Cruise booking trends are smashing fall expectations

Published on Oct 21, 2025, 3:06 pm CDT

3 min read

Key points

46% report stronger-than-expected bookings in the past 45 days
Cruise revenue up 6% year to date despite macro headwinds
2026 already roughly half sold; 2027 river demand surging
Ocean and river prices up about 4% for 2026
61% of advisors say river bookings are ahead of expectations
Celebrity's 2027 river sailings opened, then sold out rapidly

Impact

Who Is Affected: Cruisers considering 2026 and 2027 sailings, plus advisors planning Wave Season offers.
What Changed: Booking momentum exceeded fall expectations, pushing inventory tightness into late 2026 and river in 2027.
Pricing: Average cruise fares up about 4% for 2026; demand remains resilient.
Outlook: Wave Season likely to favor early planners; river capacity remains the pinch point.

Cruise booking trends are outperforming forecasts this fall, according to fresh survey work tied to Cleveland Research Company. Over the past 45 days, 46 percent of advisors and cruise operators reported stronger-than-expected demand, pointing to a robust run into year-end and a solid setup for Wave Season. Despite a softer travel backdrop, total cruise revenue booked is up about 6 percent this year, with booking volume growing roughly 2 to 3 percent, and 2026 pacing about half sold. River cruising is the standout, with 61 percent of advisors saying their river sales are ahead of expectations.

Cruise industry context

The resilience is showing up even as prices climb. Average pricing for 2026 is tracking about 4 percent higher, but travelers continue to book. Advisors say most new reservations are for 2026 departures, while river lines, which traditionally book further out, are seeing exceptional interest for 2027. That demand-supply mismatch is visible across brands reporting healthy order books and financial performance. For travelers weighing options, private-island investments and new-build programs continue to broaden product choice and help sustain yields. For background on cruise infrastructure and sustainability moves, see Royal Caribbean's Galveston terminal certifications in Texas, which signal longer-term operating efficiencies and guest-experience upgrades, Royal Caribbean Galveston terminal nets LEED Zero, Adept Traveler. River growth momentum also aligns with premium-expedition expansion, such as the larger Scenic Ikon announced for 2028, Scenic Ikon to debut in 2028, Adept Traveler.

Latest developments

Celebrity Cruises' new river brand opened remaining 2027 inventory to the public on September 25 after an initial priority window sold out in minutes. The general-sale tranche then sold out the same day, underscoring how scarce prime-season European river capacity could be in 2027.

Analysis

For travelers, the signal is clear. If you are eyeing popular ocean itineraries for summer or holiday periods in 2026, shop early during Wave Season to lock fares before further inventory tightens. On rivers, the best cabins and dates for 2027 are already moving quickly; flexible travelers should consider shoulder seasons or secondary rivers to balance price and availability. Advisors can lean into value messaging, since a roughly 4 percent fare lift has not dampened demand, but securing air and pre- or post-land stays earlier will protect total-trip budgets. Expect strong promotional noise this winter, yet net pricing power likely holds on marquee products given the booking curves described by advisors and recent brand sell-outs.

Final thoughts

The primary takeaway is momentum. Cruise booking trends are smashing fall expectations, pushing 2026 toward scarcity on select sailings and making 2027 river itineraries a competitive hunt. Travelers who act during Wave Season will have the widest choice, while advisors can capitalize on resilient demand to match clients to the right ship, river, and date at today's rates.