Cruise bookings surge in Indian as travellers embrace short breaks and last-minute holidays: Int2Cruises

Cruise travel is gaining ground among Indian holidaymakers, with new trends emerging in planning behaviour, destination preferences, and booking channels, according to a new report released by Int2Cruises, Asia’s cruise-first online travel platform. The study reveals that Indian travellers are prioritising cruises as their preferred holiday option, with smarter planning and greater confidence in digital discovery. The report outlines how the market is reshaping cruise demand across Asia and beyond.

According to Int2Cruises, 66% of Indian travellers already know when they want to travel, and 82% are clear about their preferred destinations before seeking assistance or booking through any platform. However, despite this clarity, most cruise bookings are still made at the last minute. Nearly 69% of Indian travellers book within 90 days of departure, with 80% of Asia sailings reserved in the same short window.

Singapore is a favoured cruise hub in Asia, where nearly half of Indian bookings are made within 45 days of sailing. The trend extends to long-haul routes as well. Around 72% of bookings for Europe, Alaska, and the Caribbean are made within four months of travel, significantly shorter than global averages, where 40% of bookings happen three to six months in advance and 24% are made over half a year prior.

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The data shows that over 70% of Indian travellers prefer regional cruises, especially within Asia. Europe remains the top long-haul destination, with the Western Mediterranean accounting for 71% of Indian interest in European sailings. Destinations such as Scandinavia, Northern and Eastern Europe make up the remaining share.

The report also notes a notable shift in booking patterns. While 60% of Indian cruise bookings still go through traditional travel agents or online aggregators, a growing 40% are now taking place through non-traditional avenues. These include credit card and bank loyalty programmes, airline partnerships, lifestyle brands, influencer content, and events. This shift indicates that Indian cruise travellers are exploring cruises through a broader, more fragmented discovery network.

Cruise preferences also vary widely by age group and destination. Singapore attracts a multigenerational audience, making it ideal for family holidays. Hong Kong appeals more to younger families, while Alaska sees a majority of travellers aged 44–69. Australia and New Zealand have high interest among travellers aged 70 and above, while the Caribbean and Bahamas resonate most with those aged 28–43. Europe and China show balanced appeal across both younger and middle-aged travellers.

Cruise demand also shows a divide between new and seasoned ships. While 68% of bookings are for seasoned vessels chosen for their destinations, newer ships drive bookings through novelty and design alone. Destinations often experience up to a 32% increase in demand when a new ship is introduced.

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The seasonal nature of bookings is another key finding. May is the peak month for cruise reservations, followed by strong demand during summer holidays (March–June) and winter breaks in December. Delhi leads as the largest source market, contributing over 25% of all bookings and 30% of revenue. Maharashtra and Gujarat follow closely behind, indicating strong interest from affluent urban centres.

Indian cruise travellers also display distinct travel styles. Couples and nuclear families make up 58% of the market, while multi-generational families and celebration groups are growing segments, particularly for Asia sailings. Globally, multi-generational travellers account for an even larger share.

Shorter trips dominate. A vast majority (77%) of Indian cruise passengers opt for cruises of 3–5 nights, while only 2% choose itineraries longer than 10 nights. In terms of accommodation, private balcony rooms are preferred by 66% of travellers, while suites attract 12% and interior or ocean-view cabins are selected by 22%, pointing to a comfort-first, value-conscious mindset.

Expedition cruises to destinations like Antarctica attract older audiences, with over 88% of bookings coming from travellers aged 35 and above. Europe also remains popular with more mature segments, with travellers aged 44–69 making up 65% of the demand.

The report notes a strong pattern of repeat travel, with 66% of repeat cruisers taking holidays annually, and 27% travelling every two years. A niche 7% travel less frequently, but represent a loyal customer base.

Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson for Int2Cruises said, “What we’re witnessing is the rise of a new generation of cruise travellers — more curious, value-conscious, and digitally confident. They no longer see cruising as a niche or once-in-a-lifetime holiday, but as an accessible, repeatable experience. Yet, the booking journey remains fragmented and complex. Int2Cruises was built to bridge this gap — to bring transparency, choice, and simplicity into cruise planning. Our vision is to make cruises the most seamless holiday option for Indian travellers."