Among the best cruises to book in 2026 are two new ships, which redefine adventure, luxury and versatility. These newcomers join five other recently built vessels that continue to be popular choices for travelers. Since the latter have sister ships already in service, they offer a familiar experience, making them a solid option for both first-time cruisers and experienced cruise enthusiasts who are seeking a voyage that is new but reliably modern.
Newer ships like Viking Vesta by Viking River Cruises and Allura by Oceania Cruises have set the standard on refined cruising in 2025. Viking Vesta offers adult-only cruises, creating an intimate atmosphere full of gourmet cuisine and cultural enrichment, while Allura appeals to travelers who want an elegant journey marked by destination immersion and world-class dining options. For all ages, but particularly for adults, Celebrity Xcel by Celebrity Cruises provides an elevated experience with benefits including spa services, elegant dining and handcrafted cocktails.
Star Princess by Princess Cruise Line appeals to solo travelers as well as couples and families and adds a classy environment. Similar to its sister ship, Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas prioritizes family fun. Similarly, Celebrity Xcel allows travelers of all ages to indulge in relaxation and exploration to their comfort, often turning the ship itself into the destination.
However, the 2026 cruise ship lineup offers even more to appreciate. Adults will love the excellent service offered by Seven Seas Prestige by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, while families can enjoy the perks offered by Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas, known for its impressive size and and cruise options. Larger ships cater to a variety of travelers and some of the bigger ones aim to please most guests.
“One overall trend that the new Princess, Royal and Celebrity ships have is extensive areas exclusively for suite guests,” says Scott Campbell, Manager, Cruise Relations at AAA Inc. “These areas will have an exclusive sun/pool deck, lounge and restaurant just for guests sailing in a suite. It's like a ship within a ship."
"It’s like a ship within a ship.”
According to Campbell, all types of cruisers, from families to couples, from those who want to fully immerse themselves in the destination to those who see the ship as the destination, from the most active to the most laid-back, can find something on board these new ships. With itineraries ranging from the Mediterranean and sun-soaked Caribbean destinations, the new ships launching in 2025 and 2026 offer a reliably fun cruise vacation.
Best for: Families seeking waterparks, dining options and live entertainment
The Legend of the Seas is one of the best new cruise ships scheduled to launch in the next few years, featuring the largest waterpark at sea, seven pools and 28 places to eat. Enjoy the first-rate accommodations and a wide variety of onboard activities, including a Broadway-style performance, live music and cool lounges. The ship will begin its maiden season in the Mediterranean in July 2026, sailing from Rome and Barcelona. By November, it will transition to Caribbean routes departing from Fort Lauderdale, with stops at the cruise destination Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
2. Seven Seas Prestige (Regent Seven Seas Cruises)
Launch: Late 2026
Guest capacity (at double occupancy): 822
Inaugural sailing: December 13, 2026
Maiden season: Transatlantic, Caribbean, Panama Canal and Europe
Best for: Luxury travelers seeking spacious suites, fine dining and exclusive itineraries
Featuring 411 suites, all with private balconies, the Seven Seas Prestige launches with a 14-night transatlantic journey from Barcelona, Spain, to Miami on Dec. 13, 2026, with stops in Málaga, Spain; Madeira, Portugal; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and 38 options for shore excursions. It includes the Skyview Regent Suite, the largest all-inclusive cruise suite, equipped with a private gym and in-suite elevator. Dining options include seven specialty restaurants, such as Azure, which focuses on Mediterranean cuisine. Additional amenities include enrichment programs, live performances and spa treatments at the Serene Spa & Wellness.
After arriving in Miami, the ship is set to offer Caribbean sailings in early 2027, visiting popular cruise destinations such as Antigua, Guadeloupe and St. Kitts. In late January 2027, the new ship will begin its first Panama Canal cruise, traveling from Miami to Los Angeles, before concluding its inaugural season with European itineraries along the Iberian Peninsula and the coast of France.
Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Modern Cruise Ships to Book and Revisit
Courtesy of Viking Cruises
3. Viking Vesta (Viking Ocean Cruises)
Launch: July 2025
Guest capacity (double occupancy): 998
Inaugural sailing: July 2, 2025; 12-night Venice to Barcelona
Maiden season: Mediterranean, Northern Europe
Best for: Couples, culture for adults
Setting itself apart from most Viking ships, Vesta boasts 9 decks — a slightly larger size due to new regulations — and showcases a sleek Scandinavian design. For its maiden season, Viking Vesta explores the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, offering informative lectures and guided shore excursions for an intimate yet educational cruise experience from Venice, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain. Viking is one of the best cruise lines for adults, emphasizing cultural enrichment and premium services. All-inclusive packages include specialty dining, including special coffees, teas and drinks throughout meals. Along with a soothing onboard Thermal Suite, a spa area with a range of hot and cold treatments based on Nordic bathing customs, there are amenities like Wi-Fi and a shore excursion at every port.
