The cruise industry is in full swing, with a plethora of exciting ships and itineraries set to launch in 2026. From river cruises to luxury ocean voyages, there's something for every type of traveller. Here's a round-up of some of the most notable launches and updates to get you excited for the new year.
Viking's New River Ship
Viking has taken delivery of the Viking Eldir, the newest addition to its river fleet. With a focus on providing guests with exclusive docking locations, the Viking Eldir is designed to navigate the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. The ship features Viking's Scandinavian design, a space-saving square bow, and true two-room suites. It will sail popular itineraries such as the Rhine Getaway, Grand European Tour, and Christmas on the Rhine.
Explora Journeys' New Ships
Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has announced a host of important milestones. The brand has launched its first ship, Explora I, and will introduce Explora II in September 2024. Explora III, powered by LNG, will join the fleet in July 2026, followed by Explora IV and Explora V in 2027. Explora VI will arrive in 2028. These new ships will bring the 'Ocean State of Mind' to life on an even greater scale.
Windstar Cruises' Tahiti Expansion
Windstar Cruises is expanding its offering in French Polynesia with two yachts operating year-round in Tahiti from March 2027. The two ships will be the 312-guest all-suite motor yacht Star Breeze and the 148-guest sailing yacht Wind Star. Wind Star will continue to operate the line's signature 7-night Dreams of Tahiti voyage, while Star Breeze will offer longer, more exploratory itineraries through the islands of Tahiti and the South Pacific.
Disney Adventure Arrives in Singapore
The Disney Adventure has arrived at its new home port of Singapore. The ship will set sail on its maiden voyage from Singapore on March 10, 2026, offering three- and four-night sailings. The Disney Adventure features seven themed areas and is the newest and largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. It offers a unique experience for Aussies, as it is the closest Disney ship to Australia after the company pulled out of the country.
Carnival Cruise Line's Ship Deployment Update
Carnival Cruise Line has announced that the Carnival Adventure, a former P&O Australia ship, will sail seasonally in Australia from April 2028. The ship will relocate to North America for the northern hemisphere summer. Carnival confirmed that it will remain the only cruise line with a year-round commitment to Australia, offering plenty of attractive itineraries for guests.
Regent Seven Seas Orders Another Ship
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is getting a new ship, the fourth vessel in its Prestige-Class series. Set for delivery in 2036, the new ship will follow the debut of Seven Seas Prestige in December 2026, with the second and third Prestige-Class ships entering service in 2030 and 2033. All four vessels will be built at Fincantieri shipyards in Italy.
Silversea to Update Ship
Silversea will roll out revamps on the Silver Spirit, which was launched in 2009 but was renovated in 2018. The ship will join other vessels in getting the brand's award-winning S.A.L.T. (SeaAndLand Taste) culinary program. The Venetian Lounge, pool deck, and spa will be updated, and new medallion Suites will be introduced. Silver Spirit will then sail through northern and western Europe.
Luxury Icebreaker Visits Australia
The world's only luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot, visited Australia as part of an epic voyage. The ship finished a landmark half-circumnavigation of Antarctica, sailing through some of the most remote and rarely accessed regions of East Antarctica. It then visited Hobart in Tasmania. The company has just unveiled a full Antarctic Circumnavigation for 2028, representing one of the most ambitious commercial polar voyages ever announced.
Celebrity Cruises Earns 5-Star Rating
Celebrity Cruises has been awarded with Forbes Travel Guide's first-ever Five-Star rating for its Le Voyage restaurant onboard Celebrity Xcel. The restaurant is run in partnership with renowned chef Daniel Boulud. Celebrity Cruises has also earned eight total awards for its ships and restaurants, a testament to the holiday brand's unmatched hospitality and innovative culinary offerings.
Swan Hellenic Launches Cruises in Asia Pacific
Swan Hellenic, a cruise line famed for forging unusual routes, is bringing its newest five-star purpose-built expedition ship, SH Minerva, to the Asia Pacific region. Two of the 12 new local itineraries include Raja Ampat, delving into the most remote and biodiverse regions of the Indonesian archipelago. Other original itineraries will include Papua New Guinea, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands.
MSC Expands Yacht Club
MSC Cruises is expanding its 'ship within a ship' concept, MSC Yacht Club, to two more ships, MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra. The upgrade will feature special cabins, 24-hour butler and dedicated concierge service, as well as exclusive private venues. Daily in-suite indulgences, unpacking and packing services, and private on-board shopping appointments will also be included.
F1 Fans Can Join Special Sailings
Celestyal will offer two F1 sailings as part of its 2026-27 Arabian Gulf season. On November 27, 2026, the Celestyal Journey will arrive in Qatar for an eight-night Doha F1 itinerary. On December 4, 2026, the Celestyal Discovery will offer a similar seven-night Abu Dhabi F1 itinerary. These sailings cater to F1 fans looking for a unique way to experience the sport.
Royal Caribbean Announces Brand New Discovery Class Ships
Royal Caribbean has announced a major expansion of its fleet, confirming a brand new Discovery Class to be built at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France. The first Discovery Class debut is planned for 2029, followed by a second in 2032. The new class will introduce a bold, guest-first concept, combining cutting-edge design, immersive experiences, and next-generation technology.
Celebrity River Cruises Orders 10 New Ships
Celebrity River Cruises has announced an order of 10 new ships, doubling the fleet to 20 by 2031. The company has also opened its 2028 season for booking, with 80% more European destinations available to guests. The news comes as the company marks the first piece of steel cut on its very first river ship, Celebrity Compass, which sold out in under six minutes during presale.
