachio café among them. Unlike traditional cruises, Four Seasons charges per suite (not per person), and lunch/dinner are not included except for children under 12. The yacht is available for booking now through preferred travel advisors, with Four Seasons Preferred Partners receiving onboard credits of $300-$2,000 per suite depending on category and voyage length.

2026 Routes: Maiden voyage March 20 (Málaga to Valletta, 7 nights), then Mediterranean through October (Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, Greek Isles, Turkey, Spain across 130+ destinations). Winter 2026-27 Caribbean from Miami with 5-14 night voyages.

Seven Seas Prestige (Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

Launch: December 2026
Capacity: 822 guests

Seven Seas Prestige is Regent’s first new ship class in a decade and represents an evolution from the Explorer-class ships (the most recent being Seven Seas Grandeur in 2023, which accommodated 746 guests). Prestige pushes to 822 while maintaining Regent’s all-suite, all-balcony standard and all-inclusive positioning—unlimited shore excursions, gourmet dining, fine wines, WiFi, and laundry remain part of the base fare.

The centerpiece is the Starlight Atrium—a two-story space with twin spiral staircases, a glass ceiling, and Renaissance-inspired architecture featuring hand-painted details. Galileo’s Bar, adjacent to the atrium, features hand-blown glass fixtures and serves craft cocktails.

The Skyview Regent Suite spans nearly 9,000 square feet across two levels, with a 3,700-square-foot wraparound balcony, in-suite elevator, private gym, sauna, two bedrooms, and 2.5 bathrooms. It’s one of the largest accommodations at sea and represents Regent’s push into ultra-luxury territory traditionally occupied by Silversea’s Royal Suite or Regent’s own previous top-tier accommodations—but significantly larger.

Regent added 12 suite categories total, providing more mid-tier options between entry-level Deluxe Veranda Suites and the top Skyview.

2026-27 Routes: Inaugural 14-night crossing from Barcelona to Miami (December 13, 2026), then Caribbean and European itineraries with multiple transatlantic crossings. Highlights include two Panama Canal transits and overnight calls in London, Lisbon, and Bordeaux.

Ritz-Carlton Luminara (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection)

Launch: Summer 2026 (Alaska deployment)
Capacity: 226 suites accommodating 452 guests

Luminara technically launched in July 2025 but enters major service in summer 2026 with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s first Alaska season—a significant route expansion for the brand, which previously focused on Caribbean and Mediterranean waters. This is the third yacht in the collection, following Evrima (2022) and Ilma (2024).

The ship features a 731-piece art collection including works by Paul Klee, David Hockney, Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Gerhard Richter, and Andy Warhol. Dark oak, walnut, marble, and smoked glass define the interiors—a more subdued palette than Ilma’s lighter aesthetic.

Dining includes five restaurants, with two created in partnership with James Beard and Michelin-recognized chefs. Seta su Luminara, by Fabio Trabocchi, offers an eight-course Italian tasting menu and is the only added-fee restaurant on board. Beach House, by Michael Mina, features Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine—a menu distinct from Ilma’s South American Beach House concept. Azur serves as the main semiformal dining room, while other venues offer more casual options.

Two new upper suite categories deliver 1,000 square feet each, responding to demand for larger accommodations. The expanded marina provides direct water access for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.

2026 Routes: Summer Alaska and Canada (brand’s first), then fall repositioning around Africa to Asia-Pacific for winter 2025-26 (Hạ Long Bay, Osaka, Bangkok). Winter 2026-27 Caribbean includes 20+ new itineraries with shorter 3-5 night voyages from Miami and San Juan—a departure from the brand’s typical 7-10 night sailings.

What This Means for 2026 Cruisers

These six ships represent different industry strategies: Explora and Regent are building new brands and ship classes, MSC and NCL are extending proven designs with refinements, and Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton are testing yacht-style cruising in new markets.

For travelers, 2026 offers increased inventory in categories that have been sold out or heavily booked (particularly Explora and Regent), plus new route options that expand what’s possible: Ritz-Carlton’s Alaska debut, Four Seasons’ Mediterranean program, and Explora’s upcoming 2027 Alaska season. If you’ve been looking at these lines but found limited availability or preferred itineraries fully booked, next year provides fresh opportunities.

Ready to explore these new ships? Bjarni & Drake specializes in matching travelers with the right cruise experience—whether you’re considering your first luxury sailing or comparing options across multiple lines. We work with preferred partnerships across all major cruise lines to ensure you get the best value and experience for your travel style. Contact us to discuss which 2026 ship launch makes sense for your next adventure.

Featured image courtesy of Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection