ensenada cruise news

Carnival Cruise Ship Responds to Distress Call, Rescues 25 Stranded People

SAN DIEGO (May 27, 2024) — A Carnival cruise ship responded to a distress call and rescued 25 people stranded at sea off the coast of Mexico on Saturday.

The Carnival Radiance, which departed from its homeport in Long Beach, California, was en route to Ensenada, Mexico, when it received a call from the U.S. Coast Guard. According to News Nation Now , the Coast Guard had been alerted to the presence of a small boat with 25 people, including three children, in distress.

The Coast Guard launched a small boat and helicopter to assist. An Air Force C-130 aircraft was also involved in locating the stranded vessel. The Carnival Radiance was then directed to the boat’s location.

Upon reaching the site, the crew of the Radiance successfully rescued all 25 individuals and provided them with food, water, and medical assistance. The Coast Guard then coordinated with the cruise ship to transfer the rescued individuals for further care.

Despite the detour, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed that the Radiance’s three-day itinerary would remain on schedule. According to Fox 11 , the Radiance continued its journey to Ensenada without any significant delays.

This incident serves as a reminder of the collaborative efforts between commercial vessels and maritime safety organizations in ensuring the well-being of those at sea.

For more details, you can read the full stories on News Nation Now , Fox 11 , and Fox 5 San Diego .

Carnival cruise ship rescues 25 people stranded off the coast of Mexico

A Carnival Cruise Line ship responded to a call from the U.S. Coast Guard and rescued 25 people stranded in a small boat off the coast of Mexico, the company announced Saturday.

The 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance had left Long Beach, California, on Friday and was heading toward Ensenada Mexico for a three-day sailing when the cruise ship's officers were informed by the Coast Guard "about a distress call involving a small vessel," a news release said.

The ship immediately routed toward the location of the vessel, provided by the USCG, and "quickly" rescued all 25 people on board, including three children, the company said.

The U.S. Coast Guard did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

The rescued group was welcomed onto the cruise ship and given food, water, and medical assistance. Carnival coordinated with the Coast Guard to hand off the group.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The incident did not disrupt the Carnival Radiance's schedule, the company announced.

A roller coaster in the ocean: What Carnival Cruise Line's BOLT ride is like

Another Carnival ship rescued a group of 28 Cuban nationals stuck at sea as it was sailing the Caribbean and saw people signaling for help in late April. The cruise ship was headed from Tampa, Florida, to Roatan in Honduras at the time. Also last month, a Celebrity Cruises ship sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to multiple destinations in the Caribbean rescued a small vessel adrift between Mexico and Cuba.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected]

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• Cruise ships return to Port Ensenada (Baja California Mexico...

Cruise ships return to Port Ensenada (Baja California Mexico) after drug cartel violence

The mayor of Ensenada (Baja California Mexico) , a port city ~70 miles south of the border, announced that liners were coming back after pulling out over security concerns for cruise passengers and employees.

According to Mayor Armando Ayala Robles, CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines had confirmed it would allow its vessels to dock in Ensenada once again as well as complete its list of scheduled arrivals during the coming months.

The cruise company canceled ports of call after the weekend of vandalism and threats of mass violence in Northern Baja California.

On Friday, August 12, a cartel sent a warning promising mayhem on the streets unless some of its members were released from prison.

Passengers aboard Carnival Radiance  departed  Los Angeles (Long Beach, California USA) last week for a roundtrip to Ensenada. However, the unrest kept tourists on the liner .

Hooded bandits associated with drug cartels shut down the region on Friday.

State officials said the group had hijacked and burned at least 2 dozen vehicles and put up roadblocks.

On social media, messages (allegedly by the Jalisco New Generation cartel) were circulated, declaring a curfew in Tijuana, and warning residents to go home or risk an attack. The USA's Consulate General in Tijuana issued an order for government employees to shelter in place on Friday.

According to the consulate, the shutdowns had affected Ensenada, Tijuana, Tecate, Mexicali, and Rosarito which had caused CCL - the world's largest cruise line - to forgo its call port on Sunday.

The consulate rescinded the shelter in place order just after 11:30 am on Sunday, August 14, well after the Radiance would have called at the port.

