Luxury Cruise Capacity: Big Spike in Mediterranean for 2026

According to the 2025 Luxury Market Report, published by Cruise Industry News, the Mediterranean is expecting a 32.1 year-over-year percent capacity increase in 2026.

Forty-eight ships are anticipated to visit the Med in 2025, with most of the region’s capacity held by Viking Ocean, Explora and Silversea.

In comparison, 2026 is expected to see an additional nine ships in the Med, with Four Seasons and Orient Express each introducing a newbuild.

The 18.8 percent increase in ships entering the region indicates a strong growth trajectory for the Mediterranean going into 2026 and beyond.

Notable cruise line capacity shares seen in the region include:

• Viking Ocean, with 29.9 percent for 2025 and 41.1 percent in 2026

• Explora, with 13.9 percent in 2025 and 14.3 percent in 2026, and

• Silversea, with 11.3 percent in 2025 and 14.3 percent in 2026.

Other key players with capacity in the region this year, and going into the next, include Regent, Seabourn and Windstar.

The 2025 report features market reports for all the major sailing regions, which range from the Med and Asia/Pacific to World sailings.

Also included is 200+ pages of analysis on growth projections, profiles and key player commentary.

Click here to download the report.