There’s nothing better than learning more and seeing a shiny new cruise ship enter service. Knowing how a new ship became reality and what new features are onboard is one of the best things about the cruise industry. So, on this page we’ll keep you updated on new orders from all the major cruise lines and when new vessels are expected to arrive.
Many of these new cruise ships on order are continuations of current classes, but they still introduce brand-new, never-before-seen features.
New Cruise Ships Debuting in 2027
Cruisers have a lot to look forward to in 2027. If you have a favorite major cruise line, they probably have a new ship coming out. Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean: They all have something big coming up.
A lot of these 2027 cruise ships are continuations of current classes, but they nevertheless manage to introduce brand-new, never-before-seen features. Here’s what you can expect from the new cruise ships debuting in 2027.
Carnival Festivale (Carnival Cruise Line)
Carnival Festivale will be the fourth Excel-class ship for Carnival Cruise Line.
Interestingly, this is not the first ship of its name for the brand. An original Festivale sailed from Florida under Carnival Cruise Line’s banner in the 1970s, but it was quite different.
It held just a fraction of the guests that the new Carnival Festivale will be able to accommodate, a mere 1,400 or so people to the 2027 vessel’s approximate 6,400. Still, that original ship was considered groundbreaking and massive for its time.
But enough about the past. What can you expect from the 2027 Carnival Festivale? Quite a lot of fun, for one, and a lot of new features.
Highlights include the new three-deck outdoor zone, dubbed Sunsation Point, which will encompass a water park with four new water slides. For the first time ever, the water park on a Carnival Cruise Line ship will be open at night, too!
Other fun features include music-themed zones across three decks. One of those zones is Studio 724, which will create an immersive experience through media and sound, while also housing some of the ship’s restaurants and bars. The Festival is another such zone, with an outdoor music fest vibe, also housing restaurants.
New dining and drinking experiences are also on tap, such as The Spark and Mix, both music-inspired bars. Also new? Emeril’s Coastal Seafood, which is exactly what it sounds like; Fetaccine, serving up Mediterranean fare; Uku Lei Lei, a Hawaiian-Asian eatery; and Le Bistro Musicale, for Parisian café-style bites.
- Debut: Spring 2027
- Gross Tonnage: 180,000 GT
- Guest Capacity: 6,400
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany
Explora IV (Explora Journeys)
Explora Journeys is expanding its fleet rapidly, with Explora IV just one in a group of six total luxury ships that will all be launched by 2028, with the first setting sail in 2023.
This LNG-powered small, ultra-luxury ship is expected to be quite similar to its sister ships, with familiar restaurants and social spaces.
For the ship’s compact size, the brand manages to pack in quite a lot. For example, you’ll find 461 ocean-front suites, seven restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, and five heated pools. All the while, you can expect stellar service thanks to the line’s 1.25:1 passengers-to-crew ratio.
- Debut: Summer 2027
- Gross Tonnage: Approximately 72,000 GT
- Guest Capacity: Approximately 900
- Shipyard: Fincantieri in Italy
Norwegian Aura (Norwegian Cruise Line)
When Norwegian Aura debuts in May 2027, it will be Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest ship ever, both in terms of gross tonnage and length. In fact, the vessel will be 10% larger than sister ships Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.
Of course, with a ship this big, you can easily expect to find new features and thrills. One of the most anticipated is Ocean Heights, an open-air portion of the ship that will offer fun family activities during the day and a more chill environment in the evenings. Ocean Heights sits on decks 18 to 21.
Additionally, Norwegian Aura will offer the most slides of any ship in the fleet. There’s the new dueling mat racer waterslide, Eclipse Racers, as well as the drop-in slide Aura Free Fall and the lotus waterslide The Wave. Guests will also be able to get their adrenaline pumping at the 82-foot ropes course.
Other new features include overhanging private cabanas at Vibe Beach Club and a new bar on the Ocean Boulevard promenade.
