Cruise expert Mark Barton, working with cruise travel insurance provider Avanti, has unveiled the new Quiet Cruise Guide. It shares top tips for avoiding rowdy crowds and the best routes for a quieter, relaxing voyage, following recent social media analysis* that revealed a growing appetite for calmer, tranquil cruises.
Wave Season runs from January to March, with major cruise liners offering huge discounts on holiday packages for the following year. Now is the prime time for Brits to explore the 2026 cruise holidays on offer, especially for holidaymakers looking for temperatures from 24-29°C during Spring, which can be found in the Caribbean.
Demand for cruise holidays is growing year-on-year, with the Caribbean a top destination
Data reveals that 2024 was a record year for passenger volume and predicts a continued rise in years to come. Royal Caribbean alone saw a 12% growth in passenger volume in 2024 compared to 2023, with 8.6 million passengers carried – the company’s highest figure reported to date.
2023 also saw 32 million people opting for cruise holidays, with over half of these choosing the Caribbean as their first location. Virgin Voyages named its three Caribbean routes as the most popular choices for 2024. That’s why cruise expert Mark Barton is working with cruise travel insurance provider Avanti to reveal some alternative options with quieter cruise routes that are slightly less overcrowded and promise a relaxing escape.
“Rowdy crowds are the last thing you want on a holiday that’s supposed to be relaxing,” Mark says so it pays to do your research and choose your cruise wisely. “With Royal Caribbean reporting more young people than ever before embarking on cruise holidays and videos of wild onboard parties going viral on social media, it’s understandable why you might be sceptical of which route to choose, especially with so many on offer.
The growing popularity of mainstream cruises is clearly reflected in social engagement. Avanti’s analysis* shows that posts featuring mainstream or party cruises receive over 8,000 likes on average.
“If you’ve been dreaming of a peaceful spring cruise, hope is not lost! Travel insurance provider Avanti’s Quiet Cruise Guide has everything you need, from popular cruises to plenty of alternative routes that are just as enjoyable without the influx of chaotic crowds so your cruise can be relaxing and stress-free, just as a holiday should be.”
Expert-backed destination dupes for your dream cruise
Social media data* shows that 16% of Instagram posts from popular cruise-related hashtags increasingly highlight alternative destinations. In these posts, the emphasis on ‘getaway’ and ‘escape’ suggests that passengers actively seek routes that provide a true break from crowded tourism hotspots. So, what are the perfect dupes of your dream cruise?
Sea of Cortez & Baja Peninsula instead of the Caribbean
“Famous for its abundant marine life, a cruise in the Sea of Cortez and Baja Peninsula offers a refreshing alternative to the bustling ports of the Caribbean. The Sea of Cortez is between Mexico’s Baja Peninsula and the mainland, just south of California. Cruise routes in this destination offer the chance to explore vibrant markets, absorb rich local history, admire scenic natural parks, and try delicious regional dishes like fish tacos and ceviche.”
Vietnam & the Philippines instead of Japan and China
“Springtime brings delightful weather across Vietnam and the Philippines, with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. This route is perfect for those craving tranquility, as this part of Asia offers a relaxed travel experience, with rich culture, stunning natural landscapes, and a range of activities from kayaking and snorkelling to hikes and deep-sea diving.”
Mark adds, “Avanti’s social analysis* shows locations like Ko Samui in Thailand appearing prominently in quiet-themed cruise posts, indicating that savvy travellers are already discovering the serenity these Asian alternatives can provide.”
French Polynesia instead of Hawaii
“Renowned for world-class snorkelling and deep-sea diving, cruises in French Polynesia are perfect for breathtaking views and once-in-a-lifetime experiences without the bustling crowds. The weather is good all year round, making it an excellent springtime destination.
“As you island-hop between idyllic locations such as Bora Bora and Tahiti, you’ll enjoy the tranquil lagoons and pristine beaches that are much quieter compared to the tourist-heavy beaches of Hawaii.”
“It’s no surprise that terms like ‘private’ and ‘intimate’ frequently appear in social media posts* about these destinations, as travellers discover these secluded paradises offer the perfect setting for a truly peaceful cruise experience,” adds Mark.
Cruise expert shares top tips for booking quieter cruises
Mark also shares two tips that holidaymakers should consider when making the most of Wave Season discounts:
“River cruises are often quieter than sea cruises, with fewer young families and fewer passengers. These trips visit smaller, off-the-beaten-path ports, offering a more intimate and peaceful experience rich with scenic views.
“My favourite routes include the River Nile through Egypt, which runs all year round; the Danube River through Central Europe, with stops in cities like Budapest and Vienna; the Rhône River in France, exploring towns like Avignon and Lyon; and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, where you can discover vibrant markets and ancient temples.
“Another way to avoid the hefty crowds is by avoiding inaugural seasons; this is the first sailing season of a brand-new cruise ship,” Mark shares. Sales data backs up Mark’s insight; bookings for Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seasmaiden season broke records for demand, with the company naming it their fastest-selling product to date. The first commercial voyage was almost completely sold out mere hours after tickets went on sale.
“I always say that people love the smell of fresh paint, as inaugural seasons always tend to be fully booked! If you’re craving a quieter atmosphere, I’d recommend choosing a ship that isn’t on its first season; older ships are just as trustworthy as the flashy new vessels.”
Finally, the cruise expert reminds upcoming cruisers to secure cruise insurance cover for that all important piece of mind. “Cruise insurance differs from regular travel insurance because it includes comprehensive cover for the unique risks of a cruise holiday. As well as the financial cover for emergency medical situations, repatriation, cancellation and your luggage, it also includes cover for things like a missed a port departure, potential itinerary disruptions due to rough seas, and cabin confinement should you fall ill onboard, Avanti’s cover even has a benefit for emergency evening wear” Mark shares.
Buying your cruise cover as soon as you’ve booked your cruise should be the final item on your booking tick-list for a stress-free and serene experience. Plus, with Avanti, you can buy your cruise cover 17 months before your departure date, giving you financial security with cancellation cover from the minute you’ve booked the trip,” he adds.
