Cruise outperformed all other travel sectors during the 2026 peaks booking period, recording its highest-ever levels of online customer interest, according to new data from Adido

From early January up to mid-March, cruise holidays saw a year-on-year online search increase of 10 per cent, while other travel segments saw more mixed or modest growth. This follows similar cruise upticks for both 2025 and 2024.

Destination-led searches also surged, such as “Caribbean cruise” which was up by 70 per cent, “boutique cruises” by 45 per cent and “Alaska” by 18 per cent.

Searches for cruise lines were also up overall, with Atlas Ocean Voyages (57 per cent), Regent Seven Seas (50 per cent) and SeaDream Yacht Club (45 per cent) leading the way.

Andy Headington, CEO at Adido, said: “It’s been another strong ‘peaks’ period for cruise, with online traffic levels higher than ever. What we’re seeing is less a moment and more a sustained movement.

“While peaks resulted in more mixed results in other parts of the travel industry, the sheer number of options that cruise offers – from ultra luxury all-inclusive voyages, to weekend budget-friendly departures – means a holiday at sea appeals to an enormous range of travellers.”

Last month, analysis of UK search behaviour by Adido and Unforgettable Croatia found that search demand for 19 small-ship and luxury brands, who all carry less than 250 guests, has increased by 71 per cent over the past two years.