Global Deployment Pattern Set to Continue
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.
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