Industry News
The New Cruise Ships Arriving in 2027–2028
The next two years promise a remarkable wave of new cruise ships — from high-energy family mega-ships to intimate, ultra-luxury vessels. Whether your ideal vacation includes water slides, world-class dining, adults-only relaxation, or Disney storytelling, there will be exciting new options to watch and book.
Here's an early look at some of the most anticipated new ships scheduled to debut in 2027 and 2028. Launch schedules and onboard details can change as construction progresses, so early planning is especially valuable for inaugural sailings.
New Ships in 2027
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Cruise Line's fourth Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale, is expected to debut in spring 2027. The approximately 180,000-gross-ton ship is projected to carry up to 6,400 guests and will introduce several new spaces designed around music, entertainment, and outdoor fun.
Highlights include:
- Sunsation Point, a three-deck outdoor area with a water park and four new slides
- Carnival's first water park designed to remain open at night
- Music-inspired venues including Studio 724 and The Festival
- New food and beverage venues such as Emeril's Coastal Seafood, Fetaccine, Uku Lei Lei, and Le Bistro Musicale
Norwegian Aura
Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Aura is scheduled for May 2027 and is expected to be the largest ship ever built for the brand. At approximately 172,000 gross tons, it will be about 10% larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.
Its headline attraction will be Ocean Heights, an open-air multi-deck activity zone that shifts from family fun in the daytime to a more relaxed atmosphere in the evening. Other expected features include three new slides, an 82-foot ropes course, expanded Ocean Boulevard and pool-deck spaces, larger Vibe Beach Club accommodations, and 30% more suites than its close sister ships.
Hero of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's fourth Icon-class ship, Hero of the Seas, is planned for August 2027. It is expected to measure approximately 248,663 gross tons and accommodate 5,610 guests at double occupancy.
The ship will continue the Icon-class formula — eight neighborhoods, extensive dining, and a huge collection of pools — while adding a new Coconut Cove pool, two pools in The Hideaway, new Splashaway Bay attractions, and two new water slides. Its supper club is expected to be themed around the early-20th-century French Quarter, while AquaDome Market will welcome four new concepts.
Disney Believe
Disney Cruise Line is preparing Disney Believe, its fourth Wish-class ship, for a late-2027 debut. The LNG-powered vessel is expected to carry roughly 4,000 guests, with design inspiration drawn from beloved stories including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Little Mermaid, Moana, Frozen, and Encanto.
Specific dining, entertainment, and itinerary details have yet to be released, but Disney Cruise Line traditionally rolls out more details closer to a ship's launch. This could be an especially appealing choice for multigenerational families and Disney fans hoping to experience a new ship early in its life.
Other 2027 Debuts
Several additional ships will broaden the choices for travelers seeking luxury, premium, and contemporary cruising:
- Explora IV — Explora Journeys' ultra-luxury, LNG-powered ship is due in summer 2027, with approximately 900 guests, 461 ocean-front suites, seven restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, and five heated pools.
- Viking Astrea — An adults-only, hydrogen-powered Viking ocean ship is scheduled for June 2027, carrying 998 guests.
- Oceania Sonata — The lead ship in Oceania's new Sonata class is expected in August 2027, featuring a suite-heavy accommodation mix and 10 restaurants, including an intimate French fine-dining concept and a Peruvian-Japanese venue.
- MSC World Atlantic — Launching in November 2027, this World-class ship is expected to host up to 6,758 guests and offer more than 40 bars and restaurants, along with new entertainment concepts.
- Explora V — A second new Explora Journeys ship is planned for December 2027, continuing the brand's boutique luxury approach with 457 ocean-front suites.
What's Coming in 2028
The new-ship momentum continues in 2028, with familiar cruise brands launching both named vessels and still-unnamed additions to popular ship classes.
| Ship | Cruise Line | Expected Debut | Standout Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viking Lyra | Viking | May 2028 | Adults-only, intimate ocean cruising for 998 guests |
| Crystal Grace | Crystal | June 2028 | High-end small-ship luxury for about 650 guests, with Nobu and Beefbar at sea |
| Explora VI | Explora Journeys | August 2028 | Boutique luxury, ocean-front suites, heated pools, and a high crew-to-guest service ratio |
| Celebrity Xcite | Celebrity Cruises | November 2028 | Sixth Edge-class vessel, expected to continue the class's ocean-focused design |
| Carnival Tropicale | Carnival Cruise Line | 2028 | New Excel-class ship with a throwback name and likely Sunsation Point features |
| Fifth Icon-class ship | Royal Caribbean | 2028 | Another evolution of Royal Caribbean's largest and most feature-packed class |
| Seventh Oasis-class ship | Royal Caribbean | 2028 | The next chapter of the iconic Oasis-class experience |
| Fourth Prima Plus-class ship | Norwegian Cruise Line | 2028 | A large, next-generation Norwegian ship expected to follow Norwegian Aura |
Crystal Grace is particularly notable as Crystal's first new ocean ship in more than 20 years. The ship is expected to carry just 650 guests, creating a more intimate luxury atmosphere than today's mega-ships while still offering expansive amenities, multiple pools, sports courts, and exclusive dining experiences.
How to Choose Your New Ship
The best new ship for you depends less on size alone and more on the type of cruise experience you enjoy:
- For families and thrill-seekers: Look at Carnival Festivale, Norwegian Aura, Hero of the Seas, or Disney Believe.
- For premium dining and sophisticated design: Oceania Sonata and Celebrity Xcite deserve close attention.
- For intimate luxury: Crystal Grace, Explora IV, Explora V, and Explora VI offer a more boutique atmosphere.
- For adults-only enrichment and calm: Viking Astrea and Viking Lyra are compelling choices.
- For inaugural-sailing excitement: Booking early can offer the best selection of staterooms, sail dates, and introductory itineraries.
Start Planning Early
Inaugural seasons often generate strong demand, particularly for suites, connecting family accommodations, specialty experiences, and holiday or school-break departures. If a particular ship catches your eye, it is worth starting the conversation early — even before every itinerary and detail has been announced.
We help clients compare the newest ships, identify the right cruise line and ship class for their travel style, and monitor upcoming booking opportunities as inaugural sailings open up.