Over 30,000 new berths will enter service in the cruise industry in 2026, with 14 new ocean-going ships slated to start cruising. The ships were built at a cost of over $10 billion; they range from the biggest of them all: the Legend of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International and Disney Adventure, to Antactica21’s new Magellan Discoverer, with capacity for just under 100 guests. in addition are two new market entrants with Four Seasons and Orient Express.
The largest ship of the year will be Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas. With a gross tonnage of approximately 258,800 tons and a capacity of 5,610 passengers, it represents the further evolution of the Icon class. Delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026, with initial deployment in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. In terms of volume and capacity, it is at the top of the global market.
Also in the large-ship segment is Disney Adventure, Disney Cruise Line's new flagship. The ship, approximately 208,000 tons, will be able to accommodate up to 6,000 guests. Delivery is expected this spring, and its operational debut is scheduled for Asia, with a base in Singapore. The project confirms Disney's commitment to growth beyond its traditional North American markets.
Related : Disney Cruise Line : The christening Disney Destiny as its newest LNG-powered cruise ship
At January 4, we reported that the Disney Adventure had officially set sail from Bremerhaven, Germany, en route to Singapore for her maiden voyage in March, and now new videos show the most unique ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet headed out to sea. Following its first float out in Spring 2025, a delay amid sea trials, and officially being handed over to Disney just last month, the Disney Adventure is now setting sail for her home port of Singapore via Madeira, Port Canaveral, Los Angeles, and Tokyo before arriving at its final destination. Her maiden voyage will depart on March 10, 2026.
The unique four-funneled Disney Cruise Line ship began her life as the Global Dream, commissioned by Genting Hong Kong’s Dream Cruises. Construction began in 2018, but Genting collapsed before the ship could be finished. Disney Cruise Line purchased it in 2022. The Adventure will be Disney’s largest cruise ship, accommodating approximately 6,000 passengers, and will operate exclusively out of Singapore.

Norwegian Cruise Line will be present in 2026 with Norwegian Luna, a ship of approximately 156,300 tons and carrying 3,571 passengers. Its entry into service is scheduled for the first quarter of the year and will strengthen a fleet focused on offering large, contemporary cruises. New Season of Sailings Features Over 370 Voyages Across Nearly 50 Countries, Including Two Prima Class Ships in San Juan, Expanded Caribbean Adventures as well as Once-in-a-Lifetime Journeys in Asia, Australia and New Zealand Beginning with Sailings Departing from Feb. 1, 2026, Guests Can Opt in for Free at Sea Plus™ for Additional Unlimited Perks on Starbucks®,

The MSC Cruises portfolio includes the World Asia, a ship of approximately 205,700 tons with a capacity of 5,400 guests. The ship will enter service in the fourth quarter of 2026 and will consolidate the group's strategy in the Asian market, as well as supporting the global deployment of the World class. With 25 state-of-the-art cruise ships and over 250 destinations worldwide, there’s something for everyone. Dreaming of turquoise waters? Dive into a Caribbean cruise, or kick back on the white-sand beaches of The Bahamas, including our private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Related : MSC Cruises Announces Two New world Class Ship Orders

Tui Cruises continues its fleet renewal with Mein Schiff Flow, sister ship to Mein Schiff Relax. Built by Fincantieri, she will have a gross tonnage of approximately 161,000 tons and accommodate approximately 4,000 passengers. Delivery is scheduled for mid-year and is part of the German group's program of new dual-fuel ships. Recent TUI cruise news highlights record financial results for its cruise lines in late 2025, major disruptions for Caribbean flights in early January 2026 due to US military action, and new shipbuilding contracts signed with Fincantieri for future TUI Cruises vessels, alongside sustainability initiatives and entertainment updates for Marella Cruises.

