by Donald Wood
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Mon January 27, 2025
New data from AAA Travel projects that almost 20 million
people will take an ocean
cruise this year.
According to AAA, 19 million Americans are expected to hit
the open seas in 2025, a 4.5 percent increase over last year, when 18.2 million
U.S. citizens went on cruise vacations. This year is expected to be the third
straight year of record passenger volume.
Data showed that cruise demand growth has exceeded hotel
demand growth in the last two years, with 2025 totals projected to surpass 2019
numbers by 34 percent.
“What we’re witnessing in the cruise industry is nothing
short of amazing, but it’s no surprise,” AAA Travel Vice President Stacey
Barber said. “There’s a reason most first-time cruise passengers become repeat
cruisers. Cruise vacations offer something for everyone, no matter their age.”
“And because most of the vacation is already paid for,
travelers can focus on enjoying themselves and making lifelong memories with
loved ones,” Barber continued.
Of the Americans taking a cruise this year, 72 percent are
heading to the Caribbean, six percent are taking Alaska voyages, and five
percent will sail in the Mediterranean. Data showed that shorter Caribbean
cruises are rising in popularity, with 18 percent of itineraries to the region
being between 2-5 days.
As for the busiest ports, Miami, Port Canaveral, and Fort
Lauderdale top the list based on embarkation and debarkation.
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