What are the biggest cruise trends for 2026?

In this video, I cover nine cruise trends that I think will impact how we cruise in 2026. I focus on what’s changing across the industry, including growth with new ships and new developments like cruise line private islands. I also share my personal perspective on what these shifts mean for your actual cruise experience.

Will cruising change in 2026 compared to 2025?

Yes—based on what we’ve seen over the last year, 2026 is shaping up to bring some noticeable changes. I talk about the kinds of updates and industry moves that can affect everything from onboard experience to what you can expect when booking. My goal is to help you understand the direction cruising is going so you’re not caught off guard.

Which cruise lines are included in the 2026 cruise trends video?

I discuss trends and news that touch several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Carnival. Since these brands influence the wider cruise industry, the changes often ripple out beyond just one line. I share how I think these trends may affect cruisers broadly.

Are new cruise ships and ship builds still a big trend for 2026?

Absolutely—new ship builds are still a major part of the cruise industry’s growth, and I talk about that in this video. New ships often come with new features and new pricing strategies, and that can impact what value looks like. I also share why it matters even if you’re not sailing the newest ship.

Are cruise line private islands becoming more important in 2026?

Yes, and that’s one of the big areas I touch on—more cruise lines are investing in private islands and private destinations. These can change the feel of an itinerary and the overall experience in port. I share why this trend is growing and what it could mean for your cruise planning.

Is this 2026 cruise trends video sponsored?

No—this video is not sponsored. I do include affiliate links in the description, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I always want you to know that upfront.

9 Major Cruise Trends that Will Affect Your Cruise in 2026

Name: 9 Major Cruise Trends that Will Affect Your Cruise in 2026
Uploaded: 2026-01-21 19:00:33
Duration: 14 min 44 s

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🌟Get 4 months extra on a 2 year plan here: https://nordvpn.com/lifewellcruised. It’s risk free with NordVPN’s 30 day money-back guarantee! || A lot has happened in the last year when it comes to cruising. In 2026, we're seeing some big changes & some things that will shake up the way you cruise! In this video I go over cruise trends that are coming this year. From new cruise ship builds to new cruise line private islands, the cruise industry continues to grow. If you're an avid cruiser or new to cruising, you'll want to know what's coming for 2026 & beyond! This video is full of cruise information & the latest cruise news. However I also share my own thoughts & opinion on cruise industry trends, based on our experiences this past year. We go over news for several cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Carnival & more. 🛳 THE ULTIMATE CRUISE PLANNER 🛳 Get the Life Well Cruised ULTIMATE CRUISE PLANNER ($10 off for a limited time). The printable planner includes 47 pages of checklists, packing lists, shore excursion forms & more! here: https://lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-... *Travel agency I recommend - MEI Travel (no fee): http://bookmeicruise.com/lifewellcruised *Newsletter sign up: https://lifewellcruised.com/free-pack... ______ Please note that this video is not sponsored. The links in this description are affiliate links, meaning that I will make a commission on purchases you make through my links, at no extra cost to you. As Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. CRUISE ESSENTIALS Magnet hooks: https://amzn.to/3yP2xXU Magnet clips: https://amzn.to/37bNh9W No surge power cube (with USB): https://amzn.to/3TGq8lY Over the door organizer: https://amzn.to/4e3lVRj Hanging toiletry bag: https://amzn.to/3Nb8fFY Air tags: https://amzn.to/4cvYgru Passport holder wallet: https://amzn.to/3f6VqNW Compression packing cubes: https://amzn.to/3VPbPuI Packing cube set: https://amzn.to/3S1sRVo Cruise lanyards: https://amzn.to/3uNZBFb Cruise card holder: https://amzn.to/3EWtRUL Foldable backpack: https://amzn.to/3S6DiY1 Waterproof phone cases on lanyards: https://amzn.to/3iXCuT6 Mini poupourri: https://amzn.to/3zF6bUO Clear TSA approved liquid bags: https://amzn.to/49AEmdD Towel bands: https://amzn.to/3S4bd3B Small portable fan: https://amzn.to/4cVnfUQ Portable straws: https://amzn.to/4bF7L6m Carry on weekender bag: https://amzn.to/4bICeAi Backpack carry-on: https://amzn.to/3xRAmaN Silicone bottle covers: https://amzn.to/3Wf6v5v Pop up hamper: https://amzn.to/3RYTrhY No surge power bar: https://amzn.to/3NCRu7d Nautical carryon bag: https://amzn.to/2TH7L3T Electronics organizer: https://amzn.to/3wpIvxK Night light (motion sensor): https://amzn.to/33eMEqP Travel jewelry bag: https://amzn.to/2SY190s Travel alarm clock: https://amzn.to/3iYuYXN Water shoes: https://amzn.to/3G14O1g Reef safe sunscreen: https://amzn.to/3rHUlRS Travel fan: https://amzn.to/3uMc24t Bonine: https://amzn.to/3NE87zo Luggage tag holders: Royal Caribbean: https://amzn.to/3tvNzB5 Celebrity: https://amzn.to/3JB36Fk Norwegian: https://amzn.to/3JzGiFP Princess: https://amzn.to/3wvgW8t Carnival: https://amzn.to/3uhaUFM HAL: https://amzn.to/3tz7tLs MSC: https://amzn.to/3PLkMU4 *LEVEL8 LUGGAGE (use discount code LIFEWELLCRUISED15 for 15% off): https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-10115... *Nomad Lane carry-on bag (use discount code LIFE10 for 10% off): https://nomad-lane.myshopify.com/disc... ULTIMATE CRUISE PLANNER: https://lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-... More Items we LOVE @ Life Well Cruised Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3QaoV29 _______ FTC LEGAL DISCLOSURE - Some links found in the description box of my videos are affiliate links, meaning that I will make a commission on purchases you make through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I personally like and trust. _______ *Business inquiries & media: please contact Ilana at lifewellcruised@gmail.com Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment I try my best to answer. ABOUT ME Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams! Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking. ____________ Music Credit: Surf Time by Lux-InspiraMusicMusic Some of the B-roll footage courtesy of NCLH & RCCL

