The cruise industry continues to enhance its cruise offerings to the 21.7 million Americans expected to embark on an ocean cruise in 2026. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are each launching one new ship this year, as well as making newsworthy developments at their private resorts.
Headlining the brand new ships coming to Florida in 2026 are the Prima Plus class Norwegian Luna and Royal Caribbean’s third Icon class ship, Legend of the Seas. In destination news, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau has opened and Norwegian Cruise Line has announced upgrades to its private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
These changes support the increased ridership of cruisers sailing from Florida, home to three of the world’s busiest cruise ports. In order, they are Port Canaveral, Port Miami, and Port Everglades.
We’ve rounded up the latest cruise news with cruises scheduled for Florida and beyond in 2026.
New ship bound for Florida
Norwegian Luna: Norwegian Cruise Line’s new 156,300 gross ton ship builds on the success of the Prima Class, bringing a modern design, infinity pool, aqua slide coaster, and ample outdoor space to passengers departing from PortMiami. The ship will begin a week-long Caribbean voyage from South Florida in early April.
In addition to featuring the same hybrid roller coaster and water slide as the Prima Plus class Norwegian Aqua, Luna also features a 10-deck freefall slide called The Drop and a top-deck sports and outdoor gaming space called The Stadium. Like all Prima-class ships, the ship will feature Ocean Boulevard, a 46,000-square-foot outdoor walkway surrounding the ship, and the Indulge Food Hall with 10 different food stations.
On the entertainment front, Luna will present the concert-style production ELTON: A Celebration of Elton John and HIKO, which combines “mixed reality and Cirque-style artistry.”
Legend of the Seas: Royal Caribbean’s successful Icon class welcomes new members this year. The 248,663 gross tonne behemoth is scheduled to make its North American debut from Port Everglades in November, competing with sister ships Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas for the title of world’s largest cruise ship.
The ship offers 28 ways to dine, including the Hollywoodland Supper Club and an immersive railroad-themed dining experience. Enjoy the Broadway hit, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as you sail on your new giant ship.
Around the ship, other Icon Class staples will feature prominently on the Legend, including a Category 6 waterpark, Crown’s Edge skywalk and zipline, mini golf, Flowrider surf simulator, and Adrenaline Peak rock climbing wall. The array of pools is also similar to the other two Icon ships, including an adults-only Hideaway infinity pool, a splashaway bay for children, and a large Royal Bay pool.
Legend of the Seas will debut on Nov. 11 with a three-night voyage from Port Everglades, followed by alternating six-night and eight-night Caribbean itineraries.
Regent Seven Seas Prestige: The luxury cruise line’s newest and largest ship will begin sailing from Miami in late 2026. The ship has a capacity of 822 passengers and is in sufficient demand that the first voyage from Miami is listed on the cruise line’s website on a waiting list.
On new ships, the Skyview Regent Suite is an option for the wealthiest guests at $25,000 per night. For that price, guests enjoy an expansive 8,794 square feet of space in a two-story suite. Luckily, every suite on the ship has a balcony, even the 440-square-foot Deluxe Verandah Suite.
Private destination update
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island: Royal Caribbean’s first beach club opens in Nassau, welcoming vacationers to 17 acres of tropical relaxation. The Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island is designed as a daytime experience for cruise passengers to spend a day in port.
A short soft boat ride from the harbor takes you to three areas: Family Beach, Party Cove, and Chill Beach. Visitors can explore two beaches and three pools, including the world’s largest swim-up bar. Food and drinks are available at 3 beach grills and 10 bars. A day pass includes food, drinks, Wi-Fi, transportation, and amenities for the day at the beach.
Prices are subject to change based on demand, but Royal Caribbean advertised a starting price of $109.99 for guests ages 4 to 12, $129.99 for a pass that includes a non-alcoholic drink, and $169.99 for a package that includes a drink.
Royal Beach Club will expand to Cozumel, Mexico and Santorini, Greece in 2026, with a new destination on Lelepa Island in the South Pacific set to open for Australian cruisers in 2027. Additionally, Royal Caribbean is eyeing a new Perfect Day destination in Mexico. Scheduled to open in late 2027, the new private enclave will be located in Mahahual, Quintana Roo, home to the Costa Rican port, and will have twice the guest space of the existing Perfect Day service in the Bahamas.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay: This destination in the Bahamas recently received an upgrade, adding a brand new pier, a 28,000 square foot heated pool with a swim-up bar, a children’s splash area, and more. The newly opened Vibe Shore Club offers a new adults-only experience with cocktails from a private bar.
This summer, the destination will feature a massive waterpark with 19 water slides, an 800-foot “dynamic river,” a cliff-jumping experience, and a family slide with four slides at once. Great Tides Waterpark offers a glimpse of the waterpark at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.
all over the world
Disney Adventure: The first ship in Disney’s Global Class will be the cruise line’s eighth and largest ship at 208,000 gross tons. Capable of accommodating more than 6,000 passengers and 2,000 crew members, the ship features seven themed areas, including Disney Imagination Garden, Disney Discovery Reef, Toy Story Place, and Marvel Landing.
The Disney adventure started out as the partially built Global Dream, a ship ordered by the now-bankrupt Chinese holding company Genting Hong Kong, which owned several cruise lines. Star Cruises was the original line that planned to operate the ship until Disney Cruise Line purchased the partially built ship in 2022.
Today, the ship features signature entertainment, premium service, and accommodations perfect for princesses and princes for family-friendly themed adventures.
Starting March 10, Disney Adventure will sail three- and four-night itineraries in the South China Sea.
Provided by/MSC Cruises
The next MSC World Asia will feature a unique theme and hanging dragon sculpture. (Courtesy of MSC Cruises)
MSC World Asia: MSC’s third and newest world-class ship will begin cruising the Mediterranean in December. Similar to Miami-based MSC World America, World Asia features cliffhanger mechanical swings, twisting dry slides, seven pools, and themed districts that divide the massive 215,863 gross ton ship into separate areas.
The ship’s highlight is its restaurant offering, which includes an Asian-themed restaurant and new pan-Asian street food with over 40 bars and restaurants to choose from. At World Promenade, you’ll find another Asian feel with a large hanging dragon sculpture. On such a large ship, MSC even found space for a roller skating arena.
Looking to the future, Port Canaveral is scheduled to welcome MSC World Atlantic in November 2027.
More cruise news
Oceania Cruises, the culinary-focused luxury cruise line owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, recently announced that it will be transitioning to only accepting passengers 18 and older. All existing reservations made before January 7, 2026 and involving travelers under 18 years of age will be honored. The changes were made to enhance the “tranquil environment” onboard the cruise line’s ships and “enhance the essence of the Oceania cruise journey.”
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