7 Cruises Superfans Can’t Wait to Book in 2026

Key Points
Cruise bookings for 2026 are strong, with demand exceeding ship availability and rising prices.
Cruise lines introduce innovative ships, expand to river cruises, and focus on next-generation experiences.
Private islands and exclusive destinations are key strategies for delivering personalized, curated guest experiences.
If you thought the cruise comeback of the past few years was impressive, just wait until 2026. According to industry insider Stewart Chiron, better known as The Cruise Guy, the next year is already shaping up to be another record-breaker. “Future bookings are ahead of schedule at higher pricing,” Chiron says. “Even with more new ships debuting in late 2025, like Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, Princess Cruises’ Star Princess, Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel, demand still exceeds availability.” So that means if you’ve been dreaming about a Caribbean escape, an Alaska adventure or a first sailing on a European itinerary, book now. “That doesn’t mean there won’t be deals closer to sailing,” Chiron adds, “but people will need to be flexible.”
What’s Driving the Cruise Craze?
Originally fueled by post-pandemic wanderlust, now it’s all about value. With hotel rates and resort fees surging on land, many travelers are realizing that cruising offers a high-end, all-in experience without the sticker shock at the end. “Popular destinations like Las Vegas are seeing fewer visitors because of high hotel prices, restaurant costs and those expensive, useless resort fees,” Chiron says. “More travelers are turning to cruising—and Millennials and Gen Z already know the value because they cruised as kids. Cruising is in a next-generation growth phase.” From Disney’s new Triton Class to Celebrity’s next Edge vessel, these are the ships superfans are stalking shipyard updates for.
Related: 6 Biggest Travel Trends Defining 2026, According to Cruise Experts
Celebrity Xcel—A New Era of Elegance and Innovation
Celebrity’s fifth Edge Class ship—and the third since the brand’s design overhaul—Celebrity Xcel takes modern cruising to new heights. Longer and wider than its predecessors and with a whole new day-to-night activity slate, the latest ship will dazzle guests with a new port-inspired “Bazaar” experience, “Bora” brunch venue with a bloody Mary bar, three new Broadway-level stage productions and even a candlelight concert series. “Celebrity Xcel is the fifth Edge Class ship and third since significant upgrades to ship structure and design,” says Chiron. “Like Beyond and Ascent, Xcel offers even more ship, dining and lounging venues. For travelers aspiring toward more elegance and panache, these ships hit the nail on the head.” Sailing Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean routes, Xcel is upping the eco-friendly game, too, with new engine systems designed to reduce emissions—bringing it closer to its eventual zero-waste and in-port zero-emissions goals.
Celebrity River Cruises—The Line’s Next Chapter
A game-changer for travelers who love Celebrity’s elevated ocean style, but are looking to experience Europe river cruising, Celebrity River Cruises marks the brand’s first foray into inland waterways. Innovative 360-degree views, locally inspired culinary programs and extended port escapes are all designed to make river cruising feel like a five-star resort experience. “What’s interesting is Viking started from the river and went to the oceans,” said Chiron. “Celebrity is going from the oceans to the river, with a much larger passenger base. Many ocean cruisers have expressed interest in Europe’s rivers, but want a much higher class of ships, Celebrity appears to have designed. So demand was extremely strong because it was Celebrity offering riverboats designed from scratch.”
Related: Celebrity’s River Cruises Just Sold Out in 5 Hours—Here’s What to Know About It’s Record Breaking Launch
Disney Destiny and the New Triton Class Ships
Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Destiny, continues the line’s expansion following Disney Wish and Disney Treasure—and for fans, that means one thing: more chances to experience the magic at sea. Each new ship brings fresh themed dining, like the musical theater-inspired Feast of the Lion King, Broadway-style stage shows and the kind of whimsical themes that only Disney can dream up—Destiny will center famous Disney heroes and villians. “Disney fans are incredibly loyal, and their new ships and designs never disappoint,” says Chiron. “New ships mean more opportunities to experience Disney magic around the world.” With itineraries expected to reach farther than ever—including Asia and the South Pacific—Disney is upping the game on family-friendly adventure.
