• Record Cruise Booking Demand: Over 92% of surveyed travelers have already reserved future voyages, with nearly three-quarters actively planning additional sailings.
• Shift in Top Cruise Brands: Royal Caribbean International has emerged as the top cruise line for booked sailings, while emerging brands like Margaritaville at Sea gain momentum.
• Surging European and Short Itineraries: Mediterranean and Transatlantic voyages are seeing significant growth, alongside an increased appetite for quick, multi-day getaways on modern ships.
• Expanding River Cruise Interest: Interest in serene river itineraries continues to rise, with Viking, Celebrity River Cruises, and American Cruise Lines topping traveler preferences.

According to a comprehensive consumer report published by Cruiseline.com and Shipmate, enthusiasm for ocean and river voyages is reaching unprecedented levels. Drawing insights from more than 5,500 experienced travelers in their 2026 Member Survey, the findings confirm an overwhelming 92.8% of respondents have at least one future cruise officially booked, with over 70% actively planning to reserve additional sailings for 2026 and beyond.

The survey reveals dynamic shifts in traveler preferences and brand loyalty. Royal Caribbean International has officially taken the top spot as the most-booked cruise line among respondents, followed by Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Meanwhile, boutique brand Margaritaville at Sea entered the top ten lines under consideration for future bookings, signaling growing traveler curiosity for new cruise options.

Destination and itinerary preferences are also evolving rapidly. While the Caribbean and Bahamas remain the overall favorite, demand for Mediterranean voyages has surged past Alaska, driven by an appetite for European exploration. Transatlantic journeys and short two- to six-day getaways have also gained noticeable traction, fueled by new mega-ships like Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas. Furthermore, interest in river cruising continues to flourish, with Viking, Celebrity River Cruises, and American Cruise Lines leading as top consumer choices. Vacationers are thinking further ahead than ever before, branching out to new lines and booking multi-year travel plans with exceptional confidence.