Top American Cruise Trends In 2026: What You Need To Know Before Booking

Published on October 25, 2025

The cruise manufacture is expected to spot a record-breaking number of American passengers successful 2026, pinch an estimated 21.7 cardinal U.S. residents mounting sail adjacent year. According to AAA’s latest forecast, this represents nan largest number of cruise travelers recorded by nan association. For nan 4th consecutive year, nan industry’s maturation continues, fueled by expanding request and nan description of cruise lines to accommodate it.

Cruise recreation has been connected nan emergence since nan pandemic restrictions were lifted, and nan betterment has only accelerated since then. The assortment of destinations and cruise experiences has besides contributed to nan ongoing appeal, attracting much travelers twelvemonth aft year.

What’s Driving nan Surge successful Cruise Travel?

One of nan superior factors driving nan surge successful cruise bookings is nan industry’s betterment pursuing nan 2020-2021 shutdowns. Travelers are now eager to return to cruising, pinch its committedness of convenience, relaxation, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. AAA’s Vice President of Travel, Stacey Barber, highlights nan expanding request for water cruises among U.S. travelers, noting that AAA agents witnesser this maturation firsthand. From day trips to family reunions, cruises connection thing for everyone, whether it’s a Caribbean getaway aliases an Alaskan exploration.

Cruise Industry Growth: A Look astatine nan Numbers

AAA has been search cruise rider forecasts for respective years. The numbers show a clear communicative of growth:

• 2018: 1 million
• 2019: 2 million
• 2020: 7 cardinal (pandemic year)
• 2021: 2 cardinal (pandemic recovery)
• 2022: 9 million
• 2023: 9 million
• 2025: 7 million
• 2026: 21.7 cardinal (forecast)

These numbers bespeak a gradual yet dependable summation successful demand, pinch 2026 marking a peculiarly important leap successful nan cruise market.

Who is Cruising nan Most successful 2026?

Cruises are attracting passengers from a wide scope of property groups, pinch nan largest stock belonging to travelers aged 55 and older. This demographic will relationship for astir 65% of American cruise passengers successful 2026. Following them, travelers aged 35 to 54 will dress up 27%, and those aged 18 to 34 will comprise 7%. This shape shows that cruises are peculiarly celebrated among older travelers seeking relaxing vacations, but younger generations and families pinch children are still cardinal players successful nan market.

Approximately 20% of cruise passengers will beryllium families pinch children, while solo cruisers are expected to dress up astir 7% of nan U.S. cruise organization successful 2026. Whether walking pinch family aliases connected a solo adventure, nan cruise manufacture continues to cater to divers recreation preferences.

The Hub of U.S. Cruises: Florida Ports Lead nan Way

When it comes to cruise departures, Florida continues to dominate. Major ports for illustration PortMiami, Port Everglades, and Port Canaveral are expected to spot millions of passengers successful 2026. South Florida’s cruise system benefits greatly from these numbers, contributing to section jobs, edifice bookings, and business for section shops and restaurants.

According to AAA’s forecast, 10.2% of cruisers will depart from PortMiami, while 8.8% will sail from Port Canaveral, and 5.6% from Fort Lauderdale. Galveston, Texas, will besides stay a celebrated port, pinch 4.1% of passengers mounting sail from there. Florida’s prominence successful nan cruise manufacture makes it a hotspot for world tourists, peculiarly those embarking connected Caribbean voyages.

Caribbean Cruises Remain nan Top Choice for American Travelers

As for nan destinations, nan Caribbean remains nan apical prime for American cruisers. About 72% of passengers are expected to sail to this tropical paradise. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant cultures, nan Caribbean continues to tie millions of travelers from each complete nan world, offering everything from family-friendly cruises to luxury experiences.

The Future of nan Cruise Industry

The request for cruises remains strong, pinch a forecasted 4.5% rise successful 2026 compared to nan erstwhile year. While nan gait of maturation has slowed slightly, nan cruise marketplace is still maturing, and request shows nary signs of waning. For anyone readying a cruise successful 2026, now is nan clip to commencement booking. With caller ships, itineraries, and amenities, nan cruise manufacture continues to accommodate to nan needs of modern travelers.

As astir one successful sixteen Americans prepares to embark connected a cruise successful 2026, nan cruise industry’s continued occurrence is evident. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser aliases first-time traveler, 2026 is shaping up to beryllium an breathtaking twelvemonth for cruising, pinch plentifulness of destinations and experiences to take from.