Cruise Trade News will launch its second annual Industry Report, in partnership with Mail Metro Media, on the 24 February at an exclusive event in London

The white paper, which will be available to download from 25 February, surveyed almost 800 new-to-cruise and experienced cruise customers to investigate their perceptions of holidays-at-sea in 2026 and beyond.

The research and analysis carried out throughout the special issue strives to help travel agents and cruise executives keep their fingers on the pulse of one of the travel industry’s fastest growing sectors.

Cruising is enjoying its time in the sun. Demand is at record levels; bookings have never been higher; and Brits continue to desire to see the world via the oceans and rivers is skyrocketing.

However, our report will reveal that as the industry homes in on new-to-cruise customers, repeat guests are beginning turn to different types of holidays.

What impact will this have on the industry in 2026 and beyond? This topic, as well as an overview of the most popular destinations and the continuing impact of geopolitical tensions will be covered in the Annual Report.

Our research partner Mail Metro Media’s titles – which include the Mail brands, Metro and The i Paper – reach 38 million adults a month. Their data and insight team have helped us access an audience of travellers for whom cruise is either a regular fixture of their holiday patterns or is likely to be in the near future.

Meanwhile, our sponsored partners – including headline sponsor Virgin Voyages, as well as Marella Cruises, Princess Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the Expedition Cruise Network, Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal and Riviera Travel – have offered expert insight into the trends shaping the industry.

The digital version of the report will be available to read and download for free at cruisetradenews.com on 25 February.