Saturday, February 1, 2025 The cruise industry is setting sail for another record-breaking year in 2025, with AAA projecting nineteen million American travelers expected to embark on ocean voyages . This surge reflects the continued growth of cruising, which has outpaced other travel sectors in post-pandemic recovery. Major ports like Miami, Barcelona, Seattle, New York City, Southampton, Rome, and Marseille are leading the charge , serving as key embarkation and debarkation hubs for millions of passengers.
Cruisers are overwhelmingly choosing sun-soaked destinations , with the Caribbean dominating at 72% , followed by Alaska (6%) and the Mediterranean (5%) . Florida’s ports, especially Miami and Port Canaveral, are handling massive passenger volumes, fueled by the arrival of record-breaking new ships like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas . As more travelers opt for shorter itineraries and new routes, the cruise industry shows no signs of slowing down.
Cruising has bounced back stronger than ever, leaving other travel sectors in its wake. While hotels and airlines struggled to regain momentum, cruise demand has surged past pre-pandemic levels . In 2022, cruises recovered to 84% of their 2019 numbers.
By 2023, they had already surpassed pre-pandemic levels by nearly 20% . And now, with 2025 on track to be 34% higher than 2019 , there’s no doubt— America loves cruising more than ever. If you’re picturing white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and frozen piña colada.
