Viking Mira
Launching: Spring 2026
The latest addition to Viking’s fleet of near-identical ocean ships, Mira will be another all-veranda vessel in trademark Scandi style. With 499 staterooms and a guest capacity of 998, the new ship will feature all the communal spaces that Viking passengers have come to love, from Manfredi’s Italian restaurant to the award-winning LivNordic spa.
Where’s it sailing?
Viking Mira’s inaugural season will chart a course around the Mediterranean and northern Europe, with itineraries including Italian Sojourn (Rome to Venice) and British Isles Explorer (Bergen to London Tilbury).
Norwegian Luna
Launching: March 2026
A twin sister to Norwegian Aqua, Luna will offer all the features of Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class. Outdoor areas include two Infinity Beach relaxation spaces with pools and daybeds, as well as the glass-floored Ocean Boulevard and Aqua Slidecoaster hybrid thrill ride.
Inside, highlights include the LED-illuminated Glow Court – which transforms from a sports arena into a nightclub – and the second iteration of NCL’s vegan-friendly restaurant, Planterie.
Where’s it sailing?
After making its maiden voyage from Rome to Miami, the 3,550-guest ship will cruise the Bahamas and the Caribbean before offering round-trip itineraries from New York in 2027.
Four Seasons I
Launching: March 2026
The first yacht from the Four Seasons hotel brand is an all-suite vessel for just 180 guests. Even the standard grade accommodation boasts walk-in wardrobes, terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows, while the plushest categories deliver private pools and outdoor gyms.
There’s a one-to-one crew/guest ratio, and passengers will be able to choose between 11 restaurants and lounges, including a Champagne and caviar bar, as well as a spa and a theatre.
Where’s it sailing?
Ports of call will include the French Riviera and Gocek on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
Legend of the Seas
Launching: July 2026
Offering more dining options than any other ship is just one of the ways in which Royal Caribbean’s new Legend of the Seas aims to live up to its name. There will be no fewer than 28 culinary venues and experiences on board, including the new Hollywood Supper Club, where cinema-inspired menus will be served with a side of live jazz.
The foodie theme is baked into the ship’s theatre line-up too, as the hit Broadway musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory makes its ocean debut.
As the line’s third Icon-Class vessel, Legend will also share the best-loved features of its sisters Icon and Star, including their six-slide waterparks and seven pools.
Where’s it sailing?
The ship will spend its first season cruising the western Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to spend winter 2026 island-hopping in the Caribbean.
Explora III
Launching: July 2026
Fractionally bigger than sister vessels Explora I and II, Explora Journeys’ third ship also offers a higher proportion of top-end suite categories, such as Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences.
With a passenger capacity of just 922, Explora III will also offer more communal space per guest than almost any other cruise ship. Public areas include six restaurants, five pools, 12 bars and lounges, and an expanded wellness and fitness area.
Where’s it sailing?
Explora III’s first sailings will include Italy, Portugal and Spain, before it sails north to the Norwegian fjords and the Baltics.
Star Explorer
Launching: December 2026
Twelve months on from the launch of Star Seeker, Windstar’s fifth Star-Class superyacht bookends a historic year for the ultra-luxury line. Accommodating 224 well-heeled guests, the 159-metre Star Explorer will feature two Horizon Suites with wraparound balconies.
Five restaurants will offer a choice of international cuisines, all of which are complimentary and covered by the upfront fare.
Where’s it sailing?
Star Explorer’s first season will showcase southern Europe in winter, sailing between Barcelona and Venice, with calls including Gibraltar, Palma de Mallorca, Rome and Dubrovnik.
MSC World Asia
Launching: December 2026
MSC’s new flagship will bring its own twist to the line’s World Class of mega-ships, each of which is divided into seven distinct ‘districts’. Powered by LNG for reduced emissions, the 6,758-guest World Asia will add a pan-Asian eatery, bar and terrace to the World Promenade dining zone, plus Eastern-style design elements and a new retro-themed Clubhouse where families can get together for day and nighttime entertainment.
Meanwhile, for thrill seekers, the ship will introduce a massive 12-deck dry slide, the longest on any cruise ship.
Where’s it sailing?
Despite its name, the ship will spend its first winter and summer seasons cruising the Mediterranean.
