Cruising Is Heading Into Its Fifth Straight Record Year

Americans are on track to cruise in record numbers again. AAA and Tourism Economics project 22.4 million Americans will take a cruise in 2027, up 3.6% from 2026 and the fifth straight year of record gains. Demand first passed the pre-pandemic level of 14.2 million cruisers in 2023.

The Caribbean remains the dominant destination, drawing 71% of 2027 cruisers. Alaska accounts for 7%, the Mediterranean 6%, and the rest of the world 16%. Top ports include Miami, Port Canaveral, Barcelona, Southampton and Singapore. Seven-night sailings are still the most popular length.

Shorter trips are gaining, though. In 2025, 45% of US cruisers took cruises of six nights or fewer, up from 39% in 2019. Shorter itineraries tend to appeal to first-time cruisers and to travelers working with tighter budgets or schedules, which helps explain how the industry keeps adding passengers while ships keep getting bigger.

Satisfaction is high. More than 90% of cruisers rated their experience good or very good, and 93% said they would cruise again. Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, pointed to the appeal of unpacking once while visiting multiple destinations with meals and entertainment included, and credited travel advisors with helping travelers match a ship to their interests.

Sources: TravelPulse