Cruise Ports Top Labor Day List as K-Shaped Travel Gap Narrows
AAA data shows cruise-linked destinations like Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver top the Labor Day weekend list, along with national park gateways Denver and Las Vegas. Bank of America found 77% of Americans planned summer travel, up from 74% last year. While high-income households still lead spending, the K-shaped gap has narrowed since May as lower- and middle-income households increase travel spend. Cruise momentum is strong with a record 37.2 million global passengers in 2025, though Alaska volumes stayed flat.
Impact and considerations
The data reflects resilient U.S. summer travel demand and shifting spending patterns, offering insights for suppliers and destination marketers.
Key points
- Cruise-linked destinations (Seattle, Anchorage, Vancouver) and national park gateways (Denver, Las Vegas) top Labor Day list
- Bank of America found 77% of Americans planned summer travel, up from 74%
- K-shaped spending gap narrowed since May as lower- and middle-income households increase travel spend
- Global cruise passengers hit record 37.2 million in 2025, but Alaska volumes flat
- Gas prices up 30% YoY, domestic fares up 2%, international fares down 4%
Sources and time
- Primary source
- Skift
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 25 Aug 2026, 03:23
- Page published
- 25 Aug 2026, 03:53
- Last updated
- 25 Aug 2026, 03:23
- Original links
- Skift Feed：Cruise Ports Top the Labor Day List and the K-Shaped Travel Gap is Narrowing (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 25 Aug 2026, 03:23