MSC Cruises identified six trends impacting traveler booking patterns in 2026 and beyond, including the desire to attend major sporting events, quests for restorative vacations, and short getaway trips.
Here’s a rundown of the six trends.
Fan Voyages
“2026 is set to be a standout year for sporting events, drawing fans from around the world,” MSC said.
A number of sporting events are in close proximity to MSC Cruises’ departure ports, making it more convenient to add a cruise to travelers’ existing plans.
As a case in point, the line noted that “approximately 5 million fans are expected to attend major football events in cities across the US in 2026, including Miami and Seattle – both home ports for MSC Cruises, the line said.
Additionally, MSC Cruises will again serve as the title sponsor for Formula 1 events, enabling guests to attend the Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, following a seven-night Caribbean sailing aboard MSC Seascape out of Galveston, and the Grand Prix in Barcelona prior to a MSC World Europa itinerary.
Rise of the ‘Me-Ked’
“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,” which has resulted in the increasing popularity of “Me-Kend” (me plus weekend) vacations.
“MSC Cruises offers three-and four-night sailings with a range of accessible embarkation ports that can be reached by car, meeting the demand for these weekend trips and allowing guests to take a short break without having to plan an extended holiday,” the line said.
Kidfluencing
“Another trend driving travel choices in 2026 is the influence of children on a family’s holiday decisions,” MSC said. “More than 80% of parents say that their kids help choose and plan their trip, with kids bringing ideas that are fueled by curiosity, creativity and online inspiration.
The line offers free family programming, with kids clubs for different age groups, in addition to Sportplex, “a spacious and dynamic gaming space equipped with everything, including basketball, tennis courts, interactive activities and even bumper cars and roller skating on some ships,” the line said.
MSC Cruises also partners with LEGO and offers family game shows, theater performances and much more.
Quiet-cations
“Holidays will be used to restore a sense of calm, with 43% of travelers wanting to feel closer to nature and one in four turning to quieter hobbies while on holiday,” MSC said.
The line will introduce its first Alaska season in 2026, with seven-night itineraries on MSC Poesia from Seattle to Ketchikan. Itinerary highlights Icy Straight Point, cruising Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau and Victoria in British Columbia, Canada.
“Guests will enjoy a peaceful getaway, discovering breathtaking wonders both from the ship and during excursions,” MSC said.
Low-Season Travel
“More travelers are recognizing the benefits of traveling in the low season with its milder temperatures, easier attraction access and more affordable pricing,” MSC said. “Increasingly, people are looking to take advantage of this time of year to explore popular destinations in a slower and more authentic way.”
Next year, the line will feature a generous number of off-season itineraries in the Southern Caribbean and Antilles, and Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean.
As just a few examples, MSC Lirica will embark on seven-night shoulder season itineraries calling at Venice-Marghera, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Mykonos and Syros, Greece; and Ancona, Italy.
MSC Divina will embark on itineraries from Civitavecchia in Italy, to Mykonos in Greece, Kusadasi and Marmaris in Turkey, and Naples in Italy.
All-Inclusive, Personalized Luxury Experiences
“The most popular luxury travel experiences in 2026 will be all-inclusive and personalized,” MSC said.
“Affluent travelers 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.”
MSC Yacht Club, the line’s luxury ship-within-a-ship concept, “caters to guests with an outstanding all-inclusive experience and premier service where every detail is meticulously attended,” the line said.
Guests are privy to premium beverage packages, unlimited Wi-Fi, thermal spa access and more.
“Now open for sale, MSC Yacht Club is available to book on the MSC 2027 World Cruise – the first time that guests will be able to book MSC Yacht Club for this type of itinerary.”
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
