These are the boom times of parades.
Demand exceeds where it was before the pandemic, According to the Cruise International Association (CLIA)an estimated nearly 35 million passengers set sail in 2024, up from the already astonishing 31.7 million in 2023.
The surge is expected to continue in 2025, with more than 37 million cruisers that may occupy the oceans will be the first and under 40.
What are these travelers expecting to find on board and on ports in 2025?
We looked closely at cruise line announcements, reviewed current trends, and consulted with industry experts to discover what new and noteworthy in the new year.
The demand for the entire industry is high and the price is higher
There will be more cruisers than ever before, but what type of trip will they be doing?
Teresa Tennant, Senior Vice President, Travel Agency Cruise Expertmultigenerational family resorts have reportedly increased even on luxury boats. “Since many older people prefer more luxurious experiences and want to treat their families, the kids and grandchildren are marching with them,” Tennant said.
Tenants also noticed that European ocean and river cruises are trending in 2025, with travelers booking in the shoulder season being more savvy to avoid crowds and the highest prices.
In the Western Hemisphere, short cruises are hot, such as Royal Caribbean, such as ships with 5,558 passengers (such as Royal Caribbean) Marine Utopia. Known as “the biggest weekend in the world” This tour encourages guests to view the boat as a destination, limiting the port to stay online on a private island, which is the perfect day for Cococay.
Given the high demand for the entire cruise, booking a cruise in 2025 and beyond may be more expensive, you may encounter limited availability. For example, some Alaska sailed in 2025, twice as long as 2024.
To reduce costs, you can try the shoulder season tips mentioned above, or book with a trusted travel consultant who knows how to find the best deals and discounts. ((Click here to read more about these strategies, and nine other ideas for saving money on cruise)
New ship with more bells and whistles
Twelve new cruise ships are expected to debut in 2025 in 2025, and as usual, the cruise ship will launch a bunch of fresh amenities and services on board.
In April, MSC Cruises will be launched MSC World United States,,,,, Which one There will be a new home outdoor top deck destination, which is the first of MSC. The area will feature a water park, 11-story dry slide, a rope route and a port lighthouse modeled by the lighthouse on the private island of MSC, the ocean on the CAY MSC MSC MARINE Reserve. Excitement seekers can ride the Cliffhanger, the only water swing on the sea that will hang 160 feet above the ocean. Indoors, the new ship is the only Eataly restaurant on a cruise ship.
When Norwegian Cruise Company’s new ship was surprised in the store, Norwegian waterlaunched in the same month. As the first ship in the Prima Plus class, water Can accommodate nearly 3,600 passengers, 10% larger than sister ships Prima and viva.
The cruiser will be waterand the largest haven area on the production line (exclusive ship retreat); new and expanded dining concepts including NCL’s first Thai-style venue; and the first ever hybrid roller coaster/water slide to slide on a cruise ship. This attraction replaces other recently added tracks of the Norwegian fleet.
Other new ships are scheduled to sail in 2025: themed on heroes and villains Disney’s Destiny,,,,, this Viking Vista,,,,, Royal Caribbean Ocean StarPrincess Cruise Star Princess,,,,, Style parade’ Seeking stars,,,,, Virgin Sailing Smart ladycelebrity tour Celebrity Xcel,,,,, Oceania Tour soand the Liz Carlton Yacht Series Luminra.
Port restrictions fight superism
Some destinations have been postponed as more passengers set sail and larger ships call in cities around the world.
Maine Bar Harbor Voting restrictions The number of visitors is only 1,000 passengers per day. While the hat won’t affect smaller luxury ships operated by routes like Regent Seven Seas, Crystal Cruise and Westborn, these limits clearly have a significant impact on other cruise ships. Those larger vessels may still be on the phone in Bar Harbor, but no more than 1,000 people were allowed to disembark.
Other destinations that enacted similar hats on cruises include Santorini, Greece; Juno, Alaska; and Venice, Italy, where large ships redirected from the Grand Canal to the industrial port of Magra.
Many residents of the Spanish cities of Barcelona, Valencia and Ibiza are equally tired of the cruise crowd and are starting to shout out more restrictions.
Amsterdam plans to move Cruise ships from the city center port in the next 10 years.
If any of these destinations are on your bucket list, you may want to choose to sail on smaller (usually more expensive) cruise ships, or be proactive in ensuring available locations on the list of passengers allowed to disembark.
Longer cruises and more destination-intensive trips
While some cruisers prefer long weekend getaways, such as those offered by the Royal Caribbean, other travelers prefer to stay at sea for a long time or get a better understanding of their destination with an immersive itinerary.
“It’s interesting that transatlantic cruises are being enhanced by people on vacation in Europe,” said Tennant, a cruise expert. [that they’ve already booked] And have time to travel leisurely to your destination, which is more comfortable and entertaining than flying. ”
The gold standard for transatlantic sailing is sailing ships on board Kunard’s iconic ocean liner.
Don Jones, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Andrew HarperPlease note, “We have noticed interest in cruising over 7 nights and including longer stops on the port.”
Routes such as Azamara cater to travelers who extend on the route to the port, including signature destination products such as onshore of the route azamazing at night It aims to give guests a deep dive into the local traditions of cultural performances and other events. During the intensive rural voyage, there are 8 to 14 nights to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Japan, France, Italy and Croatia.
A first-class cooking experience – not only on a luxury cruise
High-end cruise companies often offer extraordinary cooking experiences in collaboration with renowned chefs. A good example: the new luxury series Explora Journey French chef Franck Garanger was hired to oversee the cuisine and worked with other famous chefs to create onboard restaurants and trips to Ipsiria curated by molecular food expert Thierry Marx and others.
But today, it’s not just luxury brands that offer unique food fares.
Sharon Concepcion, Vice President Travel Leader Vacation CenterGuests booking trips on more mainstream boats are also interested in excellent dining venues, cooking classes and onshore cooking products.
“The highest trends the Travel Leader Resort Center has gained from bookings in 2025 include a greater desire for culinary experiences on board and at the port,” Concepcion said. “Cruise companies are investing in new unique dining concepts, such as the Idol Class of Royal Caribbean Empire Supper Club“At the port, our consultants are booking more cooking classes and market tours than ever before,” she added.
Solo parade continues to grow
CLIA estimates that 8% – 13% of cruisers are now traveling alone, and there are many routes now that offer no supplemental or reduced supplemental fares. There are some lines too Solo cabins are available Consider the price of single travelers.
The Norwegian’s solo cabin capacity in its 19 fleet doubled in 2024, offering nearly 1,000 dedicated solo cabins. Travelers living in those cabins can also access the line’s studio lounge, where solo passengers can mix with other cruisers and engage with other cruisers in the same way.
Given the number of people expected to cruise in 2025, you will definitely not be alone even if you travel alone.
On top: Rendering Norwegian water and photos MSC World United States and the Royal Caribbean Ocean Star Under construction