Courtesy of Oceania Cruises
4. Allura (Oceania Cruises)
Launch: July 2025
Guest capacity (at double occupancy): 1,200
Inaugural sailing: July 18, 2025, Seven-day Trieste to Athens
Maiden season: Mediterranean, North American East Coast, Caribbean
Best for: Upscale, premium experiences
Allura, the latest addition to Oceania Cruises' luxury fleet and Allura Class series, joined in 2025 alongside its sister ship, Vista, which launched in May 2023. Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, this new cruise ship visits great locations ranging from Trieste, Italy, to Athens, Greece, with additional planned routes across the Mediterranean, North America and the Caribbean. Highlights of the ship include spacious staterooms, exceptional service supported by a high chef-to-guest ratio and a variety of dining options, including five specialty restaurants and a new crêperie.
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
5. Star of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)
Launch: August 2025
Guest capacity (double occupancy): Approximately 5,610
Inaugural sailing: Aug. 31, 2025; 7-day round trip from Port Canaveral
Maiden season: Caribbean
Best for: Families
Royal Caribbean is a cruise line known for having something for everyone and Star of the Seas continues the fun tradition — providing an exciting cruise experience from Port Canaveral, just a short trip from Orlando. Visiting Coco Cay, Costa Maya and Cozumel. This ship also incorporates ship attractions first seen on Icon of the Seas, including Lincoln Park Supper Club, a 1930s Chicago-themed dining area with live entertainment and an impressive ship casino.
On the ship, passengers also can enjoy various onboard “neighborhoods.” Thrill Island has exciting attractions, including a waterpark with six waterslides and Crown's Edge, a skywalk-thrill ride. Chill Island offers a soothing escape with four pools, live music and casual food options. Surfside is geared toward young families, whilst the AquaDome provides breathtaking ocean vistas and colorful shows. Last but not least, the Hideaway is an adults-only escape with one of only two hanging infinity pools at sea and a DJ.
Courtesy of Princess Cruise Line
6. Star Princess (Princess Cruises)
Launch: September-October 2025
Guest capacity (double occupancy): Approx. 4,300
Inaugural sailing: October 4, 2025; 11-day Mediterranean round trip from Barcelona
Maiden season: Mediterranean, Caribbean
Best for: Couples, Families and solo travelers
Princess Cruises is known as a luxury cruise line with world-class amenities, and this Sphere-Class ship is no different. Ideal for those seeking both relaxation and cultural exploration, the Star Princess features exceptional service and versatile itineraries. The ship boasts an elegant design complemented by modern touches, including The Dome, the first geodesic dome at sea and The Sphere, a striking glass-enclosed piazza-style atrium. There are enhanced options in dining, entertainment and onboard experiences, such as movies under the stars, spa treatments and immersive culinary experiences. Other new features include an expansive casino area and a O’Malley’s Irish Pub, which was enlarged to hold more merrymakers.
Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
7. Celebrity Xcel (Celebrity Cruises)
Launch: November 2025
Guest capacity (double occupancy): 3,260
Inaugural sailing: Nov. 18, five-night Bahamas and Mexico, round trip Fort Lauderdale (Bimini, Cozumel)
Maiden season: Caribbean
Best for: Adults who want luxury travel at sea.
Guests on board the Celebrity Xcel, an Edge Class ship, can enjoy exclusive dining options, wellness retreats, artistic installations and a variety of things to do designed to enhance their cruise vacation experience. Accommodating up to 3,260 guests, this sleek new cruise ship reflects Celebrity Cruises’ dedication to modern luxury and commitment to sustainability. It's also well known as an LGBTQ+-friendly cruise line, with an annual Pride Party at Sea and other inclusive events and activities.
Note: Another ship in the Edge Series, Celebrity Xcite, was announced for cruising in 2028.)
Book Your Next Cruise with AAA
If you want to experience the best new cruise ships, plan your cruise trip with AAA. While cruise ships and itineraries vary, a AAA Travel Agent can help fine-tune your trip, detailing cruise lines to consider or even recommending cruises for special occasions (like romantic trips for couples). With a AAA membership, you can access exclusive perks when reserving the ideal cruise for your type of travel, including onboard credit and select discounts.
Sherry is an experienced #AAAEditor and former journalist who enjoys writing informative travel articles and reviews. Her commitment to making meaningful connections with people and places fuels her work for AAA. Favorite activities range from skiing to backpacking abroad and taking ghost tours.
THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!