From niche brands to large hospitality chains, Cruise Industry News has all the details of the new cruise lines debuting in 2026 and beyond.
Four Seasons
First Ship: Four Seasons I
Built: 2026
Capacity: 190
Inaugural Cruise: March 2026
Expanding its hospitality product to the oceans, Four Seasons is launching its first cruise ship in March 2026 with the Four Seasons I.
Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 190-guest vessel will spend its inaugural season in the Mediterranean before repositioning to the Caribbean for the winter.
According to Four Seasons, the vessel was designed to offer nearly 50 percent more living space per guest than is currently available, with public areas that celebrate “the excellence and creativity that has been the hallmark” of the brand.
VidantaWorld
First Ship: VidantaWorld’s Elegant (former Crown Monarch, Voyager)
Built: 1990
Capacity: 300 guests
Inaugural Cruise: April 2026
VidantaWorld is planning to launch service in April 2026, kicking off a series of cruises across the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Islands.
The delayed startup aims to offer an adults-only luxury product onboard the VidantaWorld’s Elegant, which last sailed for Voyages of Discovery as the Voyager. Acquired by the startup in 2017, the 1990-built ship underwent a refurbishment project over the past few years.
According to Vidanta, which is part of a larger Mexican hotel chain, its itineraries will take advantage of Elegant’s ability to navigate difficult-to-access ports of call, showcasing “some of the most exclusive destinations on Earth.”
Orient Express
First Ship: OE Corinthian
Built: 2026
Capacity: 108 guests
Inaugural Cruise: May 2026
Orient Express is entering the cruising industry in mid-2026 with the debut of its first luxury sailing vessel, the Orient Express Corinthian.
Featuring 54 large suites, the 30,000-ton vessel was designed to reimagine the golden age of travel through contemporary design and features, which include a 115-seat cabaret and a state-of-the-art recording studio.
As part of its first season, the Corinthian will offer two- to eight-night itineraries in the Mediterranean that are highlighted by ports of call including Monte Carlo, Portofino, Venice and Saint-Tropez.
Terra Nova Expeditions
First Ship: RMS St. Helena
Built: 1989
Capacity: 150 guests
Inaugural Cruise: Late 2026
Terra Nova Expeditions is launching service in late 2026 with a series of expedition cruises to Antarctica onboard the 1989-built St. Helena.
According to the company, the former royal mail ship will offer longer cruises that are considered slow travel while emphasizing spending quality time in lesser-known places.
The startup brand will also make upgrades to the ship, which previously sailed a regular route between South Africa and the St. Helena Archipelago in the South Atlantic. Among the planned work are upgrades to passenger areas, as well as the addition of amenities such as whirlpools and a sauna.
Aman at Sea
First Ship: Amangati
Built: 2027
Capacity: 94 guests
Inaugural Cruise: Summer 2027
The new Aman at Sea brand is scheduled to debut ahead of summer 2027, as part of a partnership between Cruise Saudi and the Aman Group.
According to the company, the operation will be positioned in the ultra-luxury resort-at-sea niche, occupying a space in the leisure market that has never been explored.
Set to spend its inaugural season in the Mediterranean, the Amangati is currently under construction at the T. Matiotti shipyard in Italy. As the company’s first ship, the 94-guest luxury yacht will feature a series of unique features, including two helipads and a spa highlighted by a Japanese garden.
R Yacht
First Ship: Sefu
Built: 2027
Capacity: 120 guests
Inaugural Cruise: Summer 2027
R Yacht is launching Japan’s first yacht-style cruise ship ahead of the summer of 2027. According to the company, the vessel was designed to offer personalized services and an intimate experience.
Ordered at the West Sea shipyard in Portugal, the 120-guest ship will be deployed in itineraries across Japan and Asia, taking advantage of its size to visit remote areas.
The onboard experience will be inspired by the regions of Japan, featuring collaboration with locals for food, beverage and more.
