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From ocean giants to intimate river vessels, here’s what’s sailing your way in 2027
There’s just something magical about being among the first to sail on a brand-new cruise ship. Trust me — I’ve done it, and the feeling is unbeatable.
You get first dibs on the brand-new staterooms, untouched pools, show-stopping theaters, and you’ll probably catch that buzz of excitement among both the crew and your fellow guests.
It’s like stepping into a floating five-star resort that no one else has broken into yet.
If you’re a cruise lover like me and you’re already dreaming about your next adventure, 2027 is shaping up to be a huge year for ship launches — and the best time to start planning is now.
Here’s a full look at the new cruise ships launching in 2027, from mega ocean liners to elegant river cruisers and everything in between.
American Anthem — American Cruise Lines
🗓️ Launching: April 2027
If you’ve been itching to explore America’s rivers in comfort and style, American Anthem is one to watch.
It’ll carry just 180 guests, offering an intimate, all-American river cruising experience on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
What am I most excited about? The brand-new Signature Suites — the largest ever in the American Cruise Lines fleet.
- Multiple dining rooms
- Fitness center & outdoor spaces
- Elevated modern interiors
Perfect for travelers who want a luxurious river cruise without crossing the ocean.
Carnival Festivale — Carnival Cruise Line
🗓️ Launching: Spring 2027
Carnival’s at it again — and this time, it’s bigger and bolder than ever.
The Carnival Festival will be the fourth Excel-class ship, weighing in at a whopping 180,000 gross tons and accommodating up to 6,400 guests.
Some exciting firsts:
- New themed zones, including two dedicated to music
- Sunsation Point: a family-friendly space with waterpark, courts & chill zones
- Over 1,000 interconnecting rooms — ideal for families and groups
Think of Festivale as the ultimate floating festival. It’s going to be Carnival’s wildest party at sea — and I’m totally here for it.
TBA, Prima Class Ship — Norwegian Cruise Line
🗓️ Launching: TBA 2027
NCL will add a fifth Prima Class ship to its lineup in 2027, currently being built by Fincantieri.
Quick facts:
- 169,000 gross tons
- 3,650 guest capacity
- Built methanol-ready for cleaner fuel options
Expect more outdoor space, unique dining venues, and signature modern design like we saw on Prima and Viva.
EXPLORA V — Explora Journeys (MSC)
🗓️ Launching: TBA 2027
For those of us who lean toward luxury and quiet sophistication, EXPLORA V is a dream come true.
This is the fifth ship in the Explora Journeys fleet and will run on LNG — a more eco-friendly fuel option.
Expect:
- Elegant design inspired by luxury hotels
- Yacht-like service and spacious ocean-view suites
- Immersive destination experiences
It’s high-end cruising with a modern twist — perfect for travelers who want a slower pace with upscale touches.
MSC World Atlantic — MSC Cruises
🗓️ Launching: Winter 2027
Set to be MSC’s fourth World Class ship, the MSC World Atlantic will be based in Port Canaveral and sail year-round 7-night Caribbean itineraries.
Key highlights:
- Massive size (expect 200,000+ gross tons range)
- Family-friendly features + MSC Yacht Club for VIP luxury
- Under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France
If you’re looking to cruise the Caribbean on a brand-new, mega-sized resort at sea, this one’s calling your name.
Celebrity River Cruises (TBA) — Celebrity Cruises
🗓️ Launching: TBA 2027
Yep — Celebrity is launching a river cruise brand in 2027, and that’s a big deal.
They’ve ordered 10 ships, designed with inspiration from their Ocean Edge Series, and the first routes will launch in Europe.
So far, details are limited, but we know this:
- Expect sleek design & modern interiors
- Premium experiences tailored to river cruising
- Focus on iconic rivers like the Rhine, Danube & Seine
Keep an eye on this one — it could be a game-changer for river cruising.
Oceania Sonata — Oceania Cruises
🗓️ Launching: 2027
Say hello to the first ship in Oceania’s Sonata Class — and expect big things.
- Promises to be the most spacious in the fleet
- Focused on refined luxury, destination-focused experiences, and culinary excellence
- Currently being built in Venice by Fincantieri-Marghera
This is for foodies and culture lovers who want elegance without stuffiness.
TBA, Wish Class Ship — Disney Cruise Line
🗓️ Launching: TBA 2027
Disney magic continues! A fourth Wish Class ship will set sail in 2027, joining Wish, Treasure, and Destiny.
What we know:
- Capacity of 4,000 guests
- Around 144,000 gross tons
- Expect family-friendly innovations and plenty of character magic
If you’ve got kids — or just a love for all things Disney — this one will be the next big thing.
TBA, Icon Class Ship — Royal Caribbean
🗓️ Launching: TBA 2027
The fourth Icon Class ship is coming — and if you’ve seen Icon of the Seas, you know this class is nothing short of insane.
Built at Meyer Turku in Finland, this next-generation mega-ship will have:
- Around 250,800 gross tons
- Capacity for 5,610 guests
- Likely new neighborhoods, record-breaking waterslides, and even more surprises
Royal Caribbean continues to push boundaries, and I can’t wait to see what they add next.
Final Thoughts: Which 2027 Cruise Ship Should You Book First?
Whether you’re craving a massive floating resort, a luxury river yacht, or something sustainable and sleek, 2027 has something for every type of cruiser.
My picks?
- For families: Carnival Festivale or Disney Wish Class
- For luxury lovers: EXPLORA V or Oceania Sonata
- For river cruise fans: Celebrity River Cruises
- For adventure seekers: Royal Caribbean’s next Icon Class, hands down
No matter which you choose, being on a maiden voyage is an unforgettable experience. So set your countdown timers — and maybe start saving, too. 😉
