Six cruise ships are set to be delivered in 2026, according to the latest update from Cruise Industry News. This comes after the addition of seven vessels to the global fleet this year. The Explora III, which is nearing completion at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, is the next ship anticipated to join the roster this summer.
The remaining five ships scheduled for delivery this year are expected in the fourth quarter, contributing approximately 27,000 new berths to the global fleet. Current data highlights that 13 cruise ships will debut in 2026, averaging 94,715 gross tons and a capacity of about 2,085 guests each. The total estimated value of these ships is around $9.5 billion, marking an average cost of $731 million per vessel.
In addition to Explora Journeys, four other cruise lines are on track to add new ships by year-end. MSC Cruises and Adora Cruises will each introduce two sizable contemporary ships: the MSC World Asia and the Adora Flora City. The MSC World Asia is being constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, while the Adora Flora City is being built at CSSC in China.
A notable highlight this year is the Magellan Discoverer, which will operate for Antarctica21 and become the only expedition ship delivered this year, being constructed at the ASENAV shipyard in Chile. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is also expected to welcome a new craft, the Seven Seas Prestige, while Viking Cruises is set to introduce the Viking Libra, recognized as the world’s first hydrogen-powered ship, both during the final quarter of the year.
So far in 2026, seven ships have already started their service, including the Legend of the Seas, delivered to Royal Caribbean, and the Norwegian Luna, which joined Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet. Other vessels delivered earlier this year include the Four Seasons I, the Mein Schiff Flow, and Viking Mira, all completed by Fincantieri. The Chantiers de l’Atlantique also welcomed the OE Corinthian, representing the launch of the Orient Express Sailing Yachts brand.
Finally, the Emerald Kaia completed the lineup for 2026 after its delivery by the Halong shipyard in the first quarter. Looking ahead, the Cruise Industry News’ global cruise ship orderbook indicates that 15 additional vessels are slated for service in 2027.
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