The New Luxury Ocean Ships Setting Sail in 2027 & 2028

Buckle up, luxury cruise fans—we have a busy couple of years ahead of us!

That’s right, with more travellers than ever opting to see the world by cruise, it’s hardly surprising that many lines are looking to expand their fleets, setting the bar for luxury and innovation ever higher. There are some incredibly exciting developments on the horizon for 2027/28, so sit back, grab a cuppa, and let’s dive in.

Emerald Raiya (June 2027) and Emerald Xara (April 2028)

Following years of success cruising the world’s rivers, in 2022 Emerald Cruises dipped their toe into the world of luxury ocean yachts with Emerald Azzura. 

Now, four years on, the only way is up with two new ships planned for 2027 and 2028 launches respectively, bringing the fleet up to five. 

First up is Emerald Raiya. Set to debut in June 2027 and near identical to sister ship, Emerald Kaia, Raiya will accommodate 128 passengers across 64 staterooms, 88% of which will include balconies. 

Raiya’s floorplan is expected to be 10% bigger than Emerald Azzura and Emerald Sakara and will feature the same reimagined 5,500sq ft Sky Deck that debuted on Emerald Kaia, complete with bar, private cabanas and breathtaking panoramic views. Guests aboard Emerald Raiya will also find a sun deck at the front of the Observation Deck with splash pool and loungers, as well as a newly expanded Elements Spa and fitness area. As on Kaia, this zone will be 50% bigger than on her predecessors, and will feature both indoor and outdoor workout spaces and access to the marina, where guests can enjoy swimming and water sports—and of course, the four-storey inflatable waterslide.

All that activity will surely work up an appetite. Luckily, the Night Market Grill – a speciality Asian private dining experience that first debuted on Emerald Kaia – will make a return for Raiya, taking guests on a gastronomic journey unlike anything they’ll have experienced before.

Emerald Raiya will make her debut in the Seychelles, before heading to the East Mediterranean for a sun-drenched summer in Turkey and Greece.

Due to launch in April 2028, we have fewer confirmed details about Emerald Xara. However, we do know it will almost certainly be a triplet sister of Emerald Kaia and Emerald Raiya, though with some subtle design tweaks off the back of customer feedback. Just like her sisters, 88% of the cabins should have balconies and guests can enjoy the large Sky Deck and expanded spa and fitness facilities.

A spokesperson for Emerald Cruises said that both ships would “reflect the same sleek design language and elevated guest experience of their sister ship, with enhancements shaped by direct guest feedback.”

Emerald Xara will kick things off in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic for a balmy Caribbean season.

EXPLORA IV (Summer 2027) and EXPLORA V (Winter 2027)

Explora Journeys are certainly not slowing down anytime soon, with ambitious plans to triple their current fleet in the next three years. EXPLORA IV and EXPLORA V are both set to launch in 2027, bringing the fleet to five, following the launch of EXPLORA III this year.

Excitingly, both ships mark a new chapter in the world of sustainable cruising. Like EXPLORA III, they will both run on liquefied natural gas, the cleanest marine fuel available. 

Though the line have yet to reveal many specifics, we can assume both ships will be identical to their older sisters, embodying the same superyacht-style elegance as the rest of the fleet and accommodating 922 passengers with a crew to passenger ratio of 1 to 1.25.

Both ships will likely feature the same six restaurants beloved by Explora enthusiasts, including pan-Asian Sakura, French-influenced Fil Rouge and the Marble & Co. Grill steakhouse, taking their guests on a global gastronomic journey with each and every delectable dish. Public areas are also expected to be the same, with a panoramic Sky Bar, indoor and outdoor pools, state-of-the-art wellness facilities and sports court, as well as the popular Nautilus kids’ club, which is open to cruisers up to the age of 17. 

Oceania Sonata (August 2027)

With a projected launch date of August 2027, Oceania Sonata is the first in an entirely new class of ship for Oceania Cruises. Larger than the rest of the fleet but carrying just 1,390 guests, she boasts one of the most generous guest-to-space ratios at sea, blending light, airy décor with enhanced accommodation, dining and wellness facilities. 

