
VIRGINIA BEACH — AAA projects 19 million Americans will go on ocean cruises this year, a 4.5% increase over 2024, when 18.2 million Americans went on cruise vacations.
2025 is expected to be the third straight year of record cruise passenger volume. The cruise industry has rebounded post-pandemic more strongly than other travel segments, and cruise demand growth has exceeded hotel demand growth the last two years, it said.
“What we’re witnessing in the cruise industry is nothing short of amazing, but it’s no surprise,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “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.”
The cruise industry, which was impacted more severely than other travel segments by the 2020 pandemic, has experienced a remarkable rebound.
In 2022, cruise volume rebounded to 84% of 2019’s level, then surged to a new high in 2023, nearly 20% above the pre-pandemic baseline.
That number has continued to climb since, with 2025 projected to surpass 2019 by 34%, according to AAA.
Seeking Sunshine
Most Americans going on cruises this year are seeking fun in the sun, according to AAA, with 72% of U.S. cruise passengers heading to the Caribbean, making it by far the most popular destination.
The Caribbean’s dominance this year is on par with its pre-pandemic numbers in 2018 and 2019, it said.
The Caribbean’s share dipped to 68% in 2022-23 as cruises to Alaska and the Mediterranean surged, but destination shares have returned to pre-pandemic norms over the past year.
Shorter Caribbean cruises are rising in popularity. Even though most cruise itineraries are six to eight days, 18% of Caribbean cruise itineraries this year are two to five days, compared to only 2% in 2023, AAA said.