Travelers are ready to set sail. But on which body of water? The arrival of cruise ships in Western and Central New York, for the first time in decades, has travelers considering a cruise for their next vacation. And there are certainly many options to choose from.

American Cruise Lines’ new small ship, American Patriot, was the center of attention when it made its debut in ports like Oswego, Rochester, and Buffalo in May. The U.S. flagged cruise ship holds about 130 passengers. Residents and reporters alike headed to waterways to snap photos and videos of the ship, which raised a lot of questions. Is there a pool? A casino? Why is it so pricey?

For starters, the ship is complete with a sun deck, private balconies, and a lounge area, but you won’t find a pool or a casino. With limited availability (seven cruises in and out of Buffalo this summer), unique opportunities mean higher price tags with a more refined experience focused on all-inclusive gourmet cuisine and cocktails in an intimate atmosphere focused on personalized service. And the real draw? The history of the Great Lakes.

“The arrival of cruise ships to Buffalo harkens back to the city’s past, when passenger steamboats ferried thousands of passengers between Buffalo, Cleveland, and Detroit in the early 1900s,” said Visit Buffalo President & CEO Patrick Kaler. “The return of cruise ships to Buffalo emphasizes the resurgence of interest in the city as a tourist destination.”

And it’s also fueling an interest in the booming cruise ship industry. This year, AAA projects 21.7 million Americans will go on ocean cruises after 20.7 million cruised in 2025. AAA is forecasting that the year-over-year increase will be an 8.4% jump from 2024 to 2025 and a 4.5% bounce from 2025 to 2026.

“Cruising offers something for everyone, and AAA’s projections reflect the growing demand for cruises,” said Josie Nicotra, Director of Travel at AAA Western and Central New York. “From exploring Alaska or the Caribbean on ocean cruise liners to immersing yourself in Europe on a river cruise or experiencing waterways here in the U.S., cruising offers variety, convenience, and lifelong memories.”

Ocean Cruises

The Caribbean is by far the most popular cruise destination for Americans, capturing 72% of U.S. cruise passengers. That’s why Miami, Port Canaveral, and Fort Lauderdale, all in Florida, are the busiest cruise ports in the world.

“Mega cruise ships offer unmatched value by providing a wide array of experiences for the entire family,” Nicotra noted. “They’re extremely popular with multi-generational travelers because they offer something for every age group from rock climbing and kids' clubs to casinos and nightlife.”

The Caribbean’s popularity is also bolstered by the increase in affordable shorter-length cruises, which passengers like because they’re convenient, and cruise lines like because they can schedule more itineraries and sell more cabins. Add in the cruise lines’ private islands, and it’s hard to say no to your own private paradise, even if it’s just for a day.

Alaska

The Alaska cruise season officially kicked off with Memorial Day and drove up travel by about five percent for the holiday weekend, with Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver among the top destinations. AAA projects seven percent of U.S. passengers will take Alaska cruises this year, which are extremely popular with Western and Central New Yorkers.

Why? They offer a different type of travel experience rather than a tropical cruise with unmatched scenery where cruisers can sit back and experience nature from the ship, or search for wildlife in their natural habitat on an excursion. The opportunity to explore the Final Frontier is a bucket list item for many travelers. One that used to be reserved for retirees.

“While Alaskan cruises still make the perfect retirement trip, we’re seeing more interest from families looking for adventure,” Nicotra explained. “A family reunion to explore Alaska is becoming more and more common.”

Nicotra recommends a land and sea package for travelers looking for the full Alaska experience.

River Cruising

Looking for a more intimate, adults-only cruise where you can immerse yourself in culture and history? A river cruise is for you. Imagine smaller ships with up to 150 guests staying in upscale accommodations, enjoying sun decks (many with pools), and casual elegance.

“Sailing on a river, which is very popular in Europe and Asia, offers travelers a unique perspective and affords them the opportunity to dock right in the heart of a city for easy cultural immersion,” Nicotra said.

Many excursions to castles, palaces, and medieval ruins are included in the cruise price, and travelers can choose from walking tours, hikes, cycling and more. Meals are centered around regional delicacies with locally sourced food and wine.

United States Cruising

As witnessed with the return of cruising to the Great Lakes, there’s a growing interest in exploring U.S. waterways. Most of the Great Lakes options are already sold out for 2026, while reservations on the Mississippi River typically fill up before new ships can even make their debut.

“Especially with the 250th anniversary of the country, we’re seeing a growing interest in travelers looking to explore the United States,” Nicotra said. “There’s so much charm, history, and hospitality to experience!”

Bon Voyage!

No matter which cruise you choose, on a lake, ocean, or river, the best part is that you only unpack once and you get to enjoy multiple experiences. It’s no wonder that cruising is so popular with repeat passengers. In fact, 90% of U.S. cruise passengers rate their experiences as very good or good, and 91% of them have taken multiple cruises. That means most people just have to try cruising once to get hooked!

Still not sure which cruise is best for you? AAA travel advisors can work with you to make sure your cruise meets your needs by explaining all your options, providing the most value, and offering support throughout the trip.

Ready to set sail? Let AAA's travel experts help you plan an unforgettable trip!

AAA Travel