Cruise Market Analysis: Data Collected in December 2025
A detailed analysis of booking trends with year-end updated data.
The December 2025 data for the cruise observatory highlight interesting dynamics. The market continues to be dominated by major brands. Regarding destinations, the Western Mediterranean continues to attract the majority of travelers, but there is a growing relevance of long-haul cruises to the United Arab Emirates and the Caribbean. Balcony cabins finally surpass Inside cabins, confirming the preference for comfort. Simultaneously, the average cost per person and per booking, while still high, shows a slight decrease compared to the peak recorded in 2024, reaching €1570 and €3934 respectively, indicating a stabilization of spending by travelers.
Most Popular Destinations (2025 Data)
The chart shows the percentage distribution of bookings for the most requested itineraries, based on data collected in December. The analysis reveals that interest has focused on Mediterranean routes that include Malta, Spain, and France, closely followed by itineraries touching Tunisia. There is also significant appeal for long-haul markets, particularly towards the United Arab Emirates. Travelers prefer itineraries that offer a diverse cultural and historical mix, keeping the Central Mediterranean crucial for logistics. (90 words)
Average Cost Per Person (2021-2025 Trend)
This line chart highlights the trend of the average cost per person in Euros (€) incurred by travelers from 2021 to 2025. In 2025, the cost per person (€1570) is down compared to the peak recorded in 2024, reflecting a stabilization of prices in the sector. Despite the slight decrease, the value remains high, suggesting a preference for comprehensive packages, luxury cabins (Balcony/Suite), and longer or more exotic itineraries. Cost analysis is a key factor for the sector's economics. (94 words)
Average Cost Per Booking (2021-2025 Trend)
This line chart tracks the trend of the average cost in Euros (€) incurred for a single cruise booking between 2021 and 2025. The average booking cost in 2025 (€3934) is slightly down compared to the 2024 record. Although recording a slight drop, the cost remains significantly high compared to previous years, reflecting the tendency for trips that include more services, higher quality accommodations, or longer duration itineraries. (88 words)
Passenger Demographics by Age and Sex (2025 Data)
The stacked bar chart offers a detailed demographic breakdown of passengers booked for 2025, based on December data, distinguishing by sex within each age group. The bars show the percentage composition of women and men. The 46-55 segment confirms itself as the most active, with a slight female predominance. Older age groups (56-65 and 65+) maintain strong interest, with an almost equal distribution between the sexes. (78 words)
Most Used Departure Ports (2025 Data)
The horizontal bar chart represents the percentage of departures made from the ten most used ports for 2025 cruises, according to December data. The Italian ports of Genoa and Civitavecchia continue to dominate, consolidating their role as Mediterranean hubs. There is growing importance for international ports like Miami and Dubai, which serve as hubs for long-haul cruises (Emirates, Caribbean). This diversification is strategic for attracting different types of travelers. (84 words)
Cabin Type Trends (Quota % of annual total)
The line chart illustrates the historical evolution, from 2021 to 2025, of customer preference for cabin type. For 2025, the Balcony cabin (41.6%) surpasses the Inside cabin (39.3%), marking a turning point. This trend indicates that travelers are increasingly willing to invest in comfort and the onboard experience. Outside cabins and Suites maintain stable but minority shares. The analysis is based on year-end December data. (82 words)
Traveler Composition (2021-2025 Trend)
This stacked bar chart shows the evolution of the percentage breakdown of total bookings, segmented by traveler type (Couples, Families, Singles, and Groups). In 2025, Couples (56%) remain the dominant segment, followed by Families (35%). The share of Singles and Groups remains minority and stable, suggesting that cruises are primarily perceived as an experience for two or for nuclear families. This analysis is fundamental for targeting and promotional offers. (87 words)
