New Ships & Routes
Cruises
On the horizon, a wave of new luxury ships is lining up to launch over the next two years. What sets them apart and the standout routes on offer, we've rounded up for you right here. Anchors aweigh!!
New Ships & Routes
Cruises
On the horizon, a wave of new luxury ships is lining up to launch over the next two years. What sets them apart and the standout routes on offer, we’ve rounded up for you right here. Anchors aweigh!!
Image: Kirill Grekov/stock.adobe.com
Amangati, Aman at Sea
The wait is over: the first voyages for Aman at Sea’s high-seas debut are now open for booking. The luxury yacht Amangati, featuring 47 suites for a maximum of 97 guests, was designed for itineraries across the Mediterranean and other coastal regions. Kicking off on May 7, 2026, is a six-night journey from Palma de Mallorca to Nice, followed by an eight-day cruise round-trip from Nice. Each sailing is entirely unique. After its time along the French Riviera, Amangati charts a course for Italy, Malta, Croatia, and Greece, before wrapping up its Mediterranean season in Istanbul. Good to know: there’s an Aman Spa on board.
Trade Contact: Eugenio Genova, Senior Director of Sales
Image: Courtesy of Aman
Crystal Grace, Crystal Cruises
After a 25-year hiatus, Crystal Cruises will unveil its first new-build, the Crystal Grace, which sets sail on June 11, 2028. Designed for 650 guests at double occupancy, the ship opens for initial bookings in April 2026. Grace will spend her first season in the Mediterranean before setting out on a world voyage that includes a rare route along Australia’s southern coast. And: for the first time ever, a Crystal ship will feature an Owner’s Suite (pictured). Culinary highlights are guaranteed – just like on Serenity and Symphony, guests can look forward to Nobu’s Umi Uma, the Beefbar, and Osteria d’Ovidio by Michelin-starred brothers Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo.
Trade Contact: Michael Steffl, Director Trade Sales, EMEA
Image: Crystal Cruises
Four Seasons I, Four Seasons
On March 20, the luxury yacht Four Seasons I kicks off its inaugural Mediterranean season, spotlighting a range of itineraries around the Greek Isles, including Santorini, Mykonos, and Hydra. From there, it heads to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. The 207-meter yacht (679 feet) features 95 suites for up to 222 guests. Its showstopper: the 927-square-meter (9,978 square feet) Funnel Suite with sweeping panoramic views. Culinary devotees can look forward to 11 restaurants and a chef-in-residence program showcasing Michelin-starred talent. A sleek, stylish marina delivers serious swim-and-sun appeal. Trade Contact: Victoria Matteucci, Account Director Corporate Commercial
Image: Four Seasons Yachts
Emerald Kaia, Emerald Cruises
With its maiden voyage from Limassol to Piraeus on April 4, Emerald Kaia officially joins the Emerald Cruises yacht fleet. Slightly larger than her sister ships Azzurra and Sakkara, she accommodates up to 128 guests. Suites have been thoughtfully expanded, and the Sky Deck now stretches even farther, complete with a new Sky Lounge. On board, you’ll also find an enlarged Elements Spa and a marina for easy access to the water. During her inaugural season, Kaia will sail eight-day expeditions around the Seychelles. Guests can also pair their cruise with a Masai Mara safari for the ultimate sea-and-savanna combo.
Trade Contact: Achim Weber, Head of Sales DACH, Middle East, Africa
Image: Scenic Group
Sonderaktionen bei Celebrity Cruises
ANZEIGE – "The Retreat", der exklusive Resort-im-Resort-Bereich für Suiten-Gäste von Celebrity Cruises, bietet neben einem eigenen Sonnendeck mit Pool und einer Lounge auch das Fine-Dining-Restaurant "Luminae at The Retreat". Der persönliche Retreat Host sorgt zudem dafür, dass keine Wünsche offenbleiben. Tipp: Expis können ihren Kunden "The Retreat" nun dank mehrerer Sonderaktionen preisgünstiger anbieten. Gebucht werden muss die Celebrity-Kreuzfahrt mit Abfahrt bis 30. April 2028 bis zum 2. März 2026.
Ansprechpartner für Reiseprofis: Key Account Manager DACH Natascha Tschritter & Florian Schneider
Foto: Celebrity Cruises
Explora III, Explora Journeys
Launching earlier than planned, Explora Journeys’ third ship will debut with a Mediterranean prelude sailing in late July. Explora III is nearly 20 meters (65 feet) longer than her predecessors and marks the brand’s first LNG-powered vessel. With 463 suites – two more than before – several onboard spaces have been reimagined. The Owner’s Residence was designed by Patricia Urquiola. The spa will feature an expanded outdoor area, the main pool is being lengthened, and new F&B venues are joining the lineup, including the Chef’s Table (pictured). A highlight for Japan enthusiasts: during her inaugural season, Explora III will sail a variety of itineraries round-trip from Tokyo.
