A new wave: the ships of 2026

Four Seasons Yachts' Four Seasons I

In March we'll see the introduction of Four Seasons to the cruising sphere when the 222-guest Four Seasons I launches. The yacht will aim to showcase the same high-spec accommodation, exceptional service and fabulous dining options as the iconic hotel chain and we are excited to see whether the reality matches the ambition of this incredible vessel - and we look forward to the sister ship in 2028.

Emerald Cruises' Emerald Kaia

On 4th April 2026, Emerald Kaia will depart Limassol for an inaugural 10-night journey through the Eastern Med. The third of Emerald's ocean-going vessels, she accommodates 128 guests - a handful more than the 100 guests of Emerald Azzurra and Sakara - with more deck space to offer a larger observation Sun Deck with Spa Pool, a new Asian-inspired Night Market Grill, a larger spa and gym, and a new infinity-style Aqua Pool and Café. She represents the new template for Emerald's expanding fleet, with sister ships Emerald Raiya and Xara due for launch in 2027 and 2028.

Orient Express

The summer welcomes Orient Express Corinthian, the 54-suite sailing yacht that represents another new brand's arrival into the upper echelons of the cruising world - and a rival to Four Seasons. The keel has just been laid for sister ship Orient Express Olympian, set to sail Arabian waters in 2027, which we feel is prime for private and corporate charter. Call us if you're interested.

Explora Journeys' Explora III

At a ceremony in Genoa in July 2026, Explora III will be welcomed into service - a fitting location for this Italian company. A fraction larger than Explora I and II, the 928-guest Explora III has more upper suites, an enhanced Chef's Kitchen offering hands-on culinary experiences, and a larger Kids and Teens club to facilitate upmarket multi-generational travel. Explora IV and V are already on sale for their inaugural seasons in spring 2027 and winter 2027/2028, and Explora VI is due to sail in 2028, with itineraries likely to be announced this year. All this builds on the impressive success that is giving Explora Journeys the momentum to rival the more established ultra-luxury lines.

Regent's Seven Seas Prestige

40% larger with just 10% more guests than their last new-builds, Regent's Prestige-class ships have four all-new suite types, a new Mediterranean dining concept - Azure - with another yet-to-be-revealed dining venue, and all the features that make the rest of the fleet so popular. There are also some well-considered crew areas as Regent looks to attract and retain the best talent to deliver the highest standards and ensure guest satisfaction. We'll have to wait until December to see it, but will then be treated to two more Prestige-class ships in 2030 and 2033.

Aqua Expeditions' Aqua Lares

From February 2026, Aqua Expeditions will sail the Seychelles and Zanzibar on 30-guest Aqua Lares which will offer voyages of varying lengths from five to 14 nights around the Seychelles and the Zanzibar archipelago. Alongside a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and small-group excursions led by expert guides, highlights will include Aldabra, Cosmoledo, Astove, Furquhar Atol, Kilwa Kisiwani and Pemba, as well as the African Banks, the northernmost uninhabited islands in the Seychelles archipelago before, rather unusually, travelling to spend the summer in the Arctic.

New Cruise Ships 2027 and Beyond...

2027: Oceania's Oceania Sonata

We'll have to wait until 2027 to see Oceania's next class of vessel, debuting with the 1,390-guest Oceania Sonata, which will become the largest in the Oceania fleet, with all balcony accommodation and 10 dining options including new concepts. The first of four, with sister ship Oceania Arietta due in 2029, followed by two more as-yet-unnamed vessels in 2032 and 2035. We're expecting more details soon.

2028: Crystal Grace

Last, but certainly not least, Crystal have announced that their highly anticipated new build, due for launch in 2028, will be named Crystal Grace. We expect details of Crystal Grace - the first new Crystal ship in 25 years - to be released throughout the year, but Crystal have confirmed that the wraparound promenade deck - so popular on their two current vessels - will be included in the new design. This is set to be an evolution rather than a revolution - thankfully.