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Carnival Helps Amber Cove, Ensenada Reach One-Million Guest Milestones

• January 8, 2024

Carnival Cruise Line is hailing its role in two cruise ports celebrating million-passenger milestones.

The cruise line says it has been pivotal in pushing Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, and Ensenada, Mexico, over the one million guest threshold in 2023. Both ports recently announced their one millionth cruise guest as 2023 drew close.

Both ports welcome one-millionth cruise ship guest

They both celebrated the passenger landmarks in late December. The two milestones were marked upon the arrival of Mardi Gras on December 20 at Amber Cove and at Ensenada aboard Carnival Radiance on December 27. Local dignitaries and ship leaders attended both occasions.

“We’re delighted that our guests set these important distinctions for Amber Cove and Ensenada,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. “ Amber Cove is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean. Our guests love the relaxation and adventure.”

“Likewise, Ensenada has grown into a strong part of our West Coast offerings. Our guests love its rich history and vibrant culture.”

Amber Cove, located just outside Puerto Plata on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, welcomed its first Carnival ship in 2015. The cruise port is a self-contained destination with pools, bars, shopping, and various shore excursion options.

“This represents unstoppable growth for Puerto Plata and its people who directly receive the benefits of these achievements,” remarked the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism, David Collado.

Carnival sails seasonally to Ensenada from San Francisco and year-round from Long Beach, CA. The new Italian-style fun ship Carnival Firenze is set to add more choices from the West Coast with four-day cruises visiting Catalina Island and Ensenada. It will sail five-day cruises with port calls in Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. 

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Carnival Drives Demand for Amber Cove and Ensenada

• January 5, 2024

Carnival Cruise Line has played a key role in helping both Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, and Ensenada, Mexico, reach over one million cruise guests each by the end of 2023, according to a press release.

Both destinations celebrated welcoming one-millionth visitors in December, as guests and their families arrived at each port. At Amber Cove, the special guests were the Collier family arriving on the Mardi Gras on Dec. 20. In Ensenada, the Andrus family arrived aboard the Carnival Radiance on Dec. 27. In each destination, local dignitaries, ship leaders and other guests joined together to celebrate the milestone.

“This year, we’re celebrating that no one does fun like Carnival, and it’s also true that no cruise line drives demand and the tourism economy like Carnival! We’re delighted that our guests set these important distinctions for both Amber Cove and Ensenada,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy.

“Amber Cove is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean. Our guests love the relaxation and adventure they find here and that’s why many of our ships visit Amber Cove. Likewise, Ensenada is a quaint coastal town that has grown into a strong part of our West Coast offerings. Our guests love its rich history and vibrant culture, with the addition of Carnival Firenze joining our fleet this spring, plus some exciting plans under development, we see even better things ahead for the destination.”

Amber Cove welcomed its first Carnival ship in 2015 while Ensenada has been a featured port of call for the cruise line for nearly three decades.

Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism David Collado said: “We congratulate the Amber Cove cruise terminal for reaching one million cruise visitors. This represents unstoppable growth for Puerto Plata and its people who directly receive the benefits of these achievements.”

Miguel Aguíñiga Rodríguez, secretary of tourism of Baja California, said: “This achievement is the result of the efforts of the Ensenada Cruise Committee, as well as the Ensenada City Council, the Ensenada National Port System Administration and Hutchison Ports, and commits us to continue working for Ensenada to consolidate itself as a leading cruise destination in Mexico.”

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17 Best Things to Do in Ensenada on a Cruise [Port Guide]

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If you’re visiting Ensenada Mexico on a cruise, you’re in luck. Ensenada, known for its delectable cuisine, warm climate, and friendly locals, is a popular cruise stop for both Mexican Riviera cruises as well as Hawaiian cruise itineraries.

This coastal city is located about 80 miles from San Diego in the northern part of the Mexican state of Baja California. It is Baja California’s only deep water port.

In this post, I’ll share the best things to do in Ensenada on a cruise, including shore excursions and inexpensive or free activities. You’ll also learn everything you need to know about visiting the Ensenada cruise port for the day and get answers to commonly asked questions.

