Mexico Joins Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Italy, Spain, Madeira, and Japan in Dominating This Years Cruise Tourism with Unmatched Growth and Exciting Itineraries

In 2026, Mexico joins Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Italy, Spain, Madeira, and Japan in dominating the global cruise tourism scene. This year, these destinations are experiencing unmatched growth, attracting more visitors than ever before. The rising demand for cruise travel has led to an exciting array of new itineraries, offering passengers unforgettable experiences across beautiful coastlines and historic cities. Mexico, with its rich culture and stunning beaches, continues to be a top choice for travelers, alongside Saint Lucia, known for its natural beauty, and Italy, a classic Mediterranean gem. Spain and Madeira also remain highly sought-after, while Japan sees a resurgence in cruise tourism. Together, these countries represent the future of the cruise industry, with increasing numbers of travelers eager to explore their diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures. The combination of growth and exciting itineraries promises a bright future for global cruise tourism.

1. Mexico — Leading the Rise in Cruise Tourism

Mexico has long been a dominant force in the global cruise tourism market. The country’s popular ports such as Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Puerto Vallarta have consistently attracted international cruisers, making it one of the top choices for travelers. In 2025, Mexico experienced a significant surge in cruise arrivals, with over 11.2 million passengers disembarking at various Mexican ports, marking an impressive 11.2% increase compared to the previous year. This rise in traffic highlights Mexico’s growing prominence in global cruise tourism.

Mexico’s coastlines stretch along both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, offering diverse cruise experiences to travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Despite recent regulatory changes, including the ban on vaping and e-cigarettes that went into effect in January 2026, the country’s allure remains strong. While the new laws may affect traveler behavior, Mexico’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty will continue to captivate cruise visitors.

Top Ships Sailing to Mexico in 2026

• Princess Cruises: The line offers several Caribbean and Mexican Riviera itineraries, calling at Cozumel, Costa Maya, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and Puerto Vallarta.
• MSC Cruises: Known for its Caribbean routes, MSC’s cruises often stop in Mexico’s Caribbean coast, including Cozumel and Costa Maya.
• Royal Caribbean International (RCI): Multiple ships including Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas will be making regular calls to Mexican ports.
• Norwegian Viva (Norwegian Cruise Line): Seasonal Caribbean itineraries will include stops at Cozumel and Costa Maya among other key Caribbean destinations.

2. Dominican Republic — Growing Sea Arrivals

The Dominican Republic continues to experience steady increases in cruise arrivals. As of January 2026, the country welcomed 378,037 visitors by sea, which is a slight increase from the same period in 2025. This positive growth reflects the Dominican Republic’s strengthening position as a popular cruise stop in the Caribbean.

Key ports such as La Romana and Puerto Plata are expected to maintain their appeal, with cruise lines continuing to seek out the country’s bustling ports as prime destinations for their itineraries. As more travelers flock to the Dominican Republic’s shores, the country is expected to maintain its momentum as a top Caribbean destination in 2026.

Top Ships Sailing to the Dominican Republic

• Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises are regular operators on Caribbean routes that include stops in La Romana and Puerto Plata.

3. Saint Lucia — Incremental Cruise Visitor Growth

Saint Lucia is another Caribbean destination that has seen a rise in cruise arrivals. December 2025 saw 137,684 visitors arriving by cruise, reflecting a 1.8% increase from the previous year. This steady growth highlights the island’s increasing popularity as a stop on Caribbean itineraries. Saint Lucia’s natural beauty, including its famous Pitons, beaches, and lush rainforests, continues to attract cruise passengers from around the world.

This growth in cruise tourism demonstrates the island’s resilience and continued market interest, and Saint Lucia is expected to remain a key stop for Caribbean itineraries in 2026.

Top Ships Sailing to Saint Lucia in 2026

• Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises frequently include Saint Lucia on their Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries.

4. Italy — A Major European Cruise Tourism Magnet

In Europe, Italy stands out as a key destination in the Mediterranean cruise market. Its major ports, including Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, and Venice, continue to attract a steady flow of cruise tourists. Italy’s unique combination of historical significance, cultural heritage, and Mediterranean charm makes it a must-visit destination for international cruise lines.

The country’s popularity as a cruise destination is only expected to grow in 2026, with Italy maintaining its position as one of Europe’s top cruise destinations.

