Do Gen Z like cruises?

Similar to the above data, Gen Z respondents aged 18-24 express the highest interest in cruising for the first time (36%) ? more than doubling the percentage of adults aged 55+ who would like to try one (14%).



Yes, Gen Z has become one of the most high-value growth demographics for the cruise industry in 2026. According to recent CLIA data, 76% of Gen Z travelers who have cruised once plan to do so again. This generation is moving away from the "retiree" stereotype, instead seeking premier "authentic immersion" and "silent sailings." They are particularly drawn to mid-sized ships that can reach smaller, high-quality ports like Milos or Patmos, allowing for hiking, local culinary tours, and overnight stays. In 2026, lines like Virgin Voyages and Sail Croatia have mastered the "Gen Z aesthetic," offering a high-energy mix of wellness, partying, and social-media-ready excursions. For this cohort, a cruise is viewed as a high-value "all-in-one" adventure that provides the "bucket-list" connectivity they crave without the logistical stress of planning a multi-city land-based trek.

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Young travelers are prioritizing experiences over luxury–and trying to live like locals. Due to pent-up demand for travel, consumers–particularly Gen Zers and millennials–have big plans to travel this year and are prioritizing trips and experiences over purchasing luxury items.

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Moreover, there's a surge of interest among millennials and gen X travelers who have never cruised before, with 73 percent considering a cruise vacation. Among millennials, the interest level stands at 77 percent, while for gen X, it's 73 percent.

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Out of the 4,500 respondents who took their first cruise, 88 percent of millennials and 86 percent of Gen X said they would do it again, according to CLIA.

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Cruise travelers come from across the age spectrum. On average, cruise travelers were 49 years of age (Table 1), yet one-quarter each were spread between the ages of 30-39, 50-59, and 60-74.

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Royal Caribbean Age Policy Rules for cruising alone on Royal: Passengers must be 21 years old to travel on their own from North American ports; they should be at least 18 years old when sailing from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

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With Royal Caribbean, travelers in their late teens and 20s can take part in two- to five-night sailings from the U.S. or Europe that have affordable rates. Even better, some of the line's largest and attraction-laden ships sail these shorter itineraries, so you won't have a chance to be bored.

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Princess appeals to an older demographic than lines such as Carnival and Norwegian. The average age of passengers is around 57, and you'll usually see a lot of couples on board in their 50s, 60s and 70s. As noted above, these aren't people necessarily craving go-kart tracks and ropes courses at sea.

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70% of Gen Z and millennial respondents agree that they have been inspired to visit a destination after seeing it featured in a TV show, news source, or movie. And 61%of Gen Z and millennials agree that a top motivation for traveling in 2023 is to visit a destination because it looks great in photos and videos.

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What Kinds of People Go On a Cruise?
  • GLOBAL EXPLORERS.
  • RELAXATION SEEKERS.
  • HOPELESS ROMANTICS.
  • WORKAHOLICS.
  • SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES.
  • THE OPEN-MINDED.


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25. A survey in 2022 showed that the travel purpose for most millennials is to see family and friends. This reason consistently ranks as number one across all generations, including Gen Z, Gen X, and baby boomers.

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The 2023 cruise industry is booming. It has far surpassed 2019 levels, breaking sales records in a furious, post-pandemic comeback. Like most tourism sectors, cruising is reaping the benefits of “revenge travel”— vacationers making up for the time that was lost during the pandemic.

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Passengers under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone who is at least 25 years old; one adult chaperone is required for every five people under 21. Parents, guardians and chaperones are responsible for overseeing the onboard conduct of minors.

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The sights that are seen whilst on board, and the towns and cities that can be visited, are simply amazing. For the elderly, cruises are much more relaxing and stress-free compared to regular holidays. Everything you need is in one place and you can visit loads of countries on one trip.

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Most cruise lines offer kids-free pools and/or sun decks, as well as age restrictions on casinos, spas (save those that allow teen treatments with parental supervision) and most nightclubs and bars after certain hours. Some ships even have adults-only restaurants.

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Royal Caribbean International The Ships: Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships -- Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas -- are particularly well suited to younger adults who demand a little more out of their vacation time than a simple poolside beach read.

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Guests must be 21 years of age or older to be served alcohol on board. Proper I.D with birth date is required. In keeping with U.S. federal law, the age for the sale of tobacco products is 21. This policy is for U.S.-based itineraries/ships only.

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The least crowded cruise ships – offering the most space for your money
  • Saga Cruises' Spirit of Adventure is among the most spacious of any ship out there Credit: Saga.
  • Wide open decks, airy walkways and a grand lounge; the QM2 Credit: LOIC VENANCE.
  • A mini-suite aboard the Sky Princess.


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Cruise ships often offer some of the unhealthiest foods to their guests. From burgers and fries to doughnuts, cakes and entire buffets, you're very likely to overeat. With all kinds of drinks and cocktails on board, you'll also be likely to imbibe plenty of harmful alcohol.

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