Take a Cruise Day

Categories:: Fun
Tags:: Activities Appreciation
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every February 3
Holiday emoji:: 🚢

Take a Cruise Day sails into our calendars every February 3, inviting everyone to embrace the allure of ocean travel. Whether you’re planning a grand voyage or simply dreaming of your next getaway, this day is a perfect excuse to explore destinations, discover new cultures, and relax at sea. Book your next adventure, research dream itineraries, or share your favorite cruise memories online.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected Take a Cruise Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that cruise lines often launch early-bird booking incentives or special packages around this time of year. Look for deals from major players like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line offering discounted fares, onboard credit, or free perks. Travel agencies such as Expedia Cruises and CruiseDirect may also feature exclusive bundles. Smaller luxury lines like Viking Ocean Cruises might announce limited-time upgrades. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 3 approaches.

Platform Guide for Take a Cruise Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #TakeACruiseDay. Share stunning photos of your past cruises, dream destinations, or even cruise ship food.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #TakeACruiseDay. Film short videos showcasing cruise hacks, packing tips, or funny moments from your voyages.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TakeACruiseDay. Share your favorite cruise memories, tips for first-timers, or ask for recommendations.

Take a Cruise Day Hero

Ted Arison

Ted Arison (1924-1999) was an Israeli-American businessman who founded Carnival Cruise Line in 1972, transforming the cruise industry by making ocean travel accessible and enjoyable for a broader market. His vision was to create a fun, affordable vacation experience, moving away from the traditional luxury liner model. Arison's innovative approach helped popularize cruising as a mainstream leisure activity, leading to Carnival becoming one of the largest cruise operators globally and significantly impacting modern tourism.

History of Take a Cruise Day

Three-quarters of the Earth is covered by the ocean. So, it is natural that humans would find ways to cross the massive expanse of the deep blue ocean. People started crossing the ocean around 53,000 — 65,000 years ago. Archeologists believe people from the Sundaland peninsula crossed to the Sahul landmass, which is modern-day Australia. The ancestor of modern sailboats started to appear some 6,000 years ago. People from early civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley used sailboats to trade with each other.

The 1800s saw the development of modern sailboats, which were used to trade between countries. Trade gradually resulted in the era of colonization. Modern ships started to appear with the industrial revolution and the push for war efforts throughout Europe and America. Until 1800, ships were mostly used for transporting mail and other cargo. The Black Ball Line, New York, started the first passenger service between England and North America. The Peninsular Steam Navigation Company started the first leisure cruise line.

Between 1900 and 1950, leisure ships went bankrupt due to the world wars and the great depression that followed. Then, in 1960, the wind changed directions again, this time in favor of cruise lines. The cruise experience only grew in popularity from then. Nowadays, every type of cruise is available, from a two-day program to around-the-world cruises.

Take a Cruise Day timeline

2000 B.C.

The Age of Sailing

Phoenicians develop navigation by using primitive charts and observing the sun and stars.

1822

The Birth of Leisure Cruising

The Peninsular & Oriental Steam start the first leisure cruises.

1900

The First Luxury Cruise Ship

Germany builds the Prinzessin Victoria Luise — the first luxury cruise ship built for passengers.

2017

Royal Caribbean's Symphony

The Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas starts sailing.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Take a Cruise Day

Local travel agencies can host ‘Cruise Night’ events, offering special booking incentives and presentations on popular itineraries. Restaurants could feature a ‘Taste of the Tropics’ menu with dishes inspired by common cruise destinations. Retailers specializing in travel gear or resort wear can run promotions on luggage, swimwear, and accessories, encouraging customers to prepare for their next voyage. Highlight the joy of travel and the relaxation a cruise provides.

Take a Cruise Day FAQs

When is Take a Cruise Day?

In 2027, Take a Cruise Day is observed on Wednesday, February 3, offering another opportunity to celebrate the excitement of cruising. Use this day to book a dream vacation or reminisce about past adventures.

How many people go on cruises each year?

Projections for 2027 suggest that cruise passenger numbers will likely exceed pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 35-40 million people worldwide choosing a cruise vacation. The appeal of diverse itineraries and onboard amenities continues to draw new travelers.

What is the average length of a cruise?

For 2027, the trend toward shorter, more accessible cruises for first-timers, alongside longer, immersive voyages for seasoned travelers, is expected to continue. The flexibility in cruise duration allows for a personalized vacation experience.

What are the most popular cruise destinations?

Looking to 2027, while classic destinations like the Caribbean and Mediterranean will maintain their popularity, there’s growing interest in expedition cruises to exotic locales like Antarctica and the Galápagos, as well as culturally rich Asian itineraries.

Take a Cruise Day Activities

Take a cruise
As the name suggests, embark on the experience. If you have the money and time to spend, then go for a cruise on Take a Cruise Day.
Go for a boat ride
Not being able to go on a cruise shouldn’t stop you from enjoying Take a Cruise Day. Try to schedule a boat ride or go sailing if you have the required skills and knowledge.
Visit a beach
If you can’t or don’t want to go on a cruise or boat, visiting your nearest beach is the next best thing. Spend some time admiring the wild beauty of the ocean. Bring your partner along and make the trip romantic.

5 Important Facts About Ships

An expensive cruise
The Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas is the most expensive cruise ship in the world.
Compasses
The Chinese are credited with using the compass for navigation.
Life expectancy
Most ocean-going cargo ships can last between 20 and 30 years.
Around the globe
The average cruise ship sails the equivalent of three times around the world each year.
Fake funnels
Cruise ships do not need as many funnels as they used to; these are now mainly for aesthetic reasons.

Why We Love Take a Cruise Day

The best ships are engineering marvels
Ships are one of the largest vehicles ever made by humans. Each year we are making a bigger vessel that can float. Luxury cruise ships incorporate the best of human technology, and a person from two or three centuries back would be amazed at the capabilities of modern cruise ships.
Cruise ships can go international
It is hard to get out of the control zone of a country. Ships can do that regularly. Most of their travel path is through international waters, and that is cool! Planes can also do that in selected paths, but they cannot stay in airspace for a long time. You also cannot party hard inside a plane!
The ocean is a whole different world
The ocean is vast and has an unpredictable and violent personality. The flora and fauna of the ocean are different. Even the air above the ocean is different. A two- to five-day exploration can teach us a lot and give us the best time of our lives.