On a Disney Cruise Line vacation, you’re as likely to see five-year-old asking for Mickey’s autograph as you are a 30-something. Roughly a fifth of the company’s grown-up passengers set sail sans kids, drawn in by adult-only areas, a wide range of activities, and the chance to feel like a kid again.

A cruise holiday is often regarded as a traditional pastime, reserved for relatively well-off Boomers. Now, Carnival is trying to attract a younger crowd, bringing an element of personalisation to the high seas with the Ocean Medallion – a wearable that functions as a digital concierge for guests.

Who is the typical person that goes on a cruise? Retirees and families might be your first thought, but there's growing interest from the younger crowd. Luxury cruise company Uniworld is launching new brand – U by Uniworld – which is specifically targeting travellers aged 21- to-45.

From the onboard entertainment to the idea of waking up in at a new destination every day, cruises are seeing a sharp rise in interest. Though many Germans love the idea of a cruise holiday, the majority still haven’t been on one – indicating a large untapped market.