by Sandy Fenton
It’s a fact – Cruising has exploded and continues to break all booking records (pre & post pandemic). Ships of all shapes, sizes and price points are filling up – and selling out. It’s also a fact that cruisers using experienced travel advisors report a higher level of satisfaction, by far.
If this is your year to take that well-deserved cruise vacation, you are not alone. According to CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) – global demand for cruising continues to increase with cruise lines reporting record-breaking bookings throughout 2025 and 2026.
As a frequent cruiser (130+ under my belt) I can attest to the fact that cruising offers travelers the ability to visit multiple, far flung and pristine destinations in total comfort, convenience and few (if any) hassles. Be prepared and due to high demand, cruise lines across the board have or will be raising prices. If you see a good deal, and with “Wave Season” sales upon us (January-March), don’t wait.
With more than 300 ships sailing the world’s oceans, 2025 welcomes 13 new cruise ships debuting in the big ship/mainstream, upper premium , luxury and expedition/adventure categories – from 125 guests on American Cruise Lines new coastal all-inclusive Patriot Class vessels (only cruising American waterways) to 7,000 passengers aboard MSC World America, making it one of the largest cruise ships on the planet.
Below is an updated list of my top cruising trends for this new year.
Off-the-beaten-path expedition travel and luxury yacht
Like adventure ships going to the extremes (some with onboard scientists and submarines) in Antarctica, Galapagos, South Pacific, Arctic Circle– taking in all natural wonders in an up-close and personal way - while appreciating every moment in these stark surroundings. Western Australia, Madagascar and the Seychelles are also on the expedition uptick.
Luxury & Personalization
Today’s high end luxury travelers are demanding lots of space for themselves and their families, particularly suites designed for multigenerational guests. Personalized, ultra-customized itineraries, unique experiences, intimate destinations and private, one-of-a-kind excursions – for all ages.
Authentic, active and inspirational experiences – above and beyond sightseeing
Mindful travel to local destinations and local cultures. Experiencing a city or town or hidden neighborhoods with people who live there and know it best. Helping the local economies by eating, drinking and buying handmade, original arts & crafts to bring home.
Longer Trips
Longer (14 to 42+ nights) with additional sea days and overnight stays in ports are selling out throughout 2025 - and good luck finding a stateroom on a world cruise for this year. Many of the world cruise ships are already selling out for 2026.
Wellness & Restoration
Stepping off the ship feeling better, looking better and returning home with a new and healthy attitude towards your personal well-being. Healthy, locally sourced and vegan meals are now expected and included in the daily menus. Nutrition workshops designed for your ongoing health & wellness needs. World famous spas offering everything from meditation to beauty treatments to nutritional counseling and acupuncture enriching the body, mind and soul.
Solo Travel
Solo travelers are also breaking booking records – and several cruise ships now offer solo staterooms (including lounges/public areas for solos only) without additional charges.
River Cruising
River cruising demand (among all ages and cultures) continues to increase in Europe and Asia. There is also a surge in interest (and bookings) for domestic, small-ship cruising throughout scenic & historic United States rivers and coastal waterways - including Great Lakes expedition cruises.
Cruise & Stay
Over 65% of cruise passengers spend extra days before and/or after their voyage exploring the region and extending their vacations. (Since the pandemic, and working from home – many guests also combine their cruise with time spent working and vacationing.)
Celebrity Chefs
Celebrity/highly acclaimed chefs and specialty dining, particularly among the premium & luxury brands, rival the best restaurants and dining experiences on land. Culinary and wine theme cruises continue to lure guests onboard with guests visiting local wineries with sommeliers and farmers markets while feasting on local cuisine with the Executive Cruise Chef and special featured chefs.
Travel Tech
Smart (and easy to use) travel technology for guests is onboard all ships. Most cruiseships have invested in Starlink, making it quicker & easier connecting in remote areas all over the world.
More for Less
*Big ship and premium cruise lines will include more amenities by offering beverage, wi-fi, excursion and specialty dining packages to be purchased prior to boarding. (No one wants to be nickel & dimed on the ship.)
Quick Trips
Shorter cruises (3 to 7 nights) are very enticing to the new-to-cruise guests and attracting more millennials and Gen-X travelers than ever before. In the Bahamas and Caribbean, days spent on private islands owned and run by the cruise lines, are top reasons for booking tropical itineraries.
Safety & Security
And last, but not least – the ongoing foreign wars and terrorist threats have all of us focusing more on safety and security at home and abroad. The top priority for every cruise line is the safety, security and health for all passengers and crew. Cruise ships can easily alter their courses and cancel any ports of call or itineraries deemed necessary - and since the pandemic, cruise ships continue to instill ongoing medical protocols combined with 24/7 cleanliness and sanitation details.
Before you book your cruise vacation, sit down and talk with an experienced AAA travel advisor. You need to know you are getting on the right cruise line and the right ship, at the right price for you and your family. Ask about all AAA member benefits, AAA group cruises, special sales , promotions and added amenities. Ask about - any 2 for 1 fares ; free or discounted air programs (including premium and business class upgrades) ; what are the onboard incentives and complimentary dining choices ; what is “really” included and what is the entertainment/shore excursions offered during your specific itinerary.
I would also ask your AAA travel advisor about the onboard attire. Proper dining attire varies from ship to ship, depending on the itinerary and length of the voyage. Most cruise lines have relaxed their dress codes, but no one wants to get dressed up for dinner and find they are sitting next to another couple wearing work-out clothes. (And yes, this does happen – but usually the maître d’ will persuade the super-casual dressed guests to eat in other casual restaurant venues throughout the ship or change their clothes and return.)
In addition, I highly recommend flying to your embarkation port the day before the cruise and ask about all pre and post cruise hotel packages.
Cruising is considered the most seamless and best overall vacation value for your hard-earned dollar – and I totally agree. What is your personal style of travel? What are your expectations? Compare all the ships, the costs – and then you decide – and you’re going to love it (I promise!).
Sandy Fenton is a travel writer and host of “Let’s Talk Travel with AAA”, broadcast Saturdays 11am-12pm on iHeartMedia’s WHP580 & WRAW Reading. For more information, go to whp580.com and click on the link to “Let’s Talk Travel”.
