It’s time for the annual Talking Cruise guide to The Top New Cruise Ships in 2026. This year we’re highlighting our Top 5 picks of the latest and greatest.
The 2026 lineup of new ship builds will offer tons of variety in design, purpose and features and we’re certain you’ll find at least one that you can’t wait to board.
Norwegian Luna
Norwegian Cruise Line
Launching: March 2026
Ship Class: 2nd Prima Plus Class Ship
Home-Port: Miami, Florida: New York, New York
Size: 156,300 Gross Tons
Guests/Crew: 3,571 Guests (double), 1,390 Crew
Following the successful launch of Norwegian Aqua, the second Prima-Plus cruise ship, Norwegian Luna is poised to make her big debut in 2026. This class of ships are 10% larger than first-generation Prima Class vessels and have increased guest capacity. Guests will find more outdoor space along Ocean Boulevard, an expanded Vibe Beach Club and the main pool deck. Norwegian Luna will also feature the first at sea hybrid roller-coaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster, Tee Time and Glow Court digital sports complex, first introduced on Norwegian Aqua. For those seeking a luxurious hideaway, the three-bedroom Duplex Haven Suites will be a great addition to The Haven by Norwegian complex, the largest in the fleet, offering exclusive access to a dedicated sun deck, infinity pool, outdoor spa and more.
Starting March 2026, Norwegian Luna will sail 7 night Eastern & Western Caribbean sailings from Miami during her inaugural season, followed by a series of sailings from New York City to Bermuda starting April 2027 though the Summer and Fall.
Learn more about Norwegian Luna
Disney Adventure
Disney Cruise Line
Launching: March 2026
Ship Class: 1st Adventure Class Ship
Home-Port: Singapore
Size: 208,000 Gross Tons
Guests/Crew: 6,700 Guests (double), 2,500 Crew
A brand new ship design considerably larger than anything else Disney Cruise Line has ever built will be coming in 2026. While many of the ship’s public spaces will take theming cues from previous ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, expect a ton of brand new experiences in fun, dining, entertainment and accommodations.
Disney Adventure’s highlights include the Big Hero 6 inspired San Fransokyo high-tech themed entertainment area, Marvel Landing featuring 3 amazing attractions Groot Galaxy Spin, Pym Quantum Racers and the longest roller coaster at sea Ironcycle Test Run a high speed circuit themed to Iron Man.
More character awaits at the Moana Wayfinder Bay pool that also features a live Moana themed show “Moana: Call of the Sea” and Imagination Garden, where Disney stories come to life. Disney Discovery Reef is the gateway to immersive dining experiences including Stitch’s ‘Ohana Grill, Bewitching Boba and Brews, Cosmic Kebabs as well as premier dining venues Palo Trattoria and Mike & Sulley’s – Flavors of Asia. Guests will also enjoy the Navigator’s Club and Hollywood Spotlight Club restaurants, Animator’s Palate and Animator’s Table and the Enchanted Summer Restaurant and Pixar Market Restaurant. Guests in all levels of accommodation can expect special Disney touches capturing the adventurous spirit of beloved Disney, Pixar or Marvel themes.
Enjoy water play at Toy Story Place. Located on the upper decks, little cruisers can frolic at the water playground of Toy Story Splash Pad, while all guests can ride like the wind on Woody and Jessie’s Wild Slides. This area also has dedicated dining spots at Pizza Planet and Wheezy’s Freezies.
Disney Adventure will sail 3 and 4 night itineraries exclusively from Singapore, starting March 2026.
Learn more about Disney Adventure
Legend of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International
Launching: July 2026
Ship Class: 3rd Icon Class Ship
Home-Port: Barcelona, Spain: Civitavecchia, Italy: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Size: 248,663 Gross Tons
Guests/Crew: 5,610 Guests (double), 2,350 Crew
Royal Caribbean’s third Icon-Class ship, Legend of the Seas will continue the dominance of world’s largest cruise ship, with incredible experiences around each corner.
The multi-level Royal Promenade features 15 restaurants and bars and return of the popular Pearl Café. Central Park features live music, bars and dining, including Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, and Chops Grille. Surfside, located aft on Deck 7, takes the boardwalk concept with the popular carousel and arcade and amps it up with a Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay aquaparks and Water’s Edge infinity pool.
