Cruise lines are expanding their fleets in 2027, with Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and MSC Cruises all set to introduce new vessels. Among the highlights, the Disney Wish will sail from the UK for the first time, offering European itineraries from Southampton.
Disney Wish sets sail from Southampton
The first of Disney Cruise Line's Wish class ships will depart from Southampton on a series of European itineraries for summer 2027. It marks the first time the Disney Wish has sailed from Britain. A sneak peek onboard earlier this year showcased the theatre, themed dining venues including Marvel and Frozen options, cabins, and entertainment such as character meet and greets.
Disney Cruise Line has also confirmed the Wish will sail in late 2027 on a one-way transatlantic journey from Southampton to New York, with bookings opening later this month. More details are available at disneycruise.disney.go.com.
Royal Caribbean's Hero of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Hero of the Seas joins the Icon Class, which features the world's biggest cruise ships, when it sets sail in August 2027. The ship will homeport in Miami, Florida, and sail on Caribbean itineraries. Passengers can expect nine pools, new waterslides, the first funnel raft ride at sea, and 28 dining venues, plus bars and lounges. Sailings start from £991pp and can be booked on royalcaribbean.com.
Norwegian Aura becomes fleet's largest
Norwegian Aura will become the cruise line's largest ship when it sails its inaugural voyage in May 2027. Features include a two-deck thermal suite in the spa, a sensory rain pool, a snow cave, six slides, an 82-foot ropes course, and NCL's first-ever overhanging cabanas overlooking the beach club. The Mediterranean maiden voyage departs from Trieste to Barcelona before the ship repositions to Miami for Caribbean itineraries. Sailings start from £754pp and can be booked on ncl.com.
Disney Believe and MSC World Asia
Disney Believe, the last of the Wish class vessels, launches in late 2027. Disney has released first look images of the ship, from the Atrium to exteriors, and hinted at themes inspired by Encanto, Frozen, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana and The Little Mermaid. More Disney ships are coming in 2029, forming an entirely new class, which will bring the DCL fleet to 13 vessels. Bookings for Disney Believe haven't opened yet; more information is at disneycruise.disney.go.com.
MSC Cruises' MSC World Asia debuts in December 2026, offering a huge water park, over 40 bars and restaurants, a spa, casino, bumper cars, thousands of suites, and a shopping gallery. The ship is divided into seven 'districts'. Seven-night sailings start from £679pp and can be booked on msccruises.co.uk.
