AAA shares 2025’s top travel trends.

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — According to AAA, there are new anticipations that 19 million Americans will head to the seas on ocean cruises this year. This is a 4.5% increase from last year and the third straight year of recording setting cruise passengers, it is projected to be 34% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

“Cruising was really the last segment to recover from the pandemic, but now we’re seeing a strong upward trajectory,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “There is so much variety in itineraries and ship amenities that there is truly a cruise option for everyone.

Larger cruise ships and shorter voyages make it possible for those who have never been on a cruise, to experience what it is like. AAA suggests that it may be one of the favorite ways to vacation.

“Whether for graduations, family reunions, or romantic getaways, once people go on a cruise, they seem to find plenty of ways to make a shipboard celebration the perfect choice for their next big occasion,” Conde said.

Miami, Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale are where nearly 24% of cruise passengers are departing, with over 70% of them heading to the Caribbean. It is forecasted that 6% will take an Alaskan cruise and 5% will explore the Mediterranean.

“Many cruise lines have their own private islands in the Caribbean, and they can also quickly adapt to ‘plan B’ if a particular island or port is dealing with a weather concern,” Conde said. “No matter where you travel, you can easily enhance your trip by pairing your cruise with a land tour.”