AAA: Record number of Americans planning a cruise vacation in 2027

A record 22.4 million Americans are projected to take ocean cruises in 2027, according to AAA’s latest cruise forecast. That’s a 3.6% increase over 2026 and would mark the fifth consecutive year of record cruise passenger volume.Cruising has grown significantly since surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2023. The 2027 forecast represents a 57% increase from the 14.2 million Americans who cruised in 2019.“Cruising isn’t just growing, it’s becoming a go-to vacation for more Americans,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA. “Travelers have more ships, destinations and vacation styles to choose from than ever before. That variety is attracting everyone from first-time passengers to experienced cruisers looking for their next getaway.”What’s driving record cruise demand?Cruising continues to appeal to travelers seeking shared experiences with family and friends, along with the ability to better anticipate many vacation costs before departure. More than 90% of U.S. cruise passenge