Top Trends One Month Into Wave Season
Wave season—the prime time for booking cruises—is well underway, and we’re already seeing some clear trends emerge in cruise travel insurance. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser dreaming of your next voyage or a first-timer setting sail, understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions, choose the right insurance, and know when to buy.
1. Cruise Insurance Sales Are on the Rise
Imagine this: You’ve meticulously planned your dream cruise, chosen the perfect itinerary, and eagerly awaited the departure date. Then, out of the blue, an unexpected illness, flight cancellations, or adverse weather conditions threaten to disrupt everything. These things happen, and they can impact your trip, hurting your wallet and your memories.
Cruise insurance is gaining more traction than ever, offering a safety net for your travel plans.
- An 8% increase in cruise insurance purchases indicates that travelers are becoming more aware of the potential risks of cruising and the need for adequate protection.
- The most significant boost came from non-U.S. destinations, with sales rising about 9.5% in the first month of wave season.
Travelers are getting smarter, ensuring they have coverage (often comprehensive) before setting sail. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that travel insurance is no longer a maybe on the packing list but a must-have, especially for adventure cruises.
2. Top Cruise Destinations Are Shifting
If you thought Mexico was the ultimate cruise destination, think again. This year, the Bahamas has taken the lead, opening up a new world of possibilities for cruise enthusiasts.
- The Bahamas surpassed Mexico as the top-insured destination with a year-over-year growth of about 65%.
- Spain and the UK saw significant growth, both moving up in ranking as top cruise insurance destinations. This could be due to the increasing popularity of European cruises, which offer a unique blend of history, adventure, and luxury on the high seas.
3. Travelers Are Booking Earlier
While booking insurance early may not be as thrilling as choosing excursions, it’s proving to be a game-changer for savvy travelers, ensuring they are well-prepared for their upcoming adventures. Travelers are taking advantage of wave season pricing, buying their travel insurance nearly 4 months before setting sail.
Booking insurance early unlocks essential benefits like interruption coverage, emergency medical coverage, and pre-existing condition waivers for any reason. This flexibility gives travelers greater peace of mind, making it a smart move in the current travel landscape, which includes political drama and climate change, such as warmer weather leading to bigger waves and more risk of sea sickness.
4. Older Travelers Continue to Dominate Cruise Travel
Who’s heading out on cruises? Close your eyes and picture a typical cruise passenger. If you imagined an experienced traveler, cocktail in hand, soaking in the sunset—it’s likely a Baby Boomer; at least, that’s what our data is currently showing.
- Last year, Baby Boomers made up nearly 48% of insured cruise travelers the previous year and remain dominant at 46% this year.
- Gen X travelers increased their presence, growing from 21% to 23% of insured travelers.
The cruise industry still skews older, but younger generations are warming up to the idea—especially as cruise lines introduce modern entertainment, wellness-focused itineraries, and adventure-packed excursions.
Are you curious about where the younger generation is heading? Take a look at their travel trends.
5. Cruise Trip Costs Are Rising
Cruising has always been a favorite way to explore the world comfortably, but it’s becoming a pricier adventure in 2025. Even with economic uncertainties, travelers aren’t cutting back—they’re spending more than ever on their cruise vacations.
- The average cruise trip cost has increased from $6,649 to $6,767 per traveler.
- Travelers heading to Antarctica, one of the most remote and breathtaking destinations, are now paying $21,652 on average, up from $19,163.
- Cruises to Spain and Italy, rich in history, cuisine, and stunning coastlines, now cost more than $10,000 per traveler.
While these rising costs reflect the growing demand for immersive, high-end experiences—think luxury suites, exclusive shore excursions, and all-inclusive perks—they also mean travelers are putting more money on the line.
Bottom Line:
Wave season is in full swing, and the trends speak for themselves—more travelers are insuring their cruises, destination preferences are shifting, and early insurance purchases are becoming the norm.
If you’re booking a cruise, compare policies to find the best coverage for your trip.
So, where will your next voyage take you?