The global cruise industry is showing strong growth. As of early 2026, 74 new cruise ships are on order, which will gradually fill the fleets of the world's leading companies over the next decade.
The total cost of building new liners exceeds .5 billion, and the industry will receive more than 205,000 additional passenger seats by 2036. On average, each new ship will have a displacement of about 120,000 tons and will be able to accommodate approximately 2,770 passengers.
MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings currently have the largest number of orders — 14 ships each. The companies are actively investing in new generation ships focused on comfort, technology and environmental friendliness..
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Particular attention is being paid to new classes of ships that will enter service after 2030. For example, MSC Cruises has ordered a series of innovative liners from the German shipyard Meyer Werft, while Norwegian is preparing to launch a prototype of a new series of ships with a capacity of over 5,100 passengers, which will be built at the Fincantieri shipyard.
>>>MSC orders 4 more new liners - and this is in addition to the World Class![]()
Royal Caribbean Group, is also significantly expanding its fleet, planning to put eight new ships into service for the Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and TUI brands by 2032. Також у планах Carnival Corporation also plans seven new ships for the Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises brands.
Other important players include — Viking, which will add ten ships to its fleet by 2031, and Disney Cruise Line, which currently has five ships on order.
What does this mean for tourists?
The increase in the fleet opens up more routes, more modern liners and a wider selection of cruises in different price segments.
Follow the cruise world updates on 4gates.cruises, and for detailed information on new ships and upcoming itineraries, contact our cruise experts.
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