Since this ship is so much larger than its predecessors, Norwegian Cruise Line has also chosen to expand on some fan-favorite areas, making them bigger and better than ever. For example, compared to Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, the Ocean Boulevard promenade is 11% larger, the pool deck is 20% larger, and Vibe Beach Club is 15% larger. There are also 30% more suites.
- Debut: May 2027
- Gross Tonnage: 172,000 GT
- Guest Capacity: 3,840 at double occupancy
- Shipyard: Fincantieri in Italy
Viking Astrea (Viking Cruises)
This hydrogen-powered small ship offers adults-only experiences that mirror what cruisers have already found on Viking Cruises’ similar vessels.
Across its nine decks, the ship features just under 500 well-appointed and spacious cabins. There’s also a spa and fitness center, and a handful of restaurants and social spaces.
There’s not much new or wildly exciting about Viking Astrea, but for a lot of cruisers, that’s the whole point. Viking fans return to the cruise line time and time again for its reliably on-brand experiences.
- Debut: June 2027
- Gross Tonnage: 54,300 GT
- Guest Capacity: 998
- Shipyard: Fincantieri in Italy
Hero of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
The fourth Royal Caribbean Icon-class ship, Hero of the Seas continues to deliver everything that cruisers love about this class, which all started with Icon of the Seas, plus more.
You have the typical expected, but no less impressive, features: eight neighborhoods, the most pools at sea, 28 dining venues, etc. Then, there’s all the new flashy additions that will make this ship stand out from its sisters.
Coconut Cove is a new pool near The Lime and Coconut. The Hideaway will feature two pools on this ship as well. Splashaway Bay gets some new attractions, and the waterpark introduces two new slides, one of which is the first funnel raft slide at sea.
Just as is the case on the previous Icon-class ships, Hero of the Seas includes a supper club restaurant, but as each ship gets its own theme for that restaurant, cruisers will now find a supper club styled after the early 20th-century French Quarter. A new cooking class experience is coming to the Surfside neighborhood. The AquaDome Market will also have four new concepts.
In short, Royal Caribbean International continues to roll out all the stops with its latest addition to the cruising industry.
- Debut: August 2027
- Gross Tonnage: 248,663 GT
- Guest Capacity: 5,610 at double occupancy
- Shipyard: Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland
Oceania Sonata (Oceania Cruises)
Oceania Sonata is the only one of our new cruise ships for 2027 that’s not just a new cruise ship for the line. It’s introducing an entirely new class of cruise ships.
That’s right, Oceania Sonata will be the lead ship for Oceania Cruises’ new Sonata class, which will eventually be made up of four total ships.
So what can you expect? The cruise line promises that this is going to be its most spacious vessel to date, with the most amenities overall.
Nearly a third of all the accommodation options are suites. Two new suite categories will be available, such as the Horizon Suites, with 600-plus square feet and separate living and bedroom spaces, plus walk-through wardrobes. Each suite and even every cabin will have its own private veranda.
The new Owner’s Suites are of particular note, measuring in at a whopping 2,500 square feet each, and situated on the aft corners of the ship for 180-degree views. Each suite has two bedrooms with their own private bathrooms.
Cruisers will find 10 restaurants on board, including some first-at-sea options. There’s La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, which the cruise line claims is “the most exclusive fine-dining restaurant at sea” and the only restaurant at sea to boast a seal of approval from Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. La Table will exclusively serve only 18 guests at once.
Then, another new option will be Nikkei Kitchen, a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant. Given Oceania Cruises’ reputation for exquisite culinary experiences, foodie cruisers will want to snag their spot on this ship stat.
- Debut: August 2027
- Gross Tonnage: 86,000 GT
- Guest Capacity: 1,390
- Shipyard: Fincantieri in Italy
MSC World Atlantic (MSC Cruises)
MSC Cruises has introduced some stellar ships in recent years, and that trend continues with MSC World Atlantic.
