New Cruise Ships on Order (2027 – 2028)

Cruise travelers planning ahead have reason to get excited. Multiple major cruise lines are launching new ships in 2027, each packed with features designed to enhance the onboard experience. The debuts span from Carnival's Festivale to Norwegian Cruise Line's largest vessel ever, giving passengers across all budget levels something fresh to book.

Carnival Cruise Line's Festivale arrives in spring 2027 as the fourth Excel-class ship and marks the return of a storied name to the line's fleet. The 6,400-passenger vessel introduces Sunsation Point, a three-deck outdoor zone with four new water slides that will operate during evening hours for the first time on a Carnival ship. Music runs throughout the vessel via multiple themed zones, including Studio 724 with its media-driven immersive design, plus new restaurants and bars such as Emeril's Coastal Seafood, Hawaiian-Asian eatery Uku Lei Lei, and The Spark and Mix, both music-inspired bars. Built at Meyer Werft in Germany, the ship weighs 180,000 gross tons.

Explora Journeys is launching Explora IV in summer 2027 as part of an ambitious expansion that will bring six luxury ships online by 2028. The LNG-powered vessel carries approximately 900 passengers in 461 oceanfront suites and offers seven restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, and five heated pools. The line maintains a 1.25-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, prioritizing service levels over capacity. Fincantieri is building the 72,000-ton ship in Italy.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Aura, debuting May 2027, will become the line's largest ship to date. The vessel marks a significant capacity increase, running 10 percent larger than current flagship vessels.

For cruise shoppers, 2027 represents a milestone year. New ships typically offer modern onboard technology, refreshed dining concepts, and entertainment designed around contemporary travel preferences. Booking early through a travel agent can help secure preferred cabins before popular sailings fill.

Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Emrys Thakkar (August 22, 2026).