Britons considering organizing cruise vacations for the upcoming year will have a wide array of new ships to select from, as major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and TUI Cruises are all expanding their fleets.
This year has already witnessed the debut of one of the world’s largest cruise ships, the Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, sharing the spotlight with its sister ship Icon of the Seas. These vessels offer an array of amenities such as pools, thrilling waterslides, expansive green spaces like ‘Central Park,’ and a variety of new dining options.
The year 2025 is anticipated to see more exciting launches with Disney Cruise Line preparing to introduce the Disney Destiny and Virgin Voyages getting ready to welcome the Brilliant Lady as its fourth ship.
Looking ahead to 2026, some notable new ships are on the horizon, including:
– Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas: This third Icon Class ship will commence its voyages from Barcelona in the summer of 2026, followed by a winter season departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With a capacity of up to 5,628 passengers, the ship boasts attractions like the largest waterpark at sea, a 40ft-long FlowRider surf simulator, spectacular theater performances, and a variety of dining venues.
– Norwegian Cruise Line’s Luna: Joining the fleet in March 2026, this Prima Class ship will embark on Caribbean sailings from Miami. With a passenger capacity of 3,571, Luna offers an array of family-friendly activities including water parks, numerous restaurants, game arcades, and unique attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster and The Drop.
– TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff Flow: Scheduled to set sail in July 2026, this InTUItion class ship can accommodate up to 3,984 passengers. Onboard amenities include a spa, gym, 17 bars and lounges, a 25m outdoor pool with a partially covered ‘Marcoon roof,’ kids’ clubs, sports programs, and captivating theater shows.
– MSC Cruises’ MSC World Asia: Expected to debut in December 2026, this World Class ship will kick off its maiden season in the Mediterranean. With a capacity of 6,758 passengers, the ship offers an extensive range of facilities such as over 40 bars, lounges, and dining venues, a variety of entertainment options like a theater and bumper cars, as well as shopping areas and outdoor promenades.
In addition to the upcoming launches in 2026, cruise enthusiasts can look forward to more new ships in 2027 from Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises. These upcoming additions are expected to bring new and exciting experiences for passengers to enjoy.