AquaDome includes a reimagined version of the AquaTheater, located forward on deck 15. A major highlight is a pumped up aquapark located at Thrill Island, featuring 6 record-breaking waterslides, including two family raft slides, Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea, plus the industry’s first open freefall slide Pressure Drop, and Storm Chasers dueling mat racer slides.
After the thrills, check out Chill Island. Spanning three decks, expansive ocean views are the backdrop for tons of ways to cool off in the water at Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, Swim & Tonic, Royal’s first swim-up bar, plus Cloud 17 and The Cove offering swim to the edge infinity pools. The Hideaway featuring an infinity pool suspended 8 decks above Surfside, is a adults only beach club type venue that has its own resident DJ, full-service bar and some of the best views onboard.
For those that enjoy exclusive experiences, the Suite Neighborhood, first debuted on Wonder of the Seas, is bigger than ever, offering some of Legend of the Seas most spacious suites.
It’s All Aboard at Legend Station as the Royal Railway takes guests on a culinary journey along the ancient Silk Routes, where they’ll experience sights and cultures on a five-course, flavor-packed expedition.
Enjoy one of the Sweetest shows around, as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical brings the over-the-top world of confections and Oompa Loompas to life in the Royal Theater.
Legend of the Seas will commence her inaugural season in July 2026 with 7 and 8 night Mediterranean itineraries throughout the Summer and Fall. In November 2026, she’ll reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the Winter/Spring season of Caribbean voyages each featuring a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Learn more about Legend of the Seas
MSC World Asia
MSC Cruises
Launching: December 2026
Ship Class: 3rd World Class Ship
Home-Port: Barcelona, Spain: Civitavecchia, Italy
Size: 215,863 Gross Tons
Guests/Crew: 5,079 Guests (double), 2,138 Crew
MSC World Asia, the third World-Class ship, will be 215,000 gross tons, almost 1,100 feet long, with a maximum capacity of 6,700 guests, putting her well ahead of most of the largest cruise ships sailing today.
MSC has done some amazing things to utilize this massive size to the utmost, offering a wide variety of experiences, expanded and brand-new venues to appeal to everyone. Highlights include Jaw Drop, one of the longest dry slide at sea at a dizzying 11 decks high, Cliffhanger, over-the-water swing ride, 13 dining venues with retuning MSC favorites and new concepts, 19 different categories of accommodations, featuring the line’s first promenade view and infinite ocean view rooms plus expanded premium level Aurea and Yacht Club amenities.
Powered by liquified natural gas, starting December 2026 MSC World Asia will sail 7 night Mediterranean itineraries during her inaugural year from various European ports.
Learn more about MSC World Asia
Seven Seas Prestige
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Launching: December 2026
Ship Class: 1st Prestige Class Ship
Home-Port(s): Barcelona, Spain; Piraeus, Greece; Venice, Italy; Lisbon, Portugal; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; New York, NY; Panama City, Panama; Civitavecchia, Italy; San Juan, PR; Southampton, England
Size: 77,000 Gross Tons
Guests/Crew: 822 Guests (double), 630 Crew
Not just the largest vessel ever built for Regent Seven Seas Cruses, Seven Seas Prestige is about establishing a new legacy. Guests will experience spacious yet intimate interiors, designed with rich finishes and great attention to detail.
Highlighting the aspect of ocean travel was at the forefront of the ship’s designers, where venues flow into one another and areas like the Starlight Atrium, celebrate the beauty of natural light floating through the spaces at daybreak and dusk.
The Constellation Theater hosts a spectacular evening. As stars and performers grace the stage, they use music, acting, and dance to transport you to other worlds.
Experience hands-on cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Kitchen. With stunning ocean views and expert Master Chef Instructors, you will discover global techniques and the local flavors of your destinations.
The Seven Seas Prestige™ offers the epitome of ultra-luxury. Every suite, including the expansive Skyview Regent and new two-story Grand Loft Suites, is a masterpiece of comfort and design. Enjoy custom furnishings, exotic stone, and marble accents, combining timeless elegance with modern living.
The Seven Seas Prestige’s inaugural season features 13 immersive voyages exploring iconic destinations across the Caribbean and Europe. The maiden sailing is a 14-night transatlantic journey from Barcelona to Miami, departing on December 13, 2026.
Learn more about Seven Seas Prestige
What an impressive lineup of new cruise ships in 2026. Which one is your favorite? Did you see any ship you are interested in sailing on? Leave a comment below or join us on the Talking Cruise Community forums.