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas—and Beyond
The world’s biggest cruise ship at sea, Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, marked the next chapter in the cruise line’s groundbreaking Icon Class—and, according to experts, a true turning point for the modern cruise experience. Following Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, this third megaship continues to redefine what’s possible at sea with neighborhood-style design, high-tech thrill rides and spectacular aquatic shows. “Star of the Seas represents the evolution of the mega-ship trend,” says Chiron. “Royal Caribbean continues to push boundaries, offering more dining, entertainment and technology than ever before. These launches show that cruise-as-theme-park is not just here—it’s here to stay.” For superfans, the upcoming Legend of the Seas will be a whole new adventure in RC’s next-generation-style of cruising: action-packed, family-friendly and endlessly over-the-top.
Related: Star of the Seas is the World’s Best Family Vacation—Here’s What Blew Me Away Most
Princess Cruises’ Newest Sphere Class Vessel
Following the success of Sun Princess, Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Star Princess, will continue the line’s most ambitious class yet—the Sphere Class, known for its innovative geodesic dome and atrium designs, which allow maximum light—and night sky—in on these mega “Love Boats.” These ships have been a breakthrough for Princess, blending the romance and sophistication the brand is known for with modern design and next-generation tech. “Princess is one of the brands evolving and leading the way with technology and onboard experiences,” says Chiron. “The new ships—like Sun and Star—are the largest Love Boats ever built, featuring new dining and entertainment venues that have really resonated with guests.” The Star Princess continues Sun’s premium, celeb-chef dining, such as art-inspired Love By Britto, Broadway-level theater experiences and an enhanced MedallionClass platform that keeps Princess ahead of the curve in personalization and connectivity—while preserving the timeless charm that keeps its loyal fans coming back.
Carnival’s Next Excel Class Ships
For millions of loyal fans, Carnival isn’t just a cruise line—it’s a lifestyle. And with two new Excel Class ships on the horizon—Festivale and Tropicale, set to launch in 2027 and 2028— the “Fun Ship” brand is doubling down on what it does best: high-energy vacations packed with dining, water slides and pure joy at sea. “Carnival fans love the energy of the Excel Class—massive water parks, specialty dining and that classic Fun Ship vibe,” says Chiron. “Each new ship builds on the excitement of Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee, with even more fresh venues and upgraded experiences.” The upcoming ships will continue Carnival’s evolution—introducing new Western Caribbean itineraries, expanded culinary options and innovative onboard venues that keep the line’s trademark mix of fun and affordability front and center. Superfans can’t wait.
Norwegian Luna—A New Era
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Luna continues the evolution of the brand’s Prima Class, moving past the headline-grabbing go-kart tracks toward a sleeker, more elevated kind of leisure, including infinity pools that flow into the horizon, multi-level dining hubs and wide-open outdoor promenades that all harness the unmistakable NCL energy. “Norwegian’s Prima Class introduced a new level of upscale design and sophistication, and Luna is the next step,” says Chiron. “It builds on the success of Norwegian Aqua with more activities, refined dining and improved outdoor spaces—appealing to travelers who crave freedom and style.” Sailing a mix of Caribbean and Transatlantic itineraries, Luna will feature NCL’s signature Haven suites—private, concierge-level enclaves with their own pools and restaurants—plus the vibrant entertainment and global cuisine that make Norwegian die-hards return voyage after voyage.
New Private Islands and Exclusive Destinations
Cruise lines aren’t just competing on ships anymore—they’re competing on islands. To meet the surging demand, brands are investing billions in building their own private destinations. “Destinations are the new arms race confronting the cruise industry,” says Chiron. “As cruise lines expand around the world, they need more places to visit. Many popular destinations feel overwhelmed at times, so companies are spending billions developing their own private destinations—entire islands or exclusive beaches.”
From Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay—complete with a waterpark, overwater cabanas and beach clubs—to Disney’s Lighthouse Point, which celebrates Bahamian culture through architecture and art, these “brand-exclusive” islands are redefining port days. For travelers, the appeal is obvious: pristine beaches, immersive excursions and stress-free logistics. For cruise lines, it’s about innovation and personalization—offering guests a destination that feels both authentic and completely new.
As Chiron puts it, “Experiential travel is exactly what cruising is about. These private islands give guests those memorable, once-in-a-lifetime moments while allowing cruise lines to deliver a level of service and quality that’s entirely their own.”