Caribbean Swells as Cruise Lines Pour 40% More Ships Into the Region
The Caribbean commands over 40 percent of global cruise market share in 2026, with capacity up more than 10 percent and over 200 ships sailing the region.
The Caribbean is experiencing an unprecedented surge in cruise capacity for 2026, with cruise lines significantly ramping up their presence in the world’s most popular cruise destination. According to Cruise Industry News, the Caribbean will command over 40 percent of cruise market share worldwide this year, with more than 200 ships sailing in the region and capacity up over 10 percent on a year-over-year basis.
Why the Caribbean Surge?
The capacity increase comes as cruise lines respond to strong consumer demand for Caribbean itineraries and shift deployment away from other regions. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is leading the charge with a 10 percent increase in Caribbean capacity for 2026, as the company repositions ships away from European waters to focus on the Caribbean market.
The major players are dominating this expansion. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Norwegian will collectively account for 75 percent of the capacity in the Caribbean this year. Royal Caribbean alone is dedicating about 57 percent of its entire deployment to the Caribbean in 2026, while also adding shorter itineraries to meet passenger demand for quick getaways.
New Ships Fueling Growth
A significant driver behind the capacity surge is the arrival of large new ships entering service throughout 2026. Norwegian’s new Norwegian Luna is set to debut in the second quarter, adding substantial capacity to the region. These modern vessels bring not only more berths but also enhanced amenities and experiences that appeal to today’s cruise passengers.
Royal Caribbean’s strategy includes both new hardware and tactical deployment changes. The cruise giant is leveraging shorter Caribbean itineraries to maximize utilization while capturing demand from passengers who want weekend or week-long escapes rather than longer voyages.
What This Means for Cruise Passengers
The capacity increase translates to more options for cruise enthusiasts. With over 200 ships sailing Caribbean waters in 2026, passengers can choose from an unprecedented variety of itineraries, ship sizes, and price points. The competition among cruise lines may also lead to more competitive pricing and enhanced onboard offerings as brands vie for market share.
February 2026 alone demonstrates the scale of operations. The Dominican Republic is expecting to receive over 100 cruise ships during the month, with Puerto Plata leading as the primary destination. Ships from MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, and Virgin Voyages are all scheduled to visit Dominican ports during this peak period.
The Caribbean’s Dominance
The 40 percent global market share figure underscores the Caribbean’s position as the undisputed king of cruise destinations. No other region comes close to matching the combination of accessibility, infrastructure, weather, and diverse port options that the Caribbean offers. The concentration of cruise lines doubling down on Caribbean deployment in 2026 suggests confidence that demand will continue to support this growth trajectory.
For cruise enthusiasts, the message is clear: the Caribbean remains the place to be in 2026. With more ships, more itineraries, and more competition for your business, this surge in capacity could mean the best time in years to book that Caribbean cruise you’ve been considering.