Cruise Bookings Surge 27% as Travelers Shift Holiday Spending from Gifts to Experiences

Preliminary data from Club Cruise shows a 27% increase in December booking inquiries compared with the same period last year, signaling a strong rebound in cruise and curated vacation interest as travelers shift their holiday spending from gifts to experiences. According to Club Cruise's internal tracking, the surge began with post-Black Friday "Travel Tuesday" momentum and has accelerated as families and couples seek bucket-list vacations for 2026 and 2027.

"As more consumers trade physical gifts for memories, we're seeing a clear spike in interest — not just window-shopping," said Amanda Huber, CEO of Club Cruise. "Those 27% more calls and quote-requests represent real people seriously planning their next journey." This weekend's Travel Tuesday resurgence has helped reignite interest in meaningful, experience-based travel. Club Cruise reports that many inquirers are explicitly referencing holiday gifting: parents and grandparents seeking summer 2026 multi-generational cruises; couples looking for romantic Mediterranean sailings; friends planning group river-cruises; and solo travelers wanting cultural itineraries.

According to Club Cruise advisors, the top five destinations and trip types fueling the current surge include European river cruises on waterways like the Danube, Rhine, and Douro; luxury small-ship cruises in the South Pacific and Tahiti; Alaska cruisetours for multi-generational family groups; Mediterranean cultural voyages and guided land tours in Italy, Greece, and Ireland; and all-inclusive curated vacations combining cruise, hotel, transfers, and expert planning. Huber adds, "Many callers say they want to give loved ones memories, not more stuff. And for savvy travelers, early planning is essential — prime cabins and best itineraries are already booking up fast."

Club Cruise was founded in 1991 and has maintained a unique brand identity and national reputation for more than 30 years. From its early beginnings as a national cruise-only agency accessible via 1-800-CLUB-SEA to its evolution into a full-service, concierge-level luxury travel planner, Club Cruise has focused on personalized service, value, and expertise. That legacy matters now more than ever as online discount platforms flood the market. Club Cruise distinguishes itself through expert planning and insider knowledge, deep relationships with major cruise lines and global suppliers, and a consistent reputation for reliability built over decades.

"This 27% uptick isn't just about post-holiday promotions," Huber notes. "It reflects decades of brand value — people who trust the name Club Cruise to deliver when it matters." In light of the strong Travel Tuesday response and holiday-gifting shift, Club Cruise is offering free, no-obligation 20-minute travel consultations this week to help clients plan 2026–2027 vacations. Travelers can call 1-800-CLUB-SEA or visit https://www.ClubCruise.com to explore cruise options, compare promotions, and secure early reservations before cabins and air availability tighten.