From travellers planning holidays centered around sporting events to children influencing family holiday choices, there are six key trends that are shaping guests’ booking patterns and driving itinerary offerings heading into 2026, according to MSC Cruises.
They include:
- Fan Voyages
2026 is set to be a standout year for sporting events, drawing fans from around the world. Millions of fans will travel across the globe to catch their favourite team competing for victory.
A good portion of these fans will take full advantage of their practical travel and turn it into a fan voyage, by extending their trip into a full holiday and maximize their time in and around the sporting destinations with pre or post experiences, which may include a cruise from a corresponding port city.
- Rise of the ‘me-kend’
The rise of the ‘me-kend’ is trending as travellers are embracing indulgent quick trips as a form of self-care. Holidays are no longer saved for birthdays or long stretches of paid time off work – instead, people are looking for a weekend getaway to serve as a quick mood-booster.
- Kidfluencing
Another trend driving travel choices in 2026 is the influence of children on a family’s holiday decisions. More than 80% of parents say that their kids help choose and plan their trip, with kids bringing ideas that are fuelled by curiosity, creativity and online inspiration. And cruise lines with top family programming can certainly contribute.
- Quietcations
In the digital age, more people are looking to find quiet, calm ways to escape, with their digital devices firmly switched off. In 2026, travellers will look to swap the noise of daily life and the distractions of an overstimulating world for the soothing stillness of nature. Holidays will be used to restore a sense of calm, with 43% of travellers wanting to feel closer to nature and one in four turning to quieter hobbies while on holiday. Consider Alaska for a peaceful getaway.
- Low-season travel
More travellers are recognizing the benefits of travelling in the low season with its milder temperatures, easier attraction access and more affordable pricing. Increasingly, people are looking to take advantage of this time of year to explore popular destinations in a slower and more authentic way.
- All-inclusive and personalized experience
The most popular luxury travel experiences in 2026 will be all-inclusive and personalized. Affluent travellers will look for holiday options that provide the privilege of complete relaxation, where the stress of planning is removed and their specific needs are met throughout the entirety of their trip.
To that end MSC points to its MSC Yacht Club ship-within-a-ship concept, catering s to guests with an all-inclusive experience and premier service where every detail is meticulously attended to, from priority embarkation and disembarkation to 24-hour butler and concierge services and premier room service delivered at any hour.
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