As the new year unfolds, travelers are rethinking how they vacation. A new YouGov1 survey conducted on behalf of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) reveals that more than half of travelers plan to embrace more mindful and intentional travel in 2026.
This shift reflects the continued rise of the “Joy of Missing Out”, a travel mindset encouraging travelers to step away from bucket‑list pressure and overpacked itineraries in favor of journeys centered around presence, flexibility and the freedom to focus on what truly matters.
Data from the recent survey underscores this sentiment. In 2026, nearly 80% of respondents are planning more stress-free experiences, while 86% seek quality time away from daily distractions when traveling.
Over 60% would gladly trade a full day of sightseeing for uninterrupted rest. Four out of five also want flexibility to shape each day of their vacation based on how they feel in the moment.
When choosing who to travel with, people are prioritizing connection and personal fulfillment. Over 40% of respondents plan to travel with a partner or spouse for quality time together.
Family travel remains strong, with 30% planning multigenerational trips, while one in 10 plan to organize friend getaways built around shared experiences and relaxation.
With Wave Season underway, now is the best time to turn inspiration into action and book an intentional getaway with NCL’s current promotion.
By planning ahead, guests can ensure their next vacation is truly meaningful and designed around presence, connection and the freedom to unwind.
To make the decision even easier, NCL is currently offering its popular ‘Second Guest Sails Free’ promotion on all cruises, combinable with its Free at SeaTM package, which delivers guest-favorite amenities, including the most valuable beverage package at sea, Wi-Fi, dining experiences and shore excursion credits, as well as free airfare for the second guest.
“Wave Season is the perfect moment for travelers to design a getaway that reflects who they are and what they need,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president at Norwegian Cruise Line.
“Mindful and intentional travel is more than a trend; it’s a long‑lasting shift toward meaningful experiences. Travelers want the freedom to design their own journey, and with NCL, every detail is curated to make that possible. ‘It’s Different Out Here’ isn’t just our brand promise – it’s how we deliver effortless escapes, true flexibility and the space to be fully present.”
As travelers increasingly seek vacations that allow them to be truly present, NCL stands apart for its commitment to freedom and flexibility.
The brand champions the idea that the greatest luxury on vacation is the ability to slow down, savor the moment, and connect with the people and places that matter most.
Every aspect of the experience aboard NCL’s fleet, from thoughtfully curated activities to flexible dining, is designed to feel effortless and unhurried, empowering guests to adapt their plans, embrace spontaneity and travel their way.
In a world where presence is the ultimate privilege, NCL’s promise is simple: Escape Made Effortless.
Caribbean Escapes Designed for Flexibility and Ease
For those seeking a more mindful and intentional pace, NCL’s Caribbean deployment offers the ideal setting. With 18 ships sailing in the Caribbean throughout 2026, including Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, the cruise line’s newest cutting-edge ships, guests can choose from itineraries ranging from three to 14 days, departing from 11 convenient homeports across the eastern and southern seaboard of the U.S. and Caribbean.
Extended port calls allow travelers to explore at their own leisure, while NCL’s resort-style private island destinations, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize, invite guests to unwind in secluded beachfront cabanas or snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
New enhancements on Great Stirrup Cay provide even more ways to personalize the day, including, the Great Life Lagoon, a heated pool with a family splash area; the adults-only Vibe Shore Club and the upcoming Great Tides Waterpark opening in summer 2026.
Explore Europe without the Rush
Beyond the Caribbean, NCL’s Summer 2026 Europe deployment further expands opportunities for presence‑driven escapes.
Across eight ships, the upcoming season features port‑immersive itineraries throughout Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Greek Isles, with many seven‑day voyages featuring limited or no sea days, allowing guests to immerse fully in each destination.
Select sailings include overnight stays in cities like Reykjavik, Iceland; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Istanbul, offering time for late‑night dining and vibrant cultural exploration.
With 11 embarkation ports across 10 countries, travelers have unmatched flexibility in designing a European summer adventure.
Immersive Journeys in Alaska
In Alaska, NCL offers deeply immersive journeys from late April through October, departing from Seattle; Whittier, Alaska; and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Guests can sail aboard some of the newest ships in the region, including Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy, each featuring expansive indoor–outdoor viewing spaces and the industry’s only racetracks at sea.
Additionally, Norwegian Jade will sail seven‑day open‑jaw voyages between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska with no sea days, ideal for guests seeking an in-depth experience of the “Last Frontier.”
For more information about the Company’s award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com.
1 The data from this survey is based on online interviews with members of the YouGov panel who had previously agreed to participate. A total of 12,185 individuals were surveyed between September 12 – 23, 2025 across the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. Of these, 9,658 respondents are classified as travelers – defined as individuals who have traveled within the last 5 years and / or are planning to travel within the next 2 years. In each country, the sample was quota-controlled by age, gender, and region, and the results were subsequently weighted accordingly. The results are representative of the adult population (18+) residing in each respective country.
Source: Norwegian Cruise Line Newsroom
Images: © 2026 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
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