CIN data shows that over 180 ships will sail in the region across 57 cruise lines, with capacity up 3.7 percent on a year-over-year basis.
MSC and Costa will together account for nearly 40 percent of the capacity in the Mediterranean this year.
Among North American brands, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity round out the top five, collectively accounting for approximately 18 percent of the market.
In addition, AIDA, Princess, Marella and TUI each bring significant capacity, while Viking Ocean has expanded its presence as it continues to expand.
New entrants and niche operators are adding further diversity. Aroya Cruises is positioning a ship in the region for a second straight year, while Orient Express is set to debut its much-anticipated Corinthian.
The capacity increase is being driven primarily by larger vessels.
Meyer Turku has completed a net zero cruise ship concept developed under its AVATAR project, achieving more than 90 percent reduction in lifecycle carbon footprint compared to the baseline defined by the International Maritime Organization.
The concept was developed as part of NEcOLEAP, Meyer Turku’s four-year research and development program co-funded by Business Finland, according to the company.
“AVATAR has provided a solid foundation for our development work,” said Anu Ahola, chief strategy and transformation officer at Meyer Turku.
“We now have a substantial portfolio of new ideas, tools and next-generation ship technologies.”
The concept vessel incorporates technologies and solutions expected to be technologically viable and available by 2030.
More experimental or early-stage technologies were deliberately excluded.
“No single solution is enough, for example, simply switching fuels will not achieve the desired impact,” said Liina Vahala, head of product development at Meyer Turku. “A net zero vessel concept is the sum of many complementary measures.”
The design emphasizes a more streamlined and lightweight structure, as well as improved energy efficiency of onboard spaces.
More energy efficient air-handling units reduce heating and cooling power demand on cabin decks by approximately 50 percent.
The chosen fuel is bio-methanol.
The concept vessel also utilizes wind-assisted propulsion technology and solar panels.
Sustainable materials and optimized use of space further contribute to reducing the vessel’s total lifecycle emissions.
A dynamic energy simulation model, a digital twin, was used to evaluate the impact of different design choices across the entire energy system.
Blue Zephyr (former Caledonian Sky) Company: Kalama Shipping Capacity: 114 guests Tonnage: 4,200 Year built: 1991 Move: To be operated by Blue Zephyr Cruises Date: January 2026
The former Caledonian Sky will sail for Blue Zephyr Cruises after being sold to Greece-based Kalama Shipping in late 2025.
Exploris One Company: Exploris Capacity: 132 guests Tonnage: 6,130 Year built: 1989 Move: Sold at auction for 4.5 million euros Date: January 2026
The Exploris One was sold at auction in late January as part of Exploris Expeditions & Cruises’ liquidation process.
As Cruise Industry News informed, while further details of the operation were not disclosed, the ship was reportedly acquired by a new operator for 4.5 million euros.
German media reported Nordic Hamburg Group as the buyer. Requests for comment went unreturned. The company has involved with both Polar Latitudes Expeditions as well as Heritage Expeditions.
Alaskan Dream Fleet Ships: Alaskan Dream, Baranof Dream, Chichagof Dream and Admiralty Dream Company: Alaskan Dream Cruises Capacity: 223 guests including all vessels Tonnage: 40 to 76 Year built: 1979 to 1986 Move: Laid up in Alaska after the company’s shutdown Date: February 2026
Currently laid up in Sitka, the four coastal ships were built between the late 1970s and the mid-1980s and were scheduled to offer summer cruises in Alaska.
Ocean Endeavour Company: SunStone Maritime Group Capacity: 199 guests Tonnage: 13,000 Year built: 1981 Move: Chartered to the Danish Defense Date: January 2026
SunStone Maritime Group has chartered the Ocean Endeavour to Danish Defense in January 2026.
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