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An exciting way to explore a variety of stunning holiday destinations around the world, all while enjoying excellent entertainment and fantastic food, cruising is only becoming more and more popular as we head into the latter half of the 2020s; but, which cruise destinations have seen the biggest increase in demand over the last few years? Why have these destinations seen such a spike in popularity? And, just how long are holidaymakers actually spending on cruise ships nowadays?
These are all interesting questions to ask when it comes to understanding developing cruise travel trends in 2025, and we have spent hours pouring over six years of exclusive cruise data to find some answers.
Analysing the data from cruise demand in 2018 compared to 2024, we have determined which cruise destinations saw the biggest increase in popularity in this six-year period, something which offers us a unique insight into the popularity of destinations in 2025 and beyond. We also have exclusive expert comments from Iglu Cruise’s Chief Commercial Officer Dave Mills exploring these unique increases in demand further and looking at what this information might mean moving forward.
So, without further ado, let’s get stuck into the data and discover which destinations are proving the most popular in 2025; below, you’ll find the top ten destinations which saw the biggest increase in demand from 2018 to 2024 and an explanation as to why that might be.
The Canary Islands has seen an (almost) 8,000% increase in demand as a cruise destination since 2018, making it the destination which has seen the highest increase over the last six years. An inviting Spanish archipelago off the coast of North Africa known for its stunning white-and-black sand beaches, year-round warm weather, and rugged volcanic terrain, it’s certainly easy to see why more and more holidaymakers are choosing to cruise to it.
With an increasing number of cruise itineraries calling at ports in Tenerife, Lanzarote, and La Palma an important contributing factor, holidaying on the Canary Islands affords everyone the chance to do something they enjoy – whether that’s sampling the unique local cuisine, exploring the impressive landscape, or soaking up the sunshine and doing as little as possible.
Speaking to Dave Mills about this staggering increase in demand, this is what they had to say about why the Canary Islands are growing in popularity as a cruise holiday hotspot heading into 2025 and beyond:
“The Canary Islands have grown from strength to strength as a cruise destination over the last six years. Having diverse-enough islands to feel like you’ve visited several different destinations in one cruise, a balmy climate, and relatively short flight times to get to the sunshine are all reasons why this destination is a general favourite for the UK. Add to the fact that several major cruise lines, like P&O Cruises and Marella Cruises, have increased the number of Canary Island departures they offer and you can see why this growth is so substantial. It’s also a destination you can reach on a fly cruise, or a no fly cruise from Southampton.”
Consistently one of the most popular holiday destinations for UK travellers, cruises to the Mediterranean are proving increasingly popular in 2025, with this destination enjoying a staggering 6,228% increase in demand from 2018 to 2024. Home to welcoming warm weather in the Summer months, a wonderful variety of cultures and cuisines to explore, and some of the top historical destinations to see on a cruise, it’s easy to see why a cruise island-hopping in Greece and visiting unique ports in Italy, Turkey, and Croatia is proving popular among holidaymakers.
An area of the world comparatively close to home, an adventure in the Med can be enjoyed via both fly cruises and no-fly cruises, making it an accessible holiday hotspot when compared to equally-incredible destinations further afield. And, with stunning sandy beaches, inspiring natural scenery, and some of Europe’s most breathtaking cityscapes, this destination really does offer something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to shore experiences and excursions.
Discussing this staggering increase in demand over the last six years, and just why the Mediterranean has continued to prove an incredibly popular cruise destination, Dave Mills had this to say:
“The Med almost always tops the polls as the most popular destination for UK cruisers. In recent years, part of the reason it’s seen such phenomenal growth is due to the quality of the ships the cruise lines have deployed from two of the largest Mediterranean ports: Barcelona, and Rome. The fact that Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess, and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Ascent have all been based in the Mediterranean this year is a reflection of how important this region is to the global cruising market.”
A U.S. island state roughly 2,000 miles from the North American mainland, Hawaii is a breathtaking volcanic archipelago where sunshine and stunning sandy beaches meet sparkling blue seas to deliver a holiday experience unlike any other. Comprising over 130 islands, Hawaii cruises often visit the state capital Honolulu alongside settlements like Hilo, Kahului, and Kailua Kona. With breathtakingly beautiful natural scenery, colourful cuisine that embraces this destination’s unique island culture, and the opportunity to enjoy a variety of thrilling shore excursions such as snorkelling and wildlife spotting, there is plenty to do in The Aloha State.
With consistently warm weather throughout the year, Hawaii is a fantastic holiday destination anytime. And, the itineraries available often include visits to major North American cities like Los Angeles and Vancouver alongside port stops to other South Pacific Islands – such as Tahiti, Pago, and Darvuni Island. This makes Hawaiian cruises increasingly versatile, affording you a variety of experiences in a single sailing.
On Hawaii’s increasing demand, our expert attributed the improved selection of cruise and stay packages available as a major factor contributing to this destination’s remarkable rise in popularity over the last six years.
