Cruise travel has been on the rise this year. After a rough few years in the cruising industry, travelers are choosing cruises again in record numbers.
Cruises are popular due to their easy, all-inclusive nature. Your cruise fare includes accommodations, all meals and snacks, entertainment, and transportation to various cruise ports. You don’t have to worry about the logistics and can instead just relax and enjoy your vacation.
With so many cruise lines to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is best.
These are the top five trending cruise lines that travelers love right now:
1. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean leads the way as the most-loved cruise line. It’s known for being the best cruise line for families as well as couples and adult travelers, offering something for everyone.
Recently, Royal Caribbean announced the largest cruise ship in the world, the Icon of the Seas, which will launch in January 2024.
Another brand-new ship, the Utopia of the Seas, is coming in June 2024, and it’s a great choice for first-time cruisers who want to get a taste of the cruising experience.
2. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian, also known as NCL, is another well-loved cruise line right now.
While these cruises are great for any type of traveler, solo travelers will be especially glad to learn that Norwegian offers “studio cabins” priced for just one person on many of their ships.
This is a great option for solo travelers since most other cruise lines charge based on double occupancy, making cruises double the cost if you’re traveling solo.
3. Celebrity Cruises
Another popular cruise line right now is Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity is popular due to its “Always Included” fares that include WiFi, drinks, and gratuities on your cruise.
This cruise line is a sister line to Royal Caribbean, and while there are many similarities, Celebrity tends to offer a more refined experience attracting fewer families with young children and more adults.
4. Princess Cruises
Next up on the list is Princess Cruises. Similar to Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises tends to attract an older crowd and offers a more high-end experience.
Of course, it’s still a good choice for families and these ships all offer something for everyone.
5. Carnival Cruise Line
Finally, Carnival is one of the most popular cruise lines right now. Carnival is known for being a fun-loving cruise line and offers more affordable cruise fares, making it a good option for budget travelers.
Shorter Carnival cruises tend to attract more of a party crowd, but longer cruises have a more laidback vibe and can be a good option for families as well as groups of adults.
Where Are Cruisers Going?
Data about current cruise trends has also revealed the most popular cruise destinations right now.
Unsurprisingly, the Caribbean is the number one destination for cruisers. A Caribbean cruise is a great way to soak up sunshine, sand, and saltwater while you beach-hop around various islands.
Shorter cruises tend to focus on closer destinations like the Bahamas or Cozumel, Mexico, while longer cruises go to more exotic destinations in the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.
Cruises to North America (especially Alaska), Central America, and Europe (especially Mediterranean destinations like Greece and Italy) are also trending right now.
Most Popular Cruise Ports
Florida currently dominates the cruise industry, with all three of the most popular cruise ports being located in the state.
Most cruises are currently departing from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral.
However, Seattle (for Alaska cruises) and Galveston (for Caribbean cruises) are also growing in popularity right now.
