The Next Wave: How Millennials and Gen Z Are Redefining the Cruise Guest Experience

Raconteur Team
Jul 30
2 min read

Why understanding tomorrow’s guest is the key to driving engagement today.

There’s a quiet revolution happening at sea.

For years, cruising has been defined by its loyal base of Gen X and Baby Boomer travelers, guests who value comfort, consistency, and classic experiences. But today, the tide is shifting. Over a third of cruise guests are now under 40, and nearly 81% of those aged 29 to 44 plan to cruise again.

That’s not just a trend. That’s a transformation.

Younger travelers are no longer the future of cruising. They’re the present.

And they’re bringing a different set of expectations with them.

Millennials and Gen Z aren’t looking for the same onboard experiences as their parents. They’re driven by curiosity, emotion, and identity. They value moments over materials, personalization over prestige, and community over convention.

They don’t just want to be served, they want to be seen.

So how does the cruise industry evolve to meet them where they are, without losing what makes cruising unique?

We believe the answer lies in a new kind of enrichment. One that feels less like a scheduled program, and more like a discovery. One that mirrors the way this new generation travels, with intention, spontaneity, and meaning.

At Raconteur, we design immersive guest experiences that speak to this shift.

Workshops that spark connection
Enrichment that feels curated, not scripted
Storytelling that invites the guest to be the main character

This generation has grown up with personalisation as standard. They curate their coffee orders, playlists, workouts, and wardrobes, so naturally, they expect their travel experiences to feel just as tailored.

What they’re craving isn’t more amenities. It’s more meaning.

And when cruise lines respond to that, not just with apps and wearables, but with experiences that surprise, engage, and emotionally resonate, the impact is undeniable. Higher satisfaction. Stronger reviews. More loyal returners. And yes, more onboard spend.

Because younger guests don’t just want a great cruise.They want a story they’ll still be telling long after they’ve disembarked.