Cruise Industry Sets Global Passenger Record as AAA Projects Another Strong Year for Americans
Photo: Unsplash/Alonso Reyes
Global cruise passenger volume reached a record 37.2 million in 2025, up from 34.6 million in 2024, according to the Cruise Lines International Association's 2026 State of the Cruise Industry report. AAA is forecasting that 21.7 million Americans will take an ocean cruise in 2026, which would mark a fourth consecutive year of record cruise passenger volume among US travelers.
Industry surveys cited in the report found that nearly 90% of past cruisers intend to sail again, a retention rate that has helped CLIA revise its long-term forecast upward to 42 million global passengers by 2028. The global fleet is expected to include 325 CLIA-member ocean-going ships in 2026, representing roughly 690,000 lower berths.
Cruise lines have continued investing in efficiency and newer, more fuel-flexible ships even as passenger volume climbs, part of an industry-wide effort to manage fuel costs and emissions regulations that have grown stricter in international waters.
The sustained growth stands in contrast to some other segments of the travel industry facing softer demand this year, suggesting cruising has continued to benefit from a perception of stronger value relative to land-based vacations as overall travel costs have risen.
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