A large majority of people have never been on a cruise, with estimates suggesting around 80-85% of the U.S. population hasn't cruised, though the industry is seeing increased interest, especially from younger demographics like Millennials and Gen Z, who are exploring cruises as an accessible travel option. This means that even with millions cruising annually, the vast majority of potential travelers are first-timers or have never experienced it.
In 1992 , when I began booking cruises ,CLIA stated that less than 8% of North Americans have ever cruised. CLIA's website now states it is now 20% .
It seems 82 percent of those who have cruised will cruise again, with about 12 percent doing so twice a year. Some enjoy it so much that 10 percent will cruise three to five times each year. Some people even choose to extend their vacation by planning a land-based stay before or after their cruise.
Ocean liners typically have an average passenger capacity of about 3,000 guests, while larger river cruise ships accommodate ~150 guests.
Roughly 25 million people cruise every year. About 12 people disappear. About 25 go overboard for one reason or another and about 25% are rescued or their bodies are recovered. But let's talk about the disappearances.
Roughest Areas on a Cruise Ship:
What happens when someone goes overboard on a cruise ship? The ship goes into emergency mode. The bridge will contact the Coast Guard and a search will begin. The ship will stop and the crew will try to pinpoint where and when it happened so they can start a thorough search in that area.
Cruise Line Rankings
The 3-1-1 rule on Royal Caribbean cruises refers to the TSA's liquids rule for carry-on bags +1 (855) 732-4023, meaning liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, and pastes must be in containers 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, all fitting in one clear, quart-sized bag, with one bag per person +1 (855) 732-4023.
Poop on a cruise ship goes into an onboard sewage treatment system (black water), not directly into the ocean; it's treated using bacteria and filtration to break down solids, then sterilized (often with UV light), and the resulting clean water is either discharged far from shore (following strict international rules) or stored until the ship reaches port for disposal on land, while solids are often incinerated or landfilled.
Cruisers come from all corners of the map, but if you're sailing with a U.S.-based cruise company, chances are high you will be sailing with a majority of people from the United States, with large contingents from Canada and the U.K., as well as smatterings of people from the rest of the world.
Cruise ships use secret codes like "Code Alpha" (medical emergency), "Code Bravo" (fire), and "Code Oscar/Mr. MOB" (man overboard) to alert crew without alarming passengers, with other codes indicating security threats ("Charlie"), ship damage ("Delta"), or crew mustering ("Kilo"), though meanings can vary by cruise line and specific phrases like "Code Mufasa" (missing child on Disney) or upside-down pineapples (swinging) exist as well.
AAA's cruise forecast for 2026 says that 20.7 million Americans are cruising in 2025, and that cruise passenger volume will rise by another million passengers in 2026, with 21.7 million Americans expected to cruise.
Americans spend more time on cruise ships than any other country. Cruising refers to the act of going on a trip on a cruise ship, which is simply a ship for going on relaxation voyages. The voyages can last for a few days at sea or take years.
Cruise ships often omit a 13th deck due to triskaidekaphobia, the widespread superstition that the number 13 is unlucky, mirroring practices in land-based hotels and buildings to avoid upsetting superstitious passengers who might refuse to book rooms on that level. While some ships skip deck 13 entirely, others might have it but reserve it for non-passenger areas like crew spaces or sports facilities (like a sports deck) instead of cabins, ensuring revenue-generating rooms are on numbered decks.
The average age of a cruise ship passenger is 46, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. That's down from 49 less than 20 years ago, and 36% of cruise customers are now under the age of 40.
While Ziplock baggies aren't a high tech travel gadget, they are an affordable way to make your cruise packing smoother and more organized. Whether protecting clothes from spills or storing snacks for later, Ziplock baggies are the ultimate (cheap) travel accessory that every cruiser needs!
From your second cruise with Carnival Cruise Line, you will be declared a Very Important Fun Person and receive a red Sail & Sign card at embarkation which offers several benefits.
Yes, you can wear neat, clean jeans (without rips) to dinner in Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room on most nights, as the dress code is generally relaxed ("casual" or "smart casual"), but avoid them on designated "Formal Nights" or in some specialty restaurants where "smart casual" or "formal" is expected, meaning slacks, dresses, or jackets are preferred.
The best months to cruise depend on your destination and goals (weather, crowds, price), but generally, shoulder seasons (April-June, Sept-Oct) offer fewer crowds and good weather for Europe/Caribbean/Alaska, while ** peak seasons (Dec-April for Caribbean, June-Aug for Alaska/Europe)** are best for ideal conditions but higher prices/crowds; for warmer spots like Australia/NZ, their summer (Dec-March) is prime time.
Selecting a Trustworthy Cruise Line
Neither Viking nor Regent is definitively "better"; they cater to slightly different preferences, with Regent offering a higher-end, ultra-luxury, truly all-inclusive experience (flights, drinks, excursions included) in opulent settings, while Viking provides a premium, culturally focused, more understated Scandinavian luxury with fewer inclusions but excellent value, attracting intellectually curious adults (no kids) seeking enrichment. Choose Regent for ultimate inclusions and lavishness, Viking for a sophisticated, value-driven cultural journey with flexibility.
Yes, drug dogs can smell edibles. Even though edibles are often infused with marijuana or other substances, the scent molecules are still present and detectable by trained dogs.
The answer is yes, most cruise ships do have some form of detention facility on board, commonly known as a “brig”. These facilities are typically small rooms located in the lower decks of the ship and are used to detain passengers or crew members who have broken the law or violated the ship's rules and regulations.
The major causes of these accidents often include slippery decks, high winds, and unstable footing. While many of these incidents are accidental, it's crucial to note that if an overboard incident happened due to cruise line negligence, the injured party may be entitled to compensation.