Record Passengers, Mega-Ships, and Experiential Shifts
What's ahead for Cruising in 2026?
2026 will see the Cruise Industry grow with strong momentum, underpinned by sustained global demand, fleet investment and the emergence of new regional growth hubs.
According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) State of the Cruise Industry Report 2025, global passenger volumes are forecast to reach 39.6 million in 2026, marking another milestone in the industry’s post-pandemic expansion trajectory.
Drawing directly from CLIA’s latest data and forecasts, the following seven trends are set to define the global cruise industry in 2026, with particular implications for the Middle East and Arabian Gulf markets.
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