The cruise industry is set to make major waves this year. More than 21.7 million Americans will go on a cruise in 2026, marking a 4.5% increase from 2025 according to AAA.
The Port of Galveston, which is the fourth-largest cruise port in the country, is on a similar trajectory and is forecasting more than 445 sailings this year with around 3.9 million passengers expected to move through one of its cruise terminals.
As the cruise industry continues to grow and is expected to break passenger volume records for the fourth consecutive year, Houston First spoke with cruise lines about the trends and priorities shaping 2026.
Travel Trends
According to AAA, 90% of U.S. cruise passengers rate their travel experiences as very good or good, with 91% of them having taken multiple cruises.
When it comes to who’s cruising, 50% of American cruise passengers are traveling as a couple, 20% are cruising with kids, 7% are traveling solo and the remaining travelers are going in groups, according to AAA.
These travel dynamics are reflected in the trends cruise lines are seeing shape cruise travel in 2026, including “kid-fluencing” and multigenerational vacations.
“One major trend shaping cruise travel in 2026 is the growing influence children have on family travel decisions, often referred to as ‘kid-fluencing’,” an MSC Cruises spokesperson said. “More than 80 percent of parents say their children help choose and plan family vacations, with kids bringing ideas shaped by curiosity, creativity and online inspiration.”
MSC Cruises, which is marking its first season sailing from Galveston, is leaning into the trend by designing ships with experiences that allow younger guests to explore, socialize and engage in activities created for their interests, while also giving families opportunities to spend time together.
Another trend that is growing is the demand for all-inclusive experiences.
“Travelers are gravitating toward all-inclusive options that provide exceptional value and simplicity, and cruises consistently deliver 25–50% savings compared to comparable land-based vacations, making them an attractive choice across every price point,” a Carnival spokesperson said.
As for destination trends, Norwegian Cruise Lines is seeing private islands and “fun-in-the-sun” as popular choices.
“Caribbean and Bahamas travel remain a popular destination as travelers prioritize warm‑weather escapes and easy 'fun‑in‑the‑sun' vacations so they can truly unplug and enjoy time together," a Norwegian Cruise Line representative said. “This year, Norwegian will offer three to 14-day voyages with 18 ships sailing the region including the all-new Norwegian Aqua and the soon-to-debut Norwegian Luna.”
Guest Experiences
When it comes to the guest experience, cruise lines each have their own priorities.
A key focus for MSC Cruises in 2026, is to continue to build on its blend of European style and American comfort.
“That balance is at the core of how MSC Cruises differentiates itself, creating a vacation experience that feels both international and approachable for travelers from Texas and beyond,” the MSC Cruises spokesperson said. “That philosophy carries through the onboard experience, from award-winning family programming designed to spark creativity and shared experiences, to elevated dining, entertainment and ship design that feels refined yet welcoming.”
For Carnival, guests can expect to see continued momentum across every part of the vacation experience.
“We’re building on an exciting period of growth by expanding our exclusive destination portfolio, including the strong early success of Celebration Key, which has quickly become a guest favorite and represents our most significant destination investment to date. We’re also enhancing RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and Isla Tropicale, a refreshed take on Mahogany Bay – both set to open this year with new enhancements and experiences for guests to enjoy,” a Carnival spokesperson said.
Cruising out of Galveston
The Port of Galveston, which is the only cruise port in Texas, serves as a drive-to market of more than 46 million people within a day’s reach.
“The Port of Galveston continues to play an important role for Disney Cruise Line, serving as a seasonal homeport for our guests for more than a decade Jose Fernandez, Vice President for Port Strategy, Development and Operations, Disney Cruise Line said.. Together, we’ve welcomed families from across Texas and beyond, creating unforgettable vacation experiences and remaining connected to the local community,”
The port is now home to six major cruise lines and four cruise terminals after the opening of its fourth cruise terminal in late 2025, which serves as a homeport to MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
The cruise industry is a major economic engine for the island city and according to AAA it supports over 4,500 jobs and generates $733 million for Galveston's business revenues.
Pictured above: MSC Seascape
Written by Norma Salcedo
