If you love cruising, 2026 is a year of massive changes. Some updates will make your trips more exciting, while others could change how you plan your next vacation.
As we’ve seen, the number of cruise passengers keeps growing every year, so cruise lines are constantly investing in expansion and innovation.
Let’s take a look at what’s new this year!
Bigger and Newer Ships
The cruise world is about to get even bigger—literally! Several mega cruise ships are set to make their debut in 2026, promising new thrills at sea.
The 22-deck MSC World Asia will launch from Dubai in March, carrying more than 6,700 passengers on Middle East and Asian itineraries. Expect the same “wow factor” as MSC World Europa—but with a new Eastern twist.
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas will officially begin Caribbean cruises from Miami in February, becoming the newest sister to the record-breaking Icon of the Seas.
In May, Princess Cruises will introduce Sun Princess’s sister ship, Star Princess, sailing from Southampton and going to the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic for Caribbean adventures.
If you’re a fan of Carnival, your month will be July with the debut of Carnival Jubilee’s sister ship. It will add more fun-filled itineraries and the latest version of BOLT, the famous onboard rollercoaster.
Then in October, Disney Cruise Line will welcome Disney Destiny, the next ship in its Wish-class lineup, sailing from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Caribbean.
And finally, Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas will expand its short-cruise offerings from Port Canaveral, giving guests the full Oasis-class experience in just three or four nights.
More Perks for Solo Travelers
Hesitant to cruise alone? 2026 could be the perfect year to give it a try! Solo travelers are getting extra attention, with more Gen Zs and millennials now choosing to cruise alone.
Several cruise lines are ditching the single supplement entirely, while others are giving significant discounts on cabin fares.
That’s not all! Dedicated solo lounges and networking events are becoming more common on many ships.
In the picture below, you can see the dedicated lounge for solo travelers that you can find on some NCL ships. It’s really the perfect place to make new friends and socialize!
Greener Cruisers
Eco-conscious travelers can now enjoy cruises with a little less guilt about their environmental impact. The cruise industry is on track for net-zero emissions by 2050, and the changes are already underway.
Companies are testing less polluting fuels as they wait for cleaner, cost-effective fuels to become widely available.
For instance, MSC World America, which will set sail this year, is LNG-powered. Some lines may start retiring older vessels this year to decarbonize by 2050.
Also, expect more biodegradable products, digital menus, and in-room recycling bins as cruise lines take steps to get greener.
We’ve seen some of these changes in the article on the 10 Things You Won’t Be Able to Do on Cruises Anymore.
Themed Cruises
This year, cruise lines are going all in on immersive experiences and bucket-list adventures. And as many of you guessed, themed cruises are taking off like never before!
There’s a cruise for every passion and hobby—Comic-Con, Formula One, golf, LGBT, literature, single people, cycling, and many more. I mean, the variety is mind-blowing!
Foodies, you’re in for a treat too, with cruises dedicated to gourmet dining, wine tastings, and cooking classes led by top chefs.
But the real game-changer? Arctic expeditions that put you face-to-face with polar bears and African itineraries offering incredible wildlife encounters.
It seems that some cruise lines want to create truly immersive experiences in the countries you visit, which is definitely a good thing for more conscious travel.
Faster Internet
Another thing that will also change is the speed and stability of the Internet connection.
More and more cruise companies are equipping their ships with Starlink. That means you can join your morning team meetings, chat with friends and family, or update your Insta, all while overlooking the Caribbean.
This change is definitely a game-changer for those who need to get some work done, even while cruising.
Of course, always try to strike a good balance between work and fun—and whenever possible, step away from the computer and put the phone down!
In addition, keep in mind that this convenience might come with a price tag. My advice? Get an internet package when booking your cruise—it’s usually cheaper than buying onboard.
You can find some great tips for saving money in this article: “20 Tips & Tricks To Save Money on a Cruise“.
More Private Destinations
2026 will also be another huge year for private destinations in cruising! Cruise lines are doubling down on exclusive beach and private islands, giving guests more reasons to travel.
Royal Caribbean will expand its lineup with the grand opening of Royal Beach Club in Nassau, blending Bahamian culture with the line’s signature luxury touches.
Meanwhile, Carnival Cruise Line is continuing to develop Celebration Key on Grand Bahama, set to become one of the biggest private destinations in the Caribbean.
At the same time, Alaska continues to invest in new port infrastructure to handle record-breaking summer traffic, while Texas strengthens its position as a major cruise hub.
Galveston’s new terminal is already attracting bigger ships and new itineraries heading deep into the Western Caribbean.
New Travel Rules in Europe
Traveling to Europe or the UK? From 2026, the new European rules for travelers (and cruises as well) will be fully in force.
In most cases, you’ll need to apply for an electronic travel authorization, much like the U.S. ESTA system.
It’s an added step, but it’ll mean faster border checks. The price will be around 10$.
The EU is also rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES). Cruise passengers entering the Schengen area must go through biometric registration.
So make sure you know what the requirements are for the countries you’re visiting before you set sail.
The Downside?
As we’ve seen, cruising is shaping up to be bigger, better, and more exciting than ever. The industry is offering more choices and innovations than we’ve seen in years.
The downside? Prices are going up. But even with the increases, cruising still delivers some of the best vacation value out there!
Just make sure to check the 17 Money-Wasting Mistakes All Cruisers Must Avoid, a few smart moves can save you cash and make your cruise even better!