New research by independent travel agency Iglu Cruise has highlighted the cruise destinations experiencing the most significant growth in demand over the past six years.
The research was carried out by looking at the cruise bookings and other internal data from the years 2018 to 2024, and it identified the destinations that have seen the most significant increases in demand from guests.
Over 40 destinations were studied, although the cruise line has only revealed the top 10 that have seen the biggest demand increases.
And the destination with the biggest increase in demand was the Canary Islands, followed by the Mediterranean and Hawaii in second and third place respectively.
The research, which delved into the shifting preferences of cruise travellers, identified the following destinations as the fastest-growing:
| Destination | Demand Increase (2018-2024) |
|---|---|
| Canary Islands | 7,954% |
| Mediterranean | 6,228% |
| Hawaii | 2,935% |
| Antarctic | 660% |
| Bahamas | 339% |
| Fjords | 330% |
| Caribbean | 197% |
| Africa | 171% |
| Asia | 124% |
| Alaska | 113% |
Canary Islands: the ultimate cruise hotspot
The Canary Islands have become the standout cruise destination, with their dramatic volcanic landscapes, picturesque beaches, and year-round pleasant climate attracting an increasing number of holidaymakers.
Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Iglu Cruise, attributes this rapid growth to several factors.
“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.”
Mediterranean: a timeless favourite
Cruises to the Mediterranean have always been popular, but demand has surged by 6,228% over the last six years. With a variety of fly and no-fly cruise options, accessibility remains a key factor in its sustained appeal.
According to Mills, ship deployment has played a crucial role in this growth.
“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.“
Hawaii: the appeal of island-hopping
Hawaiian cruises have seen a 2,935% rise in demand, with travellers increasingly drawn to the archipelago’s breath-taking volcanic landscapes, golden beaches, and immersive cultural experiences. Many visitors combine their cruise with a stay in Honolulu, Hilo, or Kailua Kona.
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.”
With shifting travel preferences and evolving financial factors, the cruise industry continues to adapt to demand. Mills believes that Greek island cruises are an emerging trend to watch.
As the cruise industry continues to expand, destinations once considered niche are becoming mainstream holiday choices.
With increasing options for tailored experiences, from boutique Greek island cruises to Hawaiian adventure packages, the sector is set for sustained growth in the years ahead.
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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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