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Ensenada Cruise Port  

Cruise ships dock at the Naval Cruise Terminal in Ensenada’s industrial area. The pier is located near the Malecon boardwalk avenue, putting you within a quick walk to the heart of the city.

Cruisers docking in Ensenada have the benefit of a massive 300-foot flagpole with a Mexican flag to give you bearings for navigating the town. You can’t miss it!

After you get off the ship, look for the flagpole. Take a right at the flagpole and then a left at the second intersection you come to, and you’ll be downtown on Avenida Lopez Mateos.

What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Ensenada Cruise Port

Ensenada is located in Mexico, where the currency is the Mexican peso.

However, because it is a tourist destination, many vendors and small businesses will accept the United States dollar in small bills and debit or credit cards. There may be international transaction charge fees associated with debit or credit cards.

If you use USD instead of pesos, you might pay more overall because vendors have to exchange your dollars.

The official language spoken in Ensenada, Mexico is Spanish. However, many locals also speak English (at least enough to communicate with tourists).

Baja California, Mexico (including Ensenada) is in the Pacific Time Zone. The Eastern Time Zone is 3 hours ahead of Pacific Time Zone.

Ensenada weather is almost always delightful! During the hottest months (July and August), the average high is 84-85 degrees F, with lows in the upper 60s.

The rest of the year, high temperatures in Ensenada range from 68-69 degrees F (December through March) and the low to mid-70s (April-June, October-November). Lows can be as cool as the 50s in the wintertime but are comfortably in the 60s in the summer.

Many Ensenada attractions including excellent souvenir shopping, food and museums are within comfortable walking distance of the cruise ship terminal.

Taxis and Uber will be your best bet for getting around beyond Ensenada downtown. If you want to head to farther away excursions like La Bufadora, wineries and Las Canadas adventure park you can easily grab a taxi or Uber.

Pro Tip: Taxis are supposed to be metered, but it is smart to negotiate your fare before you start your ride.

Best Ensenada Shore Excursions

There are many shore excursions available in Ensenada. From wildlife viewing, to nature and history excursions, to food and drink stops, you’ll wish you had more time at this cruise port.

Here are some of the best Ensenada shore excursions .

1. History Museum of Ensenada

If you want to learn about the town’s rich history from prehistoric times, during U.S. prohibition and to current days, this a great place to visit. The museum is housed in the old Rivera Del Pacifico building, which is an architectural monument in itself. 

Spend time touring the building, museum and the gardens and imagine the ghosts of yesteryear who came here when it was a casino. It was reportedly associated with Al Capone, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. 

2. Mexican Wine Tasting

The first vineyards in Ensenada were planted in 1703. The wine industry has continued to grow since then. The city of Valle De Guadalupe, a little over 12 miles from downtown, now boasts over 75 wineries. 

The best way to experience wine country is to take a full-day wine tour. Most excursions include a tour of several vineyards, snacks and a visit to the wine museum. You can learn about the evolution of Mexican wine country and taste the often riper and darker fruit flavor of Mexican wine. 

3. Whale Watching Tour

Between the months of December and April, gray whales migrate from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm waters of Baja California to give birth to their calves. This makes for excellent whale watching experience for visitors to Ensenada. 

Whale watching excursions depart from Mercado Negro and travel around Isla Todos Santos. Along the way you might see dolphins, sea lions and other whales including humpbacks, sperm whales, finbacks, pilot whales and occasionally orcas. 

4. Adventure at Las Canadas Campamento

If you’re up for an active excursion, you’ll find plenty of adventure about 30 minutes south of downtown Ensenada. Las Canadas Campamento is a popular destination with a zipline canopy tour with five ziplines, multiple suspension bridges, and other activities, including swimming, biking, paddleboats, horseback riding, and ATV rentals.

You’ll need to book an excursion with transportation or take a taxi to get to Las Canadas. The canopy tour is an outstanding choice.

Related: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

5. Pai Pai Ecotourism Park

This excursion offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to touch and feed wild animals like big cats. Pai Pai offers 40 activities built around ecological and sustainable tourism. The biggest attractions here are wild animal feeding and interactions, but you can also participate in zip lining, tequila tasting, off-road Rzr driving, and Go-Kart Racing.