Trade Contact: Priti Mehta, Senior Head of Sales
Image: Explora Journeys
Oceania Sonata, Oceania Cruises
The first ship in the Sonata Class is set to hit the world’s oceans in August 2027. Oceania Sonata will accommodate 1,390 guests, who can choose from a range of suite categories – all featuring butler service. Her inaugural season includes 22 voyages calling at more than 90 destinations. Caribbean itineraries round-trip from Miami will also feature stops in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. A draw for food lovers: Sonata will debut with 10 restaurants, including La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, an intimate 18-seat venue, as well as the new Nikkei Kitchen. Oceania has now ordered a total of five ships in the Sonata Class.
Trade Contact: The Reservations team at Oceania Cruises
Image: Oceania Cruises
Orient Express Corinthian, Orient Express
This one is poised to be a true game changer: the Orient Express Corinthian, a 220-meter (721 feet) luxury sailing yacht with just 54 accommodations, all inspired by the legendary design codes of the original Orient Express train. The two suite and two penthouse categories are dressed in rich shades of brown, layered with warm woods. Guests can unwind at the Guerlain Spa and choose from five distinct restaurants on board. The maiden voyage sets sail on June 6 in the South of France. Starting in October, the elegant sailing yacht will cruise the Caribbean, with standout calls including a private island in the Exumas and Moskito Island.
Trade Contact: Lucie Faucon, Director of Sales EMEA Sailing Yachts
Image: Orient Express
Scenic Ikon, Scenic Cruises
Scenic’s fleet is also expanding: in 2028, Scenic Ikon will join the lineup, aiming to set a new benchmark in the ultra-luxury expedition segment. Measuring 205 meters (672 feet) in length, she accommodates 270 guests across 135 veranda suites – and boasts an impressive 15 F&B outlets. For extraordinary adventures, two helicopters and a submarine are available. Guests booking the 250-square-meter (2690 feet) Penthouse Suite can expect seriously expansive living quarters. Thanks to her ice-class rating, Scenic Ikon will venture to Antarctica starting in December 2028, with calls in the Falkland Islands along the way.
Trade Contact: Achim Weber, Head of Sales DACH, Middle East, Africa
Image: Scenic Group
Seven Seas Prestige, Regent Seven Seas
Arriving at the end of 2026, Seven Seas Prestige will be the seventh ship in the fleet – and the first in an entirely new ultra-luxury class. Her inaugural voyage sets sail on December 13 from Barcelona to Miami. From there, Prestige begins her Caribbean season, featuring multiple Panama Canal transits and calls in Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama. The 224-meter vessel (734 feet) offers 408 balcony suites for up to 822 guests. In addition to the three Prestige-Class ships already on order, Regent has added a fourth to the lineup.
Trade Contact: Gabriella Fonzo, Senior Director of Sales Europe, Middle East & Africa
Image: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Star Explorer, Windstar Cruises
Star Seeker only joined the Windstar Cruises family at the end of 2025, and in December 2026, her sister ship Star Explorer (pictured) will follow. With a maximum of 224 guests, the experience is all about space and privacy. Among the 112 suites are two Owner’s Suites featuring expansive wraparound balconies. A new culinary highlight is the specialty restaurant Basil + Bamboo. In her first summer season, Star Explorer will sail Northern Europe, delivering dramatic Scottish landscapes and the chance to witness the Northern Lights.
Trade Contact: The Reservations Team
Image: Roberto Lo Savio
Let's Ask the Industry:
Are new luxury ships an incentive to book?
"New international luxury ships aren’t automatic bestsellers. Still, new builds come with compelling advantages: state-of-the-art technology, forward-thinking design, higher sustainability standards, and a more contemporary take on luxury. As advisors, we see it as our role to recommend these newcomers strategically – whenever they align with a client’s profile. Right now, the Four Seasons yacht is seeing particularly strong demand, driven in part by its upcoming maiden voyage and the brand’s global recognition. We’re also noting significant interest in Amangati, as it marks Aman’s first foray at sea, translating its signature concept to a maritime setting. Those willing to think beyond the obvious and proactively introduce new ships or cruise brands can truly inspire clients – and often unlock unexpected booking wins. Letting go of preconceived notions is key. First and foremost, it’s essential to know these new products inside out in order to advise with confidence. Clear value propositions – such as exclusive experiences, distinctive itineraries, exceptional service, or innovative ship concepts – make it far easier to spark enthusiasm for something new."
Gaby Jordan, General Manager Gaby Jordan Travel (Portrait: Gaby Jordan Travel)
Image: Maridav/stock.adobe.com
Our Takeaway
When it comes to clients, it’s usually a clear-cut case: they either love cruising or they rule it out entirely. But right now, there are plenty of compelling reasons to revisit the conversation – even with the skeptics. After all, a wave of new and decidedly unconventional concepts is hitting the market – pardon, the seas. For travelers who find 1,000 fellow passengers overwhelming, a yacht or sailing vessel might feel like a far better fit. Others may be swayed simply by the name on the hull. Hotel brands at sea, after all, continue to enjoy a strong reputation – and serious appeal.