New cruise ships span megaships, expedition vessels and river cruising
Operators are preparing vessels ranging from MSC Cruises’ 6,700-plus-passenger MSC World Asia to specialized ships powered by hydrogen, wind, solar and hybrid-electric systems.
MSC Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of MSC World Asia from Chantiers de l’Atlantique in 2026, ahead of its planned winter 2026 entry into service. The 333-metre ship will accommodate more than 6,700 passengers and include a new Family Aventura district with an adventure trail, dry slide, kids’ club and gaming areas.
Fincantieri is building the 998-guest Viking Libra for delivery in November 2026. Designed to use hydrogen stored onboard for propulsion and electricity generation, the ocean ship is initially planned to operate in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Smaller expedition projects include Antarctica21’s 76-guest Magellan Discoverer, which Asenav is building in Chile for the 2026-27 Antarctic season. It will combine diesel engines with hybrid-electric propulsion. Selar Expeditions is also developing the 70-metre Captain Arctic for 36 passengers and 24 crew, with a design centered on wind and solar power.
On rivers, AmaWaterways’ 76-guest AmaNubia is due to enter service in Egypt after being designed specifically for Nile cruising. Emerald Cruises plans to launch the 130-guest Emerald Lumi on the Seine in March 2027, initially offering an eight-day Seine and Normandy itinerary.
Aranui Cruises’ Aranoa is scheduled to begin French Polynesia sailings in 2027. The 116-metre vessel will carry 198 passengers while also conducting cargo operations.