By
Alex Smith |
The 2026 issue of Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning is out now, offering exclusive insights from cruise leaders, itinerary planners, destinations and associations into the process of developing the cruise voyages taking guests around the world. Subscribe to view the digital edition or order a printed copy.
Technology is playing an increasing role in itinerary design, but experience and wisdom continues to be a valuable asset in crafting voyages that delight and surprise guests. Itinerary planners must combine the insights new tools can provide with their own expertise to deliver routes that operate smoothly and meet passenger demands. The importance of experience is clear throughout the 2026 issue of Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning, as the community of itinerary planning, port operations and shore excursion experts share their insights into what it takes to build the voyages passengers are looking for.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Ugo Savino discusses how he draws on his own experience to create itineraries that capture “the spirit of a Carnival vacation” in our keynote interview. As the industry attracts the interest of new passengers outside its traditional demographics, he emphasises the need for cruise lines to offer variety in their itineraries in order to achieve success.
CFIP speaks with Carnival Cruise Line’s Ugo Savino in the keynote interview
Our cover story puts the focus on the rugged coastlines and charming cities of Atlantic Canada. While the region is famed for its autumnal beauty, its summer season remains an untapped opportunity for the cruise industry. CFIP speaks with Sarah Rumley of the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association to find out why cruise lines should bring their guests to experience the culture, cuisine and coasts of the destination throughout the summer months.
CFIP speaks with Sarah Rumley of the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association in the cover story interview
Elsewhere, the ‘Picking the right port' feature sees cruise executives sharing their tips for what destinations should be doing to put themselves in the frame for upcoming itineraries. On the other hand, in ‘The changing nature of cruise itineraries’ we explore how cruise lines are adapting their planning to meet new market dynamics and highlight the ports and destinations that could stand to benefit.
Our annual regional spotlight focuses on North America, and we ask Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line about the many opportunities on offer for itinerary planners in this continent of contrasts. Other highlights include eight planner perspectives from cruise line executives, maiden season articles exploring the destinations of the industry’s most anticipated new ships, and reports, interviews and commentaries with a range of ports and destinations. Finally, we profile cruise ports from across the world in the CFIP Featured Ports & Destinations section.
Happy reading!