Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Viking, Windstar, Regent Seven Seas, and More Lead 2026 Cruise Trends: Private Islands, Expedition Cruises, and Domestic Voyages – Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 23, 2025

As the cruise industry sets sail into 2026, major players like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Viking, Windstar, and Regent Seven Seas are leading the charge with exciting new trends. These brands are driving the future of cruising with innovations such as exclusive private island destinations, adventurous expedition cruises to remote locales, and the growing popularity of domestic voyages. These trends cater to a diverse range of travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration, making 2026 a year full of unparalleled cruising experiences.

Cruising continues to soar in popularity, with a record-breaking 34.6 million passengers gracing the decks of cruise ships in 2024. Looking ahead, the cruise industry is set to enjoy another banner year in 2025 and 2026, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). As cruise lines expand their offerings and destinations, here are the key trends shaping the future of ocean and expedition cruising.

Investment in Private Islands

Private islands are becoming a sought-after paradise for travelers, with cruise lines investing heavily in these exclusive retreats. Royal Caribbean is leading the charge with its newly opened Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, and more destinations are in the pipeline, including Royal Beach Clubs in Cozumel, Mexico, and Santorini, Greece, set for 2026. In addition, Perfect Day Mexico is expected to open in 2027, and Royal Beach Club Lelepa in the South Pacific is slated for 2028.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line is enhancing its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas, by unveiling new amenities like a pier that can accommodate multiple ships at once. By summer 2026, the line will introduce the expansive Great Tides Waterpark, featuring 19 waterslides, cliff jumps, swim-up bars, and more. A standout feature will be the “dynamic river,” an immersive experience with tunnels that carry visitors through grotto passages.

Carnival Cruise Line is also making waves with its Celebration Key, a private destination on Grand Bahama, launched in July 2025. Construction is already underway for an extended pier, which will accommodate more ships and further expand the destination by an additional 154 acres. Additionally, Carnival and Holland America Line are collaborating on improvements to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, another private Bahamian getaway they share.

Far-Flung Destinations and Expedition Cruises

While perennial favorites like the Caribbean remain popular, travelers are increasingly seeking out more remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations. For instance, a Regent Seven Seas Cruises sailing to West Africa in spring 2026 has become a top seller for travel advisors. Expedition cruises, which cater to adventurers looking to explore destinations like Antarctica and the Arctic, continue to be a fast-growing segment of the industry. CLIA’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report highlights expedition and exploration cruises as some of the fastest-growing areas in the sector.

Off-Season Sailings

With overtourism affecting many popular destinations, especially in Europe, travelers are seeking a quieter, more relaxed experience during the off-season. Cruise lines such as Windstar Cruises and Viking are capitalizing on this trend by promoting Mediterranean voyages during the quieter months, from November to March. These off-season sailings offer a fresh perspective on iconic cities like Venice and Dubrovnik, providing access to local seasonal traditions such as Christmas markets and Carnival. Not only do these sailings offer fewer crowds, but they also support local economies outside the peak summer months.

Quick Getaways

For those with limited time off, cruise lines are increasingly offering short, three- to five-night voyages. These quick getaways are perfect for travelers looking for a few days of fun in the sun, often including stops at private islands. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Carnival are all doubling down on these short cruises. Windstar Cruises is also introducing three- to five-night European yacht voyages in the spring of 2026, allowing travelers to explore the continent in a more intimate and leisurely way.

Domestic Voyages

In response to economic uncertainty and geopolitical concerns, many travelers are opting for domestic cruises. The upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations in the United States in 2026 are expected to drive demand for domestic voyages, particularly to the Great Lakes. American Cruise Lines is expanding its presence in the region with three new all-domestic voyages onboard the American Patriot. Other brands like Pearl Seas Cruises, Victory Cruise Lines, Viking, and Ponant are also offering cruises in this picturesque region, further strengthening the trend of exploring closer-to-home destinations.

Astrotourism and Noctourism

As more travelers seek out celestial events such as solar eclipses and the northern lights, cruise lines are jumping on the astrotourism bandwagon. Lines like HX Expeditions and Hurtigruten have made a name for themselves with northern lights cruises, but other cruise lines, including Viking and Quark Expeditions, are expanding their offerings. For the 2026 total solar eclipse, Azamara Cruises will have three ships sailing to view the event, with additional programming in partnership with Lowell Observatory. Carnival has already opened bookings for its eclipse sailing in July 2027, capitalizing on the growing interest in celestial voyages.

More Cruise Trends to Watch

Sustainability continues to be a major focus for the cruise industry, with cruise lines and shipbuilders investing in eco-friendly systems, materials, and fuels. The incorporation of artificial intelligence is also making waves in the cruise sector, with Virgin Voyages using AI for hyper-personalized marketing and business operations. Additionally, multigenerational cruising is on the rise, as families of all ages travel together. With a variety of destinations, activities, dining options, and experiences catering to every generation, cruising is becoming the go-to choice for family vacations.

As the cruise industry continues to innovate and evolve, these trends point to an exciting future for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and new experiences at sea. Whether it’s a private island retreat, an expedition to remote destinations, or a quick getaway, there’s never been a better time to set sail.