AAA Travel, the global travel assistance arm of the American Automotive Association (AAA) reports that the global cruise industry could see another record year in 2026, following a better-than-expected 2025.
AAA projects 21.7 million Americans will go on ocean cruises in 2026 and 20.7 million this year, a higher number than it initially projected for 2025.
For 2026, the association predicts that the year-over-year increase will see an 8.4 percent jump from 2024 to 2025 and a 4.5 percent bounce from 2025 to 2026.
AAA Travel vice-president Stacey Barber explained: “These numbers reflect the growing demand for ocean cruises among US travellers. Our travel agents see this every day when booking dream vacations for AAA members. Whether it’s an anniversary trip to relax in the Caribbean or a family reunion to explore Alaska, ocean cruises offer variety, convenience, and lifelong memories.”
US cruising in the numbers
Travellers by age
Per the report, ocean cruises welcome all travellers regardless of age.
However, it should be noted that 65 percent of adult passengers from the US are 55 or older.
On the other hand, 27 percent are between the ages of 35 and 54, while seven percent are between 18 and 34 years of age.
Plus-ones are also a thing among American travellers, given how 50 percent of them travel as a couple with a partner.
Likewise, 20 percent head aboard with their children and seven percent go at it alone.
Vessel types
Nowadays, the popularity of mega-vessels has increased considerably, especially in the Caribbean where most of them sail.
These mega-vessels are currently deployed in three of the four top cruise regions: the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.
It is interesting that they do not operate in Alaska and Northern Europe; in those locations, smaller vessels operated by either expedition or luxury cruise firms hold sway.
Time to travel
Peak season for ocean cruises varies by region. In the Caribbean, peak season is November through March, after hurricane season and during the cold months of winter.
Summer may not be the speak season for Caribbean cruises, however, as fares rise because kids are off from school so demand from families goes up.
On the other hand, capacity is lower during the summer months as there are fewer ships sailing the Caribbean during those months.
It should be noted that the Alaska cruise season which only runs from April to October is shorter, and that tighter window translates to higher prices.
Given the strictly seasonal nature of Alaskan voyages, most passengers take advantage of those trips during the summer months and go on Caribbean cruises in the winter.
Destinations of choice
The Caribbean remains the most popular cruise destination for Americans, holding a lion’s share of 72 percent of the total market. As a result, Floridian ports Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Port Canaveral are among - if not the - busiest cruise ports in the world.
The increase of short-length cruises into the area has also driven the sustained popularity of Caribbean destinations as these are convenient for busy travellers and cruise lines are able to schedule more itineraries and sell more cabins.
Nevertheless, an estimated seven percent of US travellers are expected to opt for Alaska cruises in 2026, while five percent will take their leisure on luxury jaunts in the Mediterranean.