Another World-class ship and the fourth of its kind, MSC World Atlantic will both include some of the favorites that cruisers have found on its sister ships, like The Clubhouse entertainment space and the Cliffhanger overwater swing, but also new features, too. With over 38,000 square meters of public space and more than 40 restaurants and bars, there’s plenty of room for them.
Viva La Musica, for instance, is a new lounge focused on Latin music and cocktails. Apparently there will also be some new “thrill-seeker-style” attractions on the ship, too, though they have not yet been announced.
- Debut: November 2027
- Gross Tonnage: 215,863 GT
- Guest Capacity: 6,758
- Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France
Explora V (Explora Journeys)
No, you’re not mistaken. Explora Journeys is, in fact, coming out with two new luxury ships in 2027. After Explora IV sets sail in the summer, Explora V will be approaching quickly in December.
As can be expected, Explora V will not be all that different from Explora IV. There are fewer ocean-front suites, but still a respectable 457. There are also the five heated pools, seven restaurants, and 12 bars and lounges. Explora V continues the brand’s usage of sustainable fuels.
- Debut: December 2027
- Gross Tonnage: Approximately 72,000 GT
- Guest Capacity: Approximately 900
- Shipyard: Fincantieri in Italy
Disney Believe (Disney Cruises)
Lastly, the fourth Wish-class vessel for Disney Cruises, Disney Believe will incorporate fan-favorite characters and film classics into its aesthetic, including “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Moana,” “Frozen” and “Encanto.”
Not much is yet known about the LNG-powered ship, given that it’s expected to debut right on the tail end of 2027, but it’s expected that details will begin rolling out over the fall of 2026.
Disney’s not just stopping here, either. Disney Cruises plans to begin operating a new class of cruise ships in 2029, with three ships that are smaller than the Wish class.
- Debut: Late 2027
- Gross Tonnage: Approximately 144,000 GT
- Guest Capacity: Approximately 4,000
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany
New Cruise Ships Debuting in 2028
While 2028 may seem very far away, tons of avid cruisers are already making their plans for the 2028 cruising season and excitedly anticipating all the new cruise ships on order. Just as was the case in 2027, many major cruise lines have new vessels debuting in 2028, including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, among others.
Viking Lyra (Viking Cruises)
Viking Lyra is the 17th of Viking Cruises’ ocean vessels, and while little is known about it thus far, it’s safe to assume that this ship will carry on the cruise line’s tradition of seamless, Nordic design and adults-only experiences.
The ship is rather small in size, but that’s part of the appeal. You get an intimate experience with relatively few other passengers, under a thousand for this ship specifically. The ship is 10 decks high and 784 feet long, with a beam of 101 feet.
Amenities will include multiple dining and drinking options, an on-board spa, fitness center, and pools. There is no casino on board, in keeping with Viking tradition.
Staterooms will be spacious, with many suite options and 499 cabins stretched across the ship.
- Debut: May 2028
- Gross Tonnage: Approximately 54,300 GT
- Guest Capacity: 998
- Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy
Crystal Grace (Crystal Cruises)
Crystal Grace is a big deal. It’s Crystal Cruises’ first new ocean ship in more than two decades! If you’ve been a fan of Crystal Cruises for years, this is one new cruise ship that you won’t want to miss out on.
In keeping with Crystal Cruises’ intimate, luxury vibe, Crystal Grace will be relatively small (at least compared to the mega ships rolling out from lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line). It’ll hold just about 650 guests, which is quite a rarity in today’s cruising market.
All the while, the ship is exceptionally spacious and will tout one of the highest guest-to-space ratios at sea, according to the cruise line.
Across its 11 decks, Crystal Grace will offer numerous new amenities and perks. The ship will be home to the only Nobu restaurant at sea, as well as the only Beefbar at sea. New spaces are designed specifically for younger guests. Meanwhile, the pool area gets a new poolside bar and revamped look.
Otherwise, guests will be able to check out the paddleball and pickleball courts; the golf driving nets; multiple pools; and a range of other public spaces.
