According to the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), over 37 million people are expected to go on a cruise in 2025.
But which cruise types are increasing in popularity? Travel experts at Iglu Cruise have compared Google Trends search data to reveal the cruise types which have seen the biggest increase in searches in April 2025 compared to 12 months ago (April 2024).
Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Iglu Cruise, has also offered some insights into the different types of cruises.
The following cruise types saw the biggest percentage increase:
Data: Iglu Cruise
| Cruise Type | Number of Google searches (April 2024) | Number of Google searches (April 2025) | Percentage Change |
| Repositioning Cruise | 1,000 | 3,000 | 200% |
| Expedition Cruise | 1,000 | 2,000 | 100% |
| Solo Cruise | 9,000 | 11,000 | 22.22% |
| Luxury Cruise | 24,000 | 26,000 | 8.33% |
| Fly Cruise | 92,000 | 97,000 | 5.43% |
| River Cruise | 165,000 | 172,000 | 4.24% |
| Family Cruise | 45,000 | 46,000 | 2.22% |
*data was collected using Google Trends Glimpse for April 2024 and April 2025
Repositioning cruises saw the biggest increase in Google Searches compared to last year, increasing by 200%. Dave Mills said:
“In the last year, we’ve seen all the global continents and destinations launch back in full force. We’ve also seen the rise in popularity of repositioning cruises, along with transoceanic cruises. Not only are these often at great value prices, but they have fewer ports of call, giving you the chance to take full advantage of what the ship has to offer. We’ve also seen more travellers adding pre- and post-hotel stays to extend their stays in iconic port destinations overseas.”
Searches for expedition cruises increased by 100% compared to April 2024. Dave Mills said:
“Interest in expedition cruises has been rising steadily in recent years. These cruises allow guests to explore destinations off the beaten track, making for a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. With many specialist ships making waves and new ships emerging, the expedition club is becoming more accessible and more luxurious. Reaching the far corners of the planet other cruise ships simply cannot go, expedition itineraries include the Galapagos, Arctic and Antarctic, Falklands and South Pacific islands.”
Solo cruises were another cruise type that saw interest spike in 2025, increasing by 22% since last year. Dave Mills said:
“Cruise lines are actively catering more for single guests, and solo guests are forming a growing percentage of guests onboard. This helps to increase solo traveller events and means more like-minded travellers are visiting some amazing destinations across the world. We’ve seen demand for solo cruises rise in the last few years, with more cruise lines offering solo cabins as a result. Many of our solo passengers come away with new friends whom they met onboard the ships. Plus, your safety is paramount on a solo cruise, with highly-trained staff onboard the ships looking after you along the way.”
Searches for luxury cruises increased by 8% in April 2025. Dave Mills said:
“Many travellers of all ages enjoy a luxury cruise. Whether it be for a special occasion, such as an anniversary or birthday, graduation or honeymoon. Luxury cruises are simply the best in class when it comes to an ocean-going holiday, with plenty of choices to match all bucket-lists and budgets, and typically all-inclusive as standard, all you have to do is sit back and relax.”
Fly cruises increased by 5% in the last 12 months. Dave Mills said:
“Fly cruises work just like a standard package cruise holiday. You fly from your choice of regional airport and are then met at the other end and transferred to the departure port of your cruise ship. After a relaxing cruise holiday, you are transferred back to the airport for your flight home. The benefit of a cruise with a flight included is that you are immediately in the heart of the action, rather than taking a day or two at sea to get there. This gives you more time to visit the different ports of call – if your main aim is to explore lots of different places”
Searches for River cruises also increased in the last year, by 4%. Dave Mills said:
“River cruising offers a relaxed and elegant way of travelling to destinations such as Europe, Russia, and China, taking in beautiful destinations and diverse cultures. We offer an exciting range of river cruises, from a variety of river cruise lines sailing to destinations across the globe.”
Finally, family cruises increased by 2%. Dave Mills said:
“Family cruises are popular all year round, however, late summer is a great option if you have children who aren’t yet in school. September or early October is a great time to go away as the shoulder season can be a little cheaper compared to the summer months, so many families look for last-minute deals in September. Plus, you still get lots of sunshine in many European destinations, but not quite the heat.”
