Karl WP Beyer December 30, 2025 – Multi-generational travel is apparently widespread in Germany: 66 percent of respondents stated that they have already traveled at least once with two or more generations together. This is according to a YouGov survey commissioned by AIDA Cruises. The cruise line is using the results to position its product as a suitable travel option for family groups – however, the figures provide only limited support for this strategy.
Although multigenerational holidays are no longer a niche topic according to the survey, only 20 percent consider a cruise particularly suitable. This places it only fourth in the ranking – behind holiday homes/apartments (61 percent), beach and resort holidays (40 percent), and city breaks (29 percent). A clear trend towards cruises can hardly be deduced from this.
The most important reasons given for taking a vacation together are shared experiences and memories (56 percent) and more time with family (50 percent). Special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries play a role for 32 percent. The main obstacles cited are differing interests (47 percent) and age-related limitations (41 percent). Accordingly, travelers desire private spaces (45 percent), shared dining options (44 percent), and age-appropriate activities (42 percent).
AIDAcosma - Beach Club
AIDA also points to the desire for uncomplicated travel: 68 percent prefer the car, 32 percent the train. Departures from Hamburg, Kiel, or Rostock are therefore particularly attractive. However, the argument remains ambivalent: The high percentage of car travelers initially suggests a preference for nearby, flexibly planned vacation options – and not automatically for the cruise ship.
The survey ultimately reveals one thing above all: multigenerational vacations are commonplace, but cruises are only the preferred option for a small segment of the target group. AIDA's interpretation of the results as evidence of a strong cruise trend comes across primarily as marketing disguised as a study.
About the study: YouGov, the internationally active online market research company, surveyed 1.213 people in Germany between December 2nd and 5th, 2025. Multigenerational travel was defined as vacations involving two or more generations of a family (e.g., grandparents with grandchildren or grandparents, parents, and children together). Traditional parent-child trips were explicitly excluded.
Conclusion
According to a YouGov survey commissioned by AIDA, 66 percent have already traveled with multiple generations. However, only 20 percent consider cruises particularly suitable – the "trend" thus appears less clear than the PR suggests.