Explora Journeys Unveils Explora III
Explora Journeys has unveiled what guests can expect on board its newest offering, Explora III, set to launch ahead of schedule in July 2026. The ship offers more space, a redesigned suite mix, updated public areas, and a second Owner's Residence. Explora III will debut with an exclusive Mediterranean Prelude Journey before her naming ceremony in Barcelona in August.
MSC Cruises Announces Upgrades to Ocean Cay
MSC Cruises has announced upgrades to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas. Updates will include new food and beverage facilities, an adults-only beach, a dedicated family lagoon, and an extended pier to allow two ships to call simultaneously. The works are due for completion in late 2027.
Regent Seven Seas Adds Casual Dining Experience
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is introducing an evening service at the Pool Grill, offering a new gourmet pizzeria menu. Now available across the fleet from 6 pm to 9 pm, the Pool Grill transforms into an inviting self-service evening venue, weather permitting. This new casual al fresco experience will be a welcome addition for guests.
Diamond Princess Introduces New Specialty Dining Experiences
Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess has added two specialty dining venues - Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill, the ship's signature steakhouse. Reservations are now available for all sailings on the 115,875-tonne vessel, with the offering to debut for the 2026 Japan Season. Both specialty dining venues are priced at $US 55 per person and are included for guests who book the Princess Premier package.
Aman at Sea's First Luxury Vessel Open for Reservations
Aman at Sea has unveiled the inaugural itineraries for Amangati, its first ocean-going motor yacht, with reservations now open. The brand's first-ever Mediterranean journeys have been unveiled, with Amangati set to hit the ocean for the first time from Spring 2027. Amangati is a 180-metre, nine-deck yacht designed to reflect Aman's signature principles.
Oceania Cruises Unveils New Ship's Maiden Voyages
Oceania Cruises has unveiled a first look at the itineraries of Oceania Sonata, the first ship in its all-new Sonata Class, debuting in August 2027. Now available online for preview, with bookings opening on January 29, 2026, Oceania Sonata's inaugural season features 22 sailings from August 2027 through April 2028, spanning more than 90 destinations on voyages ranging from 7 to 16 days.
Norwegian Aura Now Available to Book
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled Norwegian Aura, the longest and largest vessel in its fleet, which is now available to book. The cruise ship will homeport in Miami beginning in June 2027 following its debut in Europe in late May 2027. Norwegian Aura will be almost 1,130 feet long, 168,000 gross tons, and will accommodate 3,840 guests at double occupancy.
Royal Caribbean Giving Away Free Cruises
Royal Caribbean is celebrating the second year of its partnership with The Wiggles by offering free cruises to Aussie kids aged 6 and under named Henry, Dorothy, or Shirley. There are 50 cabins up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis, with three wiggly-themed sails departing from Sydney on Anthem of the Seas and Brisbane on Quantum of the Seas in summer 2026/27. This offering taps into the growing trend of retro children's names.
Azamara Cruises Announces Major Fleet Updates and Expansion
Azamara Cruises has announced an enhancement program across its fleet, representing the most extensive renovations and refurbishments in the company's history. Called Azamara Forward, the updates will include a brand new Chef's Table experience, a reimagined cocktail lounge, refreshed staterooms and suites, and upgraded public spaces. This transformation reflects years of listening to guests and travel partners.
Cunard's Queens Depart on World Voyages
Two of Cunard's iconic Queens, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Anne, have set sail on their World Voyages. Together, they will circumnavigate the globe for a combined 218 nights, visiting bucket list-worthy destinations, including highly anticipated calls to Australia and New Zealand in March 2026. These voyages offer a unique opportunity to experience the world's wonders aboard two legendary ships.
Australia's First Five-Star Overnight Riverboat to Launch Next Month
February will mark a history-making month for river boating in Australia with the launch of the country's first-ever five-star overnight riverboat, the Australian Star. The PS Australian Star will be the largest paddle steamer in the Southern Hemisphere and the only wood-fired, five-star, accommodated paddle steamer in the world. The inaugural cruise will set off in just a few weeks, offering a unique and luxurious river boating experience.
Oceania Cruises Goes Adults-Only
Oceania Cruises will exclusively welcome over-age guests, in a move to pursue a more serene, upscale experience at sea. This change comes after extensive guest research and feedback. Any existing reservations with minors will still be honoured, but going forward, everyone who books onto an Oceania Cruise must be over 18. This decision enhances the essence of the Oceania Cruises journey, defined by sophistication, serenity, and discovery.
Ponant Explorations Expands French Polynesia Offering
Ponant Explorations is expanding its French Polynesia offering with two ships based in the region from late 2026 and 2027. Building on 25 years of expertise with the m/s Paul Gauguin, the Group will introduce Le Jacques Cartier, focused on exploring rarely-visited areas. The new itineraries span the Society, Tuamotu, Austral, Gambier, and Marquesas Islands, as well as the Pitcairn Islands, venturing into remote archipelagos, untouched islets, and far-flung atolls.
Seabourn Announces 2028 Cape to Cape World Cruise
Seabourn has unveiled one of its most ambitious and luxurious journeys to date - the 2028 Cape to Cape World Cruise, a once-in-a-lifetime 120-day voyage aboard Seabourn Quest. Setting sail from Miami on January 7, 2028, the voyage explores five continents and over 50 destinations, while debuting Seabourn's first complimentary expedition-style experiences on a Seabourn world cruise. This voyage marks the beginning of Seabourn's 40th anniversary.
