A million more Americans will cruise in 2026 than this year, AAA projects. It forecasts that 21.7 million Americans will cruise next year, up from a projected 20.7 million in 2025.
It would be a fourth consecutive record-setting year for the industry. AAA recorded 16.9 million and 19.1 million American cruise guests in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
This year's projected total of 20.7 million is up considerably from AAA's January forecast of 19 million for 2025.
Of the projected 21.7 million passengers next year, 72% will sail the Caribbean, 7% will sail Alaska, 5% will sail the Mediterranean and 16% will sail other destinations.
Miami will be the top port for embarkations, representing 10.2% of next year's traffic. Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale will follow.
AAA produced the report with research partner Tourism Economics.