Of the 14 new cruise ships slated for launch in 2026, six exceed 100,000 tons, and two of these are destined for the Chinese market. This further demonstrates the strength of the luxury sector, which accounts for seven ships, some of them for globally renowned brands such as Four Seasons and Orient Express.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 75 – December 2025
On March 27, a special cruise for invited guests will depart from Miami for the christening of the Norwegian Luna, the fourth ship in the Prima class, or second in the Prima-Plus class, depending on how you look at it. Like the Norwegian Aqua, at 156,300 tons, it is 10% larger than the original Norwegian Prima and Viva. It will feature an AquaSlide Coaster, a hybrid between a roller coaster and water slides that debuted with great success on the Norwegian Aqua, and all the dining options of the series, such as the Indulge Food Hall, The Local Bar & Grill, the main restaurants, and themed restaurants like Onda by Scarpetta, Cagney's Steakhouse, Sukhothai, and many others
.
Kaia
's maiden voyage from Limassol, Cyprus, to Athens is scheduled for April 4th. This 120-meter (430-foot) megayacht, weighing 5,755 gross tons, can accommodate up to 128 passengers. It is slightly larger than its predecessors, the Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, thanks to the addition of a Sky Lounge on the upper deck. The cabins are also more spacious, and there are new features in the restaurants, such as the new outdoor terrace of La Cucina.
Orient Express Corinthian:
In June, we'll witness the birth of the world's largest sailing ship. The Corinthian will be 220 meters long and have three 69-meter-high masts supporting three rigid sails, each measuring 1,500 square meters. With prices exceeding €22,000 per suite for a four-night cruise, the Corinthian is expected to be the pinnacle of luxury, boasting several onboard restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs and exceptional land-based experiences such as driving a classic convertible along the winding roads of Saint-Tropez to an 18th-century farmhouse where the chef awaits with a menu based on local truffle varieties.
Disney Adventure
will undoubtedly kick things off, a 208,000-ton behemoth built at the MV Werften shipyard, initially as the Global Dream for the Asian company Dream Cruises. The collapse of the Genting Hong Kong group in 2020, which owned both the shipping company and the shipyard, halted construction of the nearly completed vessel. In late 2022, Disney Cruise Line purchased the ship for what could almost be considered a symbolic price: $40 million. Construction resumed in mid-2023 under the direction of Meyer Werft, who established the company Meyer Wismar and rehired 380 of the original project workers. The changes to the ship have been significant, not only in public areas but also technologically. It is expected to be the first cruise ship capable of sailing using green methanol as fuel, and its waste management will be exemplary. Originally planned for the end of 2025, its inauguration was delayed until March 2026, when it will begin sailing 3 and 4 night cruises from Singapore.
Four Seasons I,
the highly anticipated first yacht from Four Seasons Yachts, is scheduled to embark on its maiden commercial cruise on March 20th from Malaga. Weighing 20,000 tons and accommodating 190 passengers, its design is striking. The stern has been left open for a spacious pool area, while the funnel has been positioned far forward, its structure cleverly used to create one of the most luxurious suites ever seen in the cruise industry. The Funnel Suite, which we featured in our June issue, boasts 470 square meters spread across four floors, encased in a curved glass facade that cost $4.5 million. And if that weren't enough, it also features a 457-square-meter terrace. The rest of the ship includes several restaurants, a spa, a small theater, and, most notably, two marinas along its sides.
Viking Mira and Viking Libra:
Once again, a Viking ship of 54,300 tons for 998 passengers. The Viking Mira will be the twelfth ship in Viking's ocean fleet, which already has more than 80 river ships (launching 9 this year alone) and plans to have 23 ocean-going ships by 2031. Before the end of the year, Viking will receive another ship, the thirteenth in its fleet and a sister ship to the previous one.
Legend of the Seas:
In July, the third ship in Royal Caribbean's Icon class, the largest in the world, will debut. Weighing in at 250,800 gross tons and with a capacity for 5,610 passengers, it will be based in Barcelona from its launch until the end of October. After spending the fall/winter in Fort Lauderdale, it will return to Barcelona from May to October 2027. Like its predecessors, it will boast the impressive AquaDome, a glass dome at the bow that houses the AquaTheatre, the stage for dazzling aquatic, aerial, and even robotic shows. It will also feature impressive water slides, the adults-only Hideaway infinity pool at the stern, the iconic open-air Central Park, and the renowned Royal Promenade, in addition to a wide array of restaurants, entertainment venues, pools, and more.
