With the debut of Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas on the horizon, why don’t we pause for an update on 2026 newbuilds?
The process of building a new ship takes two to three years. Once the contract is signed, the shipyard begins the design and pre-fabrication, which includes a ceremonial “steel cutting.” Next is the dry dock assembly, which begins with the symbolic “keel-laying” including the coin ceremony where a commemorative coin is placed under the ship’s keel to bless the ship and bring good luck to the builders and crew. After some welding and interior outfitting of cabins and public spaces, the ship touches the water for the first time, also known as the float-out. The ship then undergoes rigorous sea trials where it is tested for speed, maneuverability, safety, and so much more. Once all goes well, the ship is returned to the shipyard, where she is delivered to the cruise line in another ceremony, before crews begin the final outfitting–the last step before a ship debuts.
2026 kicked off with the debut of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Luna in Europe. NCL’s newest Prima-class ship debuted in Rome, Italy, on March 10, 2026. She then sailed a transatlantic voyage for her debut in Miami, Florida, and official christening on March 23, 2026. She is currently sailing 3- to 4-day Bahamas voyages as well as 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure also debuted on March 10, 2026, after various setbacks and delays. She sails year-round from her permanent home port at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore. She is the largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, and the first to debut in Asia. She sails 3- or 4-night “cruises to nowhere” allowing guests to enjoy the ship’s amenities exclusively. She houses the longest roller coaster at sea, seven distinct themed neighborhoods, and exudes the magic of Disney.
Next to debut will be Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas–sister to Icon and Star of the Seas. Royal Caribbean officially took delivery of the ship on June 10, 2026, during a ceremony at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland. She sailed to Cadiz, Spain, for her final outfitting before her European debut on July 4, 2026. She will remain in Europe, sailing Western Mediterranean itineraries until she embarks on her 13-day repositioning cruise to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in October. In November, she will be officially christened just before she begins sailing 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean voyages with every itinerary visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Finally, MSC Cruises’ MSC World Asia will debut in December from Barcelona, Spain. Her 7-night Mediterranean inaugural voyage is set for December 4, 2026, and includes the major ports of Marseille, France; Genoa, Italy; Civitavecchia, Italy; Messina, Italy; and Valletta, Malta, before returning to Barcelona. The ship will feature Asian-inspired artwork, culture, and venues, including a PanAsian specialty restaurant and Asian street food market, alongside MSC’s signature favorites like the MSC Yacht Club and The Harbour. The cruise line released a 6-month Countdown to MSC World Asia video highlighting experiences found onboard.
Still coming in 2027 are ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line.
Carnival Cruise Line’s fourth Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale, is currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The LNG-powered ship is expected to debut in May 2027.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s third Prima-class ship, Norwegian Aura, is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Manfalcone, Italy, and will be 10% bigger than her sister ships. She is also expected to debut in May 2027.
Royal Caribbean’s fourth Icon-class ship, Hero of the Seas, is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. The vessel will feature the largest swim-up bar at sea when she debuts in August 2027.
MSC Cruises’ fourth World-class ship, MSC World Atlantic, is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. She will sail 7- and 14-night voyages from Port Canaveral, Florida, when she debuts in November 2027.
Disney Cruise Line’s fourth Wish-class ship, Disney Believe, is currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. When the vessel debuts in late 2027, she will be the ninth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
Looking at this list, it is clear that whatever kind of cruising appeals to you, you will find it.
Happy Cruising!