Global Deployment Pattern Set to Continue

Posted on 26 June, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

The cruise industry’s 2026 global deployment pattern is forecast to continue based on port infrastructure and destination attractions.

For 2026, the Caribbean attracted nearly 41 percent of the global cruise passenger capacity, up from 39 percent in 2019, according to the 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

This year, the Caribbean will see an estimated total of about 17 million passengers, compared to 11 million in 2019.

The Caribbean capacity has been on a linear expansion curve over the past several decades.

The Mediterranean is the second largest sailing region with 15 percent of the industry capacity in 2026 and 6 million passengers up from 4 million passengers and the same market share in 2019.

The third largest deployment is found in the Asia-Pacific region with more than 4.4 million passengers sailing there for a market share just north of 11.4 percent, compared to 3.4 million passengers and a 12 percent market share in 2019.

Only the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asia-Pacific command double digit market shares.

Next is Northern Europe with 9 percent, the West Coast (of the United States) 5 percent, Alaska 4.7 percent, Australia 2.6 percent, the Canary Islands 2 percent, down to world cruises at 0.1 percent.

The deployment pattern is driven by demand combined with infrastructure development.

The total estimated passenger number for 2026 is 40 million.

First Two-Ship Alaska Program for Disney Sails from Vancouver

Posted on 15 June, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

First Two-Ship Alaska Program for Disney Sails from Vancouver

Disney Cruise Line’s first two-ship season in Alaska is underway. Marking the company’s largest deployment in the region, the cruise program includes the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.

The vessels arrived in the region in May, kicking off a series of cruises departing from Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada.

The Disney Magic started its first season in the region in late May following a drydock in Victoria.

The 1998-built ship is now offering weeklong cruises that sail roundtrip from the Canada Place Cruise Terminal and include visits to Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Following a winter deployment on the West Coast, the Disney Wonder also began its season in Alaska in May.

Offering similar itineraries, the 1,750-passenger vessel is sailing roundtrip from Vancouver for seven-night cruises to Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

Disney’s itineraries in the region are also highlighted by scenic cruising at Dawes Glacier and the Inside Passage.

The two ships are set to remain in Alaska through late September, each offering over 15 departures in the region.

Both ships are scheduled to offer fall cruises on the West Coast after the record-breaking season in the Pacific Northwest.

The Disney Magic will operate a series of itineraries to the Mexican Riviera and Baja California before embarking on a repositioning cruise to Texas.

The vessel’s season in the region runs through early November, when it is scheduled to offer a 14-night Panama Canal voyage that ends in Galveston.

Operating on the West Coast year-round, the Disney Wonder is set to offer cruises from San Diego through early 2027.

The vessel’s schedule includes both short cruises to Baja California and six- and seven-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera.

In addition to Isla Catalina and Ensenada, the 1999-built ship is scheduled to make visits to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán.

MSC Poesia Enters Drydock for Major Refurbishment

Posted on 26 February, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Poesia Enters Drydock for Major Refurbishment

The MSC Poesia recently entered drydock at the Palumbo Shipyard in Malta to undergo a major refurbishment project.

Having completed its winter season in Northern Europe, the MSC Cruises vessel arrived at the facility on Feb. 19, 2026.

As part of a modernization effort that will see all of the Musica-class ships undergoing refits, the 2008-built vessel is now set to get new features and venues.

The project includes the addition of MSC Yacht Club, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept that will feature 62 new suites.

Guests staying in these new staterooms will take advantage of private areas including a sun deck, a restaurant and a lounge.

The MSC Poesia is also getting two new specialty restaurants: the American-style Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse and Kaito Sushi Bar.

Other areas undergoing significant changes include the MSC Aurea Spa, which will be redesigned and modernized.

The ship’s gym will be moved to a new area, where it will offer a fresh layout and state-of-the-art equipment.

Upon completing its drydock, the MSC Poesia is set to kick off a repositioning voyage to North America ahead of MSC’s first season in Alaska.

The two-part voyage starts with a trans-Atlantic crossing to PortMiami that is set to depart from the Italian port of Civitavecchia on April 6, 2026.

The 90,000-ton ship is then scheduled to offer an 18-night cruise to the Panama Canal that sails between Florida and Seattle.

Starting in early May, the MSC Poesia offers a series of seven-night cruises to destinations in Alaska and Canada.

Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, the itineraries are highlighted by scenic cruising at Tracy Arm Fjord and Inside Passage. Ports of call set to be visited include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Juneau.

Following MSC’s maiden season in the region, the vessel is scheduled to reposition to Miami for longer cruises to the Caribbean and Central America during the 2026-27 winter season.