Top Ships Sailing to Italy in 2026

• Royal Caribbean: Mediterranean itineraries featuring stops in Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, and Venice.
• MSC Cruises: Extensive Mediterranean programs will visit Italy, with multiple ships making regular calls to major ports.

5. Spain — Record Tourism and Cruise Momentum

Spain saw record-breaking tourism numbers in 2025, with nearly 97 million foreign visitors arriving in the country. This surge in tourism is linked to the growth in cruise tourism, particularly at coastal ports such as Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Valencia. Spain’s Mediterranean and Atlantic ports continue to benefit from increased cruise traffic, supported by both international visitors and domestic tourism growth.

As a result, Spain is expected to remain a prominent player in the global cruise industry throughout 2026, with more ships calling at its iconic ports.

Top Ships Sailing to Spain in 2026

• Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line regularly sail to Spain’s Mediterranean ports, including Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Valencia.

6. Portugal (Madeira) — Surging Cruise Passenger Arrivals

Madeira, a Portuguese island in the Atlantic, has seen a notable increase in cruise passenger traffic, with over 700,000 passengers recorded in 2025. This growth is expected to continue in 2026, as Madeira becomes an increasingly popular stop on Atlantic itineraries. Its stunning landscapes and mild climate make it a desirable destination for cruise travelers.

Top Ships Sailing to Madeira in 2026

• MSC Cruises: Madeira is a key stop on several Atlantic routes for MSC Cruises in 2026.

7. Japan — Rapid Cruise Tourism Rebound

Japan’s cruise tourism sector is rebounding strongly after the pandemic, with international cruise arrivals surging by 121% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This growth trajectory is expected to continue into 2026, as Japan’s modernized port infrastructure, including the new Tokyo terminal, continues to attract cruise lines eager to expand their Asian itineraries.

Top Ships Sailing to Japan in 2026

• Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises both include Japan as a key stop on their seasonal Asian and round-the-world itineraries.

8. Broader European Destinations — Spain, Croatia, Norway, Portugal

The broader European cruise market remains strong, with countries like Spain, Croatia, Norway, Portugal, and France continuing to see high demand from cruise travelers. Mediterranean and Northern European itineraries remain popular with global passengers, and these countries are expected to maintain or grow cruise traffic in 2026.

Top Ships Sailing to Europe in 2026

• Royal Caribbean: Mediterranean and Northern European itineraries, including stops in Spain, Croatia, Norway, and Portugal.
• MSC Cruises: Extensive Mediterranean routes to Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Upcoming 2026 Cruise Journeys to These Destinations

Princess Cruises – Mexico & Caribbean Itineraries
Princess Cruises offers several sailings from US homeports to Mexico and the Caribbean. These cruises visit Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, among other popular Caribbean ports.
Route Example: Port Canaveral → Caribbean islands → Dominican Republic → Mexican Riviera → Return to Homeport.

MSC World Cruise 2026 aboard MSC Magnifica
• Dates: January 5 – May 3, 2026.
• Highlights:
– Atlantic crossing with stops in Madeira (Portugal), Caribbean islands, and Mexico.
– Passage through the Panama Canal.
– Later legs will include Japan and Asian stops before returning to Europe via the Mediterranean.
Source: MSC Cruises

Royal Caribbean – Mediterranean Cruises (Italy & Spain)
Royal Caribbean’s Mediterranean sailings in 2026 will visit ports such as Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Barcelona, and Valencia.
Ship Deployments: Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas.

Summary of 2026 Rising Cruise Destinations & Ships

Destination	Cruise Lines	Ships and Itineraries
Mexico	Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean	Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, MSC World Europa
Dominican Republic	Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean	Caribbean itineraries with calls to La Romana and Puerto Plata
Saint Lucia	Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises	Caribbean sailings to Saint Lucia and surrounding islands
Italy	Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises	Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Venice
Spain	Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line	Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia
Madeira (Portugal)	MSC Cruises	Madeira included on Atlantic itineraries
Japan	Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises	Seasonal and world cruises including stops in Japan

The 2026 cruise tourism landscape is set to witness unprecedented growth, with major destinations like Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Japan leading the charge. As Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Asian regions see rising demand, cruise lines are expanding their offerings to meet the needs of global travelers seeking new and exciting cruising experiences.

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