“We’ve seen a huge growth in the popularity of Hawaiian cruising in recent years, mainly due to the cruise and stay packages available, that allow guests to truly immerse themselves in this diverse and laid-back holiday destination. We also see many guests add a city stay to their cruise, whether that’s a visit en route or upon their return; Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are among the most popular options here.”
A popular destination for exploratory expedition cruises, Antarctica has enjoyed an impressive rise in popularity over the last six years – with a 660% increase in demand as a holiday destination from UK cruisers. Often departing from stunning South American cities like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, and including a variety of South American ports of call among those to Antarctica itself, these sailings offer a surprisingly rich selection of once-in-a-lifetime experiences – and, they’re not all icy tundras and frozen waters, either.
On Antarctic cruises, you’ll have the opportunity to explore awe-inspiring environments in some of the most remote regions in the world, observe unique wildlife in its natural habitat, and relish in the rich culture South America is famous for. Throughout November to February, you’ll also experience the midnight sun in Antarctica, a unique phenomenon where this region of the world experiences bright sunlight 24-hours a day. This gives you even more time to appreciate everything it has to offer.
On this remote destination’s increasing popularity as a cruise destination, our cruise expert weighed in with this:
“The rise in exploration cruising is well documented and, over recent years, the entry of more luxurious exploration ships – such as Seabourn Cruises’ Seabourn Venture and Silversea Cruises’ Silver Cloud – has made this once-in-a-lifetime destination even more of a draw. The emotional experience of visiting such a breathtakingly remote region leaves many guests saying they’ll never quite look at the world in the same way, having experienced Antarctica via cruise.”
From 2018 to 2024, the Bahamas saw an impressive 339% increase in demand as a cruise destination from UK holidaymakers, and it’s easy to see why. An island nation in the Atlantic Ocean, sitting south of Florida and north of Cuba and the Caribbean, Bahamas Cruises are perfect if you want to experience pristine white-sand beaches, vibrant tropical forests, and remarkable marine life. And, with warm weather always available, you’ll be able to enjoy exciting shore excursions like snorkelling and jet skiing any time of year.
Offering visitors a quintessential Caribbean experience a little closer to the North American mainland, with the capital city Nassau a truly remarkable port of call, the Bahamas sets itself apart from other Caribbean destinations by being home to some of the best cruise line private islands and island resorts in the world. From Paradise Island across Nassau Bay to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay and Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini, these destinations feature incredible waterpark attractions, exclusive sandy beaches, and incredible excursions you won’t want to miss.
A major contributing factor to this destination’s remarkable growth in demand over the last six years, our expert had the following to say about the Bahamas:
“The rise in popularity the Bahamian archipelago has enjoyed in recent years is largely due to the phenomenal growth of the ‘private island’ concept since 2018. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line have taken these beautiful Caribbean islands to a whole new level with water parks, secluded cabanas, activity beaches, and so much more now available on these islands.”
A popular destination for cruisers looking to depart from Southampton, the Norwegian Fjords have seen a 330% increase in demand from 2018 to 2024. With the northern Norwegian coastline home to dramatic mountainscapes, charming towns, and stunning glaciers, it’s clear to see why sailings to Norway and its fjordlands are only growing in popularity. The itineraries available visit cities like Bergen and Trondheim alongside smaller settlements like Alesund and Alta, giving travellers a unique insight into the country’s culture and cuisine.
However, that’s not all. One thing that really makes this destination special is Aurora Borealis: the Northern Lights. A breathtaking natural phenomenon, you’ll have the best chance of seeing this throughout November, December, and January. Although, even if you travel at other times in the year, you’ll have the chance to enjoy whale-watching, kayaking in sheltered coastline seas, and more; any adventure to the Norwegian Fjords is a memorable one, and cruising this region gives you a chance to compound several of these into one incredible holiday.
On the Norwegian Fjords’ increased demand over the last six years, our expert has the following to say:
“Clear air, stunning landscapes, a very welcoming climate, and a huge number of departures from Southampton have helped to make a Summer Fjords cruise a perfect choice for families, solo travellers, and couples alike. Some holiday destinations are truly best-discovered by ship, and the Norwegian Fjords are no exception!”
Already one of the most popular cruise destinations in the UK, the Caribbean saw an impressive 197% increase in demand from 2018 to 2024 – which really is remarkable when you consider how popular this destination was beforehand. A region where warm sunshine and white-sand beaches go hand-in-hand with vibrant culture-rich towns and tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, the Caribbean is accessible via fly cruises or transatlantic voyages, giving you options when it comes to itineraries and experiences.
You’ll also find the sailings available offering stays in cities like Orlando and Miami, day trips to cruise line private islands in the Bahamas, and Central American ports of call; so, Caribbean cruises can really be so much more than just island-hopping in the Caribbean Sea if you want them to be. Home to warm weather year-round, there’s never a bad time to set sail for this idyllic collection of islands.
On the Caribbean’s continued increase in demand over the last six years, Dave Mills had the following to say:
“Second only to the Mediterranean in terms of guest numbers each and every year, a Caribbean island-hopping cruise is a glorious way to sample all the sights, sounds, tastes, and vibes of these distinct and welcoming islands. A major factor contributing to the continued growth here is the sheer amount of choice when it comes to the ships which sail here; from those with room for 150 guests to those who can carry over 6,000, there’s something for everyone.”