- Debut: June 2028
- Gross Tonnage: 61,800 GT
- Guest Capacity: 650
- Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy
Explora VI (Explora Journeys)
Explora Journeys is known for its luxury small ships, which the boutique line has been rolling out on a regular basis over the last few years. Owned by MSC Group, which, yes, also owns MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys’ fleet is thus so far limited to just six vessels, so Explora VI will cap out the current expansion plans.
Expect much of what’s already been seen on past Explora Journeys vessels, with a continued focus on sustainability. This ship will offer just over 450 ocean-front suites, five heated pools, seven restaurants and 12 bars and lounges. Meanwhile, the ship is exclusive enough to boast a 1.25 to 1 guest to crew ratio.
The cruise line describes Explora VI as a “floating hotel.”
- Debut: August 2028
- Gross Tonnage: Approximately 72,800 GT
- Guest Capacity: 922
- Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy
Celebrity Xcite (Celebrity Cruises)
Celebrity Cruises’ sixth Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcite maintains the cruise line’s Edge-class features, promising guests lots of ocean views and newer spaces, similar to Celebrity Xcel, which debuted in 2025.
Again, as this ship is still quite a far way out from debut, we don’t know a lot, but similarities to its most recent sister ship are more or less a guarantee.
- Debut: November 2028
- Gross Tonnage: 141,000 GT
- Guest Capacity: 2,900
- Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Carnival Tropicale (Carnival Cruise Line)
Carnival Cruise Line continues to expand its Excel class, with the 2028 addition of Carnival Tropicale. The Excel class debuted in 2021 with Carnival Mardi Gras and now also includes Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee. The class will expand further in the spring of 2027, with the debut of Carnival Festivale, as we’ve already discussed.
As is the case with some of its sister ships, Carnival Tropicale’s name is actually a throwback to Carnival Cruise Line ships of years past. The OG Tropicale was originally introduced in the 1980s.
Not much is known about this ship just yet, but we can expect that it will feature the Sunsation Point waterpark area that we already discussed in relation to Carnival Festivale. Additionally, it will likely also similarly include music-themed areas.
- Debut: 2028
- Gross Tonnage: Approximately 180,000 GT
- Guest Capacity: Approximately 5,000–6,000
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Germany
Fifth Icon Class (Royal Caribbean)
Royal Caribbean is seemingly constantly putting out bigger, better and more impressive ships, and that pattern continues on into 2028.
The brand has two ships coming out that year. One is the next in the lineup of Icon-class ships, the fifth of the bunch.
So far, this ship has not been named and little has been released about it, but chances are likely that the ship will be fairly similar to its Icon-class sisters, just maybe with a few updates or changes here or there. Expect big thrills and tons of options across staterooms, dining, etc.
- Debut: 2028
- Gross Tonnage: TBA
- Guest Capacity: TBA
- Shipyard: Meyer Turku, Finland
7th Oasis Class (Royal Caribbean)
Royal Caribbean is also extending its Oasis class with another ship in 2028. This vessel will be the seventh in the class. The Oasis class first debuted in 2009 and so the class has come a long way between then and now.
Again, not much has been announced about this ship as of mid-2026, but given all the fun new features we found on Utopia of the Seas, we can assume that this unnamed Oasis-class ship will continue to up the ante.
- Debut: 2028
- Gross Tonnage: TBA
- Guest Capacity: TBA
- Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
4th Prima Plus Class (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Norwegian Cruise Line is in the midst of rolling out ships for its Prima/Prima Plus class. In 2027, cruisers will get the largest ship the cruise line has ever introduced, Norwegian Aura, and then another unnamed ship will follow in its footsteps in 2028, taking on a similar size.
It’s anticipated that the 2028 ship will be the final Prima/Prima Plus-class vessel, with even larger ships to follow in a brand-new class. Norwegian Cruise Line plans to build more than a dozen ships with Fincantieri through 2037.
- Debut: 2028
- Gross Tonnage: 172,000 GT
- Guest Capacity: 3,840 (double occupancy)
- Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy
