Record Cruise Travel Projected for 2027

Americans are still on board with taking cruises for vacations. A new forecast from AAA predicts 22.4 million people in the U.S. will go on domestic and international ocean cruises in 2027, a 3.6% increase over 2026. If it holds true, that would make it five-straight years for record passengers.

“Cruising offers a unique type of vacation because you unpack once and visit multiple destinations with meals and entertainment included,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “The key is finding the right cruise that meets your needs, and that’s where travel agents come in. Working with an advisor ensures you’re booking a ship with amenities and activities that fit your interests and lifestyle.”

The news is especially good for port cities, where many cruisegoers will travel prior to the yacht’s departure to ensure they don’t miss their boat, and popular destinations for cruise itineraries. Tourism from cruises adds additional hotel room nights and tax revenue from eating at restaurants and shopping at local retailers.

According to Cruise Lines International Association, which is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, the North American cruise market is the largest and most influential in the global cruise industry, accounting for a significant share of passenger volume, cruise line headquarters, and key departure ports.

Key U.S. ports include Miami, Port Canaveral, and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, as well as Los Angeles, Galveston, TX, New York, Seattle, and New Orleans. Vancouver and Montreal are major Canadian ports.

Analysis from AAA finds the Caribbean is by far the preferred destination among U.S. cruise passengers, accounting for 71% of bookings. Alaska, Hawaii, and Seasonal cruises from New York and Boston are also popular, notes CLIA.

All told, the cruise industry had a more than $41 billion in gross domestic product impact to the U.S. economy in 2024 and generated $2.1 billion in Alaska alone, according to CLIA.

A major trend in cruising is moving to voyages of less than a week, AAA report. In 2025, 45% of U.S. passengers who traveled on ocean cruises booked itineraries of 6 nights or less, compared to 2019 when 39% did the same, notes AAA.