Top Trends to Watch in Ocean and Expedition Cruising

Ocean and Expedition Cruising Trends

Cruising has never been more popular – in fact, cruise ships welcomed a record 34.6 million passengers in 2024 and, while the numbers for 2025 haven’t been tallied yet, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is predicting another banner year.

That momentum will likely continue in 2026, too. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, these are some of the biggest ocean and expedition cruising trends to watch.

Ocean and Expedition Cruising Trends: Investment in Private Islands

Private islands are wildly popular among travelers — and cruise lines are continuing to invest heavily in these exclusive destinations in the coming years.

For example, Royal Caribbean is opening its new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas this month, with additional Royal Beach Clubs on track to open in Cozumel, Mexico, and Santorini, Greece, in 2026. The line also plans to debut Perfect Day Mexico in 2027 and Royal Beach Club Lelepa in the South Pacific in 2028.

Norwegian Cruise Line, meanwhile, is expanding and enhancing Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas. This month, the brand is unveiling several new amenities, including a pier that allows multiple ships to call on the destination at the same time. Then, in summer 2026, the line plans to reveal the brand-new, 6-acre Great Tides Waterpark, with 19 waterslides, cliff jumps, swim-up bars and other features.

John Chernesky, senior vice president of North America sales for Norwegian, says he is most excited about Great Stirrup Cay’s forthcoming “dynamic river,” an immersive experience with a current that carries visitors through grotto tunnels.

“It’s such a unique addition to the island,” he said. “As someone with twin boys, I’m looking forward to enjoying it with them. It’s rare to find an attraction like this that combines relaxation, adventure and family time all in one.”

Carnival Cruise Line is still buzzing from the July 2025 launch of Celebration Key, its new private destination on Grand Bahama. Construction is underway for a pier extension that will add two more ship berths and, longer term, Carnival plans to expand Celebration Key to include another 154 acres.

Carnival and Holland America Line are also teaming up to expand and enhance RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, the recently renamed private destination they share in the Bahamas.

Far-Flung Destinations and Expedition Cruises

Perennial favorite destinations remain popular among travelers, according to Denise Lorentzen, owner of Dreams Travel Consulting, a NEST affiliate.

“Our most frequently booked cruise itineraries are for the Caribbean islands and the Bahamas, followed by Alaska in 2026,” she said. “Mexico and Europe are the next most requested destinations.”

However, travelers are also increasingly looking farther afield for their cruise vacations, says Jonathan Alder, a travel advisor in Winter Park, Florida. A Regent Seven Seas Cruises sailing to West Africa in spring 2026, for example, has been one of his top sellers.

“We’re witnessing demand for destinations once considered more exotic,” he said. “The desire to push the boundaries of what feels familiar in travel has never been stronger.”

Expedition cruises, which often take travelers to off-the-beaten-path destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic, also remain trendy. According to CLIA’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report, expedition and exploration cruises are among the fastest-growing segments of the cruise industry.

“For travelers who want to explore far-flung places, cruising is a very cost-effective way to go,” said Lori Kostecki, vice president of supplier relations for Travelsavers.

Ocean and Expedition Cruising Trends: Off-Season Sailings

While overtourism continues to be a major problem, particularly in Europe, travelers still want to visit iconic cities and landmarks — but many would rather do so when the crowds are smaller, the prices are lower and the weather is milder. To that end, brands including Windstar Cruises and Viking are now promoting off-season Mediterranean voyages, with departures from November through March.

These “quiet season” sailings can provide travelers with a fresh perspective on beloved destinations such as Venice, Italy, and Dubrovnik, Croatia, and they provide access to local, seasonal traditions like Christmas markets and Carnival, according to Jess Peterson, director of destination experience and itinerary planning for Windstar. As an added bonus, he says, the off-season voyages help support local economies beyond the summer surge.

Quick Getaways

Because many travelers don’t have enough paid time off for a seven-night sailing, cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Carnival are doubling down on shorter cruises. These quick getaways — which typically range from three to five nights — pair perfectly with private islands, providing just the right amount of time to sail to the Bahamas and back for a few days of fun.

But some lines are even offering quick trips to Europe. In spring 2026, for example, Windstar will debut its new collection of three- to five-night European yacht voyages.

