Generation Z discovers cruises: trend or environmental failure?

Generation Z discovers cruises: trend or environmental failure?

The cruise industry is becoming increasingly popular with Generation Z, despite the serious environmental damage associated with this type of travel. This young generation, long considered climate-conscious, is showing a growing interest in cruises, according to recent reports from fr.de and watson.ch prove. The “State of Cruise Industry Report” 2025 found that around 20% of cruise passengers are between 20 and 39 years old, making them the largest age group.

An Instagram post from popular content creator Host Wyn illustrates how cruises are increasingly tailored to Generation Z trends. Formats such as Hyrox cruises, which combine fitness and wellness, as well as festival trips, are well received. The article contains both enthusiastic and critical voices regarding the environmental impact of cruises. In fact, according to a YouGov study commissioned by AIDA Cruises, 58% of young respondents say sustainability is important to their travel decisions.

Climate protection and cruises

The paradoxical situation that a generation that is actively committed to climate protection is at the same time interested in environmentally harmful cruises is the focus of the discussion. While 25% of young respondents have already taken cruises, 22% are specifically planning to book one. This is attributed, among other things, to the dwindling relevance of the climate movement and the desire for immediate access to various travel destinations. The perceived honesty of cruises compared to “consumed” individual tourism reinforces this trend.

However, a central point of the discussion remains the sustainable design of these trips. The Federal Environment Agency reports that a seven-day cruise causes around 0.95 tons of CO₂ equivalents per person. There is also criticism that cruise ships use heavy oils, which are more harmful to the environment than diesel in cars or trucks.

Environmental concerns and social impacts

The ecological impact of cruises should not be underestimated. According to studies, cruise ships generate a quarter of the solid waste in global maritime transport every year. In addition, the ships also require electricity in port, which means they often continue to run, which increases CO₂ emissions. The social impact is also negative: on average, cruise tourists spend three times less money on land, which puts local economies under pressure. Ports often require expensive adaptations to accommodate large cruise ships; Examples of this are the measures in Venice and future planning in Amsterdam.

In summary, the shores of the cruise industry, fed by Generation Z demand, create both environmental and social challenges. The question of sustainability remains a central issue, even if price and special experiences are often prioritized over environmental concerns.