2027 is a big year for new ships, and two of them are being built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Here is when each one starts, where it sails and what makes it special. Information as of November 2026, based on announcements by the cruise lines and shipyards and the trade press.
2027 newbuilds at a glance
| Ship | Line | Debut | First region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwegian Aura | Norwegian Cruise Line | 2 May 2027 | Mediterranean from Trieste, then Caribbean |
| Carnival Festivale | Carnival Cruise Line | 2 May 2027 | Transatlantic from Southampton, then Caribbean from Florida |
| Viking Astrea | Viking | May 2027 | Mediterranean and Northern Europe |
| Hero of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | 1 August 2027 | Caribbean from Florida |
| Oceania Sonata | Oceania Cruises | August 2027 | to be announced |
| MSC World Atlantic | MSC Cruises | November 2027 | Caribbean from Port Canaveral |
| Disney Believe | Disney Cruise Line | 18 December 2027 | Bahamas and Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale |
Norwegian Aura
At around 170,000 GT and about 3,880 guests (double occupancy), the Fincantieri-built Aura will be NCL's largest ship. Ahead of schedule, she now starts on 2 May 2027 with a ten-night Mediterranean cruise from Trieste to Piraeus before moving to the Caribbean. Highlights include the Ocean Heights complex with the most water slides in the NCL fleet, a 25-metre ropes course and the adults-only Vibe Beach Club.
Carnival Festivale
The fourth Excel-class ship is being built in Papenburg: about 180,000 GT, LNG-powered, over 5,300 guests at double occupancy. First guests board on 2 May 2027 in Southampton for a transatlantic crossing to Port Canaveral, the ship's year-round home. Sunsation Point hosts Carnival's largest water park at sea.
Viking Astrea
Viking's second hydrogen-powered ship uses liquid hydrogen and fuel cells in a hybrid system designed for zero-emission operation. Around 54,300 GT, 499 staterooms, up to 998 guests; delivery is planned for May 2027, with a first season in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Hero of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's fourth Icon-class ship, one of the largest cruise ships in the world, carries 5,610 guests at double occupancy and is built by Meyer Turku in Finland. Her debut has been brought forward to 1 August 2027 from Fort Lauderdale; afterwards she sails year-round from Miami.
Oceania Sonata
The first ship of Oceania's new Sonata class: around 86,000 GT, up to 1,390 guests, a veranda for every stateroom and about a third suites, plus new restaurants such as La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and Nikkei Kitchen. Built by Fincantieri near Venice, due in August 2027.
MSC World Atlantic
From November 2027 the fourth World-class ship sails alternating 7- and 14-night Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, including MSC's private island Ocean Cay. LNG-powered and shore-power ready, with the new Viva La Musica lounge.
Disney Believe
The second Papenburg newbuild: around 140,000 GT, 1,250 staterooms, LNG-powered. Maiden voyage on 18 December 2027, then four- and five-night Bahamas and Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale.
Scout tipBoth Papenburg ships have to be conveyed along the river Ems to the North Sea before delivery, a spectacle that draws crowds every time. The shipyard usually announces the dates at short notice.
Good to know before booking
- Newbuild dates can move, earlier or later. Two ships on this list now start earlier than planned.
- Maiden voyages and the first weeks are in high demand and usually cost more.
- Most 2027 newbuilds sail from Florida, so plan flights and ideally a night before departure.
More: Ocean cruises · River or ocean?