From luxury yachts to Murray River paddlesteamers
From a special Australian arrival to sleek luxury yachts and big-budget cruisers, we’re spoiled with a choice of new ships to launch this year.
Next month, PS Australian Star, operated by Murray River Paddlesteamers, will be launched. The ship carries 38 guests and has a lounge, fine dining restaurant and 19 cabins. It celebrates the heritage of the Murray region in its décor.
The ship sails three-, four- and seven-night round trips from Echuca and partners with APT, which charters nearly half of its sailings. Most of the cabins are sold out this year, and demand is high for 2027.
The Australian Star may be the most extraordinary ship to be launched in 2026, but it is far from alone. The luxury yacht Four Seasons I, with a capacity of 190 guests, a first for the luxury hotel chain, recently set sail for its first season in the Caribbean.
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Additionally, Windstar’s 224-guest Star Seeker, the company’s first brand-new build, now sails in the Caribbean. The refurbished 224 guest ship Star Explorer is planned for December.
This month it’s the turn of Aqua Expeditions’ Aqua Lares in the Seychelles, and in April Emerald Cruises (owned by Scenic) will launch Emerald Kaia in the Mediterranean. The 128-guest ship is larger than Emerald’s two existing yachts; It has larger cabins, more decks, and a new sky lounge and spa pool.
Those who prefer larger ships will be pleased with the arrival of the 3,550-guest Norwegian Luna in the Caribbean in April and Royal Caribbean’s 5,628-guest Legend of the Seas in the Mediterranean in July.
The delayed 6,700-guest Disney Adventure is finally hitting the road next month. Homeported in Singapore, the ship features Disney, Pixar and Marvel themes and features special areas for teens, teenagers and adults.
Goldilocks types who want something in the middle can look forward to Explora Journey’s 926-guest Explora III in the Mediterranean; It’s the midpoint of a new luxury brand owned by MSC Cruises, which will later launch three more ships.
Explora III has some tweaks to previous ships. The project, which expands public areas, children’s clubs and healthy living areas, will run on liquefied natural gas.
Then there’s Viking Mira and Viking Libra. Both have 998 guests and will sail at the opening of their Mediterranean seasons. Libra stands out as the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger ship that can operate with zero emissions.
For those looking for high-end luxury, the 108-passenger Orient Express Corinthian, an initiative of another hotel company, Accor, arrives in the Mediterranean in June.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is launching the 822-guest Seven Seas Prestige in December, the first of a new class of ships that promises new cabins, restaurant options and new public spaces that will be as ostentatious and eye-catching as its other ships.
Finally, in December 2026 will come the arrival of the 6,762-guest MSC World Asia, which, despite its name, will begin sailing in the Mediterranean; This is proof that winter travel in Europe is gaining popularity.
The ship will feature Asian-inspired design, a dining venue serving pan-Asian street food, and a sushi and teppanyaki restaurant.
Brian Johnston seemed destined to be a travel writer: an Irish man born in Nigeria, raised in Switzerland, lived in Britain and China, and now calls Australia home.
