Caribbean to Top 40% of Global Cruise Capacity in 2026

Cruise Industry News is projecting that the Caribbean will represent more than 40 percent of global cruise capacity in 2026, keeping the region firmly in the top spot worldwide.

The outlook, detailed in Cruise Industry News’ upcoming 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report, comes as the broader cruise industry heads into a busy newbuild year, with more than 13 new ships debuting in 2026. In the Caribbean alone, more than 200 ships are scheduled to operate next year as regional capacity rises by over 10 percent year over year.

Caribbean capacity growth, and who is driving it

Cruise Industry News’ 2026 forecast places the Caribbean well ahead of every other cruise region by share of worldwide capacity. The report also expects the largest contemporary operators to continue to dominate the berth base in the region.

Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line are expected to represent about three-quarters of Caribbean capacity in 2026. The 2026 Cruise Industry News Annual Report also points to larger brands, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC and Norwegian, contributing 75 percent of the region’s year-over-year capacity growth as new ships arrive and deployments expand.

New ships bringing additional berths to key Caribbean homeports

Several high-capacity ships entering service in 2026 are expected to spend time in the Caribbean, increasing total berths even without major increases in the number of sailings.

Legend of the Seas expands Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class footprint

Royal Caribbean is set to debut Legend of the Seas in July 2026 as the third ship in its Icon-class series. Cruise Industry News lists the ship at 5,610 guests.

Legend of the Seas is scheduled to begin with Mediterranean itineraries before shifting to seasonal Caribbean operations from Fort Lauderdale for the winter 2026-27 period. Royal Caribbean has said the ship’s winter Caribbean cruises will include visits to its private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Norwegian Luna adds new lift out of Miami

Norwegian Cruise Line is preparing to launch Norwegian Luna, a 3,571-passenger vessel under construction at Fincantieri in Italy. Cruise Industry News expects the ship to join Norwegian’s Caribbean lineup in the second quarter of 2026.

Norwegian Luna is scheduled to operate weeklong Caribbean itineraries departing from PortMiami, adding another large new ship to the Miami homeport market.

MSC World Asia enters service in late 2026

MSC Cruises, described by Cruise Industry News as the most aggressive builder, is continuing its World Class series with MSC World Asia entering service in late 2026. The ship is expected to emphasize LNG-powered operations and elevated onboard amenities.

2025 newbuilds move into a full year of Caribbean operations

Beyond new deliveries, Cruise Industry News expects 2026 growth to be supported by ships that entered service in 2025 and will have their first full year operating next year, expanding the region’s available berth base.

• MSC World America, which debuted in April 2025
• Norwegian Aqua, which debuted in April 2025
• Royal Caribbean’s Star, which entered service in August 2025

Disney Destiny is also expected to expand its regional presence. After beginning its maiden season in November 2025, the ship is scheduled to operate year-round from Port Everglades in 2026.

Luxury and niche ships in the 2026-27 Caribbean mix

While the largest berth gains are expected to come from big contemporary ships, Cruise Industry News’ 2026 outlook also highlights additional capacity coming from upscale and niche operators.

Explora Journeys plans Caribbean cruises between San Juan and Miami

Explora Journeys is scheduled to introduce a new 922-guest ship to the Caribbean for the 2026-27 season. Following an inaugural season in Northern Europe, the vessel is set to operate a series of Caribbean cruises between San Juan and Miami.

New luxury ships slated to operate in the region

Cruise Industry News lists several luxury ships expected to operate in the Caribbean during 2026, including Seven Seas Prestige, Four Seasons I and Orient Express Corinthian.

Four Seasons I is scheduled to debut in March 2026 as the first ship for Four Seasons’ entry into cruising. The 190-guest vessel is under construction at Fincantieri in Italy and is slated to sail an inaugural Mediterranean season before repositioning to the Caribbean for the winter.

Deployment logic: why the biggest brands continue to concentrate in the Caribbean

Cruise Industry News attributes the concentration of capacity among the largest operators to how the region is built around frequent turnarounds, large homeport operations and high-volume itineraries that can absorb newer, higher-capacity ships.

With multiple major U.S. homeports and relatively short airlift from North America, the Caribbean continues to fit weeklong and shorter sailings, supporting continued big-ship deployments as new tonnage enters service.

Beyond the Caribbean: new ships and new brands debuting in 2026

While the Caribbean is expected to lead in global capacity share, Cruise Industry News’ 2026 outlook also points to notable additions elsewhere, including Asia-based operations and ultra-luxury new entrants.

Disney Cruise Line is set to expand in Asia with Disney Adventure, a Singapore-based ship that will be the largest in Disney’s fleet and the brand’s first full-time operation in the region. In the ultra-luxury space, new entrants cited by Cruise Industry News include Four Seasons Yachts as well as Orient Express Corinthian, listed at 108 passengers. Cruise Industry News also highlights additional upscale concepts such as R Yacht’s Sefu, launching in Japan with a 120-guest capacity, and Terra Nova Expeditions’ RMS St. Helena, positioned for Antarctica exploration.

Orderbooks and longer-term fleet strategies

Cruise Industry News reports that 77 new ships are scheduled for delivery through the mid-2030s, adding more than 200,000 berths globally.

Royal Caribbean has ordered two Discovery Class ships at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, with additional options for four more. The company has positioned the Discovery Class as a smaller ship design aimed at expanding access to less-visited ports, with delivery dates starting in 2029. MSC Cruises has also added four ships to its orderbook, focusing on varied sizes and environmental efficiency in future builds.

Sustainability and onboard innovation themes highlighted for 2026

Cruise Industry News’ 2026 outlook points to environmental and technology initiatives continuing to shape newbuild design. It reports that multiple new vessels, including ships from Carnival and MSC, are set to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and use fuel-saving technologies intended to lower emissions per passenger.

The report also highlights onboard updates planned across the new generation of ships, including expanded wellness centers, dining offerings tied to Michelin-starred chefs, and augmented reality entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much of the global cruise market will the Caribbean represent in 2026?

Cruise Industry News projects the Caribbean will account for more than 40 percent of worldwide cruise capacity in 2026.

How many cruise ships are expected to sail in the Caribbean in 2026?

Cruise Industry News data shows more than 200 ships are scheduled to operate in the Caribbean in 2026.

What are the largest ships debuting in 2026?

Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas, listed at 5,610 guests, is the largest ship cited in the Cruise Industry News 2026 outlook. Other major additions highlighted for 2026 include Norwegian Luna (listed at 3,571 passengers) and MSC World Asia, which is scheduled to enter service in late 2026.

What sustainability measures are cruise lines adopting?

According to Cruise Industry News, LNG-powered operations and fuel-saving technologies are a key part of the sustainability push for multiple new ships, including vessels from Carnival and MSC, with the goal of lowering emissions per passenger.

What is the projected fleet expansion for Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean has ordered two Discovery Class ships at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with options for four more, and the company has said delivery dates for the Discovery Class start in 2029. Cruise Industry News also reports Royal Caribbean plans to add six ships to its fleet across three classes by 2032, including three additional Icon Class ships starting with Legend of the Seas in 2026 and two Discovery Class ships designed for smaller, less accessible ports.