If you had asked me a few years ago whether I wanted to go on a cruise, my answer probably would have been no.

Like many people in their 30s, I assumed cruises were mostly for retirees. I pictured crowded buffet lines, dated décor, average food, and an experience that just wasn’t really designed for someone like me.

I had cruised as a kid and again as a teenager, but it never left a lasting impression. So for years, I focused my travel on cities, resorts, road trips, and international adventures on land.

Then in the fall of 2024, I stepped aboard Celebrity Beyond for my first cruise as an adult. Within a few hours, I realized I had been completely wrong.

Modern Cruising Isn’t What Many People Think It Is

One of the biggest surprises was how different the experience felt from the cruise ships I remembered.

Celebrity Beyond felt less like a traditional cruise ship and more like a beautifully designed boutique resort that just happened to float. The architecture was stunning, the public spaces were thoughtfully designed, and there was artwork throughout the ship. Every area felt intentional.

The food also exceeded my expectations. Having spent more than a decade managing top restaurants and private members clubs, I’m probably more critical than the average traveller when it comes to dining experiences. Food, wine, and cocktails matter to me. The quality was genuinely impressive.

The entertainment was another pleasant surprise. As someone who has seen well over 160 plays and musicals, I tend to have high expectations. The productions onboard were polished, creative, and genuinely entertaining.

Then there was the service. Hospitality can make or break a trip, and the crew consistently delivered an exceptional experience.

The Average Cruiser Is Younger Than You Think

One of the most common objections I hear is that cruises are only for older travellers. The reality is much more nuanced.

I’ve now sailed with both Celebrity Cruises and Virgin Voyages (plus Royal Caribbean as a teen), and the demographics vary significantly depending on the cruise line.

Virgin Voyages, for example, has one of the youngest average passenger ages in the industry and offers an adults only experience. The atmosphere is social, energetic, and often continues well into the evening.

Celebrity offers a more premium and relaxed experience, but still attracts a wide variety of travellers. On my sailing, there were only 29 children onboard despite there being thousands of guests.

The cruise line you choose matters. A Disney cruise will attract a very different crowd than a luxury cruise with Regent Seven Seas. Likewise, Virgin Voyages feels very different from Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line. There really is a cruise line for almost every type of traveller.

Why More Travellers in Their 30s and 40s Are Cruising

I’ve noticed a growing number of my friends and clients beginning to explore cruising. Many of them had the exact same reservations I did.

They assumed cruises were designed for their parents’ generation. Then they tried one. Particularly through group trips I’ve organized, I’ve seen people go from being completely skeptical to becoming enthusiastic cruise fans after a single voyage. Part of the appeal is value.

Cruising allows you to visit multiple destinations in one trip while only unpacking once. In a single week, you might experience three, four, or even five different ports across several countries. For many travellers, that’s incredibly appealing.

It’s also a fantastic way to sample destinations. Maybe you spend a day exploring San Juan, Puerto Rico, wandering through the colourful streets of Old San Juan. Maybe you fall in love with Saint Lucia’s dramatic scenery. Maybe the Cayman Islands end up becoming your new favourite Caribbean destination.

If a destination speaks to you, you can always return for a longer land-based vacation later.

There Is More to Do Than You Might Expect

Another misconception is that cruises are boring. In my experience, the opposite is true.

If you enjoy fitness, many modern ships offer impressive gyms, fitness classes, pickleball, basketball, and wellness programming.

If you enjoy nightlife, certain cruise lines offer bars, live music, themed parties, and entertainment well into the night.

If you prefer a slower pace, there are trivia competitions, games, educational programming, and plenty of quiet spaces to relax.

You can make a cruise as active or as relaxed as you want it to be. Personally, I love the combination of exploring new destinations during the day and then returning to incredible dining, entertainment, and social experiences onboard.

I also enjoy meeting people from all walks of life. Travel naturally attracts curious people, and some of the most interesting conversations I’ve had while travelling have happened onboard a cruise ship.

Is Cruising Right for Everyone?

Not necessarily. Travellers who want to spend every waking moment deeply immersed in a single destination may prefer a land-based itinerary. Cruises are often a fantastic introduction to a destination, but they’re usually not the deepest way to experience it.

That said, I think many people dismiss cruising before giving it a fair chance. Whether it’s an ocean voyage through the Caribbean, a river cruise through Europe, or an expedition sailing somewhere more remote, there are more options available today than ever before.

If you’ve been curious about cruising but aren’t sure where to start, let’s connect.

One of the things I enjoy most as a travel advisor is helping people find the type of travel that genuinely fits their personality, interests, and budget. Sometimes that’s a cruise, and sometimes it’s something completely different.

But if you’ve been avoiding cruising because you think it’s only for older travellers, I can tell you from personal experience that assumption might be worth challenging.