Floating Cities & Never-Ending Trips, Cruises Will Look Very Different In The 2030s

Cruises have been a popular travel option for decades, with an abundance of cruise lines catering to solo travelers, couples, and families. The best parts of these floating resorts are the endless buffets, elegant restaurants, top entertainment acts, and the excitement of waking up in a new destination each day.

Recently, many cruise lines like Holland America and Royal Caribbean have started to change the game with specialized voyages like a 2026 solar eclipse cruise from America, the strangest themed cruises in 2025, and a nine-month cruise requiring two years of preparation. Ships are also becoming larger, more advanced, and decked out with amenities that rival five-star hotels.

Experts predict that cruises will continue to change as we enter the 2030s. From sustainable floating cities to permanent cruises where seniors can enjoy retired life, here’s a sneak peek of what to expect in the future.

Perpetual Cruises Will Be Normalized

Cruise lines are already starting to roll out residential ships

Perpetual cruises are set to become the next big thing in the cruise industry. In recent years, an increasing number of retirees have chosen to live on cruise ships, often finding it more affordable than traditional retirement homes and communities.

In 2024, the world’s first residential cruise ship, the Villa Vie Odyssey, set sail on its 3.5-year maiden voyage to 425 destinations across 147 countries. The eight-deck vessel currently houses 650 residents and offers five different room options for purchase, with prices ranging from $130,000 to $440,000. Ship amenities include three restaurants, five bars, a fitness center, a library, and an entertainment lounge.

Another company named Storylines is preparing to launch its first residential cruise in 2027, offering even more luxurious options. Residences range from studio apartments to four-bedroom suites priced between $675,000 and $10,000,000. The 18-deck ship will feature 20 restaurants, a garden, a 10,000-book library, three pools, and even a microbrewery.

Related

Villa Vie Odyssey’s Three Year Cruise Is Looking Like The Complete Opposite Of Royal Caribbean’s Recent Nine-Month Cruise

The Villa Vie Odyssey is once again heading back to Belfast, as the nightmare continues for passengers.

Cruise Ships Will Accommodate More Passengers Than Ever Before

Numbers will regularly exceed 10,000 per ship

Compared to ships of the past, modern cruise ships continue to grow in size with no signs of slowing down. For example, the Royal Mail Ship (RMS) Olympic, a sister ship of the Titanic built in 1911, was 882 feet long and could accommodate over 2,300 passengers.

A century later, the Carnival Magic, which embarked on its first voyage in 2011, measured 1,004 feet and could hold 3,690 guests. Around the same time, Royal Caribbean’s fleet pushed cruise capacity limits even further.

The Allure of the Seas, which set sail in 2010, had a maximum capacity of 6,780 passengers and stretched 1,187 feet.

Just over a decade later, a new fleet of mega-ships that redefine cruising as we know it has emerged. In 2024, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas set sail for the first time. Measuring 1,196 feet and accommodating up to 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity, this ship is currently known as the largest cruise ship in the world.

Due to rapid advancements in engineering and design, experts predict that future ships will surpass the 10,000-passenger mark in the 2030s.

Related

Renewing A Passport In 2025: This Is What You Need

Renewing a passport takes time, but it’s a simple process in 2025 if you’re eligible to renew online.

Cruises Will Be Popular Among Younger Crowds

Recent studies have shown that the average age of cruise-goers is decreasing

In the past, cruises were often seen as a travel option primarily for older, retired travelers. However, recent studies are proving that these perceptions are changing.

According to the May 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report conducted by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 27 percent of cruisers in the last two years were first-timers, a 12% increase from the previous two years. The same study revealed that 42 percent of cruise-goers were under the age of 40, while only 35 percent of cruise-goers between 2018 and 2022 were under 40.

Because of this shift, many cruise lines offer adult-only experiences tailored to Millennial and Gen Z travelers. For example, Virgin Voyages offers a variety of cruises designed specifically for younger adults, with immersive entertainment, aesthetic accommodations, and unique onboard experiences.

Other cruise lines gaining popularity with younger crowds and first-timers for their affordability and entertainment include:

• Carnival Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean Cruises

With so many changes to the cruise industry already in the works, it’s exciting to imagine just how different cruises will look in the 2030s.