Record-Breaking 21.7M Americans Expected to Cruise in 2026, Says AAA
With a record-breaking number of American travelers setting sail this year, AAA projects that 21.7 million Americans will embark on cruise vacations in 2026. This marks another milestone year for the cruise industry as it continues its post-pandemic recovery.
The projection was released as part of AAA’s Spring Break travel forecast on March 10, 2026. The report reveals that ocean cruising is setting new records, with Caribbean itineraries departing from Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas being the most popular choices. The all-inclusive nature of cruising is proving to provide exceptional value for travelers, with many families booking cruises over Spring Break to maximize their vacation time.
“Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa are among the top 10 most popular domestic Spring Break destinations,” according to AAA Travel booking data. Florida continues to dominate as travelers seek reliably warm climates to spend time at beaches or enjoy theme parks. These coastal cities serve as major cruise departure points, further cementing their popularity.
Spring Break flights to domestic destinations are averaging about $815 for roundtrip tickets, marking a 2% increase from last year. On the other hand, international routes have seen economy class tickets trend down 7.16% compared to 2025. The strong cruise bookings reflect broader consumer confidence in travel. AAA reports that bookings for cruises by Central Pennsylvania travelers alone are up over 10% from 2025.
Source: AAA Newsroom