From a special Australian arrival to chic luxury yachts and big budget ships, we’re spoiled for choice of new ship launches this year.
Next month, PS Australian Star, operated by Murray River Paddlesteamers, will be launched. The ship carries 38 guests and features a lounge, a fine-dining restaurant and 19 staterooms. It celebrates the Murray region’s heritage in its decor.
The ship sails three, four and seven-night round-trip cruises from Echuca, and partners with APT, which has chartered nearly half its sailings. Most cabins have already sold out this year, and demand for 2027 is high.
Australian Star may be the most unusual ship launching in 2026, but it is far from alone. The posh 190-guest yacht Four Seasons I, a first from the upmarket hotel chain, has recently sailed out on its maiden Caribbean season.
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Also, now sailing in the Caribbean is Windstar’s 224-guest Star Seeker, the company’s first brand-new build. A refurbished 224-guest ship, Star Explorer, is slated for December.
This month, it’s the turn of Aqua Expeditions’ Aqua Lares in the Seychelles and in April, Emerald Cruises (owned by Scenic) will inaugurate Emerald Kaia in the Mediterranean. The 128-guest ship is larger than Emerald’s existing two yachts, with bigger staterooms, more decks and a new sky lounge and spa pool.
Those who prefer larger ships will delight in the arrival of the 3550-guest Norwegian Luna in the Caribbean in April, and the 5628-guest Legend of the Seas from Royal Caribbean in the Mediterranean in July.
The delayed 6700-guest Disney Adventure finally sets sail next month. Homeported in Singapore, the ship features Disney, Pixar and Marvel themes and has exclusive areas for tweens, teens and adults.
Goldilocks types wanting something in the middle can look forward to Explora Journey’s 926-guest Explora III in the Mediterranean – the halfway mark for a new luxury brand owned by MSC Cruises, which will later be launching a further three ships.
Explora III has some tweaks on previous vessels. It has expanded public spaces, kids’ clubs and wellness areas, and it will be powered by liquefied natural gas.
Then there’s Viking Mira and Viking Libra. Both hold 998 guests and will sail inaugural Mediterranean seasons. Libra is notable for being the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating with zero emissions.
And for those looking for top-tier luxury, the 108-guest Orient Express Corinthian, the venture of another hotel company, Accor, arrives in the Mediterranean in June.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is launching the 822-guest Seven Seas Prestige in December, the first of a new class of ship that promises new staterooms and restaurant options and new public spaces that will surely be as opulent and eye-catching as those on its other ships.
Finally, in December 2026 will come the arrival of the 6762-guest MSC World Asia which, despite its name, starts sailing in the Mediterranean – more evidence that winter cruising in Europe is gaining popularity.
The ship will have some Asian-inspired design, a dining venue serving pan-Asian street food and a sushi and teppanyaki restaurant.
Brian Johnston seemed destined to become a travel writer: he is an Irishman born in Nigeria and raised in Switzerland, who has lived in Britain and China and now calls Australia home.