October 29, 2025, 9:24 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Whether it’s floating amusement parks with thousands of guests or sustainable luxury yachts for a few–2026 will see several new cruise ships set sail. Particularly notable: the trend toward spectacular slides, the increasing focus on lower-emission propulsion, and the expansion of the luxury segment. An overview.
Overview
“MSC World Asia,” MSC Cruises
With a capacity of up to 6,758 passengers, the “MSC World Asia” will be the largest new cruise ship of the year. The 333-meter-long giant runs on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and boasts a unique feature, namely the “longest dry slide at sea,” according to the cruise line. This slide winds over twelve decks and measures about 81 meters. Its maiden voyage begins on December 11, 2026, in the Mediterranean.
“Mein Schiff Flow,” Tui Cruises
In July 2026, Tui Cruises will launch the “Mein Schiff Flow,” a sister ship to the “Mein Schiff Relax.” This ship is also 333 meters long and can accommodate up to 3,984 passengers. Notable is the “woven roof structure of the 25-meter outdoor pool on Deck 17.” The ship will begin its first journeys from Palma de Mallorca. The Flow is powered by conventional LNG but can also run on bio- or e-LNG, according to the cruise line.
Conventional LNG is considered a transitional solution toward more climate-friendly cruising, but it is also criticized for the methane emissions it produces. Bio- and e-LNG are seen as more sustainable, though they are currently only available in limited quantities.
“Legend of the Seas,” Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean continues to set new standards in size and entertainment. The “Legend of the Seas,” a new addition to the Icon class, will embark on its maiden voyage in summer 2026 from Barcelona and Rome. Onboard, guests can expect “the largest water park at sea,” according to the cruise line.
Although the superlative cannot be independently verified, the complex slide labyrinth at the stern is certainly spectacular. The ships of the Icon class, which also include the “Icon of the Seas” and “Star of the Seas,” are currently the longest cruise ships worldwide at about 365 meters. The “Legend of the Seas” can accommodate 5,610 passengers and is powered by LNG.
“Norwegian Luna,” Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line also focuses on thrilling slide experiences: The new “Norwegian Luna” features a slide called “The Drop,” which spans ten decks, as well as the “Aqua Slidecoaster,” a combination of water slide and roller coaster. Both attractions are already known from the identical “Norwegian Aqua,” which debuted in 2025.
What makes the “Luna” special is its distinctive hull. It was designed by the artist ELLE and inspired by the moon, according to the cruise line. The 322-meter-long new build accommodates 3,571 guests and uses marine diesel for propulsion. The first voyage starts in March 2026 from Italy toward the Atlantic.
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“Viking Libra,” Viking Ocean Cruises
With the “Viking Libra,” Viking Ocean Cruises is bringing a technological innovation to the world’s oceans in 2026. The ship’s electric propulsion is powered by fuel cells “operated with liquid hydrogen.” This enables emission-free travel–particularly relevant for ecologically sensitive regions such as Antarctica.
The ship is designed for 998 passengers and also features conventional engines–it is a hybrid propulsion system. The use of hydrogen on cruise ships is still rare and could be groundbreaking.
“Spirit of Ponant II,” Ponant
Also emission-free, but on a much smaller scale, sails the new catamaran from Ponant: The “Spirit of Ponant II” is a 25-meter-long sailing ship for a maximum of ten guests. The exclusive catamaran can be “chartered for prices starting at 64,000 euros” and primarily operates in French Polynesia–an equally exclusive destination as its target audience.