Americans are now turning to cruise travel as the government shutdown continues to disrupt airport operations. Millions of U.S. travelers have already booked cruises for 2026, setting a record high that will likely increase in the next months. This comes as estimates show that U.S. tourism is losing billions a week during the shutdown, largely due to its sweeping impact on air travel, which includes unpaid TSA workers .
This new cruise data shows that a variety of American travelers are opting for cruises in 2026, from seniors to couples, families, and even solo travelers. On the other hand, airports continue to face longer TSA lines, flight delays, and even reduced flights that could cause "irreversible damage" as the shutdown drags on. Here's a closer look at how the shutdown is chang