The cruise industry is starting 2026 with strong momentum, as shipyards prepare to build dozens of new vessels over the coming decade. Industry data shows that 74 cruise ships are currently on order, pointing to long-term confidence in global cruise demand.
These ships represent an investment of more than $76 billion and will steadily enter service through 2036. Once delivered, they will add over 205,000 new passenger berths to the world’s cruise fleet.
Today’s newbuilds are getting bigger and more complex than ever before. The average ship on order now measures close to 120,000 gross tons and is designed to carry nearly 2,800 guests.
Rising construction costs mean the average cruise ship now costs just over $1 billion. At the same time, the cost per berth has climbed to around $373,000, reflecting advanced technology and upgraded onboard features.
Major Cruise Lines Drive Fleet Growth
MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings currently lead the industry, with 14 ships on order each.
Their expansion plans account for a large share of future cruise capacity worldwide.
MSC Cruises is set to add more than 57,000 berths by 2033, driven by a new class of ships ordered from Germany’s Meyer Werft. The first of these vessels is expected to enter service in 2030.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is also preparing to introduce a brand-new ship design later this decade.
Its upcoming 5,100-guest ships will be built by Fincantieri and serve multiple brands.
Royal Caribbean Group follows with eight ships on order, adding over 37,000 berths by 2032. Carnival Corporation also has seven new ships scheduled for delivery through 2033.
Similar incentive-driven strategies are also emerging elsewhere in the sector, with Ambassador Cruise Line recently unveiling high value trade incentives aimed at boosting 2026 bookings.
Other cruise lines continue to invest as well, including Viking with ten ships on order and Disney Cruise Line with five. Together, these projects show that cruise companies are planning far beyond short-term market cycles.
Cruise Ship Orderbook
| Item | Overview |
|---|---|
| Ships on order | 74 |
| Total investment | $76.5 billion |
| New passenger berths | 205,000+ |
| Average ship size | ~120,000 GT |
| Average cost per ship | ~$1 billion |
| Top ordering lines | MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean |
