New research by independent travel agency Iglu Cruise has revealed the cruise destinations which have seen the biggest increase in popularity over the last six years (2018 to 2024).
The team researched over 40 cruise destinations and calculated which saw the highest percentage increase in demand over the period.
The study also offers expert insights by Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Iglu Cruise, on why each destination has seen such an increase in popularity, as well as some predictions for the future of the cruise industry.
The following destinations saw the biggest increase:
Data by Iglu Cruise:
| Destination | Demand increase from 2018 – 2024 |
| Canary | 7954% |
| Mediterranean | 6228% |
| Hawaii | 2935% |
| Antarctic | 660% |
| Bahamas | 339% |
| Fjords | 330% |
| Caribbean | 197% |
| Africa | 171% |
| Asia | 124% |
| Alaska | 113% |
Canary Islands
With 7,954%, the Canary Islands is the cruise destination with the highest increase in demand over the last six years. An inviting Spanish archipelago off the coast of North Africa known for its stunning white-and-black sand beaches, year-round warm weather, and rugged volcanic terrain, it’s easy to see why more and more holidaymakers are looking to visit Spain’s archipelago.
Dave Mills said: “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
Consistently one of the most popular holiday destinations for UK travellers, cruises to the Mediterranean are proving increasingly popular, showing a 6,228% increase in demand from 2018 to 2024. With both fly cruises and no-fly cruises options available, the Mediterranean is easily accessible to many.
Dave Mills said: “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
Demand for cruises in Hawaii increased by 2935%. A U.S. island state roughly 2,000 miles from the North American mainland, Hawaii is a breathtaking volcanic archipelago where sunshine and stunning sandy beaches meet sparkling blue seas to deliver a holiday experience unlike any other. Comprising over 130 islands, Hawaii cruises often visit the state capital Honolulu alongside settlements like Hilo, Kahului, and Kailua Kona.
Dave Mills said: “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.”
To access our full report for a breakdown of each destination, along with comments from Dave Mills, please see here: https://www.iglucruise.com/cruise-destination-demand-in-2025
Predictions
While there could be many reasons for this shift, from financial changes to changing preferences, our expert Dave Mills has weighed in on what this trend might mean for the future of the industry.
When asked what cruise trend we should be keeping an eye on over the next five to 10 years, our expert had the following to say:
“One stand-out trend I would highlight is the popularity of the Greek Islands. It may sound like an obvious choice, but we’re finding a growing demand for guests wanting to sail around some of the smaller, more off the beaten track, islands – those that are best served by slightly more boutique-sized cruise ships.
“It seems that guests who have already visited destinations like Santorini or Mykonos are going back to the Greek archipelago, but visiting Paros or Amorgos to experience a very different type of island hopping.”