As the cruise industry sets sail toward its busiest year yet, a surprising trend is emerging from the social media waves: more travellers are now seeking serenity over socialising, and peace over parties.
Cruise travel insurance provider Avanti has responded to this growing appetite for tranquillity with the launch of its new “Quiet Cruise Guide”, backed by 25-year maritime veteran and cruise expert Mark Barton.
The guide aims to help holidaymakers avoid the rowdiest crowds and discover alternative routes for a more relaxing cruise experience.
With major cruise lines reporting record-breaking passenger volumes – Royal Caribbean alone welcomed 8.6 million passengers in 2024 – the trend is clear.
But while young travellers fuel much of the boom, not everyone is onboard with the onboard energy.
Younger crowds, louder cruises?
According to Avanti’s social media analysis, over 16% of Instagram posts from popular cruise-related hashtags now highlight the desire for calmer, alternative experiences.
Meanwhile, posts showcasing mainstream or party cruises can average more than 8,000 likes each.
“As cruise holidays attract more young people, videos of wild pool parties and packed bars are going viral,
“It’s no surprise that many seasoned travellers are looking for a quieter way to sail.”
Mark Barton
That’s where the Quiet Cruise Guide comes in, offering expert-backed advice for booking a peaceful voyage, plus a range of alternative destinations dubbed “quiet cruise dupes” that offer the beauty and charm of popular ports – without the chaos.
Alternative destinations for quieter getaways
Sea of Cortez & Baja Peninsula instead of the Caribbean
Teeming with marine life and framed by desert landscapes, this Mexican gem is ideal for cruisers seeking natural beauty without the Caribbean bustle.
Barton recommends the region for its vibrant markets, national parks, and mouth-watering local cuisine like ceviche and fish tacos.
Vietnam & the Philippines instead of Japan & China
For cultural richness and scenic tranquillity, Southeast Asia offers an escape from the tourist-heavy ports of East Asia.
Spring is perfect for exploring temples, snorkelling in turquoise bays, and enjoying warm sunshine in peaceful destinations like Ko Samui.
French Polynesia instead of Hawaii
With its turquoise lagoons and overwater bungalows, French Polynesia offers everything Hawaii does – minus the crowds. Barton notes destinations like Bora Bora and Tahiti are rising stars in quiet-themed cruise content, making them ideal for a serene island-hopping holiday.
Alongside destination advice, Barton shares two golden rules for booking a calmer cruise experience:
Choose river cruises for a more intimate experience
“River cruises tend to attract fewer families and avoid the massive crowds of sea cruises,” says Barton. Top picks include the Nile, Danube, Rhône, and Mekong, offering rich cultural experiences and scenic journeys through ancient cities and lush landscapes.
Avoid inaugural seasons
Brand-new ships draw huge crowds eager to see the latest in cruise innovation. Barton suggests steering clear of maiden voyages:
“People love the smell of fresh paint – but that also means packed decks and sold-out experiences. Older ships offer a more relaxed pace without sacrificing quality.”
As cruise holidays evolve, the desire for peaceful escapes is growing louder.
Whether you’re exploring the secluded coves of Baja, floating past temples on the Mekong, or sipping cocktails under the stars in French Polynesia, quiet cruising is the next big wave – and thanks to Avanti’s Quiet Cruise Guide, it’s never been easier to set sail in peace.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Surge in Young Cruise Passengers Drives Demand for Quieter Voyages
Dear Jenny
This headline comes as no surprise to me, and I think I have mentioned this trend before. The owners of the cruise lines with the bigger ships have targeted -what to them, is a bigger market of families, including very large groups of families to take holidays on board their ships, which have the added facilities that make it very attractive to younger people. Now that’s fine, but its is not what people of a certain age- who have used these cruise lines feel comfortable with. They do not find that the new Cruise ship Butlin’s type holiday camps is what they want, so they are voting with their feet and wallet and looking else where for an enjoyable holiday. Personally, I have had somewhere close to 20 cruises over umpty dump years and have enjoyed most of them, but no longer do. Last year I turned to a River Cruise and we enjoyed this very much. We are doing it again this year and unless we found something attractive with say a destination we really wanted to do, (and it would have to be on a smallish traditional ship sea cruise) it is something we are unlikely to do.
Best wishes
Danny