The class of 2026 for new ships is far from over. From a 100-guest expedition vessel to a 205,700-ton megaship, more cruise ships are scheduled to enter service before the end of the year, according to data from Cruise Industry News’ global cruise ship orderbook.
Explora III
Cruise Line: Explora Journeys
Shipyard: Fincantieri
Capacity: 922 guests
Tonnage: 64,000
Maiden Voyage: July 24, 2026
Explora Journeys will soon welcome its third newbuild with the Explora III. In the final stages of construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Italy, the 922-passenger ship is scheduled to enter service in late July.
Magellan Discoverer
Cruise Line: Antarctica21 Expeditions
Shipyard: ASENAV
Capacity: 100 guests
Tonnage: 5,900
Maiden Voyage: September 15, 2026
As the only new expedition ship debuting this year, the Magellan Discoverer is scheduled to enter service for Antarctica21 Expeditions in mid-September. With a design similar to the 2019-built Magellan Explorer, the 100-passenger vessel is being built at the ASENAV shipyard in Chile.
Adora Flora City
Cruise Line: Adora Cruises
Shipyard: CSSC
Capacity: 4,260 guests
Tonnage: 141,000
Maiden Voyage: November 22, 2026
The Adora Flora City is scheduled to kick off its maiden season for Adora Cruises in Guangzhou on November 22, 2026. As the second large ship built in China, the 141,000-ton vessel will serve the Chinese market with itineraries to destinations in the Far East.
Viking Libra
Cruise Line: Viking
Shipyard: Fincantieri
Capacity: 998 guests
Tonnage: 54,300
Maiden Voyage: December 3, 2026
After welcoming the Viking Mira to its fleet, Viking is taking delivery of a second newbuild this year with the Viking Libra. Considered the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, the 998-guest vessel is scheduled to enter service in the Eastern Mediterranean in early December.
MSC World Asia
Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique
Capacity: 5,400 guests
Tonnage: 205,700
Maiden Voyage: December 4, 2026
As the third ship in MSC’s World-class series, the MSC World Asia is scheduled to enter service on December 4, 2026. Under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, the 5,400-passenger vessel is set to offer year-round cruising in the Western Mediterranean.
Seven Seas Prestige
Cruise Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Shipyard: Fincantieri
Capacity: 822 guests
Tonnage: 77,000
Maiden Voyage: December 13, 2026
Introducing a new ship class to the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet, the Seven Seas Prestige will kick off its maiden season on December 13, 2026. Set to be followed by three sister ships, the 77,000-ton vessel is being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.
American Ranger
Cruise Line: American Cruise Lines
Shipyard: Chesapeake
Capacity: 125 guests
Tonnage: 5,000
Maiden Voyage: October 9, 2026
American Cruise Lines is adding another coastal ship to its fleet in early October with the American Ranger. Part of the company’s Patriot series, the U.S.-flagged ship is being built at the Chesapeake Shipbuilding shipyard in Maryland.
