If Carnival Corporation’s annual earnings report and 2026 outlook are any indication, travel advisors can look forward to strong cruise sales in the new year. Carnival posted record revenues and record adjusted net income of $3.1 billion, up more than 60%. During the past three months, Carnival also experienced record booking volumes for its 2026 and 2027 sailings.
The world’s largest cruise company also said that the strong pace of its bookings between Black Friday and Cyber Monday surpassed 2024’s robust levels. That’s a positive sign as the annual Wave Season, the industry’s peak sales season, begins. For 2026, the company expects 12% higher adjusted net income, compared to its record 2025 performance.
On the new ship front, MSC Cruises ordered four next-generation cruise vessels with two additional order options from Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. The order marked the launch of the cruise company’s “New Frontier” platform — a new class of 5,400-passenger ships. The first delivery is slated for 2030. Separately, Windstar Cruises took delivery of its new, all-suite yacht, Star Seeker. That 224-guest yacht is the first new build in the line’s Star Class.
As more ships enter the marketplace, cruise lines are seeking to expand homeport options for customers. Galveston has proven a big draw for many lines. Last week, Norwegian Cruise Line’s 3,950-passenger Norwegian Viva debuted in Galveston, TX, marking the start of its inaugural sailing season of seven- and 14-day Caribbean voyages from the Texas port.
World Cruise, New Itineraries
World cruises continue to evolve in enticing, new ways. A good example is Seabourn’s new “2028 Cape to Cape World Cruise.” Traveling more than 26,000 nautical miles, Seabourn Quest will depart January 7, 2028, on a 120-day voyage to five continents and more than 50 destinations. Sailing from Miami, it will navigate between Cape Horn in South America and the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, transit the Panama Canal and offer Seabourn’s first-ever complimentary expedition-style experiences.
MSC Cruises also opened 2028 World Cruise bookings, as well as new eastern Mediterranean sailings for summer 2026. Carnival Cruise Line introduced its 2027-2028 deployment, Norwegian Cruise Line revealed its 2027-2028 itineraries, and Ponant Explorations opened bookings for its 2027-2028 Antarctica sailings. On the river cruise front, Trafalgar has opened 2026 and 2027 Christmas Markets cruises on the Rhine and Danube rivers, according to Cruise Industry News.
More Cruise News
With demand for women’s wellness and professional enrichment rising within the travel industry, Tauck brought 120 guests on its first ever “Cruise Control: A Riverboat Retreat for Women in Travel” along the Danube in November. Supported by sponsors Silversea, United Airlines and Approach Guides, the departure represented a new Tauck platform designed to foster both personal well-being and professional development for women in the travel industry.
(Explora Journeys)
Explora Journeys launched the new Explora Club Referral Program. It’s designed to recognize and reward the loyalty of existing Explora Club Members while inviting their friends and loved ones to discover the luxury brand.
One big incentive to book this time of year is Wave Season, and Holland America Line just introduced its biggest deal of the year. Whenever clients travel across the globe, though, they’ll find many new hotels for pre- or post-cruise stays. For those headed to Port Everglades, FL, the new Omni Fort Lauderdale has opened; it’s adjacent to the Broward County Convention Center and close to the port’s cruise terminals.
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