At the start of 2020, the pandemic’s scope, scale and severity came into full view when officials quarantined the Diamond Princess cruise ship, where COVID-19 was spreading with starling speed among the trapped and terrified crew and passengers. Now, all that seems like ancient history. Early in the year, Forbes predicted that 2024 cruise bookings would surpass pre-pandemic levels, driven by viral excitement on TikTok, rising interest among Gen Z passengers and intrigue surrounding the January launch of the gargantuan Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, which is five times bigger than the Titanic.
But the has soared since the Diamond Princess finally docked and its sick and traumatized passengers and crew were finally allowed to disembark. Today, Gen Zers and travelers of any age need to budget and spend wisely to afford the perfect cruise they dream of taking. GOBankingRates spoke with two avid travelers who have each tallied double-digit cruises.
. Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. Brian Hipp is the president of , a 125-year-old manufacturing company that serves various sectors, including medical, aerospace and industrial.
His business success has afforded him the luxury of frequent travel — and when he travels, he prefers one kind of vacation over all the rest. “I have been on over a dozen cruises covering the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii and the Mediterranean,” he said. “My best money-saving tip is to book six to 12 months in adv.