Cruise Bookings Jump 30% in May as 38 Million Passengers Are Expected in 2026
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 17
Cruise Bookings Jump 30% in May as 38 Million Passengers Are Expected in 2026
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 17
CruiseCompete said bookings rose more than 30% in the first half of May from a year earlier, signaling no demand drop despite recent disease outbreaks aboard several ships.
Three passengers died after a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius following a stop in Argentina, while a norovirus outbreak on Caribbean Princess sickened more than 100 passengers and crew.
Industry experts said the illnesses draw outsized attention because cruise ships must publicly report outbreaks, and many summer sailings were booked months before the recent cases emerged.
CLIA projects more than 38 million people will take ocean cruises worldwide in 2026, up from a record 37.2 million last year, underscoring continued growth heading into peak season.
With a fatal hantavirus on cruise ships, why are more people than ever booking voyages?
A rare virus spreads between humans. Could one cruise outbreak threaten public health on land?