“These bite-size sailings let travelers extend a business trip or pair a land vacation with a few spontaneous days at sea,” said Windstar’s Peterson. “This shift toward compact, high-value vacations underscores how travelers are redefining luxury through time-conscious adventure.”

Domestic Voyages

Amid economic uncertainty and global conflicts, many travelers are also opting to stay closer to home. Demand for domestic cruises is further buoyed by America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.

One of the hottest stateside destinations? The Great Lakes. In 2026, American Cruise Lines will offer three new all-domestic voyages onboard the 130-guest American Patriot, joining sister brand Pearl Seas Cruises. The newly relaunched Victory Cruise Lines will also return for its second season in 2026, and brands such as Viking and Ponant continue to sail in the region.

“The lakes themselves are wonders, offering sea-like beaches, waves and currents,” said Alexa Paolella, public relations manager for American Cruise Lines. “Plus, the Great Lakes have so many beautiful waterfront cities and islands that are perfect to explore by small ship.”

Ocean and Expedition Cruising Trends: Astrotourism and Noctourism

For clients who are eager to experience celestial phenomena like solar eclipses and the northern lights, a cruise is an ideal option.

“There’s a growing desire among travelers to reconnect with nature in ways that remind us how small we are in the best possible sense,” said Alex McNeil, chief expedition officer for HX Expeditions.

HX Expeditions and sister brand Hurtigruten are well-known for their northern lights cruises. But other lines are also getting in on the action, including Viking, Havila Voyages, Aurora Expeditions and Quark Expeditions.

Building off the popularity of the April 2024 total solar eclipse, cruise lines are also expanding their eclipse offerings for 2026 and 2027. Azamara Cruises will have three ships sailing during the total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026, with programming offered in partnership with the Lowell Observatory. Demand for Princess Cruises’ 2026 eclipse cruise on Sky Princess was so high that the line added additional sailings on Sun Princess and Enchanted Princess. And Carnival has already opened bookings for its eclipse sailing in July 2027.

Authentic Experiences

Another top trend? Bypassing cookie-cutter experiences and overcrowded tours. Instead, today’s cruisers are seeking itineraries and ports that feel “authentic and unhurried,” said travel advisor Lillie West of Dream Vacations in Kissimmee, Florida.

“I’m seeing travelers choose cooler seasons or lesser-known routes simply for the joy of discovery,” she said. “It’s not just about where you go, but how you feel when you get there.”

And cruise lines are noticing this trend, too.

“Travelers are shifting away from the ‘how many places can I see’ mindset toward more immersive, emotionally fulfilling exploration,” said Ken Muskat, president of Scenic Group in the U.S. and Latin America. “The focus has evolved from simply seeing the world to truly engaging with it in meaningful, transformative ways.”

Against this backdrop, HX Expeditions is collaborating with Inuit elders and other local stakeholders for its new community-led excursion program in the Canadian Arctic, which launched on the line’s Northwest Passage sailings in 2025 and will be expanding in 2026.

“These experiences allow travelers to learn directly from the people who call the Arctic home, not through filtered narratives, and all revenue goes straight to local artists, entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said McNeil of HX Expeditions.

More Cruise Trends to Watch

Sustainability: Cruise lines and shipbuilders continue to invest in eco-friendly systems, practices, materials and fuels.

Artificial intelligence: In the cruise space, AI is here to stay. Virgin Voyages is using generative AI across its business — including its Email Ellie initiative for hyperpersonalized marketing outreach.

Solo travel: Cruisers are happy to go it alone.

“More of my clients are saying, ‘I don’t want to wait for someone to go with me,’” said Lillie West of Dream Vacations. “Cruise lines are listening — and they’re creating spaces that make every traveler feel seen, safe and celebrated.”

Multigenerational trips: Grandparents, parents and children are increasingly traveling together. And with the wide range of destinations, activities, dining options and experiences designed for every age, cruising is an ideal vacation type.

“Cruising offers one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways for groups with varying ages and interests to travel together,” said Rob Coleman, senior vice president of North America and Australia sales for Holland America Line and Seabourn.

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse, reprinted from AGENTatHOME Magazine.

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