In the first instalment of our new analysis series with our sister title World of Cruising, Raphael Giacardi looks at how consumers are shifting their focus from last-minute escapes to forward planning

Every month, up to 180,000 people visit our sister publication’s website, with thousands using its search tool to find their next sailing. This behaviour gives us a valuable, real-time snapshot of consumer intent across the cruise market and offers early clues on what’s driving demand.

A month ago, we reported huge interest in last-minute departures, with 30 per cent of searches with a specified travel period for sailings departing within two months. At the time, we noted early signs that longer-term bookings were beginning to rise.

Fast‑forward a few weeks, and that shift has gathered real momentum. Spring and summer 2026 voyages now dominate the charts, making up just over 45 per cent of all searches – up ten points since last month.

Breaking it down further, spring 2026 leads the way with 25 per cent of searches, followed by summer 2026 at 20 per cent and winter 2025–26 at 19 per cent. There’s also an early flicker of interest in 2027 departures, which now represent eight per cent of searches – up from five per cent just a few weeks ago.

Together, these figures suggest that travellers are moving from spontaneous getaways to more considered, future-focused planning.

‘It’s time to pivot marketing efforts towards 2026’

Seasonal patterns are playing a major role. While the Mediterranean remains the most searched-for region, its share has slipped from 40 to just over 29 per cent of searches in recent weeks.

By contrast, the Caribbean has surged from 16 to 21 per cent, which was also noted earlier this month by Virgin Voyages. The core of that demand, however, remains concentrated in the traditional winter‑sun travel period. So, what does this mean for you?

If you’ve not done so already, it’s time to pivot marketing efforts towards 2026, where three quarters of all searches now sit. The strongest demand clusters are for December–February Caribbean voyages and April–June Mediterranean sailings.

Those who act early stand to capture the growing pool of consumers already mapping out their next holiday at sea.