While the appetite for forward planning remains strong, the latest World of Cruising data shows a more defined picture of travellers’ intentions

Every month, up to 180,000 people visit the site of our sister publication, World of Cruising. Thousands of these visitors use its search tool to plan their next voyage, giving us valuable insight into how intentions are changing.

Spring and summer still dominate, together accounting for 52 per cent of all searches, up from 45 per cent last month. But the real winner is spring, which has jumped from 25 to 30 per cent of searches.

Summer has also edged up, rising from 20 to 22 per cent. The months attracting the most attention are May and September, each representing 12 per cent of searches – both traditionally strong periods for Mediterranean and European sailings.

That said, it would be a mistake to assume that last-minute and winter-sun markets have faded away completely. One in four searches still target these departures, underlining the ongoing relevance of both short-lead and seasonal getaways.

For operators, that means balancing campaigns between capturing immediate demand and nurturing longer-term interest. Digging deeper into the data reveals clear hotspots.

Travellers are seeking variety beyond the Med and Caribbean – and northern waters could be one of 2026’s strong performers

Mediterranean sailings in September (6.4 per cent of total searches) and April (5.9 per cent) remain particularly sought after, while the Caribbean continues to shine in January (5.8 per cent) and December (4.5 per cent).

There’s also a growing story further north. Interest in the Norwegian fjords is strengthening, taking 6 per cent of spring searches. In fact, across all departure dates, 10 per cent of all searches are now for Northern Europe itineraries, including the fjords and the Baltic. That suggests travellers are seeking variety beyond the Med and Caribbean – and northern waters could be one of 2026’s strong performers.

The message for the trade: keep spring and summer front and centre, but don’t overlook the balance by keeping an eye on last-minute opportunities. And a strong year for Europe – both north and south – looks to be taking shape.