Mediterranean, Northern and Southern Europe and Alaska top trending cruise routes for 2026, all up 250%* YoY

Wave Season is here – the prime time for cruise bookings from January through March. With 21.7 million** Americans expected to cruise in 2026, Expedia^®’s Wave Season Outlook reveals the biggest trends shaping travelers’ plans this year:

1. Private Islands Are the New Hot Spots

Cruise lines are investing heavily in private island experiences. Carnival’s Paradise Collection, Norwegian’s upgraded Great Stirrup Cay, and Royal Caribbean’s new Royal Beach Club are making these exclusive destinations a major draw.

2. Caribbean & Mexico Sailings Surge

Itineraries in the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera are booming thanks to added capacity and competitive pricing. Deals start under $199, making these routes ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Interest in Caribbean sailings surged 150% in the last year, with Baja Mexico up 310%.

3. Luxury & Expedition Cruises Gain Momentum

New entrants like Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and river cruise options from Celebrity and Trafalgar are elevating the luxury segment. Expedition cruises to destinations like the Arctic are also trending among adventure seekers.

4. Trending Destinations: Europe and Alaska

Strong demand for Caribbean escapes continues, as it remains the most sought-after region for 2026 sailings. The biggest year-on-year shifts see Americans looking further afield to the Mediterranean (+255%), Northern Europe (+270%), Southern Europe (+260%) and Alaska (+90%) – all booming for 2026.

5. Shorter Cruises Set Sail as Travelers Seek Quick Escapes

One and two-week-long cruises remain popular, yet Expedia data shows a spike in demand for three- and four-night getaways – three-night cruises are up 60% YoY, with four-nights up 30%. The Bahamas is one of the most popular destinations for these short expeditions, serviced by Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises, often with new ships for cruise lovers to enjoy.

6. River Cruises are Booming

In 2026, some cruise lovers will be swapping oceans for rivers. Big players in cruising, like Celebrity Cruises, are launching brand new river ships in 2026. While Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways are adding new vessels to their fleet, in anticipation of growing demand. The Danube, Rhine and Douro in Europe are some of the most popular international destinations for scenic river cruises.

“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. “Expedia makes it easy by connecting travelers with local cruise specialists, so you get expert advice and the best offers all in one place.”

Top Travel Hacks to Score the Best Cruise Deals

• Book Early for Perks: Lock in exclusive staterooms and added benefits by booking up to 18 months in advance.
• Stay Flexible: Last-minute deals and drive-to-port options can help you save big if your schedule allows.
• Leverage a Travel Agent: Agents often unlock extra value and perks such as Expedia Extras you won’t find on your own.
• Watch for Wave Season: January and February are prime time for cruise promotions—competition is fierce, so act fast.
• Book Smart with Expedia: Book on the Expedia app or through Expediacruises.com for deals, cruise expertise and local support. Expedia routes you to a cruise specialist closest to where you’re calling from to connect you with a local expert.

Sample Deals:

• Seven-night Caribbean from Galveston: under $399
• Three-five-night to Mexico: under $199
• Seven-night to Alaska: under $699

For more details and exclusive offers, visit https://www.expedia.com/swift/cruise.

Notes to Editors

*Data based on searches made on Expedia Cruises from October 12, 2025, to January 12, 2026, compared to October 12, 2024, to January 12, 2025.
**Source: https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/10/aaa-cruise-forecast-2026/