Cruise passenger average age drops 11 years, study finds

The average age of a cruise guest passenger has dropped by 11 years since pre-pandemic, according to analysis from Cruise.co.uk.

The cruise specialist analysed data from 500,00 passengers which found that for bookings made to date in 2024, the average age was 55-years-old compared to 66-years-old in 2019.

Trends for multi-generational travel, new ships with family-friendly attractions and itineraries with worldwide destinations were highlighted as contributing factors.

Cruise.co.uk’s sister company Seascanner has also found the average age of booked passengers has decreased.

Passengers booked with Seascanner so far in 2024 averaged 42-years-old, three years younger than in 2022.

Tony Andrews, managing director of Cruise.co.uk, said: “These findings are clear evidence of cruise’s growing appeal to a wider audience.

“As new ships and itineraries emerge, passengers of all ages are discovering that a holiday at sea offers a host of one-of-a-kind experiences, both onboard and ashore, with activities designed to appeal to all tastes.

“When coupled with unbeatable value for money, it really does make cruise the go-to getaway for more people than ever before.”