Over two-thirds of Brits (68%) say going on a cruise makes them more confident to travel to new destinations, according to new research from cruise specialists Cruise118.com. The nationwide survey of 2,000 UK adults found that cruising is increasingly helping travellers step outside their comfort zones and explore places they might otherwise feel daunted to visit.
The confidence boost is particularly strong among younger generations, with 74% of under 40s saying cruises encourage them to be more adventurous when travelling – challenging the long-held stereotype that cruising mainly appeals to older holidaymakers.
Instead, the research suggests cruises are becoming a gateway to global travel for younger travellers who want to see more of the world without the stress of navigating unfamiliar destinations alone.
The study also highlights changes in how Brits approach holiday planning in recent years.
Almost three in five (59%) say they are now more spontaneous about booking travel than before the pandemic.
Nearly two in five (39%) said they would be happy to plan a holiday just a few weeks in advance, compared with only 17% who prefer to plan more than four months ahead.
Younger travellers are leading this trend, with 71% of both Gen Z and Millennials describing themselves as spontaneous holiday planners.
By comparison, over half (58%) of Gen X and Baby Boomers (55%) say they take a more considered approach when planning a trip.
Changing attitudes towards travel are also influencing the type of holidays Brits want to take.
Around 32% say they are seeking slower, more immersive travel experiences, allowing them to spend longer exploring destinations and engaging with local culture.
This trend is particularly popular among travellers aged 60 and over, with 34% saying they want to prioritise slower travel experiences in 2026.
Meanwhile, 43% of travellers aged over 40 are becoming more adventurous in their activities, saying hiking, camping, and nature-based trips are high on their holiday plans for 2026.
When asked about dream travel experiences, seeing the Northern Lights topped the nation’s bucket list, chosen by 28% of respondents. Whilst visiting the Pyramids of Giza ranked second (18%), followed by the Great Barrier Reef (13%).
Lindsay Haslehurst, Head of Product & Commercial at Cruise118.com, commented on the findings, saying: “What our data tells us is that travel means so much more to people than just a holiday. Instead, we’re seeing a shift in how people approach their holidays. For example, our study reveals that they want richer experiences, they want to explore more of the world without the stress, and they’re increasingly turning to cruises to do exactly that. The fact that younger generations are getting such a confidence boost from cruising is particularly exciting for us, as they represent the adventurers of the future, and it’s brilliant to see them using cruises to discover just how much the world has to offer.”
“It’s heartening to see the confidence that people are gaining through cruise travel. So much of what holds people back from exploring new destinations, such as unfamiliar transport, language barriers, and not knowing how to get around, simply disappears on a cruise. Everything is taken care of, so you’re free to just enjoy the discovery. To see Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge and feeling that confidence boost is resounding evidence that cruising isn’t just for one type of traveller. Rather, it’s for anyone who wants to see more of the world.”
TOP FIVE BUCKET LIST PLACES FOR 2026
- Northern Lights – 28%
- Great Barrier Reef -13%
- Statue of Liberty – 11%
- Great Wall of China -9%
- Antarctica expedition -7%
Photo by Jose Parra: https://www.pexels.com/photo/luxurious-cruise-ship-sailing-at-sunset-32609064/