There are several different packages for animal experiences, so be sure you purchase the correct ticket for the animal experience you want to have. You can book a package from Pai Pai that includes transportation from the cruise terminal, but be prepared that it takes 35-40 minutes to get here.

6. Try Famous Local Dishes at La Guerrerense

Ensenada is known as the birthplace of fish tacos, so you won’t want to miss the chance to sample the famous local fare. There are food stands throughout Ensenada, but this street food stand, in particular, has the Anthony Bourdain seal of approval.

Try the sea urchin tostada, ceviche, and fish tacos for an unforgettable Ensenada experience.

7. Drink It Up at Hussong’s Cantina 

Hang out with locals and drink at Hussong’s, the oldest cantina in Baja, California. Open since 1882, this busy cantina is an affordable Ensenada favorite.

The bar serves large bags of peanuts to patrons, resulting in a unique peanut shell floor. Enjoy their famous margarita, listen to a Mexican band, or watch your favorite sporting event on the cantina’s big screens.

8. See the Power of Nature at La Bufadora 

One unique natural wonder in Ensenada is the world’s largest underwater blowhole.  La Bufadora is located on the Punta Banda Peninsula and spits water 100 feet in the air. 

There are excursions that include kayaking to La Bufadora or you can take a 45 minute bus or taxi ride from the cruise port. Be aware that you will have to pay to park or use the bathrooms here, but on the plus side there is a flea market onsite with food and souvenirs. 

9. Relax or Learn to Surf on Playa Hermosa

If the beach is on your priority list, one of the closest options to port is Malecon de Playa Hermosa. A short 9 minute taxi ride away, you’ll have a great time here snorkeling, learning how to surf, or just relaxing in the sun.

Food vendors walk the beach here and there are public bathrooms available as well as chairs and umbrellas for rent.

Related: 12 Tourist Scams that Cruisers Need to Know

10. Sample Superfood at Maya Cacao

If you love chocolate, come learn about the superfood for the ancient Mayans at the “Bean to Belly” workshop. For $35 for adults and $17.50 for children under 12 years, during this delicious excursion you can learn the history and origins of chocolate from cacao trees to beans to tasty treat. You’ll also get to make your own healthy dark chocolate drink. 

11. Horseback riding at Rancho Los Bandidos 

Experience a taste of what it is like to be a Mexican cowboy at Rancho Los Bandidos. This excursion has amazing reviews and is located a short 20 minute ride from the cruise port.

Your 1.5 hour long horseback ride will give you lovely views of the ocean and the rugged beauty of Baja, California. The guides are kind and informative, the horses are well cared for and helmets are included. Plus, this shorter excursion means you’ll have time to shop or sightsee before or after your horseback ride. 

12. Fish Tacos at Mercado de Mariscos/Mercado Negro 

Cruisers will not want to miss Ensenada’s fresh and tasty seafood at budget prices. Mercado de Mariscos (also called Ensenada Mercado Negro) is located next door to the large seafood market on the waterfront.

The market has multiple restaurants and street vendors serving up delicious mariscos including shrimp and fish tacos, ceviche, tostadas, whole fried fish and shrimp or mixed seafood cocktails. 

One fun element of this street market are the variety of tasty sauces, salsas and condiments on each table. If you love seafood you should definitely add this location to your Ensenada plan. 

Mercado Negro is about a 20 minute walk through downtown. If you are in a hurry grab a taxi or Uber, which will get you there in about 8 minutes. 

13. Golf by the ocean in Bajamar

Golfers will love the chance to play 9 or 18 holes at this gorgeous oceanside golf course dubbed “The Pebble Beach of Mexico.” Just a 40-minute taxi or Uber ride north of the cruise port, Bajamar is an inspiring place to spend a port day and get in a round of golf. 

14. Caracol Museum

Science lovers will enjoy visiting this unique natural history museum in the shape of a ship located at the harbor. The Caracol features exhibitions on earth, sea and art. Most of the exhibits are in Spanish but tour guides are great at offering English explanations and hands-on learning opportunities. Entrance fees to Caracol are inexpensive (less than $5 per person, around 60 pesos). 

