- A new wave of cruisers is emerging, with Gen Z demand for cruises skyrocketing by 367%
- Young travellers are trading Ibiza for the open seas, seeking mental well-being and Instagram-worthy experiences
- Destination2’s cruise expert Mike Graham, reveals why Gen Z is turning to cruises for their getaways
Once seen as a retiree’s retreat, cruises are now the hottest ticket for young holidaymakers looking to travel smarter, stress less and level up their Instagram game.
Cruises are no longer just for boomers, with Gen Z swapping beach raves for ocean waves – with one luxury travel provider revealing that its cruise bookings have surged 367% among 22-30-year-olds year-on-year.
The new data, from affordable luxury holiday and cruise provider Destination2, reveals that Gen Z is now the fastest-growing demographic in cruise travel, with January 2025 seeing record demand.
The bookings herald a new age for the cruise industry, with overall cruise bookings surging by an impressive 90% compared to the previous year.
However, while the 51-60 demographic – a historically strong market for cruises – has also grown, it has done so at a more modest rate of 84%.
Destination2’s cruise expert Mr Cruise, also known as Mike Graham, has said: “Gen Z holidaymakers are catching on – luxury cruises aren’t just for retirees; they’re the ultimate smart-spending hack.
“With everything from dining to entertainment bundled into one price, they beat traditional trips loaded with hidden costs. Plus, they’re a dream for content creators, offering ever-changing, Insta-worthy backdrops without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking.
“Then when it’s time to recharge, cruises prioritise mental well-being with ocean-view yoga, luxury spas and stress-free travel – giving holidaymakers the perfect balance of adventure, self-care and mindfulness.”
