Unprecedented Growth in Cruise Industry: 19M Americans Set to Cruise in 2025
The cruise industry is witnessing a remarkable surge, with AAA predicting that 19 million Americans will embark on ocean cruises in 2025. This indicates a 4.5% rise from the 18.2 million who cruised in 2024, marking the third consecutive year of record-breaking cruise passenger volume.
Recently, Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, commenced operations from Port Canaveral, Florida. This colossal ship features 20 decks and has the capacity to accommodate 5,000 passengers. It also boasts of 40 bars and restaurants, a waterpark crowned with a 55-foot waterfall, and a unique “Back to the Future” musical production.
The Caribbean continues to dominate the list of cruise destinations, attracting a whopping 72% of all cruise passengers seeking sun and relaxation. As industry expert Stewart Chiron notes, “more people have cruised in 2025 than any previous year in history“, with future bookings hitting record levels.
Interestingly, shorter Caribbean cruises are gaining popularity, with 18% of itineraries now lasting 2-5 days compared to a mere 2% in 2023. The cruise industry has rebounded more robustly than other travel segments post-pandemic, with 2025 projected to exceed 2019 levels by an impressive 34%.