Greece Joins Italy, Mexico, USA, and the Caribbean in Leading 2025’s Cruise Boom – Celestyal, Disney, Viking And Royal Caribbean Make Waves!

Published on November 28, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

In an unprecedented surge for the cruise industry, Celestyal Cruises has reported its most successful Mediterranean and Adriatic season on record for 2025. The company, known for its culturally immersive itineraries, concluded its season on November 28, 2025, with an impressive 4% increase in passenger numbers compared to previous years. This growth, driven by rising demand for culturally rich voyages, saw Celestyal Journey completing 10 “Heavenly Greece, Italy & Croatia” sailings and 22 “Idyllic Greece” voyages across iconic destinations like Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Venice, Bari, Dubrovnik, and Split.

This record-breaking success comes amid a broader cruise industry boom in 2025, as global travel rebounds post-pandemic. The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts a total of 20.7 million U.S. cruisers this year, marking a record high that surpasses pre-pandemic levels. With a projected increase to 21.7 million passengers in 2026, the cruise industry is preparing for even more growth, with key regions like the Caribbean, Alaska, and the Mediterranean seeing some of the highest demand.

What Contributed to the Surge in Demand?

The growth in cruise passenger numbers can be attributed to several factors:

1. Increased demand for immersive itineraries: Celestyal Cruises’ voyages focused on Greece, Italy, and Croatia have been particularly popular, offering travelers unique cultural and historical experiences at every port of call.
2. A surge in cruise tourism across key regions: The Caribbean (72% of U.S. cruisers), Alaska (6%), and the Mediterranean (5%) have remained the top cruising destinations, with more cruise lines capitalizing on the post-pandemic tourism boom.
3. New ship launches and fleet expansions: Major operators like Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Viking have introduced new ships and itineraries to meet the growing demand.

Where Are These Record-Breaking Cruises Going?

The majority of record-breaking cruise journeys are taking place in three primary regions:

• Mediterranean: Destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, Venice, Bari, and Dubrovnik are some of the most popular stops, with several major cruise lines offering new itineraries and enhanced experiences.
• Caribbean: The Caribbean continues to dominate with iconic ports like Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line) and Jamaica (Royal Caribbean).
• Alaska: Alaskan routes have surged in popularity, attracting a diverse range of travelers, from first-time cruisers to seasoned veterans, eager to explore Juneau, Ketchikan, and the Alaskan wilderness.

Other popular regions for 2025 cruises include South America, New Zealand, and Asia-Pacific, with increasing numbers of travelers flocking to these areas to enjoy unique experiences that blend nature, culture, and relaxation.

Who Are the Leading Cruise Lines in 2025?

Several cruise lines are reporting record-breaking seasons, contributing to the surge in global cruise passenger numbers in 2025. Some of the top performers include:

1. Celestyal Cruises: The company reported an impressive 4% increase in passenger numbers, thanks to its focus on culturally immersive sailings in the Mediterranean and Adriatic.
2. Royal Caribbean International: A leader in mega-ship cruising, Royal Caribbean expanded its fleets and contributed to overall industry records with its top destinations in the Caribbean, Alaska, and the Mediterranean.
3. Disney Cruise Line: Disney’s new ships and family-focused itineraries, including routes in the Caribbean and Alaska, saw significant growth, especially with their new Asia itineraries.
4. Viking Cruises: Known for its expedition and river cruises, Viking marked its 100th ship delivery in 2025, cementing its place as a major player in the cruise industry with routes across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Antarctica.

How Is This Growth Being Driven by New Ships and Routes?

Cruise lines have capitalized on the growing demand for travel by introducing new ships, expanded itineraries, and specialized routes that cater to a diverse range of travelers.

• Royal Caribbean, for example, has increased its fleet and launched new routes in the Caribbean, Alaska, and the Mediterranean, making it one of the top mega-ship operators in the world.
• Disney Cruise Line continues to set new standards for family cruising with ships designed for both luxury and adventure, offering voyages to places like Japan, Singapore, and the Caribbean.
• Viking Cruises celebrated its 100th ship delivery in 2025, which will fuel its growth in expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Great Lakes.

These expansions are helping to meet the increasing demand for ocean cruises in regions like the Caribbean and Mediterranean, where passenger numbers continue to soar.

Where Are the Cruise Lines Breaking Records?

Many ports have reported record-breaking seasons in 2025, including:

• PortMiami: Welcoming 10 new ships and setting records for both deployments and passenger throughput, with destinations ranging from the Caribbean to Europe.
• Port of Galveston: A surge in passenger numbers has led to a record-breaking year, driven by increased cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe.
• Greenock Cruise Port: Record season with increased inaugural visits, mainly focused on Northern Europe and expedition routes to Antarctica.

Conclusion: The Future of Cruising Looks Bright

The 2025 cruise season has proven to be a record-breaker across the industry, with major lines like Celestyal Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Viking leading the way. The demand for Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Alaska cruises has reached new heights, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.

With new ships, expanded itineraries, and a growing number of travelers seeking unique, immersive experiences, the future of cruising is looking brighter than ever. Whether it’s the Greek Islands, the Caribbean, or the wilds of Alaska, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year in the world of cruising.

Image: Royal Caribbean