A remarkable region home to some of the most underrated cruise destinations, Africa has seen a 171% increase in demand from 2018 to 2024, with more and more UK cruisers embarking on adventures to South Africa, Egypt, Madagascar, and more. Home to an abundance of breathtaking natural scenery, immersive cultural experiences, and unforgettable excursions you won’t find anywhere else in the world, African cruises can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone; the sheer variety of experiences and unique ports of call this region offers to cruisers makes that a certainty.
From sensational game reserve safaris and insightful vineyard tours to flavourful foods and historic landmark locations, cruises to Africa can be as varied as you want them to be – with sun-soaking on sandy shores also an option, as popular cruise destinations in Africa enjoy stunning warm weather in the Summer months. Available via both fly cruises and no-fly cruises, with cruise and stay packages adding even more to your experience, a memorable adventure awaits in Africa.
Commenting on the rising popularity of Africa as a cruise destination, our resident expert had the following to say:
“Africa has really opened up to cruise options over the last six years, with Cape Town in particular being one of the main destinations to cruise from. This region has grown in popularity, in part, due to the add-on tours of the winelands, South Africa’sGarden Route, safaris, and Rovos Rail train journeys.”
Asia cruises whisk you away to some of the most stunning destinations in the world, with sailings to Japan and China among the most popular alongside itineraries including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and more. With such a rich variety of unique cultures to explore, sensational cuisines to indulge in, and remarkable historical landmarks to marvel at, it’s easy to see why Asia has seen a 124% increase in demand as a cruise destination from 2018 to 2024.
For history buffs, Asia is a haven of ancient sites of cultural significance, insightful reminders of global conflicts, and unique histories spanning hundreds of years. Urban explorers will also find some of the most staggering cityscapes in the region, with Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, and more among popular ports of call on Asian cruises. Incredible cruise and stay packages will give you even more time to explore these incredible cities on your adventures, though the natural landscapes of places like Thailand, Vietnam, and China aren’t to be missed out on.
While there are so many reasons why Asia cruises are proving more popular than ever, our expert has highlighted Japan as the one destination everyone can’t wait to travel to.
“Of all the Asian departures, tours of Japan are some of the most sought-after sailings from Iglu Cruise. Most guests add tours to their cruise itineraries, which include bullet trains, Mt. Fuji, snow monkeys, cherry blossoms, and so much more.”
Known as the Last Frontier, Alaska is a rugged North American wilderness where breathtaking natural beauty and unique cultures come together with exciting excursions and sensational cuisines to create an incredible cruise experience. Seeing a 113% increase in demand as a cruise destination from 2018 to 2024, Alaska cruises offer a fulfilling adventure to all the explorers out there. Whale-watching, dog-sledding, and mountain-bound hikes are all among the experiences you can enjoy on these itineraries; you’ll also have the chance to marvel at Aurora Borealis at certain times of the year, and to learn about the unique Native American tribes that call this region home.
On sailings to Alaska, you’ll also be able to visit destinations in Canada, with Vancouver among the most popular ports of call in the Great White North. These stops add an extra dynamic to Alaskan cruises, giving holidaymakers who prefer city breaks to woodland walks something to look forward to here and offering a rounded cruise experience that everyone can enjoy.
Identifying an optional excursion as one of the main factors behind this region’s growth as a cruise destination over the last six years, our expert has had the following to say about Alaska:
“Alaska is another destination where visiting via cruise holiday really is the best way to immerse yourself in this stunning, enchanting destination. By far the biggest reason for the growth in this region is the pairing of a cruise with the Rocky Mountaineer rail experience – a perfect combination!”
Another interesting cruise travel trend from our cruise data is that the demand for shorter itineraries to these incredible destinations has increased significantly more from 2018 to 2024 than longer destinations.
As you can see below, cruises that last up to five nights have seen a 49% increase in demand over the last six years, whereas longer cruises have only seen half as much growth.
While there could be many reasons for this shift, from financial changes to changing preferences (with cruisers perhaps opting for several shorter holidays over a longer one), our expert Dave Mills has weighed in on what this trend might mean for the future of the industry.
When asked what cruise trend we should be keeping an eye on over the next five to 10 years, our expert had the following to say:
“One stand-out trend I would highlight is the popularity of the Greek Islands. It may sound like an obvious choice, but we’re finding a growing demand for guests wanting to sail around some of the smaller, more off the beaten track, islands – those that are best served by slightly more boutique-sized cruise ships. It seems that guests who have already visited destinations like Santorini or Mykonos are going back to the Greek archipelago, but visiting Paros or Amorgos to experience a very different type of island hopping!”
Methodology: We used internal cruise data from 2018 and 2024 to calculate the percentage increase in demand for over 40 destinations over a six year period. We also used similar data to determine which length of cruise itineraries saw the largest increase in demand over the same period. The top 10 destinations/regions were used in the final list.
