Passengers are getting younger: How cruising is changing in 2025

It’s that time of year when crystal balls are dusted off by commentators predicting the next hot thing in travel. But crystal-ball gazing suggests random, unexpected future events, and is seldom accurate.

Looking at current trends, on the other hand, gives you a better picture of where cruising is headed. For the most part, providing you’re a keen adopter of technology who requires less human interaction, it’s good news.

On board Virgin Voyages. The average age of cruisers is dropping rapidly.

AI technology is being used, among other things, to optimise ship operations, make navigation safer and improve energy efficiency. Passengers will directly encounter it through apps that organise their life on board, digital concierge services, facial recognition and virtual-reality entertainment.

The acceptance of digital technologies is being helped by the declining age of cruise passengers, now averaging 46.5 years. One third of passengers are now under 39. That partly accounts for the boom in expedition cruising as well. The number of expedition passengers has risen 70 per cent since 2019 and shows no signs of slowing.

Seabourn Pursuit in the Kimberley. Expedition cruising is booming.Credit:

Expedition cruising taps into the wider travel trend towards less crowded, more remote and more “authentic” destinations. Travellers are also making more choices based on sustainability, and expedition ships are often at the forefront of eco-technology and environmental protection.

More out-of-the-way cruise destinations are increasing, even in regularly visited destinations such as Japan, Greece and French Polynesia. Cruise options are on the rise in places such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Galapagos, Africa and the Kimberley.

The Arctic is in big demand, whether short cruises in Greenland, long voyages through the Northwest Passage or winter cruises to view the Northern Lights in Norway. Cold-weather cruising generally is proving popular in destinations such as Northern Europe in winter as well as Antarctica, Alaska and Iceland.

Beyond expedition cruises, extended and world cruises are becoming more popular, as are culinary cruises, with a growing number of ships offering gourmet-themed shore excursions, on-board culinary classes and wine tastings, and celebrity chef guest appearances.

Other directions in which the future of cruising is shifting? More and better cabins and more incentives for both solo and multi-generational passengers. More time in ports, and overnight port stays. More shore excursions that offer exclusive access to museums behind the scenes, special events, private concerts, artists’ workshops and places not otherwise open to the public.

Luxury ships keep on launching, demonstrating that not all of us are feeling an economic pinch. Luxury ships are becoming more bespoke in their design, more high-end in their amenities, and more exclusive in size, particularly new ships owned by upmarket hotel groups.

Wellness centres on luxury ships are now sumptuous, but budget ships too have greatly expanded and improved their spa and wellness areas. Many cruise lines now offer everything from wellness-themed cruises to wellness lectures and classes, yoga retreats, meditation workshops, wellness dining options and a comprehensive range of treatments. If 2025 is your year to pamper yourself, you know where to look.