Longer voyages and new destinations shape cruise trends for 2026

Cruise demand remains strong heading into 2026, with new research from review platform Cruiseline.com and cruise app Shipmate showing travellers are booking further ahead while broadening their destination and itinerary preferences.

The annual survey of more than 5,500 cruise travellers found 92.8% already had at least one cruise booked for 2026 or beyond, while 70.3% were planning to make additional bookings. More than 60% had already secured a 2027 sailing, highlighting growing confidence in advance trip planning.

The Caribbean and the Bahamas remains the most popular booked destination (61.1%), followed by the Mediterranean (17.6%) and Alaska (14%). Seven-night cruises continue to dominate current bookings, although travellers increasingly intend to book longer eight- to 13-day and 14-plus-day itineraries.

Royal Caribbean International has overtaken Carnival Cruise Line as the most-booked cruise brand among respondents, with Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line rounding out the top five. Looking ahead, demand for Mediterranean and transatlantic itineraries is rising, while interest in shorter two- to six-day cruises has also increased as cruise lines expand their offerings.

The survey also found growing interest in river cruising, with Viking, Celebrity River Cruises, and American Cruise Lines emerging as the leading brands under consideration.

“The most compelling takeaway is how cruisers’ preferences are evolving,” said Jamie Cash, Chief Operating Officer of Cruiseline.com and Shipmate. “Travellers are becoming far more intentional and adventurous in their choices, branching out to new cruise lines, exploring destinations beyond the usual favourites, and mixing in quick getaways alongside longer itineraries. They’re also thinking further ahead more than ever, planning not just next year’s cruise but for voyages years down the road.”

For travel insurers, the findings point to sustained demand for cruise cover, with longer booking windows, more diverse itineraries, and increasing interest in international and river cruise products likely to shape insurance needs.