Every State’s Most Popular Cruise Line Revealed

BetMGM recently studied which cruise lines people in the U.S. search for the most, state by state. Using Google Trends data from August 2023 to August 2024, they looked at search interest as a way to measure popularity. The findings are fascinating, but it’s important to remember this study is about what people are Googling—not what they’re actually booking or how much they enjoy cruising.

Here’s a deeper dive into the results and what they might mean.

This image is a map titled "Every State's Favorite Cruise Line," based on 12 months of Google Trends data. The U.S. is color-coded by state to represent the most popular cruise line, with Disney Cruise Line dominating most states in red, Carnival Cruise Line in blue, Princess Cruises in purple, Virgin Voyages in orange, Celebrity Cruises in yellow, and MSC Cruises in green. Icons and logos of each cruise line are overlaid on the states, along with a legend for reference. — BetMGM analyzed Google Trends data to find the most popular cruise line by state. Credit: BetMGM

Disney Cruise Line: The Clear Winner

Disney Cruise Line came out on top in 29 states, making it the most-searched cruise line in the U.S. Families love Disney’s mix of magical characters, family-friendly activities, and high-quality service. States like California, Hawaii, Utah, and Pennsylvania are just a few of the places where Disney topped the charts.

One reason for this could be Disney’s huge brand recognition. Families familiar with Disney theme parks or movies might dream of taking their Disney experience to the seas. However, Disney cruises are also some of the most expensive, so high search interest doesn’t always mean people are booking. Many might be exploring the idea but choosing more affordable options instead.

Carnival Cruise Line: The Southern Star

The Carnival Jubilee cruise ship is captured sailing across the ocean under a deep blue sky during what appears to be the golden hour, as the ship is bathed in warm light. The ship’s iconic red funnel and vibrant exterior are prominently displayed, with several decks visible, each lined with lifeboats. The scene highlights the grandeur of the ship against the expansive and tranquil sea.

Carnival Cruise Line was the most-searched cruise line in 11 states, especially in the South. States like Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi showed strong interest in Carnival. This makes sense, as Carnival has several departure ports in the region, including Mobile, New Orleans, and Charleston.

Carnival is known for its fun, laid-back vibe and budget-friendly cruises, making it a great option for families and those looking for a party atmosphere. It’s a favourite for shorter cruises and destinations like the Caribbean and Mexico, which are popular choices in these states.

Princess Cruises: A Favourite in the Pacific Northwest

A photo of the Diamond Princess cruise ship sailing on the sea.

Princess Cruises was the top search in Washington and Oregon, as well as Alaska. This makes sense, given Princess’s strong focus on Alaskan itineraries, which are some of the most scenic and sought-after cruises in the world.

Princess is known for its elegant and relaxing onboard experience, which appeals to travellers looking to enjoy the stunning natural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Virgin Voyages: Trendy in DC, Georgia, and Maryland

Virgin Voyages topped searches in DC, Georgia, and Maryland. As a newer cruise line, Virgin offers something different: adults-only cruises, a focus on sustainability, and a modern, chic atmosphere.

This trendy, fresh approach appeals to younger travellers and those living in urban areas. Virgin’s ships focus on offering a boutique hotel vibe at sea, with nightlife, unique dining options, and even tattoo parlours onboard.

Celebrity Cruises: Luxury Leads in Florida and Rhode Island

Celebrity Cruises came out on top in Florida and Rhode Island, two states with their own unique travel preferences. Celebrity is known for its luxury offerings, including fine dining, elegant ships, and exceptional service.

In Florida, where there’s a wide variety of cruise options, Celebrity’s success highlights its appeal to travellers seeking a premium cruising experience.

MSC Cruises: New York’s Top Pick

The MSC Euribia cruise ship serenely floats on calm waters, its sides adorned with the #savethesea message, under a clear blue sky, with a distant city skyline softly hazing on the horizon.

MSC Cruises was the most searched cruise line in New York. Known for its modern design and European flair, MSC appeals to New Yorkers who want a cosmopolitan and international feel to their holidays.

One big reason for MSC’s popularity here could be the MSC Meraviglia, which sails out of Brooklyn. With its stylish design and varied itineraries, MSC has become a great choice for travellers looking for something a little different.

Royal Caribbean: A Popular Name, But Not a State Favourite

The majestic Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas cruises at sunset, with its innovative structure highlighted by the fading sunlight. The world's largest cruise ship is a marvel of modern engineering, boasting a unique combination of luxurious amenities and cutting-edge design as it traverses the open ocean.

Royal Caribbean didn’t take the top spot in any state. I have to admit, I was really surprised by this. Royal Caribbean is such a well-known name in cruising, and its ships are packed with innovative features like rock climbing walls, surf simulators, and even ice-skating rinks.

However, its broad appeal might have worked against it in this study. While it’s incredibly popular across the board, it doesn’t have the same strong niche appeal that helps other brands dominate specific states. It seems Royal Caribbean is a jack-of-all-trades, but it is not the most searched in any one category.

What Does This Really Tell Us?

While the study is interesting, it’s not a complete picture of cruise line popularity. It’s based on search interest, which shows what people are curious about but doesn’t always mean they’re booking those cruises. For example:

Disney Cruise Line may lead in searches, but its high cost might push families toward more affordable lines like Carnival.
Royal Caribbean didn’t top any state, but it remains one of the most-booked cruise lines globally.
Newer lines like Virgin Voyages might see higher searches because people are curious about what they offer, even if they haven’t sailed with them yet.

For cruisers, this study is a fun way to see what’s popular in their state, but it’s more important to choose a cruise that fits your preferences and budget.

For the full details of the study, visit BetMGM’s blog.

Today’s Top Cruise Deals

See today’s best deals from ALL travel agents

See Deals