Using data from the CLIA's State of the Cruise Industry Report 2025, we've rounded up the 10 top trends in cruise travel for 2025 and beyond. Whilst some elements of the industry, like taster cruises, have been slowing growing in popularity for decades, others, such as expedition cruises, have seen a surge of popularity in recent years. What they all have in common is that they're working towards growing this exciting industry that saw a record 34.6 million cruisers onboard in 2024.
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your perfect cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
1. Long Cruises
The main reasons for picking a cruise in 2024 were to see several places and to get a holiday that is great value for money. It's no wonder then that people are taking increasingly longer cruises to achieve both these goals. 49% of cruisers in 2024 planned to book a longer sailing in 2025. The most popular areas for these cruises are the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asia, all places where there are several exciting ports in a relatively close proximity. Check out our picks of the best long cruises in these areas:
2. Taster Cruises
Yes, longer cruises are very popular at the moment. But so are cruises on the other end of the scale. Taster cruises, often spanning a long weekend, are a great way to try out cruising for the first time. In 2024, 68% of international travellers were considering booking their first every cruise and many of these will be looking at a taster option to see if it is for them. This trend is growing and growing, with 31% of cruisers in 2024 being new to the industry, a 4% increase from 2023. Some of the best options for these cruises directly from the UK include Northern Europe and the Channel Islands, and it's also possible to reach the Norwegian Fjords in just 5 nights when departing from the UK's north-east ports!
3. Caribbean Cruises
The Caribbean has always been a wildly popular cruise destination and it's not hard to see why - white sands, welcoming locals and gorgeous, fresh produce. The lust for this part of the world grew 17.1% amongst cruisers from 2023 to 2024. That's a huge amount! Compare that to the second most-popular cruise destination, the Mediterranean, which saw a 5.8% increase, and it's easy to see how the Caribbean's title as the most popular is no where near close to being usurped yet!
4. Expedition Cruises
The 'Golden Age of Cruising' began in the 1950s when transatlantic crossings were transformed into weeks of relaxation and pleasure. Since then, cruising companies have often created places of calm, with serene spas and fine dining. This new up-and-coming trend brakes this mould. Gone are days by the pool and in their place, there's ice plunges and wildlife safaris. Expedition cruisers increased by 22% in 2024 from 2023 and it's predicted that they'll be a 150% increase in ship capacity from 2019 to 2029. Alaska, Antarctica or the Galapagos? The choice is yours and the adventure is waiting!
5. Cooler Summer Destinations
Another great shift in cruiser's desires is the want to avoid the heat of summer. Whilst the Mediterranean is the current most popular summer option, trips to places nearer the Arctic Circle during these months are rapidly increasing in popularity. During this time, the areas are abundant with wildlife, flora and fauna. Hikes and water sports are easy to access and the temperature is far more comfortable.
6. UK cruises
Cruises are a great way to see new parts of the world and experience different cultures, but they're also a perfect way to see your own backyard. Our small island is the ideal place to explore onboard a ship, with an amazing variety of coastline, from staggering cliffs, to picture-perfect islands and glorious beaches. Cruise companies are adding more itineraries to maximise on this new trend where for British cruisers, there's no passport control necessary!
7. Smaller Ships
2024 saw the release of the world's largest cruise ship - Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. 2025 will see some more huge ships taking their first sailings, including NCL's Norwegian Aqua, Celebrity's Xcel and MSC's World America. They, do not, however, represent most of the global cruising fleet, where 70% are small or mid-sized vessels. These ships have maintained their huge popularity over the past as they can offer more personalised service, great port access and relaxing sailings, plus it's much trickier to get lost onboard! Companies such as P&O and Fred Olsen cater to this popular, trending market and pride themselves on their luxuries onboard and tailored itineraries.
8. Wellness Cruises
All global industries are now considering wellness in their long term plans and the cruise industry is no different. Cruise customers are asking for changes and companies are making them. Virgin's 255 m red running track, NCL's Raw Bar and Celebrity's Thermal Suites are all great examples of this growing trend. Many cruisers now want to nourish their mind and body as they sail, whether that be with movement, the food they eat or the time they can take to relax.
9. Solo Cruising
This trend has been heating up for a while, with solo cruisers increasing by 6% in 2023 (from 2022) and then an additional 12% in 2024. Cruising is a great way to see new places by yourself, whilst ensuring you're safe and well cared for. It's also becoming the place to meet new friends on your travels. Companies catering to this audience are seeing great results: Celebrity, Cunard and NCL all offer single staterooms, organised meet ups and dedicated dining tables.
10. Sustainable Travel
The final and most important trend continuing this year is the demand for increasingly sustainable cruising. Many cruise companies are now aiming to decarbonise. Popular ways to do this include new engine technologies, cleaner fuels and sensible itinerary planning. 33 global ports now have their own Onshore Power Supply, which allows ships to plug in and turn off their engines when in port, reducing emissions by 98%. Within these 33, there are many close to home in Europe, including in Denmark, Iceland, Norway and the UK (Southampton). Companies are working hard to prove that eco really is the new luxury.
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your perfect cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
