RICHMOND, Va., November 4, 2026 – As travelers look ahead to vacations in 2027, cruising is finding an enthusiastic audience, particularly among younger adults. New research* from travel insurance provider Allianz Partners finds that 60% of surveyed past cruise travelers across all age groups are likely to book another cruise within the next 12 months, with enthusiasm particularly strong among younger travelers ages 25–34 (72%).
The findings tell a broader story about the cruise experience: travelers see value in setting sail, and the availability of travel protection can provide additional confidence as they plan and book their next vacation. In fact, 76% of surveyed past cruise travelers who have previously purchased travel insurance agree that cruises offer good value for money compared with other types of vacations, while 77% of surveyed past cruise travelers who have previously purchased travel insurance say they would be more likely to book a cruise if they knew they were fully covered by travel insurance.
Why Are Younger Travelers Drawn to Cruising?
Cruising appeals to travelers with different vacation styles. Across the survey sample:
- 73% expressed a positive attitude toward cruising
- 71% reported having taken a cruise
- Among adults ages 25–34, 43% say they love cruising and prefer it to other vacation types
With 60% of surveyed past cruise travelers likely to book again within a year, the results offer a timely look at potential repeat-cruise interest as the industry prepares for 2027 departures.
How Does Travel Protection Support Cruise Booking Confidence?
For many travelers, a cruise is a vacation worth planning carefully. Among surveyed past cruise travelers who have previously purchased travel insurance, 84% say they would be very or somewhat concerned about losing money if they had to cancel or something went wrong during their trip. And 65% say the upfront cost of a cruise makes trip cancellation a consideration. These findings underscore the importance travelers place on understanding their options as they prepare for a cruise journey.
Travel protection can be part of that planning conversation. More than three-quarters (77%) of past cruise travelers surveyed who have previously purchased travel insurance agree they would be more likely to book a cruise if they knew they were fully covered by travel insurance. Purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking, including flights or accommodations, can reimburse losses caused by covered, unexpected cancellations, interruptions, and delays that may derail a trip. Travel insurance can also provide coverage for covered medical emergencies and baggage delays or losses while traveling, giving travelers significant peace of mind before they leave home.
“Travel protection should not feel separate from the cruise experience,” said Daniel Durazo, Director of External Communications at Allianz Partners. “When the value is communicated clearly, it can become part of how the industry builds loyalty, supports travelers and creates a more confident path from consideration to embarkation.”
Allianz Partners offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel advisors, online travel agencies, hotel companies, cruise lines and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Partners and available travel policies, please visit http://www.allianztraverlinsurance.com/.
*Methodology
Allianz Partners conducted an online survey of 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older from August 26–31, 2026. Respondents were required to have plans to travel and to have previously purchased travel insurance. Cruise-specific findings among past cruise travelers are based on responses from 712 participants.