Talk about ordering ahead. Two upscale cruise lines have just inked contracts for new ships not due to arrive for more than a decade. It’s the kind of optimism that comes from seeing record-breaking sales across the entire cruise industry.
The January 2026 Wave Month saw breathless announcements from lines ranging from Atlas Ocean Voyages, to Royal Caribbean Cruises to Virgin Voyages that they’ve seen unprecedented bookings for the month. That’s following projections from travel watchers from AAA to Expedia projecting 4 per cent or more increase in number of people vacationing on a cruise in 2026.
MSC Cruises has just upped its orders for World Class ships that carry more than 6,000 guests, with 10 more due to arrive between this year and 2031. And Viking Cruises is set to double its ocean fleet, with 10 slightly larger new ships coming by 2030.
The enthusiasm has got cruise lines looking even further ahead.
Oceania Cruises has just placed an order for its fifth Sonata Class ship with Fincantieri shipbuilders, that’s not scheduled for delivery until 2037. The launch day of bookings for the first in the series Oceania Sonata that arrives in 2027 smashed a one-day record and it affirms global demand for Oceania’s next generation fleet, said Jason Montague, the line’s chief luxury officer.
Meanwhile, Regent Seven Seas Cruises which saw early 2026 bookings increase by 20 per cent when compared to January 2025—made its own commitment for the future. Regent signed an agreement with an Italian shipyard to construct a fourth vessel for its innovative Prestige Class series that won’t enter service until 2036. But it follows the biggest single booking day for Regent when this year’s debutante Seven Seas Prestige went on sale in 2025.
“Luxury travelers are clearly prioritizing immersive, high-value vacation experiences, and Regent continues to deliver on that promise through exceptional itineraries, expansive suites, and the most inclusive amenity offering in ultra-luxury cruising,” Montague said. (Both Oceania and Regent are part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and he is chief luxury officer for both lines).
January’s performance—which saw bookings increase by 20 per cent when compared to January 2025—was driven by strong demand across Regent’s global destination portfolio, he said. And travelers are securing voyages well in advance, demonstrating increased confidence in long-term travel planning, he added.
There was particularly strong interest in select destinations, with Pacific and South America itineraries, outperforming historical benchmarks. Data also indicated an increased demand for longer itineraries of 15 days or more, as well as a significant increase in guests booking multiple cruises.
Regent is continuing its Upgrade Your Horizon for bookings through April, 2028, offering guests a free two-category suite upgrade, 50 per cent reduced deposits across all destinations, and a $500 shipboard credit on select 2026 voyages.
Regent’s debutante this year: Seven Seas Prestige, arrives in December, 2026. A sister ship in the Prestige Class is entering service in 2030, a third in 2033 and the last in 2036. All four vessels will be built at Fincantieri shipyards in Italy.
Debuting in August 2027, the Oceania Sonata will feature one third more space than Oceania’s current largest ships. Oceania Arietta, her first sister ship, will open for sale in 2027 and start sailing in 2029. All five of the planned Sonata class ships are being built at Fincantieri as well.
Story by Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
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