About This Video

In this video, I’m sharing 9 major cruise trends that I believe will affect the way we cruise in 2026. A lot has changed in the past year, and cruising continues to grow—between new ship builds, new private island developments, and updates across multiple cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Carnival. I walk through what I’m seeing in the industry, what it could mean for your next cruise, and the kinds of changes that may “shake things up” for both new cruisers and experienced cruisers. I also add my honest opinions based on what we’ve experienced recently and what I know from my background as a former cruise industry insider. My goal is to help you cruise with confidence—by understanding what’s coming, what to watch for when you’re booking, and how to adjust your expectations around value, onboard experience, and the overall cruise product. If you like staying up to date on cruise news and you want practical takeaways (not just headlines), this one will help you plan smarter for 2026 and beyond.

9 Major Cruise Trends that Will Affect Your Cruise in 2026

🛍️ Products Mentioned (46)

the Life Well Cruised ULTIMATE CRUISE PLANNER ($10 off for a limited time). The printable planner includes 47 pages of checklists, packing lists, shore excursion forms & more! here

*Travel agency I recommend - MEI Travel (no fee)

*Newsletter sign up

Over the door organizer

Hanging toiletry bag

Compression packing cubes

Magnet hooks

Passport wallet

No surge power cube (with USB)

Cruise lanyards

Cruise card holder

Waterproof phone cases on lanyards

Towel bands

Travel jewelry bag

Night light (motion sensor)

Water shoes

Bonine

Magnet clips

Air tags

Foldable backpack

*Nomad Lane carry-on bag (use discount code LIFE10 for 10% off)

More Items we LOVE @ Life Well Cruised Amazon Store

4 months extra on a 2 year plan here

Silicone toiletry covers

Packing cube set

Portable fan

Travel alarm clock

Reef safe sunscreen

Travel fan

Royal Caribbean

Celebrity

Norwegian

Princess

Carnival

Amazon Product

Amazon Product

Mini poupourri

Clear TSA approved liquid bags

Portable straws

Carry on weekender bag

Backpack carry-on

Pop up hamper

No surge power bar

Nautical carryon bag

Electronics organizer

*LEVEL8 LUGGAGE (use discount code LIFEWELLCRUISED15 for 15% off)

About This Video

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