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Mega-ships may be the trend when it comes to Cruising But research shows that travelers might prefer something a little smaller.
Survey of about 700 travelers by travel agent Cruise.co.uk found that ship size plays a big role in bookings.
In recent months, passengers have been left with a shortage of options when it comes to larger ships MSC World America And Royal Caribbean’s New sea star being launched this year and welcoming more than 4,000 guests at a time.
But analysis by Cruise.co.uk shows that only nine percent of people are in favor of these huge ships.
In contrast, medium-sized ships – typically carrying 1,001 to 2,500 guests – rank as the most popular, with 41 percent of respondents favoring them for 2026 bookings.
The third party favors larger ships, with a capacity of more than 2,500 guests. About 15 percent prefer small ships.
Large ships launched this year include star princess And Celebrity Excel.
When it comes to booking motivation, the research found that the main driver was the ability to visit multiple destinations, cited by 39 percent of respondents.
A fifth are booked on the basis of perceived value for money, while 10 per cent consider on board facilities and relaxation opportunities. Only six percent are celebrating any special occasion.
According to the research, a low introductory fare or special offer would motivate 28 percent of travelers to book, while 24 percent said all-inclusive pricing would encourage them to commit.
The Mediterranean is the UK’s number one choice for sailing in 2026, supported by a quarter of respondents. A fifth said they would favor the Caribbean.
Another 11 percent said they would choose Northern Europe, while eight percent were keen to explore Asia and seven percent wanted to visit Australia.
Tony Andrews, managing director of Cruise.co.uk, said: “The strength of demand for both classic Mediterranean sailings and long-haul itineraries shows how broad the appeal of cruising has become.
“As we look towards 2026, travelers can expect more ships, more choices and more ways to tailor a cruise to their preferences. The market has never offered so much variety – there really is something to suit every taste and budget.”
Read more: I found a secret speakeasy – and much more – on the new Celebrity Excel cruise ship