MSC World Atlantic Joins Carnival Festivale, American Anthem, Explora IV and Explora V, and Oceania Sonata in 2027 to Redefine Cruise Travel with Luxury, Family Fun, and Adventure

Published on December 15, 2025

The cruise industry is gearing up for one of its most exciting years yet. 2027 promises to be a game‑changer, with five major new ships scheduled to enter service. These ships include MSC Cruises’ new MSC World Atlantic, Carnival Festivale, American Cruise Lines’ American Anthem, luxury liners Explora IV and Explora V, and Oceania Sonata. Together, these vessels represent a wide variety of cruising experiences, ranging from family‑focused fun and luxury voyages to intimate river and coastal cruising.

These launches are expected to draw travelers from across the globe, with ships sailing to the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and other popular regions. Together, they mark a new chapter in cruise travel, bringing enhanced amenities, expanded itineraries, and world‑class experiences to meet the evolving desires of today’s travelers. Whether guests are looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, these new ships will offer something for everyone, making 2027 a landmark year for cruising.

Cruise lines are betting on innovation, luxury, and experience‑driven offerings to capture the attention of cruise enthusiasts in 2027. From cutting-edge onboard entertainment to luxury suites, these ships are equipped to meet the ever‑changing demands of modern travelers, ensuring a memorable voyage for all who embark on them.

The demand for luxury cruising continues to grow, and cruise lines are increasingly expanding their fleets to meet this demand. While the pandemic posed challenges for the industry, it also accelerated the development of new ships and innovative designs that cater to a broader spectrum of travelers. With family‑friendly features, premium onboard amenities, and intimate cruising experiences, 2027 is set to see a boom in cruise tourism, with new ships offering exciting opportunities for vacationers to explore the world in a whole new way.

2027 New Cruise Ships at a Glance

Here’s a quick overview of the five major new ships launching in 2027:

• MSC World Atlantic: A large ocean liner with family zones, multiple dining venues, and exclusive areas like the MSC Yacht Club.
• Carnival Festivale: A family‑friendly ship offering waterparks, themed entertainment, and designated family zones.
• American Anthem: A smaller, intimate river cruise ship offering personalized experiences for just 180 guests.
• Explora IV & Explora V: Ultra‑luxury ships from Explora Journeys, featuring high‑end suites, bespoke services, and curated itineraries.
• Oceania Sonata: A premium ship from Oceania Cruises, focused on gastronomy and destination enrichment for 1,450 guests.

These ships are set to provide the next level of cruising, with features that include luxury suites, waterparks, intimate settings, and itineraries that explore some of the most sought‑after destinations in the world.

MSC World Atlantic: Raising the Bar for Large Ocean Cruising

• Operator: MSC Cruises
• Ship Type: Large Ocean Cruise
• Passenger Capacity: 6,500+ guests
• Feature Highlights: Over 40 dining venues, family zones, adrenaline attractions, private yacht club
• Typical Regions: Caribbean, Bahamas

The MSC World Atlantic is set to be one of the standout additions to MSC Cruises’ fleet for 2027. Combining European design with American comfort, the ship will offer travelers a modern and exciting cruise experience. Key features of the ship include:

• 40+ dining options: Guests can enjoy a wide array of international cuisines, from Italian and American favorites to specialty dining options like French, Asian, and Mediterranean dishes.
• MSC Yacht Club: This exclusive area will feature private suites, a luxury lounge, and restaurants with special services for VIP passengers, including priority boarding, personal butlers, and access to secluded luxury spaces.
• Adrenaline‑packed attractions: From a cliffside swing that lifts guests high above the ocean to exciting nightlife bars offering cocktails with panoramic views, MSC World Atlantic will offer thrills for everyone. It will also feature several pools, water slides, and outdoor spaces where guests can relax or participate in various activities.
• Caribbean routes: The ship will sail to iconic destinations, including Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s private island in the Bahamas, offering guests a tropical paradise with exclusive access to pristine beaches.

MSC World Atlantic will appeal to both adventurous travelers seeking excitement and those looking for a luxury escape, offering a variety of activities and amenities that ensure there is something for every kind of passenger.

Family Fun Aboard Carnival Festivale

• Operator: Carnival Cruise Line
• Ship Type: Family & Entertainment
• Passenger Capacity: 6,400 guests
• Feature Highlights: Waterparks, themed entertainment, family play zones
• Typical Regions: Caribbean, North America

Carnival Festivale is designed with families in mind. As part of Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel‑class fleet, the ship will be packed with family‑friendly amenities, including:

• Waterparks: Carnival Festivale will feature exciting water slides and pools for both kids and adults to enjoy. With multiple slides, splash zones, and water play areas, the ship will be an ideal choice for families with young children and teens.
• Themed entertainment: From live shows to interactive activities, the ship will offer something for everyone, no matter their age. The ship will host Broadway-style productions, magic shows, and themed parties.
• Family play zones: Guests can engage in fun activities like board games, art projects, and much more. The ship will also offer arcade games, mini-golf, and basketball courts.
• A wide range of dining options: From casual dining for families to fine dining for adult guests, there will be something for everyone to enjoy, including kid-friendly options and gourmet choices for those seeking an elevated dining experience.

