Headlines declared the cruise industry DEAD in the water.
During the pandemic, ships were docked indefinitely, and uncertainty surrounded when the sector would ever recover. Fast forward to 2025, and the cruise market hasn’t just bounced back—it’s thriving, with more UK travellers stepping on board than ever before.
Post-Covid Cruising Revival
While many areas of the travel industry are still rebuilding, cruising has emerged as the true comeback kid. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), cruise passenger numbers have surpassed 2019 levels, with the UK becoming one of the fastest-growing cruise markets globally. Travellers are embracing the security, flexibility and value-for-money that cruises offer.For many, cruises provide the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. You can unpack once and wake up in a new destination every day—whether you’re island-hopping in the Caribbean, taking in Europe’s cultural gems, or exploring remote polar regions. This unique combination, once considered niche, is now mainstream.
What’s Fuelling the Surge?
So, why the rise in popularity? Well there are several compelling reasons for this:
- Value and Transparency – cruising offers exceptional value. With accommodation, meals, entertainment, and transport between destinations all included, holidaymakers can better manage their budget. Luxury cruise lines now include drinks, tips, shore excursions, and even flights.
- Safety and Comfort – post-pandemic, cruise lines invested heavily in health and safety protocols, giving peace of mind to guests. Ships are also designed with personal space in mind, with improved air filtration and spacious public areas.
- Extraordinary Experiences – today’s cruise experiences are a world away from outdated perceptions. Think skydiving simulators, underwater lounges, Michelin-starred chefs, and even robotic bartenders. Themed cruises—whether wellness-focused, music-based or culinary—offer something for every interest.
- Diverse Destinations – from the icy landscapes of Antarctica to the sun-drenched isles of Greece, cruises now cover all corners of the globe. River cruising has also surged, offering intimate journeys through the heart of Europe, Asia, and even Egypt.How Has the Cruise Industry Transformed?
In the past decade, the cruise industry has undergone a transformation of Titanic proportions (pardon the pun).New Cruise Ships:
Cruise lines are launching the most incredible fleets in history. In the last two years alone, we’ve seen stunning new ships from Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and ultra-luxury brands like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea. These ships are bigger, greener, and packed with features designed to appeal to both first-time cruisers and seasoned voyagers.Sustainability:
Sustainability is no longer optional. LNG-powered ships (ships that use liquefied gas), waste-reduction systems, and shore power technology are just some of the ways cruise lines are doing their part to reduce their environmental footprint.Tech Upgrades:
Cruises are now more connected and convenient than ever. Mobile apps allow guests to book excursions, order drinks, and locate friends on board. High-speed Starlink internet on many ships means staying connected is effortless, even at sea.Family and Solo Travel:
People usually assume that cruises are only suitable for couples or the elderly, but that simply is not true! Cruises are also catering better for families and solo travellers. Kid-friendly amenities, multigenerational cabins, and solo staterooms (with no single supplement) make cruising accessible for all.Gilly Bachelor, added:If the last few years have proven anything, it’s that cruising is resilient. The strong return of loyal guests, combined with a growing number of first-time cruisers (many of whom are younger than ever), points to a sustained boom. Bookings for 2026 and 2027 are already strong, with guests planning further ahead than ever. We work with all the leading ocean, river, and expedition cruise lines, and it’s clear to see that cruise bookings continue to grow.