by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:30 AM ET, Mon January 8, 2024
Cruising will continue to be a popular way to travel in 2024—and AAA Travel is sharing its predictions for the biggest cruise trends we’re likely to see play out in the coming year.
In 2024, travelers will be interested in customized itineraries, expedition trips, solo adventures, smaller ships and upscale cabins, the company forecasts.
“Cookie-cutter trips are a thing of the past,” says Paula Twidale, AAA Travel’s senior vice president. “Nowadays, travelers are looking for one-of-a-kind experiences, and the cruising industry offers that in spades.”
Travelers are especially interested in itineraries, ships and destinations that let them interact closely with nature. That’s why expedition cruises to destinations like the Arctic Circle, Antarctica, the Galápagos and the Northwest Passage are currently trending, according to AAA.
Cruisers also aren’t waiting around if they don’t have a travel companion—they’re booking solo cruises. Cruise lines, meanwhile, are stepping up to accommodate that demand by updating their ships, waiving the single supplement and creating more solo-friendly experiences.
In addition, cruisers are also booking trips earlier and earlier—sometimes more than a year in advance. And they’re snapping up higher-priced cabins, like suites and balcony rooms.
This is good news for travel advisors, who can help travelers navigate limited inventory and get the best deal for their money.
“Savvy travelers are wasting no time getting their cruise vacations on the books to ensure they get the itineraries, cabins and shore excursions they want,” Twidale says.
More broadly, the trends indicate that travelers are “willing to be adventurous and spend more to have an unforgettable cruise vacation,” she adds.
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