The 6 Biggest Cruise Trends Travelers Are Following in 2026

Cruising is heading into 2026 with serious momentum—and travelers are booking earlier, going further and mixing up how (and where) they sail.

According to new data released by Expedia, demand for cruises next year is climbing fast, with some destinations seeing triple-digit growth compared with last year. In fact, Mediterranean, Northern and Southern Europe and Alaska are the top trending cruise routes for 2026—and they’re all up 250% year over year.

Between private islands, short getaways and a renewed appetite for Europe and Alaska, cruising in 2026 looks more varied than ever—with options that fit everything from quick escapes to bucket-list trips. Here are the six cruise trends shaping how Americans are planning their time at sea in 2026.

Related: 7 Cruises Superfans Can’t Wait to Book in 2026 and Beyond, According to a Cruise Expert

1. Private Islands Are Becoming the Main Event

Private islands are no longer just a quick beach stop—they’re becoming the centerpiece of entire itineraries. Cruise lines are investing heavily in their exclusive destinations, turning them into full-scale beach clubs with upgraded dining, activities, and amenities. From Carnival’s Paradise Collection of private island destinations to new private beach clubs rolling out across the industry, such as Norwegian’s upgraded Great Stirrup Cay and Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Beach in Nassau, Bahamas, these islands are increasingly a deciding factor when travelers choose a cruise.

2. Caribbean and Mexico Cruises Are Surging

The Caribbean remains the most popular cruise region overall, but interest is accelerating thanks to expanded capacity and aggressive pricing. Cruises to the Caribbean are up sharply (150%) while sailings to Mexico—particularly Baja routes—are seeing some of the biggest jumps in demand (310%). With deals dipping below $200 on shorter itineraries, these routes are especially appealing to budget-conscious travelers.

3. Luxury and Expedition Cruises Are Gaining Ground

While value cruises remain strong, there’s also growing interest in upscale and experience-driven sailing. New luxury ships, yacht-style cruises and expedition itineraries from Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and river cruise options from Celebrity and Trafalgar are attracting travelers looking for something more intimate or adventurous. Destinations like the Arctic are trending among cruisers who want fewer crowds and more once-in-a-lifetime scenery.

Related: 5 Bucket-List Cruises You Should Take Once in Your Life, According to Getaway Guru Darley Newman

4. Europe and Alaska Are Having a Moment

Beyond the Caribbean, Americans are increasingly looking farther afield for 2026 sailings. Expedia data shows major year-over-year growth in interest for Mediterranean (+255%), Northern European (+270%) and Southern European (+260%) cruises, along with strong demand for Alaska itineraries (+90%). These longer, destination-rich trips are becoming more popular as travelers plan bigger vacations further in advance.

5. Short Cruises Are Back in a Big Way

Not every cruise in 2026 is a weeklong commitment. Three- and four-night sailings are seeing notable growth, especially for quick getaways to places like the Bahamas. These shorter cruises from Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises often feature newer ships and make cruising more accessible for travelers with limited vacation time—or those trying it for the first time.

6. River Cruises Are on the Rise

Some travelers are trading ocean views for riverbanks. River cruising is booming in 2026, with major cruise brands like Celebrity adding new ships and expanding itineraries. European rivers like the Danube, Rhine and Douro are especially popular, offering a slower-paced way to see multiple cities without constant packing and unpacking.

What This Means for Travelers

With Wave Season running from January through March, experts say this is one of the best times to book. Early planners may score better stateroom options and added perks, while flexible travelers can sometimes find last-minute deals—especially on shorter sailings.

“Cruising isn’t just back, it’s booming, and Wave Season is when travelers score the best deals. One of the smartest hacks? Book early for perks like exclusive staterooms or stay flexible for last-minute savings,” said Melanie Fish, VP of Public Relations at Expedia Group.

Related: These Are the 10 New Cruise Ships Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026