Cruise bookings are surging, and small ships are converting cruise skeptics fastest

Cruise demand this summer is rising fastest among travelers choosing smaller ships, with bookings up 144% year over year. The article says the biggest growth is coming from expedition itineraries and ultra-luxury yachts rather than mega-ships. Expedition cruises are up 168% year over year, driven by access to smaller, less-visited destinations and more time outdoors. The most-booked expedition lines include National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, HX Expeditions and Quark Expeditions. Atlas Ocean Voyages is also highlighted for early-access reservations to the Atlas Adventurer’s inaugural 2028 season. On the ultra-luxury side, bookings jumped for lines such as Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima, Ilma and Luminara.