TORONTO — Champagne on arrival, caviar at sea and shore excursions that feel more like private journeys than group tours – luxury cruising is no longer a niche indulgence, it’s one of the fastest-rising sectors in travel.

As affluent Canadians look for seamless ways to see the world, ultra-luxury cruise lines are reporting record bookings, longer voyages and a new generation of travellers discovering life at sea.

Earlier this month, Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced a record-breaking January, its strongest booking month in its history with total global bookings up 20% compared to January 2025. According to Wes D’Silva, Chief Commercial Officer at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the 20% bump emphasizes the sustained demand for truly all-inclusive immersive travel experiences.”

“The strength of our booking numbers tells us that the appetite for luxury cruising has never been greater,” he tells Travelweek. “Luxury travellers are prioritizing meaningful, high-value vacations. They have both the time and desire to travel more meaningfully.”

NEW BOOKING TRENDS

The trend toward booking further in advance and choosing longer voyages highlights just how strong demand for luxury cruising has become, says D’Silva.

“Not only are they confidently planning further out, Regent’s luxury travellers are placing more value on their time than ever before, seeking out exhilarating and bucket-list destinations on long, lingering voyages that provide a check-in free way of seeing the world,” he says, adding that Regent has five new Grand Voyages and a 133-night World Cruise scheduled for the 2027-2028 season.

January’s performance was driven by strong demand across Regent’s global portfolio, particularly from Pacific and South America itineraries, adds D’Silva. Data also showed increased demand for sailings of 15 nights or more, as well as a rise in guests booking multiple cruises.

According to D’Silva, that shift reveals something significant about today’s affluent traveller.

“Increased demand for itineraries of 15 nights or more, and guests booking back-to-back voyages, reflects a traveller who sees cruising not as a singular vacation, but as a preferred lifestyle choice,” he says. “Regent’s guests are increasingly looking for a deeper connection with the destinations they visit.”

Regent Seven Seas Prestige, Atrium

“IT’S AN EXCITING TIME”

For Canadian travel advisors specializing in the luxury cruise segment, the momentum is unmistakable.

Cheri Ozimac, Senior Travel Designer at Tully Luxury Travel in Mississauga, who specializes in high-end cruise experiences, tells Travelweek that cruising overall has not only recovered, but surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

“It’s an exciting time to be in the cruise industry, with a wave of new ships entering the market and generating significant enthusiasm, particularly among travellers who are new to cruising,” says Ozimac.

She adds that the arrival of well-known luxury hotel brands at sea, like Four Seasons Yachts, the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection and Amangati by Aman at Sea, is drawing a fresh audience to cruising, including travellers who may not have previously considered it.

SMALLER SHIPS, BIGGER EXPERIENCES

A key driver of the luxury cruise boom is the growing appeal of smaller, more intimate ships.

“Especially since the pandemic, travellers have become more inclined to seek experiences in smaller, more intimate settings,” says Ozimac.

Many non-cruisers, she explains, still associate cruising with mega-ships carrying thousands of passengers. However, boutique vessels and yacht-style experiences offer something very different.

“These vessels can access off-the-beaten-path itineraries and smaller harbours that larger ships simply cannot reach, while also providing elegant tenders and water sports directly from the ship’s marina for a more immersive and relaxed experience.”

D’Silva agrees that immersive itineraries are central to Regent’s success. He points to strong interest in culturally rich and nature-focused regions.

“There has been a strong interest in culturally rich, nature-focused destinations that feel immersive and expansive,” he says. “Luxury travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer depth and discovery.”

In every port, Regent includes unlimited complimentary shore excursions, giving guests flexibility and freedom to explore as deeply as they wish.

CHANGING CANADIAN PERSPECTIVES

Canadian travel habits are also influencing booking patterns in the luxury segment. As outbound travel from Canada to the United States continues its downward slide, with Statistics Canada reporting a 24% YOY decline in January of Canadian resident return trips from the U.S. by air and car, many Canadians are booking cruises based on these geopolitical preferences. 

“We are seeing increased interest from passengers in travelling with cruise companies that are not U.S.-owned,” says Ozimac. “Additionally, many clients are choosing to explore alternative itineraries. Some prefer to avoid Caribbean sailings departing from the United States and are instead looking to Europe or other regions.”

At the same time, a younger demographic is entering the luxury cruise space.

“Yes, we are definitely seeing a younger demographic,” Ozimac says, particularly among travellers drawn to yacht-style cruising with expansive water-sports marinas and highly personalized service.

“These travellers value exquisite cuisine, refined yet unobtrusive service, modern and luxurious suite accommodations, and thoughtfully curated, tailor-made experiences in port.”

ADVISORS DRIVING GROWTH

Both D’Silva and Ozimac emphasize the critical role travel advisors are playing in the growth of luxury cruising.

“Regent Seven Seas Cruises is grateful to our valued travel advisors, who have played a significant role in helping us achieve this milestone,” says D’Silva. Advisors help clients understand the value of the all-inclusive model and match them with the right itinerary and suite category, particularly first-time cruisers, he adds.

Ozimac encourages advisors looking to tap into the luxury cruise market to invest in education and firsthand experience.

“Complete supplier training academies, attend webinars, read industry publications and follow respected luxury travel advisors to continually expand your knowledge,” she advises. “Rather than trying to master every product, select a few key cruise lines to focus on and develop true expertise in those.”

Looking ahead, both see continued expansion.

“Luxury cruising is absolutely expected to continue growing,” says Ozimac, noting that many world cruises are already sold out well into 2028.

D’Silva adds that Regent’s expansion plans, including additional Prestige-Class ships in the coming decade, underscore confidence in long-term demand.

“By consistently delivering transformative travel experiences with exceptional value and highly personalized service, we believe the appetite for ultra-luxury cruising will remain strong for years to come.”

Lead image caption: Couple in atrium — Credit Regent Seven Seas Cruises