Seven Seas Prestige
Launching: December 2026
Representing Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ first new ship class in a decade, Seven Seas Prestige will carry just 822 passengers, giving it one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the business.
Cruisers can expect decor inspired by classical and Renaissance architecture, a dazzling atrium with twin spiral staircases, and new accommodation categories including two-storey Skyview Suites, which come with private rooftop terraces and in-suite elevators.
A new mezze-style Mediterranean restaurant will also make its debut, increasing the number of speciality dining options to seven.
Where’s it sailing?
Seven Seas Prestige will spend winter sailing from Miami to the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Mexico and via the Panama Canal to Los Angeles. Then it will cross the Atlantic for a European season in summer 2027, with port calls including Barcelona, Lisbon, Rome and Venice.
S.S. Emilie
Launching: March 2026
Sailing the Danube, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ latest ‘Super Ship’ pays tribute to the great Viennese painter Gustav Klimt. SS Emilie features Klimt-style touches throughout, with elegant hues, Art Nouveau flourishes and pops of gold adorning the walls.
Guests will also find Gustav’s Restaurant on the Athene Deck, as well as the Brocade Bar and Belvedere Lounge on the Adele Deck. Naturally, there will also be a spa, fitness centre and sun deck.
Where’s it sailing?
SS Emilie will debut with the Tulips and Windmills itinerary on 21 March, cruising the Dutch and Belgian waterways from Amsterdam to Antwerp.
TUI Aria
Launching: April 2026
With accommodation for up to 190 passengers, Aria will be TUI’s biggest river ship yet. Features include a retractable roof to allow guests to enjoy the pool year-round, as well as a spacious main restaurant and lounge bar. And its party trick? At night, the floor closes over the pool on the top deck, and it becomes an Italian restaurant.
Where’s it sailing?
TUI Aria will sail an inaugural season along the Rhine, with itineraries including a North Rhine and Moselle sailing and a festive five-night Mistletoe and Rhine cruise with stops including Cologne and Frankfurt.
AMADEUS Aurea
Launching: May 2026
Thanks to 12 spacious balcony suites and 67 outside cabins featuring panoramic windows, Aurea’s 158 guests will be able to enjoy grandstand views of the Rhine and the Danube. Elsewhere on board AMADEUS River Cruises’ newest vessel, cruisers can savour culinary delights in the Panorama Restaurant or unwind on the sun deck with its outdoor pool and Lido Bar. There’s also a fitness room, as well as traditional outdoor games on the top deck.
Where’s it sailing?
AMADEUS Aurea will debut with the seven-day Classical Rhine itinerary in May and June, taking in Germany’s historic castles and vineyards, before transiting to the Danube for an eight-day round-trip sailing from Passau.
AmaSofia & AmaMaya
Launching: May & August 2026
Launching on 24 May, AmaSofia will be AmaWaterways’ 24th European river ship, strengthening the line’s luxury offering on the Rhine and Danube.
On board, guests will find a sun-deck pool with a swim-up bar, a fitness room, bicycles for exploring ashore, all-day tapas, afternoon tea and a 24-hour coffee station.
Meanwhile, AmaMaya will be the line’s second Mekong ship, offering twin balcony rooms and a speciality Chef’s Table restaurant.
Where’s it sailing?
AmaSofia will sail an inaugural 14-night Magnificent Europe itinerary, starting in Amsterdam and finishing in Budapest.
AmaMaya’s two seven-night itineraries – Charms of the Mekong and Riches of the Mekong – will invite guests to explore the ancient cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia.
VIVA BEYOND
Launching: May 2026
Following a comprehensive refurb, VIVA BEYOND will be the flagship for Viva Boutique, a new upscale sub-brand that aims to combine river cruising with the personalised luxury of an exclusive hotel.
Sailing on the River Seine, guests will be offered cultural and culinary-themed shore excursions, while back on board, they’ll find a spacious sun deck, a treatment area and a wide range of suite accommodation, including 10 master suites with luxury touches such as in-room breakfast.
Where’s it sailing?
VIVA BEYOND will debut with an eight-day cruise from Paris via Normandy to the Atlantic coast.
Enjoyed this story?
Choose World of Cruising as a Preferred Source on Google News to keep up to date with our latest articles
Set as preferred source
