Travel Trend: Millennials Love Cruising

Young Adults Make Waves with Cruise Vacations

Who says cruises are just for retirees? While the industry has a reputation for catering to the older generations, that may be changing — in a big way. 

As Millennials and even Generation Z become a larger share of the travel industry, the past few years have seen a significant shift in the cruise landscape. Now, travelers between the ages of 18 to 24 express more interest in going on cruises than any other group. Let’s explore the spike in cruising young adults.

The Shifting Landscape of Cruises 

Although cruises have long been seen as the domain of older adults and retirees, this laid-back method of travel is quickly becoming a favorite with younger generations. 

Younger generations tend to spend more money on experiences than items, which leads to higher spending on travel as a whole. An impressive 84% of Millennials and Gen Z would rather take a dream vacation than purchase a luxury item.

What does that mean for the cruise industry? Well, younger passengers are driving this year’s demand for cruises, more than any other age group. A 2023 State of the Cruise Industry Report revealed that passengers between the ages of 20 and 59 are now making up over 50% of passengers on cruise ships. According to their surveys, 88% of Millennials also expressed enthusiasm about boarding a cruise in the next few years.  

Royal Caribbean: Paving the Way For Millennial Cruising

One of the biggest cruise lines in the world has seen a huge spike in Millennial attendance. According to Royal Caribbean Group’s CEO, almost one in two guests on their cruise ships are Millennials or younger. 

After looking at the numbers, it’s no surprise that Royal Caribbean has been marketing ships to a younger audience. Take the Utopia of the Seas, for example, a recent debut from the cruise line. With shorter trips and more than 20 different bars on board, this ship aims to bring “unmatched weekend energy” to the cruise world. 

Royal Caribbean continues to launch new builds across all of its brands to focus on drawing in the growing number of young people excited about cruising. From Utopia of the Seas to Silversea Cruises, these new mega-ships are built to attract younger travelers, families, multigenerational travelers, and celebrations like birthdays and bachelorette parties. With Royal Caribbean’s full fleet of ships, there is a cruise available for every taste and budget.

How Millennials Are Changing the Waves of the Cruise Industry

What does all of this mean for future cruise travelers? Travelers should expect more diverse and exciting cruise experiences coming soon, including cruises tailored to a wide range of interests. Family-friendly fun, high-end dining, adventure-packed excursions, party-oriented activities, and more — the industry is evolving to meet new demands. 

With more choices, better experiences, and a boost in demand, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of cruises. As cruises strive to capture the attention of a younger audience, there’s a good chance you could find even better deals and discounts, from last-minute cruises to more affordable weekend getaways.