These 3 headline-making ships are set to transform cruising in 2026

One has a Guerlain spa, the other a Michelin-worthy restaurant.

A render of a suite on Four Seasons I.

February 13, 2026

It's going to be a big year for cruising, with more than a dozen new passenger ships launching in 2026. Here's our pick of the three best vessels that'll raise the benchmark with unique design and brand-new onboard experiences.

1. FOUR SEASONS I: After years of build-up, the 206-metre-long Four Seasons I yacht from the renowned luxury hospitality chain will set sail this year, with 95 suites that look more like sprawling hotel rooms than cabins on a ship. A state-of-the-art wellness centre and 20-metre pool deck with spotless white day beds will dial up the R&R factor, but it's the culinary offerings on the yacht that'll truly take the cake, with 11 drinking and dining dens. Itineraries will visit regions around the world, from Europe to the Caribbean. fourseasonsyachts.com

A render of Seven Seas Prestige.

2. SEVEN SEAS PRESTIGE: Not just a new ship, this vessel is Regent Seven Seas Cruises' first new ship class in 10 years. It will be 40 per cent larger than the operator's current ships but accommodate only 10 per cent more guests, offering one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry. With 411 all-balcony suites - accommodating a maximum of 822 guests - the ship will flit between the Americas and Europe, with itineraries such as the 15-night Miami to Los Angeles and the 14-night Rome to Athens. rssc.com

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3. ORIENT EXPRESS CORINTHIAN: The legendary train company will launch the world's largest sailing yacht this year, with just 54 suites and room for 110 guests. A Guerlain spa, and a fine-dining establishment, La Table de l'Orient-Express, by renowned chef Yannick Alleno will be some of its biggest drawcards, with itineraries ranging from a two-night exploration of Provence to 14-night transatlantic voyages. orient-express.com

Words byAkash Arora

Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.

My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.

Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.

My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.