Full list of new cruise ships for 2026 including Royal Caribbean and TUI
Cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, TUI Cruises, Norwegian Cruise line and MSC Cruises are set to welcome new cruise ships for 2026 and they're upping the ante when it comes to entertainment
Brits thinking about planning cruise holidays next year will have plenty of exciting new ships to choose from, with cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and TUI Cruises all expanding their fleets.
Meanwhile, 2025 has already seen the launch of one of the world's biggest cruise ships. Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas takes the title, sharing it with her sister ship Icon of the Seas, with heaps onboard for passengers including pools, epic waterslides, a huge 'Central Park' and a plethora of new dining venues.
That's not the only highly-anticipated launch this year. 2025 is still set to bring a host of exciting new launches as Disney Cruise Line prepares to add the Disney Destiny to its fleet, while Virgin Voyages is ready to welcome its fourth ship Brilliant Lady into the fold.
We take a look at the new ships coming in 2026 and what we know about them so far...
Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean
Gross tonnage: 250,800
The third of the cruise line's Icon Class ships (Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas being the other two) will sail from Barcelona in summer 2026, before doing a winter season from Fort Lauderdale in Florida, with itineraries to the Caribbean including a trip to Royal Caribbean's private island, CocoCay.
With a passenger capacity of up to 5,628, this huge ship is sure to have plenty for holidaymakers to enjoy, with highlights including the largest waterpark at sea, the 40ft-long FlowRider surf simulator, dazzling theatre shows, epic dining venues and plenty more.
You can find out more on royalcaribbean.com.
Norwegian Luna, Norwegian Cruise Line
Gross tonnage: 156,300
Norwegian Cruise Line's latest Prima Class ship is set to join the fleet in March 2026 when she will embark on a host of sun-soaked Caribbean sailings, departing from Miami.
Boasting a passenger capacity of 3,571, the new ship has everything you could want for a fun-filled family holiday; water parks, a plethora of restaurants, game arcades, a beach club and multiple pools. Thrill-seekers will definitely want to add the Aqua Slidecoaster to their bucket list; the world's first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea is a two-person ride that propels you along the ship in a jaw-dropping ride. For the very brave there's also The Drop, the world's first free-fall slide at sea that plunges you down 10 storeys (and therefore definitely not for the faint-hearted).
You can find out more on ncl.com.
Mein Schiff Flow, TUI Cruises
Gross tonnage: 160,000
TUI Cruises, based in Germany, is set to welcome the second ship in its InTUItion class in July 2026. The Mein Schiff Flow will be able to hold up to 3,984 passengers, and is set to offer up heaps of entertainment on board.
For a start there will be plenty of spaces to unwind including a spa, gym and an impressive 17 bars and lounges, as well as a cosy reading corner lounge. As for the pool, the topdeck will feature a 25m-long outdoor pool, with a 'Marcoon roof' that partially spans the area so you can opt to sit out of the sun! (Oh and yes, there are whirlpools on the deck too).
The family-friendly ship will offer a wide array of kids' clubs as well as a jam-packed sports programme, and what will no doubt be dazzling shows in its theatre.
You can find out more on meinschiff.com.
MSC World Asia, MSC Cruises
Gross tonnage: 215,863
MSC Cruises' new World Class ship is expected to make her debut in December 2026, with her first season taking place in the Mediterranean. The mega ship will be able to host up to 6,758 passengers, and could rival a small city thanks to the awe-inspiring amount of experiences on board. We're talking over 40 bars, lounges and dining venues, including six speciality restaurants, a large theatre for West End worthy shows, a rollerskating arena, bumper cars, water parks and multiple pools - and that's all alongside impressive areas such as the Galleria and outdoor promenades where you'll find plenty of shops and cafés too!
You can find out more on msccruises.co.uk.
Cruise ships coming in 2027
It's not just 2026 which will see the launch of new ships; some cruise lines have already confirmed further additions to their fleets for 2027. Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises are all expected to welcome new ships in 2027, although they have yet to confirm names and full details of what will be onboard for passengers - watch this space!
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