New brands and bigger ships are driving Alaska to what will be a record season in 2026, according to the upcoming new Cruise Industry News Annual Report.
Capacity in the Alaska market will be up over 10 percent year-over-year, with over 65 ships set to operate in the region.
Princess Cruises remains the market leader in Alaska with the new Star Princess sailing from Seattle. She is part of an eight-ship lineup from the premium brand.
Norwegian Cruise Line is the second biggest player in the market, followed by Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises.
The four brands will operate a combined fleet of 17 vessels in the region, including some of their largest ships, such as the 4,200-guest Norwegian Joy, the 2,660-guest Koningsdam and the 2,900-passenger Celebrity Edge.
Other key news for 2026 includes the arrival of a second ship from Disney Cruise Line, the return of Azamara, and the debuts of MSC, Virgin Voyages and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in the Alaskan market.
Disney is doubling its capacity in the destination, with the Disney Magic joining the Disney Wonder for cruises departing from Vancouver. The season will mark the first time that the brand deploys two of its ships in Alaska.
Virgin is debuting with its newest ship, the Brilliant Lady, which entered service for the brand in late 2025.
The 2,770-guest ship will offer seven- to 12-night itineraries, sailing to 12 destinations in Alaska and Canada between May and September.
MSC is introducing a newly refurbished ship to the destination, the MSC Poesia. The 2008-built vessel is set to undergo one of the largest refits in the company’s history before debuting in Alaska.
The modernization project will include the creation of MSC’s ship-within-a-ship area, the MSC Yacht Club, as well as the addition of new specialty restaurants, a sports bar and refreshed public areas and staterooms.
