Record-Breaking 19 Million Americans Set to Cruise in 2023: The Caribbean Reigns as the Top Destination

A record-breaking 19 million Americans are projected to take a cruise in 2025, marking a 4.5% increase from the previous year, according to AAA’s cruise forecast. This surge indicates a continual upward trend in cruise passenger numbers for the third consecutive year, surpassing pre-pandemic figures.

Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, highlighted the appeal of cruise vacations, which cater to all ages and offer comprehensive packages allowing travelers to focus on enjoyment rather than budgeting during their trip.

The Caribbean remains the favorite destination for cruise-goers, with 72% of passengers heading there, while 6% are bound for Alaska and 5% for the Mediterranean. Notably, the Caribbean is adapting to traveler preferences, now offering 18% of its cruise itineraries in shorter, more frequent segments of 2 to 5 days—an increase from just 2% in 2023.

Florida logs the highest cruise traffic, with Miami, Port Canaveral, and Fort Lauderdale being the busiest ports. Miami is particularly significant, serving as the home port for the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s "Icon of the Seas," which is nearly 1,200 feet long. Another Royal Caribbean ship, “Star of the Seas,” is set to make its inaugural journey from Port Canaveral in the summer of this year.

The Great Lakes cruising season is predicted to commence in late April, further broadening options for American travelers.

For more information, visit AAA’s cruise forecast.


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