Free Excursions in Ensenada

15. El Parque de la Bandera

As we mentioned earlier in this post, you can’t miss the giant Mexican Flag in Ensenada. The “Banderas Monumentales Project” flag pole is over 300 feet tall and the flag measures 50 meters (164 feet)  long by 28 meters (92 feet) wide.

The park surrounding the flag is a wonderful place to visit. It hosts a playground, a band shell with live music events and a giant fountain. After 8 p.m. the fountain dances to music (think a smaller version of the Bellagio show in Las Vegas). 

16. Downtown Ensenada

Enjoying the streets of downtown Ensenada is a great way to spend time in this port. You can enjoy the atmosphere and spend as many (or few!) pesos as you’d like. 

First Street Market: One block inland from the huge Mexican flag you’ll find First Street, a main shopping street in Ensenada. An outdoor market with street vendors selling Mexican cuisine and colorful souvenirs, the First Street Market is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

17. Plaza Civica Cultural Center

In Hispanic cultures, city plazas or town squares are a culturally significant place to gather. In the central area of Ensenada, the Plaza Civica Cultural Center has gorgeous ocean vistas and is a lovely place to people watch. 

A guided trip is a great option, where you can learn more about Mexico’s history as well as more information about three important figures honored in the plaza with golden busts: Benito Juarez, Miguel Hidalgo, and Venustiano Carranza. 

Ensenada Cruise Port Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit ensenada .

Weather wise the best time of year to visit Ensenada is Late May to mid-October. This will give you the most pleasant temperatures for outdoor excursions. 

How far is downtown Ensenada from the cruise port? 

The main downtown area of Ensenada is an easy 15 minute walk from the cruise port. There are many taxis near the port area if you want to catch a ride and save your legs for walking downtown. 

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Final Thoughts On Things to do in Ensenada Cruise Port

Ensenada is one of the best places to get a glimpse of the beautiful Mexican culture as well as eat tasty seafood tacos, drink refreshing margaritas and experience exciting excursions.

Have you been to Ensenada, Mexico? If so what do you enjoy most? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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Ensenada, Mexico

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Thanks to its stunning coastline, Ensenada will give you plenty of postcard-worthy moments…, and it couldn’t be easier to get there. Escape to Mexico’s original seaside getaway with Carnival cruises to Ensenada. Once a favorite hideaway for high-rolling Hollywood stars, Ensenada is now one of Mexico’s most popular ports of call. You can sightsee, shop or kayak at Punta Banda… but the true pleasures of this festive city are culinary. That’s why a cruise to Ensenada, Mexico should top every foodie’s wish list. Have your fill of fresh oysters and sip a rich Baja merlot. Soak up the richness of the local culture as you enjoy the journey.

• Try unique Baja cuisine in Ensenada, the region's seafood and culinary capital.
• Shop for silver jewelry and handmade pottery on Avenida López Mateos.
• Watch the sea spout at La Bufadora burst from the rocks on Punta Banda.

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Everyone you know is going on a cruise

­­­ Lots of people will be getting their sea legs this summer.

Ports have been packed with cruise ships over the last few years, as vacationers flock to ever larger vessels and operators race to accommodate a surge in post-pandemic bookings — many of them from first-time passengers. The industry expects even more this year.

Benjamin Xiang, a San Francisco-based flight attendant, went on his first cruise last August, setting aside his reservations about “cruise people” and a type of trip he’d imagined would be “not my travel style.”

Taking advantage of a Virgin Voyages promotion that let him use credit card points to cover the $2,500 bill, Xiang booked a weeklong, all-inclusive, adults-only cruise from Barcelona, with stops at Mallorca, Ibiza and along the French Riviera.“I invited my best friend, we prepaid a $600 bar tab, and we were like, ‘We’ll just hang by the pool, read a book or something,’” said Xiang, 35. “Turned out we partied every single night and had a blast.”

He’s among the many cruise newbies who’ve helped power the industry’s recent growth. Some 27% of cruise passengers over the past two years have been first-timers, up 12% from the prior two-year period, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), a trade group.

Turned out we partied every single night and had a blast.

