A record 19 million Americans are expected to embark on one of these giant ships this year, according to AAA’s cruise forecast. That’s up 4.5% from 2024’s 18.2 million. It’s also the third straight year of record cruise passenger volume, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

AAA has released its first-ever "Cruise Travel Forecast." It projects that 19 million Americans plan to take cruises this year, with the majority of vessels heading to the Caribbean.

A record number of Americans are expected to take cruises this year, AAA said Monday. The membership organization projected that 19 million Americans will set sail in 2025 in its first-ever cruise industry forecast.

If you're planning on going on a cruise this year, you won't be alone. AAA projects a record 19 million people will set sail in 2025, that's a nearly 5% jump from last year. 72% of U.S. cruise passengers are expected to visit the Caribbean while 6% will head north to Alaska.