Record 21.7 Million Americans to Set Sail in 2026

Key Facets:

• US cruisers might be setting sail in report numbers in 2026, with an estimated 21.7 million American visitors taking cruises subsequent yr.
• The Caribbean is by far the highest vacation spot, however Alaska and the Mediterranean additionally stay widespread.
• Fascinating statistics spotlight the ages of cruisers, which homeports are hottest, and different key components in cruise business progress.

Cruising is sizzling sizzling sizzling, as anybody who’s attempting to guide a last-minute cruise (or not even that final minute) understands after they begin to marvel why so many sailings are offered out months prematurely.

In line with AAA – The Auto Membership Group, 2026 is predicted to have report numbers of American cruising, with 21.7 million individuals setting sail. This up 4.5% from the 20.7 million projection for 2025, and up greater than 52% from 2019’s pre-pandemic numbers.

The upper numbers, which have grown steadily larger yearly because the restart, are attributed to a number of components:

• Robust client demand as increasingly more individuals uncover cruising and set sail a number of instances.
• Expanded and up to date itineraries, significantly to new locations or iconic favorites.
• Elevated capability throughout cruise ship fleets with bigger and bigger ships debuting from totally different homeports.

Of particular observe are projections on who, precisely is cruising, what kinds of ships they like, after they set sail, and the place they like to go to.

“Cruising is surging, with vacationers reserving extra voyages and exploring new locations in report numbers,” mentioned Debbie Haas, Vice President of Journey for AAA. “From fast Caribbean escapes to bucket-list Alaskan adventures, the joy is plain. With extra ships, expanded itineraries, and rising demand, cruising continues to be the go-to trip for unforgettable experiences at sea.”

In line with the report, 65% of grownup US cruisers are over age 55, whereas 27% are ages 35-54, and simply 7% are ages 18-34. Moreover, practically half are traveling as couples, whereas 20% cruise with youngsters and seven% are solo vacationers.

Bigger ships are hottest in probably the most fascinating cruising locations, together with the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and northern Europe. Smaller ships are deployed in Alaska in addition to Europe, with expedition voyages particularly widespread within the Final Frontier and luxurious ships dominating within the Mediterranean.

After all, cruise followers know that there are nice sailings to be discovered year-round, however seasons do fluctuate in numerous areas. The obvious is in Alaska, the place most cruises are only offered from April through October.

The Caribbean is the other, with the busiest months November by way of March – although there are all the time nice Caribbean itineraries out there. In 2026, 72% of American visitors will select Caribbean itineraries, partly attributable to extra out there homeports together with shorter and extra handy itineraries.

In a shocking distinction, simply 7% of American cruisers will set sail in Alaska. This is because of a number of components, together with the shorter crusing season, fewer and smaller ships providing Alaskan itineraries, and better prices for visiting the area.

For US homeports, Miami is predicted to carry the highest title for reputation with 10.2% of American visitors, whereas Port Canaveral is a detailed second with 8.8%. Fort Lauderdale is in third place (5.6%) adopted by Galveston (4.1%) and Seattle (2.2%).

For People crusing from non-US homeports, Barcelona is the best choice with an anticipated 3.9% of vacationers, adopted very carefully by Southampton (3.4%) and Rome/Civitavecchia (3.3%). Marseille (2.6%) and Singapore (2.2%) spherical out the listing.

Will the Progress Proceed?

Has cruising reached peak reputation or will it proceed to rise? With 90% of US visitors ranking their cruise holidays as both good or superb and 91% being repeat cruisers, undoubtedly setting sail will proceed to be the holiday of alternative for tens of millions of vacationers.

Learn Additionally: What Different Types of Cruises Can You Go On?

A number of cruise strains are noting continued reputation for bookings into 2026, 2027 and past, with most cruises promoting out earlier than departure.

New cruise ships, such because the upcoming Carnival Festivale, Legend of the Seas, Norwegian Luna, and Disney Journey, tempt passengers to return time and again to expertise new options and enjoyable.

In the meantime, new non-public locations equivalent to Perfect Day Mexico tempt visitors with future itineraries as effectively.

What number of cruises do you’ve gotten booked for 2026 and past? I’m at two for now, with extra to come back!