Explora Journeys' Explora III
is growing up. In July, it will receive its third ship, theoretically a twin of the previous two but powered by LNG, bioLNG, or e-LNG, marking a major step towards decarbonization with the potential to reduce emissions by more than 80%. LNG-powered ships require more space for fuel tanks, so Explora III will be significantly larger than its siblings: 72,810 gross tons compared to 63,900 GRT. This increased size will not only be for the fuel tanks, but many of the ship's public areas will also be larger, while the number of passengers remains unchanged at 922. Therefore, more space per passenger. The MSC Group's luxury cruise line is thus embarking on a new phase, in which it can offer a wider variety of destinations to its customers. In the summer of 2026, Explora III will offer an exclusive program to discover Scandinavia and the Baltic countries, and in 2027 it will sail to Alaska.
Mein Schiff Flow,
the second inTUItion-class ship and ninth in the German company TUI Cruises fleet, will be launched at the end of June with a capacity for 3,984 passengers on its 160,000 gross registered tons. Equipped with dual LNG/e-LNG engines and the ability to connect to shore power while in port, it will sail from Palma de Mallorca during peak season and to the United Arab Emirates in autumn/winter. It will feature 14 restaurants and 17 bars, a 25-meter swimming pool, and a 2,000 m² spa.
MSC
World Asia, MSC Cruises' new flagship and the third ship in the World class, will also arrive in early December. Its 215,863 gross tons will accommodate between 5,164 passengers in double occupancy and 6,758 at full capacity. It will take over from the MSC World Europa, sailing year-round from Barcelona. Among its highlights is the World Promenade, an open-air walkway at the stern that combines ocean views with restaurants, bars, and LED light shows, enhanced on this ship by a metal dragon sculpture suspended 10 meters above the deck. As for dining, there will be more than 40 bars, lounges, and restaurants, with at least six specialty cuisines. Of course, it will feature the exclusive MSC Yacht Club area with 144 suites, including the new Royal Duplex Suite, with two bedrooms and capacity for up to six people, plus 24-hour concierge and butler, private pool, priority boarding and other benefits.
The Flora City
will be the second cruise ship built at the Shanghai Waigaoquiao Shipbuilding (SWS) shipyard for Adora Cruises, a cruise company for the Chinese market created by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and Carnival Corporation. Following the delivery of the Adora Magic City, an evolved version of Carnival Corporation's Vista class, in 2023, the Adora Flora City, a 141,900-ton ship, will be delivered in 2026. It will not begin operations until 2027, sailing routes from Guangzhou, north of Hong Kong.
Magellan Discoverer
, measuring 94 meters in length, 17 meters in beam, and 30 meters in height, will carry up to 96 passengers and 67 crew members. This polar vessel was designed with high sustainability criteria in mind: it integrates a hybrid-electric system with diesel generators powering electric motors, lithium batteries, and energy management systems that reduce CO2 emissions and minimize underwater noise. Furthermore, it can operate for up to 60 days without refueling and meets the most stringent international emissions certification (IMO Tier III). Built in Chile by ASENAV for the company Antarctica21, it will primarily sail in Antarctica.
Prestige
will arrive at the end of the year, revolutionizing the ultra-luxury cruise segment. At 77,000 gross tons, no ship in this category has ever been so large. Accommodating 822 passengers, it offers 12 suite categories, including the spectacular Skyview Regent Suite, spanning 817 square meters across two levels, plus a 344-square-meter terrace. The ship's common and public spaces prioritize grandeur and elegance: the Starlight Atrium stands out, a double-height atrium with a spiral staircase and an enormous glass skylight, designed as a monumental space in the style of a grand hotel. There is also a sophisticated lounge, the Galileo's Bar, with a refined atmosphere and classically inspired décor, ideal for relaxation. The culinary and leisure offerings are also top-notch: carefully designed specialty restaurants, elegant bars, common lounges, and an "all-inclusive" experience that includes—according to the cruise line's policy—meals at fine dining restaurants, premium drinks, laundry services, tips, satellite internet, and more.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
