The luxury travel industry is witnessing a marked pivot toward sea-based experiences, as charter and yacht cruise demand escalates sharply in the post-pandemic era.
According to industry reports, the global yacht-cruise market reached an estimated US $16.7 billion in 2024 and is on track for robust growth through 2033.
While the exact figure of “up 52 % in 2025” has not been publicly verified, multiple sources highlight double-digit increases in luxury yacht charter activity and experiential bookings in 2025.
Affluent travellers are increasingly favouring private yacht cruises over traditional luxury travel formats such as resort stays or guided tours.
The shift stems from growing demand for privacy, flexibility and personalised service. According to a luxury-travel survey the “cruise/ship expedition” segment accounted for roughly 48 % of affluent travel bookings in 2025.
For companies that specialise in chartering and managing high-end vessels this trend presents a significant growth axis. As demand spreads beyond the Mediterranean and Caribbean into the Asia-Pacific market and beyond, firms with global reach and regional insight will lead the charge.
Kamnaki Maria, Reservation Manager at DanEri Yachts, says:
“We are experiencing a clear surge in yacht-cruise bookings in 2025, especially from clients seeking both exclusivity and adventure at sea. At DanEri Yachts we focus on delivering seamless service across multiple regions so our clients can move rapidly from one luxury destination to another without sacrificing quality or safety.”