Those who thought The Finest Cuisine at Sea couldn’t possibly get any better are in for a treat, with not one but two innovative dining concepts debuting aboard Oceania Sonata. La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France is an intimate chef’s table experience, the only restaurant at sea to receive the seal of approval from the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, and will feature a rotating menu curated by specially invited French Master Chefs. 

On the other end of the spectrum is Nikkei Kitchen, the first Japanese-Peruvian fusion eatery in the cruising world, where guests can look forward to experimental dishes that celebrate the epicurean heritage of both countries. 

Of course, beloved favourites such as the Polo Grill, Toscana and Red Ginger will be in pride of place aboard Sonata, offering guests even more choice when it comes to exploring the world via the medium of fine dining. 

In pursuit of the ultimate residential-style luxury at sea, Oceania Sonata’s accommodations are a notable step up, with all-veranda cabins, tranquil neutral tones and a real sense of capaciousness. Sonata will also host some new suite categories, including the sumptuous Horizon Suite and stunning Penthouse Deluxe Suites, where guests will enjoy up to 600sq ft of pure serenity, light and space.

And that’s just for starters. Enhanced public spaces include the soaring Atrium, exquisite Opus Bar and of course, the new-and-improved Aquamar Spa and Vitality Centre, which now comes with even more space and facilities for guests to enjoy some R&R, including more treatments rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and the sweeping Aquamar Terrace. 

Oceania Sonata’s maiden voyage will sail out of Rome, meandering along the Adriatic Coast. From there, she has a jam-packed programme of incredible itineraries, taking her from the jewels of the Mediterranean to the golden paradise of the Caribbean and beyond. 

Scenic Ikon (April 2028)

The latest addition to Scenic’s innovative fleet of ‘Discovery Yachts’, Scenic Ikon is set to be one of the most impressive expedition vessels at sea, effortlessly blending state-of-the-art technology with sumptuous luxury.

Measuring 205 metres and accommodating 270 passengers, Scenic Ikon is larger than her predecessors, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II and has been designed to meet Polar Code 6 and Ice Class 1A Super Standards, giving her the freedom to traverse the globe, from Antarctica’s ink-blue waters to the glittering harbours of the Mediterranean.

The real wonders, however, lie within. Onboard, guests will discover a mind-bogglingly extensive array of amenities and technologically advanced features, including two Airbus helicopters, a custom-designed Triton submersible and a fleet of Zodiacs. After a day of indulging in intrepid activities, passengers will be thrilled to spend time in Ikon’s 15 dining venues, array of bars and lounges and two-storey Senses Rejuvenation Spa and Fitness Centre. 

Scenic Ikon’s maiden season will commence in Venice, in April 2028, going on to tour 110 ports across 21 countries, including Egypt, Cape Verde, Chile and Antarctica. 

Crystal Grace (June 2028)

When Crystal announced the third addition to the fleet at the end of last year, it was to great excitement—Crystal Grace marks the first new ocean ship for the line in over 20 years, named to reflect the understated sophistication and refinement that imbues every detail.

Like her older sisters, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, Grace will boast one of the highest passenger-to-crew ratios at sea, as well as spacious, all-suite accommodation, iconic wraparound promenade deck, dazzling entertainment and award-winning dining, including both the only Beefbar AND the only Nobu at sea.

However, her suites have been reimagined, furthering Crystal’s ambitions to offer the most elegant, opulent staterooms at sea. When settling into their cabins, guests will be delighted to find additional innovative storage solutions, artisanal touches, a private butler service and fully stocked minibar. Plus, in an entirely new configuration for the line, some suites feature wraparound verandas and part of the ship has been put aside for a new-to-brand suite category: the Owner’s Suite.

Revealing new details, Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, said: “Crystal Grace is more than a name; it’s a promise. It reflects the effortless elegance, generous spirit and sense of tranquillity that define the Crystal experience. With this ship, we are honouring our heritage while continuing to evolve for a new generation of guests.”