by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 2:15 PM ET, Tue October 21, 2025
Cruise booking trends are exceeding expectations this year, according to new data on the current state of the cruise industry from Cleveland Research Company.
The company’s latest analysis of bookings over the past 45 days shows that 46 percent of advisors and cruise line operators are seeing stronger than expected bookings, similar to what the data suggested in September and showcasing a strong end-of-year season ahead of the New Year’s busy Wave Season.
Despite what Cleveland Research calls an “underwhelming” travel backdrop, tempered somewhat by geopolitical issues and the economy, cruising’s value is ensuring it remains profitable: total cruise revenue booked has increased 6 percent this year. Booking volume has grown 2-3 percent in the past 45 days.
Travel planners are predominantly booking cruises for 2026; and in fact, the data suggests that the 2026 cruise season is already just about half booked.
Pricing for cruises next year has increased 4 percent, but customers don’t seem deterred by the small increase.
River cruising is more popular, with 61 percent of travel agents calling their river cruise bookings “ahead of expectations” for this time of year. Since river cruises are typically booked further in advance, 2027 bookings are also performing “extremely well,” with demand for more exotic destinations outpacing supply.
River cruise prices are remaining at a 4 percent increase next year, too. The increase is not impacting booking totals.
Viking, Norwegian, Carnival and Royal Caribbean all reported stronger than average demand throughout the year, performing well financially. And in September, Celebrity Cruises had to release more early availability for its 2027 river cruise launch after the first cabins sold out.
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