Norwegian Cruise Line’s Biggest Ships Ever Are Coming

Big fleet news is coming from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH). The parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises has signed an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to build three brand-new cruise ships — one for each brand.

The new vessels will be delivered in 2036 and 2037 and are part of a much larger long-term growth strategy that now includes 17 ships scheduled for delivery through 2037.

One New Ship for Every Brand

Under the new agreement:

• Norwegian Cruise Line will receive another massive ship in its upcoming “New Class.”
• Oceania Cruises will add a sister ship in its Sonata Class.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises will expand its ultra-luxury Prestige Class.

All three ships will be constructed at Fincantieri’s shipyards in Italy, continuing a long-standing partnership between the cruise company and the builder.

John W. Chidsey, who recently stepped in as President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, said the deal reinforces the company’s “disciplined approach to fleet growth” and secures valuable shipyard space through 2037.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Largest Ships Ever

The new ship for Norwegian Cruise Line will be the fourth vessel in the brand’s next-generation class, which is set to debut in 2030.

These ships are expected to come in at approximately 225,000–227,000 gross tons and accommodate more than 5,000 guests at double occupancy. That makes them the largest ships ever built for Norwegian and places them among the biggest cruise ships in the world.

The first ship in this new class will launch in 2030, followed by additional sister ships in 2032, 2034, 2036, and 2037.

In the meantime, Norwegian has several other ships arriving sooner:

• Norwegian Luna (2026) – 156,000 gross tons, 3,565 guests
• Norwegian Aura (2027) – 170,000 gross tons, 3,880 guests
• A next-generation Prima Class ship (2028) – methanol-ready and approximately 170,000 gross tons

This steady pipeline ensures that Norwegian continues expanding both its mid-sized and mega-ship offerings.

Growth for Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises will receive another ship in its Sonata Class, joining a lineup designed for approximately 1,390 guests at around 86,000 gross tons.

The first Sonata Class ship, Oceania Sonata, debuts in 2027, followed by Oceania Arietta in 2029. Additional Sonata Class vessels are scheduled for 2032, 2035, and now 2037.

This expansion strengthens Oceania’s position in the upper-premium segment, offering mid-sized ships known for destination-focused itineraries and elevated dining experiences.

Regent Seven Seas Expands Its Ultra-Luxury Fleet

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will add another Prestige Class ship, a series designed to carry just 822 guests at approximately 77,000 gross tons.

Seven Seas Prestige, the first in the class, is scheduled to debut in late 2026. Sister ships are already planned for 2030 and 2033, with the newly announced vessel arriving in 2036.

Regent’s continued expansion reflects strong demand for all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising, where fares typically include excursions, premium beverages, specialty dining, and more.

17 Ships Now on Order Through 2037

With this latest agreement, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings now has 17 ships on order across its three brands.

2026 Deliveries

• Norwegian Luna
• Seven Seas Prestige

2027–2029

• Norwegian Aura (2027)
• Oceania Sonata (2027)
• Next-Gen Prima Class (2028)
• Oceania Arietta (2029)

2030–2034

• NCL New Class 1 (2030)
• Seven Seas Prestige Class 2 (2030)
• Oceania Sonata Class 3 (2032)
• NCL New Class 2 (2032)
• Seven Seas Prestige Class 3 (2033)
• NCL New Class 3 (2034)

2035–2037

• Oceania Sonata Class 4 (2035)
• NCL New Class 4 (2036)
• Seven Seas Prestige Class 4 (2036)
• NCL New Class 5 (2037)
• Oceania Sonata Class 5 (2037)

Future ship contracts remain subject to financing, which is standard practice in the cruise industry. However, securing shipyard capacity this far in advance is critical in today’s competitive environment, especially as shipyards must balance new builds with dry docks and repairs.

A Long-Term Vision for Growth

By ordering ships nearly a decade ahead of delivery, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is locking in its expansion plans across every segment of the cruise market — from large, family-friendly megaships to mid-sized premium vessels and ultra-luxury all-inclusive experiences.

For cruisers, this means more new ships, new itineraries, new venues, and upgraded onboard experiences well into the next decade.

And for NCLH, it signals one thing clearly: long-term growth across all three brands is firmly underway.