Boatsy reveals trend insights on sailing holidays in 2025

Boatsy has emerged as a much-needed resource for British consumers considering booking a holiday at sea. Its platform minimises unexpected costs and delays, while providing access to 100 top sailing routes and concierge services for dining and activities. With Boatsy’s 2025 forecast showing growing consumer demand for boast rentals, positioning them as an affordable, competitive alternative to traditional hotel stays.

Managing Director, Alp Öcal, said: “The data uncovered is a clear indication of the cruising and yachting industry’s growing appeal. With an overwhelming value proposition that is too good to ignore, it’s clear that more consumers are considering a holiday at sea than ever before. At Boatsy, we’re committed to providing consumers with ultimate autonomy and flexibility to curate their perfect escape.”

Boatsy’s 2024 data highlights 2025 trends, including rising competition between all-inclusive and sailing holidays, driven by an expanding boat supply pipeline and evolving traveller preferences.

Affordability of sailing holidays vs. luxury hotel stays

Sailing holidays are becoming more competitive to hotel-based holidays, with 18-34% more affordable prices (on average for 8 people, compared to mainland and island hotel stays in the Mediterranean for the 2025 summer season).  

Boat supply growth is predicted to outpace hotel supply growth

In addition to a rise in hotel price in comparison to sailing prices, boat supply growth is expected to outpace hotel supply growth by 2030, subsequently fuelling even further competitiveness for sailing holidays when paired with its affordability (c. 5% CAGR vs. c. 2% CAGR respectively).

Growth of experiential-based travel

The online boat rental market is forecast to grow faster than the luxury hotel market, due to shifts in consumer behaviour and preferences for experiential-based travel for European consumers. In 2022-2023, the growth of the cruising market (14%) outpaced the luxury hotel market growth (4%).