Why 2026 is Set to Be a Record-Breaking Year for Cruising
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Why 2026 is Set to Be a Record-Breaking Year for Cruising

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At Mobility at Sea, we keep a very close eye on the horizon of the travel industry. While the world faces various global challenges, the message from the recent CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Forum is crystal clear: the cruise sector is stronger and more resilient than ever.

Industry experts recently gathered at the CLIA Winter Ball near Windsor, where a staggering 97 per cent of travel professionals expressed overwhelming optimism for the year 2026. This isn't just hope; it’s backed by incredible growth. In 2024 alone, 2.4 million Brits took to the seas - a massive 41 per cent increase over the last decade.

Where is the industry heading? The "big three" opportunities for 2026 have been identified as:

  • Luxury (39%): A surge in demand for high-end, bespoke experiences.
  • Expedition (27%): More travellers seeking "bucket-list" adventures in remote corners of the globe.
  • River (21%): The continued popularity of scenic, intimate inland waterways.
A triptych showing 2026 cruise trends for Mobility at Sea: Luxury cruising with champagne, an Expedition ship in the Arctic, and a River cruise boat by a European castle.

As a company dedicated to making these incredible experiences accessible to everyone, we find these statistics incredibly heartening. Whether it's a luxury suite or a rugged expedition ship, the industry is innovating to ensure more people can enjoy the magic of life at sea.

The future of cruising has never looked brighter, and we are here to ensure you are part of it.

Date Published: 26/01/2026

The content of this article was accurate at time of writing.

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