A new industry analysis shows that cruises are becoming more popular with younger people. The figures, released by travel agent Cruise.co.uk, show that the average age for a cruise ship passenger has dropped by 11 years to 55 years old in 2024, compared to 66 years old in 2019.
From cradle to cruise ship
Despite its large scope of half a million analysed bookings, the cruise specialist’s research revealed some interesting details. The youngest cruise passenger in 2024 was aged just six months old and, at the other end of the human voyage, the oldest clocked in at 98.
But it is the under 30s turning to cruises in large numbers that are really bringing the averages down. They provided the largest demographic surge, up 2% year on year to make up 14% of 2024’s total.

Itineraries aimed at the younger segment
The younger segment prefers Mediterranean cruises, the research shows, with Northern Europe in second place, followed by Caribbean destinations. As well as seeking to find new destination ports in key locations with youth appeal, such as Royal Caribbean’s announcement of a new Mexican resort for 2027, recent moves have seen cruise companies diversify their offer to include more youth and family-friendly attractions ranging from bowling alleys, F1 racing simulators, and ice cream bars, to skating rinks, and ever-more-gigantic water slides.
In addition to smaller “sustainable” expeditions, themed cruises, such as those from Disney and a flotilla of solar eclipse-viewing departures, are also bringing new customers to the fore.
Wider sea change
The findings suggesting a cruise renaissance were echoed in data from Cruise.co.uk’s sister company Seascanner, which has also seen its average passenger age fall – by three years since 2022 to just 42 years of age. Not the traditional image of a cruise enthusiast.
But the draw of the newly styled itineraries and facilities, coupled with trends for multi-generational travel, digital nomadism and bucket list revenge trips, appear to be driving a sea change.
Tony Andrews, managing director of Cruise.co.uk, said: “These findings are clear evidence of cruise’s growing appeal to a wider audience. “As new ships and itineraries emerge, passengers of all ages are discovering that a holiday at sea offers a host of one-of-a-kind experiences, both onboard and ashore, with activities designed to appeal to all tastes.
“When coupled with unbeatable value for money, it really does make cruise the go-to getaway for more people than ever before.”