There are lots of ships launching in 2026, but three stand out as major moments for the cruise industry — and maybe even for your future holiday plans. From ultra-luxury yachts to megaships built for thrills, here are the ships I’ve got my eye on: Four Seasons I, MSC World Asia, and Legend of the Seas.
Four Seasons I — A Yachting Debut with Captain Kate McCue at the Helm
Launching in January 2026, Four Seasons I sets sail as the ultra-luxury, boutique-scale yacht from Four Seasons Yachts. With just 95 suites and a remarkable 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio, it promises an intimate, highly personalised experience inspired in part by Onassis’ legendary Christina O.
The star onboard? Captain Kate McCue, the yacht’s inaugural captain – and a celebrated figure in the cruising world. She brings nearly 30 years of maritime experience and made history in 2015 as the first American woman to command a mega-ton cruise ship.
This is a major coup for Four Seasons Yachts, and her presence promises both prestige and exceptional service as the ship charts its Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries.
- Just 190 guests onboard
- Every suite will have floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces
- The jaw-dropping Funnel Suite spans four levels and over 9,000 square feet (that’s bigger than most UK houses!)
- A transverse marina – a floating platform that opens from the side – perfect for kayaking, paddle-boarding, and beach club vibes
- Itineraries starting in the Caribbean and Mediterranean
This ship is clearly for those chasing boutique hotel vibes at sea – and yes, you’ll pay for the privilege. But if you’ve ever stayed at a Four Seasons hotel, you’ll know the service is chef’s kiss. I’ll be keeping a close eye on whether they can translate that land-based luxury into a truly seamless cruise experience.
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MSC World Asia — A World-Class Giant with an Asian Flair
MSC World Asia, the third ship in MSC’s futuristic World Class series, is expected to launch in December 2026.
Like its sister ships, Europa and America, she features LNG propulsion, spans approximately 215,863 GT, and carries around 6,762–6,782 passengers.
But what sets World Asia apart is its cultural concept infused into design and experiences:
- Asian-inspired decor and venues – including a pan‑Asian specialty restaurant with terrace, décor reflecting regional art and craft
- New features such as The Clubhouse, complete with bumper cars, a LEGO family zone, and a basketball court; plus the Tree of Life @ The Spiral, a stunning 81.3 m dry slide inspired by Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.
- Familiar favourites return – Luna Park, Butcher’s Cut, The Harbour, and Cliffhanger — but reimagined with Asian-themed twists
- Deployment will focus on Mediterranean sailings, with embarkation from ports like Genoa, Barcelona, and Rome.
All told, World Asia reflects a refined evolution of the World Class blueprint, now tailored to celebrate Asian aesthetics and design.
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Legend of the Seas — Icon Class Debuts in Europe
Legend of the Seas, the third vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, arrives in Summer 2026 – and notably will launch from Europe, a first for an Icon-class mega-ship on its maiden voyage.
With capacity for 5,600+ guests, LNG propulsion, and massive amenities – including AquaDomes, surf simulators, family neighbourhoods, and sustainability features – its European debut underscores Royal Caribbean’s faith in the European market (before likely positioning it to return to Caribbean seasons).
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Here’s what makes these 2026 launches so exciting:
- Capstone of luxury, via Four Seasons I — an intimate yacht with Captain Kate’s signature touch.
- Global expansion of mega-ship design, through MSC World Asia’s fusion of awe-inspiring scale and regionally inspired features.
- Strategic market shift, with Royal Caribbean launching Icon-class grandeur directly from Europe — signaling confidence in continental cruising.
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