Benjamin Xiang, 35, San Francisco

“Will I go back? I think yes,” Xiang said. “Will I pay this time? Yes.”That’s exactly what cruise operators are hoping for, and so far they’re getting it: 82% of all cruisers say they’ll book again, CLIA’s latest report found.

After welcoming 31.7 million passengers last year, 7% more than in 2019, the industry expects volumes to swell to 34.7 million by the end of 2024. Experts say a combination of newcomers, repeat bookers and younger travelers are powering the uptick.

Like Xiang, many first-time cruisers are groups of friends traveling together, said Jennifer Klaussen, who owns Sundari Travel in Malibu, California.

“Once they get on a cruise and realize it’s not what they thought it would be, they’re usually interested in future cruises and diverse destinations,” she said, adding that newer operators have managed to “reduce the stigma associated with cruising — that it’s only for the elderly.”

Passengers under age 40, including kids, made up around 42% of cruisegoers last year, up from 35% in 2019, according to CLIA. While the average age of a cruise customer is 46 industrywide, millennials now make up nearly the same share — 22% — as baby boomers and Gen Xers, who each comprise 24%.“The cruise industry has been hard at work to launch new ships and experiences that are attractive to a younger, newer demographic,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, “whether that’s a big, new ship with eye-catching attractions for families, or more bucket-list-worthy experiences like sailings in the Galapagos or Antarctica.”

The cruise industry has been hard at work to launch new ships and experiences that are attractive to a younger, newer demographic.

Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic

Amenities don’t hurt either, said Nathan Rosenberg, chief brand officer at Virgin Voyages, which began sailing only in 2021, as the cruise industry rebounded from the pandemic. “Millennials and Gen Z love the fact that everything is included. Think meals foodies would love, tips covered, Wi-Fi to stay connected and a ton of fitness classes,” he said.Vessels are getting bigger to handle the growing demand.

In January, Royal Caribbean Group launched Icon of the Seas — currently the world’s largest cruise ship, with 20 decks, 40 restaurants and room for more than 7,000 passengers and 3,000 crew members.

The company, meanwhile, reported a 16% increase in new cruisegoers between this year and last across its various cruise lines. Nearly half of all Royal Caribbean guests are millennials or younger, CEO Jason Liberty said on the company’s first-quarter earnings call.

Similarly, Norwegian Cruise Lines CEO Harry Sommer told CNBC earlier this month, “We appeal obviously to older customers, but millennial and Gen Z is the fastest-growing segment of our cruising right now.”

Cruises generally aren’t cheap, though, and Sommer noted that the company’s target customer is middle- or upper-income. As consumer spending cools down across much of the economy, Americans are adjusting their summer vacation plans to fit their budgets.The share of travelers put off by steep prices hit 32% in Deloitte’s annual summer travel survey , up sharply from 24% last year. But more affluent vacationers still seem eager to shell out on everything from first-class airfare to luxury train trips , as the industry continues to push premium offerings .

“More higher-income travelers are headed to cruises,” whereas “lower-income travelers are going camping,” the Deloitte report, released Tuesday, said. (“RV trips are up across the board,” it added.)

That doesn’t mean cruise passengers aren’t paying attention to price.

Jaclyn Groh will be going on her first cruise in March 2025, sailing around the Caribbean. The 34-year-old therapist and social work professor at Ohio State University in Columbus typically takes her family on boat trips on a lake, beach visits, “and of course the occasional Disney adventure for the kiddos,” said Groh.

While some of her friends have done family cruises, she’s never been interested in the largest cruise ships because they seem “overwhelming.” But in shopping around for a vacation next year for just her and her husband, Groh said her travel agent’s description of the packages available won her over.The smaller Explora II vessel she opted for has a “boutique feel that we love,” she said. And it’s priced about the same as the resort in Curaçao where the couple will be celebrating their 10th anniversary this fall. That week on land will run about $6,500, while the cruise comes to about $6,700.

“The price seems very reasonable for all of the inclusions, and yet with the cruise we will get to experience so many new locations and excursions,” said Groh, who’s looking forward to “a perfect combination of resting in luxury and adventuring.”

Harriet Baskas is an NBC News contributor who writes about travel and the arts.