by Cruisevaart drives on a wave of question, with an estimated 19 million Americans who are expected to sail this year, according to AAA. That is an increase of 4.5% compared to last year and marks the third consecutive year of record -breaking passenger volume.
The cruise industry was one of the most difficult sectors of the travel industry during the Pandemie in 2020, but the recovery has been remarkable. Cruise Travel made a strong comeback in 2022 and, according to AAA, reached 84% of the level of 2019. By 2023, cruiseers increased nearly 20% above pre-Pandemic levels. It continues to grow and this year AAA expects growth that the 2019 levels will exceed 34%
“What we witness in the cruise industry is downright great, but it’s no surprise,” said Stacey Barber, vice -president of AAA Travel, in a press release. “There is a reason why most first cruise passengers become repeated cruisers. Provide cruise holidays for everyone, regardless of their age. And because most of the holiday has already been paid, travelers can concentrate on enjoying themselves and making lifelong memories with loved ones. “
A remarkable trend in this year’s cruise bookings is a shift to the booking of older and more established ships in the Cruise Line fleets.
Colleen McDaniel, editor -in -chief of CruiseCriticus, explains that older ships are more budget -friendly compared to the newer ships.
However, there is a reservation: traveling on older cruise glances are usually shorter, usually ranging between three and five days. That is what makes it easier for both the schedule and the wallet, McDaniel said. Travelers who are considering that option can look at traveling on Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas, Carnival Glory, Celebrity Silhouette, MSC Seasashore and Seadanding.
Another prominent trend for cruise travelers this year is preferred for warm destinations, making Caribbean Cruises the most popular choice.
According to AAA, 72% of American cruise passengers are on their way to the Caribbean. Florida remains an important hub for Cruisevaart, where the state has the three busiest ports in the world: Miami, Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale, based on embarkation and disembarkation, according to AAA. Last year Miami welcomed the world’s largest cruise ship, the icon of the Royal Caribbean of the seas, and in August Port Canaveral welcomed the equally large star of the Seas Ship. Some other destinations that cruise travelers have shown are Alaska and the Mediterranean Sea.
Data from AAA also shows that shorter Caribbean cruise ship is in popularity. This year, 18% of the Caribbean cruise routes varies between two and five days, compared to only 2% in 2023.
Cruise travelers must also be looking for an upcoming cruise tax in Mexico. The Mexican federal government has its decision to implement the $ 42 extra tax on passengers that travel to Mexico until 1 July 2025, according to the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association. Cruise experts say it is too early to determine how the new tax can influence cruise companies and travelers.
“If the tax is pushed forward this summer, as is currently planned, this can have an impact on the costs of cruises to Mexico and/or adapted routes through lines that want to cover the costs they have to pass on to their guests,” McDaniel said . “It is a positive step that the Mexican government is in conversation with cruise organizations, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds in the coming months.”
Here are some tips for AAA travelers to turn your cruise into a nicer experience:
- Plan and reserve activities in advance to prevent stress and to guarantee availability, because the popular sold -out are quickly sold out.
- Arrival in the port city a day before to prevent them from having to deal with delays or cancellation of flights
- Download the cruise line app to stay up to date with your travel schedule, the rules and regulations of the cruise line, as well as the list of permitted items, so that you can pack accordingly.
