Picture this: the sun is warming the deck, a tropical breeze is floating by, and somewhere nearby a chef is pulling a tray of golden, crispy chicken tendies from the fryer. Now picture millions of other Americans doing the exact same thing. That’s not a daydream. It’s shaping up to be the biggest year for cruising yet.

According to the latest travel forecasts, a record-setting number of Americans are expected to hit the high seas in 2027, and honestly, we get it. Where else can you wake up in one port, snack your way through a second, and fall asleep dreaming about the third? It’s the ultimate all-you-can-nibble adventure, and everybody wants a seat at the table.

According to AAA, more than 22 million Americans — 22.4 million — are predicted to go on cruises in 2027. This marks the fifth consecutive year that a record number of people will set sail on ocean cruises, and a 3.6% increase over 2026. More travelers are reportedly turning to cruising for its convenience, value, and variety.

“Cruising offers a unique type of vacation because you unpack once and visit multiple destinations with meals and entertainment included,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “The key is finding the right cruise that meets your needs, and that’s where travel agents come in. Working with an advisor ensures you’re booking a ship with amenities and activities that fit your interests and lifestyle.”

AAA reports that cruise demand in the U.S. has been rising since 2023, when it surpassed pre-pandemic numbers. In 2019, 14.2 million Americans went on cruises, and that number is projected to increase by 57% in 2027, to 22.4 million. Travelers are prioritizing shared experiences with family and friends, and many like knowing how much a vacation will cost before the trip even starts. Since cruises are typically an all-in-one price, this makes them the perfect vacation for that.

Additionally, over 90% of U.S. cruise passengers rate their experiences as good or very good, which is why the industry has strong repeat business, with 93% of travelers booking again.

Shorter cruises are becoming more popular, especially for people who can’t take off an entire week of work, school, or other obligations. While 7-night cruises are still the most popular, more Americans are booking cruises that are shorter in length.

In 2025, 45% of U.S. passengers booked itineraries of 6 nights or less, compared to 2019 when 39% did the same. Travelers are looking for a quick getaway, so they book shorter cruises without having to take too much time away from daily routines and responsibilities.

Working with travel agents can often be the best way to book cruises, since there are so many itineraries and destinations to choose from. They can often make sure you’re getting the best deal as well!

We’ll be on the lookout for more cruise news you need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest travel updates — and check out our video on the Disney Cruise Line below!

 If you’re looking for help planning your next Disney cruise or Disney vacation, our friends at Small World Vacations are the best of the best! They can help you plan your entire Disney vacation from beginning to end and make sure you’re getting the absolute best deals, which can save you a TON of money. Make sure you check them out if you’re planning an upcoming Disney vacation!