In the premium segment, Viking confirms its growth momentum with two new sister ships. Viking Mira will enter service in the second quarter of 2026, while Viking Libra is expected towards the end of the year. Both have a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons and a capacity of 998 guests, in line with the company's positioning on small to medium-sized ships with a high level of service.
Related : Viking: Already 70% Booked for 2026
Viking® today announced The Viking Savings Event, providing North American travelers with new booking incentives across the company’s extensive range of destination-focused voyages. From now through January 31, 2026, Viking is offering up to 35 percent off all-inclusive voyages, up to free international airfare and a $25 deposit for all itineraries—plus additional savings for returning guests—on select 2026–2028 river, ocean and expedition itineraries
Viking was rated #1 for Oceans and #1 for Rivers by Condé Nast Traveler for the fifth year in a row in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications. Viking also earned eight honors in Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards and, for the fifth consecutive year, was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the “Best Luxury Line,” “Best Line for Couples” and “Best Line in the Mediterranean.” Additional accolades include AOL’s Best Cruise Line for 2025 and continued “Recommended” ratings for Viking’s ocean ships in Forbes Travel Guide.
Explora Journeys, the luxury brand of the Italian-Swiss group MSC, will continue its expansion with Explora III. The ship, approximately 64,000 tons and carrying 922 passengers, is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2026 and will strengthen a fleet designed for long-term cruises and high-quality hotel accommodations. Since its launch in April 2025, the Explora Club has proven exceptionally popular with guests whose loyalty is already rewarded with an exciting array of privileges, including early access to new Journeys Collections, thoughtful gifts and surprises, pre-Journey services, and exclusive onboard events.
Also making its debut in the high-end segment is Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Prestige. With a gross tonnage of approximately 77,000 tons and capacity for 822 guests, the ship will be delivered in the fourth quarter of the year and represents a further step in the modernization of the brand's ultra-luxury fleet. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is an ultra-luxury cruise line known for its all-inclusive experience, offering gourmet dining, fine wines, unlimited shore excursions, and all-suite, balcony accommodations on its fleet of smaller, elegant ships for a highly personalized, spacious, and intimate journey to destinations worldwide. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line
2026 also marks new entries into the market for vessels reserved for a select few, who will feel more like they're aboard a superyacht than a cruise ship. Four Seasons officially enters the cruise industry with Four Seasons I, a yacht of approximately 20,000 tons designed for just 190 guests. Delivery is scheduled for the first quarter and the vessel will be deployed on select itineraries, with an operating model closely resembling that of luxury pleasure yachting.
Orient Express also makes a significant debut, bringing Corinthian, a 30,000-ton yacht with capacity for 108 passengers, to the sea. Its entry into service is expected in the second quarter and marks the expansion of the rail and hotel brand into the luxury cruise sector.

Emerald Cruises is strengthening its small ship segment with the Emerald Kaia, a vessel of approximately 11,000 tons and carrying 128 guests, scheduled for delivery in the first quarter.
In the expedition sector, Antarctica21's Magellan Discoverer makes its debut. With a gross tonnage of approximately 5,900 tons and a capacity of 100 passengers, it will enter service in the third quarter of 2026 and is specifically designed for operations in Antarctica and remote areas.
The domestic U.S. market concludes with three new coastal vessels from American Cruise Lines. The American Encore, approximately 6,000 tons and carrying 180 guests, and the smaller American Maverick and American Ranger, both around 5,000 tons and carrying 125 passengers, will serve river and coastal itineraries.
#The domestic U.S. market #Cruise ships for 2026 #Orient Express #Viking #Seven Seas Prestige.# Explora Journeys #MSC cruise # Tui Cruises #Disney Adventure #Norwegian Cruise Line # investments of $10 billion
Ports
North Sea Port cargo throughput remains stable in first nine months of 2025 03 November 2025
Incidents
U.S. Coast Guard seizes Panama-registered Oil tanker moving sanctioned of Coast Venezuelan 11 December 2025
Incidents
ONE Continuity ship arrives at Las Palmas after losing containers overboard 13 December 2025
Incidents
The Grande Avorio fire : The improper use of a Jeep Wrangler 16 October 2025
Incidents
Indian Court Detains More MSC Ships – Crisis MSC Elsa 3 18 October 2025