Saturday, February 3, 2024, is “Take a Cruise Day,” and AAA sees firsthand that travelers are ready to set sail and enjoy the world’s seas and rivers on their next vacation. This year’s cruise trends prove travelers are customizing their cruising experiences to meet their unique wants and needs. AAA Travel finds that smaller ships for adventure, solo trips, and splurge-worthy suites are some of the biggest trends for 2024. Of course, there’s also a lot of interest in the world’s newest and largest cruise ship - Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. 

“Cookie-cutter trips are a thing of the past. Nowadays, travelers are looking for one-of-a-kind experiences, and the cruising industry offers that in spades!” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel.

AAA bookings show that more travelers are reserving cruises earlier and earlier, in some cases more than a year in advance. Because inventory is more limited, Twidale says working with a trusted travel agent becomes more important. “Travel advisors help you navigate the waters and get more bang for your buck,” said Twidale. “For example, AAA members get exclusive benefits in addition to discounts that may already be offered by cruise companies. Travel agents can find you deals and ensure you’re booking the right cruise for you.” 

SMALLER SHIPS
Expedition cruises are growing in popularity with more travelers looking to get up-close and personal with nature in remote locales. Top destinations include the Arctic Circle, Antarctica, the Galápagos, and the Northwest Passage. 

SOLO TRIPS 
More travelers are booking cruise vacations just for themselves! According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) State of the Cruise Industry Report 2023, cruise lines are taking notice and increasing the number of single cabins in new ships and retrofitting some of their existing ships to better accommodate solo passengers.

SPLURGE-WORTHY SUITES 
Higher-priced cabins are selling out fast! AAA Travel has seen a spike in early bookings of balcony cabins and luxury suites. These prime categories are selling out faster than before the pandemic, so travelers who are looking to splurge on their next cruise vacation should book well in advance. New ships like Icon have expanded this cabin category.

RIVER CRUISING
Travelers enjoy sailing the world’s rivers and immersing themselves into cultural destinations here in the U.S., in Europe, and beyond. With smaller ships holding about 150 passengers, it’s a more intimate experience than ocean cruising. 

WAVE SEASON SAVINGS
With Wave Season underway, many cruise lines are offering discounts and savings through the first quarter. Many travel advisors consider Wave Season to be the Black Friday of the cruise industry!

Browse more cruises and find travel inspiration on Trip Canvas, AAA’s free travel-planning tool.