AAA Just Dropped a MASSIVE Cruise Forecast for 2026—And the Numbers Are Breaking Records

The cruise industry just got some major news: Nearly 21.7 million Americans are expected to book a cruise in 2026, according to a forecast released today by AAA. That’s a 4.5% jump from 2025’s 20.7 million travelers—and it confirms what we’ve all been seeing: cruising isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

“Cruising is surging, with travelers booking more voyages and exploring new destinations in record numbers,” said Debbie Haas, AAA’s vice president of travel, in the announcement.

Where Everyone’s Sailing From

If you’re wondering which ports are handling this cruise boom, PortMiami is leading the pack with 10.2% of all U.S. cruise embarkations and debarkations. Port Canaveral follows with 8.8%, and Port Everglades rounds out the top three at 5.6%.

Who’s Cruising—And Where They’re Going

The data reveals some interesting patterns about who’s actually booking these cruises. The majority—65%—are travelers aged 55 and older, while 27% fall between 35-54, and just 7% are between 18-34. Over half travel as couples, 20% bring the kids along, and 7% go solo.

As for destinations, the Caribbean remains the undisputed king, attracting 72% of U.S. passengers. Alaska comes in second at 7%, followed by the Mediterranean at 5%.

Why This Matters

These numbers aren’t just impressive—they reflect a broader shift in how Americans think about vacations. With nine out of ten AAA travel customers rating their cruise experiences as good or very good, and 91% having cruised multiple times, it’s clear that once people try cruising, they keep coming back.

For anyone who’s been considering a cruise, this forecast suggests that demand is only going to grow. Translation: if you’ve got your eye on a specific sailing or ship, booking sooner rather than later might be the smart move.

The cruise industry has weathered plenty of storms over the years, but heading into 2026, the forecast is looking remarkably sunny.