With a range of new ships set to join fleets around the world, and themed itineraries attracting new and returning passengers, the cruise industry remains buoyant.
Here we look at some of the biggest trends emerging in the cruise travel sector in 2026 and 2027.
New cruise ships
According to the 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report, the global fleet of cruise ships will increase from 459 at the start of this year to around 540 ships by 2037. This also means that passenger capacity will reach nearly 50 million in the next decade.
In 2026, 13 new cruise ships will enter service, Cruise Industry News reported. In terms of market segment, 22,841 of the new berths are for the contemporary market, 4,166 in the luxury segment, and 100 in the expedition market.