Carnival Festivale’s Caribbean and North American itineraries will include stops at beach destinations, port excursions, and exciting onboard activities, creating the perfect combination of relaxation and fun for family groups and multi‑generation travelers.

Intimate Cruising with American Anthem

• Operator: American Cruise Lines
• Ship Type: River & Coastal
• Passenger Capacity: 180 guests
• Feature Highlights: Intimate cruising, scenic river routes, outdoor decks
• Typical Regions: U.S. rivers & coastal waters

American Anthem will offer a more intimate cruising experience, perfect for guests who prefer a relaxed, personalized atmosphere. With space for just 180 guests, the ship promises:

• Multiple dining areas: Passengers can enjoy both casual and fine dining in an intimate setting that fosters a relaxed atmosphere. The focus will be on local and seasonal ingredients, ensuring guests experience fresh, high-quality meals during their journey.
• Spacious outdoor lounges: The ship will offer panoramic views of scenic rivers and coasts, perfect for nature lovers. Whether guests prefer to relax by the pool, enjoy a drink on the deck, or simply take in the views, American Anthem’s outdoor spaces will cater to all preferences.
• Tailored shore excursions: Guests will experience destinations through curated tours and excursions designed to showcase the beauty of U.S. waterways, from historical tours to nature walks and river cruises.

American Anthem will provide a serene, scenic cruise experience, especially for those looking to escape the crowds on larger ships and enjoy a calm, quiet journey through America’s rivers and coasts.

Luxury at Sea: Explora IV and Explora V

• Operator: Explora Journeys
• Ship Type: Ultra‑Luxury Ocean
• Passenger Capacity: ~900 guests
• Feature Highlights: Luxury suites, curated experiences, fine dining
• Typical Regions: Mediterranean, global premium itineraries

For travelers who want the ultimate luxury at sea, Explora IV and Explora V will provide an exceptional experience. These ships from Explora Journeys will feature:

• Exclusive luxury suites: Spacious, elegant accommodations designed for comfort and privacy. The suites will come with private balconies, 24/7 concierge service, and luxury amenities.
• Personalized travel experiences: Each itinerary will be tailored to offer unique, curated experiences that go beyond ordinary cruise offerings. From private guided tours to exclusive shore excursions, passengers will experience destinations in style.
• Gastronomy: The ships will boast world‑class chefs, offering a selection of fine dining options onboard, with menus designed to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
• Global itineraries: The ships will sail to premium destinations, focusing on the Mediterranean and other upscale regions. Itineraries will offer in-depth exploration of exotic locales, cultural experiences, and luxurious shoreside excursions.

Explora IV and V will set a new standard for luxury cruising, focusing on delivering an intimate, high‑end travel experience to the world’s most desirable destinations.

Oceania Sonata Redefines Premium Cruising

• Operator: Oceania Cruises
• Ship Type: Premium Ocean
• Passenger Capacity: 1,450 guests
• Feature Highlights: Culinary focus, destination enrichment, elegant lounges
• Typical Regions: Europe, Caribbean, global routes

The Oceania Sonata will be the first ship in Oceania Cruises’ new Sonata Class, focused on premium cruising with an emphasis on gastronomy and destination enrichment. Key features include:

• A range of dining options: From gourmet restaurants to casual eateries, Oceania Sonata will cater to a variety of dining preferences, with an emphasis on farm‑to‑table and locally sourced ingredients.
• Cultural enrichment programs: The ship will feature shore excursions designed to immerse passengers in the local cultures of the destinations visited, including private tours of historic landmarks, art museums, and local markets.
• Elegant lounges and luxurious staterooms: The ship’s design will ensure comfort and luxury for all guests, with spacious cabins and beautifully designed public areas to make guests feel at home at sea.

The Oceania Sonata is expected to provide refined experiences while exploring beautiful destinations across the Caribbean, Europe, and other premium cruise markets.

A Growing World of Cruise Travel in 2027

The launch of these new ships marks a pivotal moment in the cruise travel industry. With offerings that span family entertainment, ultra‑luxury voyages, premium experiences, and intimate river cruises, 2027 promises a wider choice for travelers than ever before. These ships will begin sailing in the Caribbean, Europe, and U.S. coastal waters, offering new opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Cruise operators are betting on innovation, immersive experiences, and expanded luxury to meet traveler demand. These new vessels are poised to reshape how people think about cruise vacations and what they expect from life at sea.