The coming year is going to be a big one for the cruise industry. Not only are nine new ocean ships and dozens of river and expedition vessels making their debut in 2027, but a handful of new cruise experiences are launching across brands and sailing styles, too. Think everything from expanded private islands and new itineraries to once-in-a-lifetime excursions and unique foodie experiences.
If you’re even thinking of a cruise vacation in 2027, keep reading to learn more about the new spaces to enjoy and the new places you can sail to. Personally, I already have more than a few of these new-for-2027 cruise experiences on my must-do list next year.
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50
Disney Wish sailing from New York City
For the first time since 2023, Disney Cruise Line is returning to New York City. In September 2027, Disney Wish will set sail from the Big Apple on four- to seven-night sailings, with itineraries that include Bermuda plus New England and Canada. I’m especially excited about the New England and Canada cruises, which will take place during prime leaf peeping season. Just imagine sitting out on your balcony in the morning with a hot cup of coffee watching the gem-hued scenery go by.
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Disney Believe sets sail in December
Speaking of Disney Cruise Line, the line’s newest ship, Disney Believe, will take its maiden voyage on December 18, 2027. The ship is the fourth Wish Class ship and will homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sailing on four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean.
I’m most excited about the new Encanto show debuting in The Walt Disney Theater, the all-new Frozen theatrical dining experience, and a Little Mermaid-themed piano lounge. To learn more about what’s coming to the Disney Believe, from new experiences to guest favorites like The Haunted Mansion Parlor, read our full story about the upcoming ship.
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Carnival Festivale debuts in May
Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Festivale, will homeport at Port Canaveral, Florida, starting in May 2027. After a maiden transatlantic journey, the ship will take guests on six- and eight-night cruises around the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. Even better, every single cruise will include a stop at Carnival’s newest private escape, Celebration Key.
This ship is ideal for families with teens, thanks to its impressive water park, which features six water slides, including two family raft rides. Even better, the new ship will keep some of the most beloved dining experiences, including Guy’s Burger Joint (my favorite quick service at sea) and Big Chicken.
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Carnival Cruise Line expands adult-only itineraries
While Carnival Cruise Line is known for family-friendly cruises, the line is expanding its popular Sailings Exclusively for Adults (SEA) program in 2027. Next year, SEA cruises will feature six itineraries on four different ships, including Carnival Firenze from New York City (the first time an SEA cruise will sail from the homeport).
Additional adult-exclusive cruises include a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise from Miami, Florida, a six-day Western Caribbean cruise from Tampa, Florida, and a six-day Western Caribbean cruise from Galveston, Texas.
Along with the strict no-children policy, cruisers who embark on one of Carnival’s SEA cruises can enjoy upgraded menus across restaurants, more casino access, themed parties, and more. Guests must be 21 or older to sail on a SEA cruise.
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Celebrity Cruises officially launches river cruises
One of the biggest cruise announcements in recent years is Celebrity Cruises sailing some of Europe’s most exciting rivers. In 2027, the river cruises will officially sail the Danube and Rhine rivers. Celebrity River Cruises will launch with five ships, each with a similar layout and design, so all you need to decide is which itinerary you want to enjoy.
Onboard Celebrity River Cruises, your fare includes excursions, dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, and onboard activities. And speaking of excursions, they are all designed to bring you closer to the heart of each destination through storytelling, hands-on activities, independent exploration, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
One itinerary I’m particularly interested in is the Rhine River - Basel Holiday. The week-long cruise starts in Nuremberg, Germany, and ends in Basel, Switzerland. Along the way, the ship will dock at picturesque villages and towns, and travelers can enjoy the Christmas markets and lively holiday celebrations.
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MSC Cruises' new upgrades to MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve
Earlier this year, MSC Cruises announced upgrades to its private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Well, those big changes will be ready for guests to enjoy in late 2027. The new facilities and experiences include a specialty restaurant, buffets, and food markets; a new kids' playground and splash pad at Seakers Cove Family Beach; and a new adult-exclusive beach. The island will also add more cabanas.
While the on-island enhancements are exciting, the island pier is also getting upgraded. In late 2027, the pier will accommodate two ships at once, allowing more cruisers to enjoy Ocean Cay.
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Royal Caribbean's new beach club
Royal Caribbean will open its third Royal Beach Club in the South Pacific on the Vanuatuan island of Lelepa in 2027. Royal Beach Club Lelepa will feature two beaches where towels, umbrellas, and loungers are ready for you. The scenic nature trail winds across the island and offers incredible views. The island will have two casual eateries, serving up everything from fresh fruit to fish and chips for lunch. An adults-only area will be available as well.
The best thing about this new Royal Beach Club is that everything is included in the cost of your cruise. This is a big departure from Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas, which is priced like a shore excursion rather than being folded into your cruise fare.
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Silversea opens The Cormorant at 55 South for first Antarctica season
Cruising to Antarctica is a true bucket-list adventure, and Silversea is making it a lot easier during the 2026/2027 season. From now through March 2027, three Silversea ships will sail 40 voyages to the bottom of the world, including 29 Antarctica Fly Cruises, the latter of which skip crossing the sometimes tumultuous Drake Passage by ship in favor of flying over it.
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But what truly makes this season so special is the opening of The Cormorant at 55 South. The new resort, dubbed The Southernmost Hotel on Earth, officially opens starting November 5, 2026, for its inaugural season. Every Antarctica Fly Cruise includes a stay at the Puerto Williams-based resort. Onsite, guests have access to Silversea’s Expedition Experts to answer questions and share stories.
A host of activities, including kayaking, guided hikes, horseback rides, and more, are also available. When it’s time for a break, head to Latitude 55, the hotel’s main restaurant for family-style dining, or Bar Sur, the cocktail bar that highlights cocktails made with local ingredients and Chilean wines.
Regent Seven Seas expands supercar experiences in Europe
One of my favorite things about cruising is the chance to add on some time before or after a cruise to explore the embarkation or disembarkation city. As someone who loves fast cars and motorsports, Regent Seven Seas' new 2027 European Land Programs in partnership with Motorsport Lab sound like a great way to enjoy a few days pre- or post-cruise.
The four distinct programs take place around seven European sailings next summer, from the end of July through August. Guests can enjoy driving supercars and classic cars, motorsport activities, dining, and cultural experiences.
One of the most exciting options includes driving a supercar like a Ferrari or Lamborghini through Barcelona, Spain, seeing a private car collection, and live flamenco dancing. Another option is to journey through Bologna and Motor Valley, Italy, drive a Ferrari, and dine at Restaurante Cavallino, Ferrari’s iconic eatery with a menu by chef Massimo Bottura, who owns the three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana.
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Four Seasons Yacht Chefs-in-Residence program
Cruisers looking for the ultimate luxury dining experience will love Four Seasons Yachts. The brand is bringing chefs from five Michelin-starred Four Seasons restaurants onboard Four Seasons I in 2027. The Chefs-in-Residence program will be featured on select sailings around the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Each residency will include a four- to five-course tasting menu and wine pairings at Sedna, plus a one-day takeover of another onboard venue, and a welcome reception.
Currently, Four Seasons Yachts has announced Chef Guillaume Galliot of Caprice at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Chef Evan Neumann of Auro at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, Chef Guillaume Bracaval of est at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, and more as the resident chefs who will make their way to Four Seasons I.
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VIVA Cruises' new route on the Po River
VIVA Cruises is set to launch its second VIVA Boutique river cruise ship, VIVA UNIQUE, on a new route on Italy’s Po River. The route sails from the Venetian lagoonthrough charming Italian towns like Mazzorbo, Taglio di Po, Chioggia, and more. A host of excursions allow travelers to explore the port stops, including a culinary tour of Bologna, wine tours around Northern Italy, and a glass-blowing tour in Murano.
With just 104 guests onboard, nothing ever feels too crowded or overwhelming. Even better, more than half the accommodations are suites, giving you more space to relax and enjoy the scenery going by outside your window. VIVA UNIQUE has three restaurants, a fitness room, a beautiful sundeck and pool, and free bike rentals.
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Riviera Travel River Cruises debuts first solo cruise ship
One of the most intriguing river cruise launches in 2027 is from Riviera Travel River Cruises. The brand will introduce the world’s first dedicated solo cruise ship in June. The line’s MS George Eliot will sail exclusively solo departures along the Danube, Rhine, and Moselle rivers. The river cruise ship has room for 68 solo travelers, with no single supplements. Onboard, guests can expect all-inclusive drinks, daily shore excursions, meals (including room service), and Wi-Fi in the set fare.
While there are plenty of itineraries to choose from, I’m most interested in the Rhine, Strasbourg and Heidelberg River Cruise for Solo Travelers. The eight-day cruise is round-trip from Cologne, Germany, with daily stops in Germany and France.
Thinking about a cruise in 2027? These are the new experiences everyone will be talking about originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com, LuxuryVacationist.com, and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cruises are changing in 2027. These are the biggest new experiences
