Top Five Small Ships Launching in 2026 – Does size really matter?

Some say ‘go big or go home’ , we say go small and go further. Small cruise ships offer a level of intimacy, personalisation and adventure that is simply not possible on large ships. Both big and small ships have aspects that are appealing to travellers but there is no question that the popularity of small ship cruising is on the rise. These smaller vessels entice those who want to get into the nitty gritty of their destinations and docking in smaller ports means passengers get right into the centre of all the action. They can have much desired unique experiences and these ships often include expeditions or niche activities that are easily achieved in small groups. Many tour operators are set on giving the people what they want and we have ranked the top five small ships launching in 2026 so you can easily pick your favourite.

Emerald Kaia – 128 passengers

First on our list of small ships launching in 2026 is one from Emerald Cruises. Emerald Yacht Cruises give you the chance to experience a billionaire’s lifestyle without the price tag and with only 128 passengers on board you can make the most of the sleek and spacious decor of an Emerald Yacht Cruise. Launching their third Yacht ship the Emerald Kaia, they have taken their innovative designs to a whole new level. This yacht will have new state of the art features such as an interior lounge for the marina deck, an asian market inspired open grill and ultra luxury suites to name a few. The redesigned Sky Deck now features stylish cabanas and a versatile indoor-outdoor lounge, offering more ways to take in the views. Plus, the expanded gym lets you break a sweat outside before cooling off with a refreshing dip in the sea. Emerald Kaia will sail from the coastlines of the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas, to the Seychelles and because of its smaller size you can immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of each destination in style.

Star Seeker Windstar Cruises – 224 passengers

Next up of our small ships launching in 2026 is from Windstar. Leave the crowds and cliches behind as you board a Windstar Cruise, these cruises have a relaxed and personal atmosphere where the crew are happy to cater to your every need. Windstar provides fine dining, authenticity and enriching experiences on their elegant yachts. New to their fleet and launching in 2026 is Star Seeker, a yacht that embodies a new perspective while still remaining quintessentially Windstar. This yacht features a new specialty restaurant – Basil and Bamboo – a Mediterranean-Asian fusion dining experience. It boasts 112 spacious suites that almost all have a full private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window so you can soak up all the amazing views right from your room. Thinking about taking a trip to Alaska, Japan or the Caribbean in 2026? Why not treat yourself to exploring on the first sailing of Star Seeker and find out everything a Windstar cruise has to offer.

Regent Seven Seas Prestige – 850 passengers

Intent on surpassing all of your expectations on what intuitive service and ultimate luxury looks like, Regent Seven Seas provides a seamless all-inclusive experience while you journey around the globe. Regent Seven Seas embodies timeless elegance and lavish amenities and their new ship Seven Seas Prestige is no different. This ship is the first of two new prestige-class vessels and is making its debut in 2026. With 434 spacious suites, it will have one of the highest passenger to space ratios in the cruise industry. Purposefully designed to reflect sophistication and refinement this ship will capture the future of ultra luxury cruising and what better way to embrace its spectacular construction than to be the first one ever to sail on it.

Explora III – 922 passengers

With a 300 year seafaring legacy behind them, Explora Journeys allows you to travel the world in luxury but in a way that makes you feel like you’re at home. Each of their ships is thoughtfully designed to give you a comforting yet elevated experience. Mirroring the elegance and grandeur of Explora I and Explora II, their newest ship Explora III, which is another of the small ships launching in 2026, will be the embodiment of Explora Journey’s exquisite voyages. With an abundance of amenities you’ll want for nothing on this brand new ship. There will be 463 ocean front suites, 5 heated pools, 6 restaurants and 12 bars and lounges. Plus with a 1.25:1 guest to host ratio, you can guarantee you’ll receive the most impeccable service. Explora III is the first LNG-powered ship in Explora Journeys’ fleet, meaning this innovation has the potential to reduce well-to-wake greenhouse gas emission by over 80% .So sit back, relax and enjoy the refinement of Explora III’s first ever sailing knowing it will cause minimal harm to our wonderful world.

Viking Libra – 998 passengers

Last but certainly not least, launching a spectacular small ship in 2026 is Viking Cruises. Viking Cruises are one of the world’s leading small cruise ship lines with destination focused dining and culturally enriching experiences. Their ships allow you to spend your time in serene Scandinavian spaces as you create meaningful lifelong memories. To make it even better Viking Cruises have created a new nuanced ship, the Viking Libra. The Viking Libra will accommodate up to 998 guests in 499 cabins and is innovatively designed to be Viking’s best ship yet. This extraordinary vessel will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. The hybrid propulsion system will enable it to navigate with zero emissions, enabling access to the most environmentally-sensitive areas. Meaning, not only can you port in the heart of each destination but also reach places that other ships may not be able to reach.

2026 is certainly going to be an exciting year for all things small ship cruising and there is no better feeling than being one of the first people to sail on board a BRAND NEW ship. Lucky for you our cruise experts are here to make sure you don’t miss out, give them a call and let them make your cruising dreams a reality.