Americans across income levels are flocking to cruise vacations despite economic anxiety and broader travel headwinds.

Why it matters: Cruises are one of the travel industry's most resilient sectors — drawing younger travelers and value-conscious consumers even as other parts of the vacation economy show signs of strain.

Driving the news: New Bank of America data found cruise spending rose across all income groups in the first four months of 2026, compared to the same period a year earlier.

• That's unlike airline and hotel spending, where lower-income spending declined.

💸 By the numbers: Lower-income households spent over 5% more on cruises this year than they did a year ago, according to BofA's credit and debit card data.

• Cruise spending from middle- and higher-income households, meanwhile, increased by about 10% — outpacing their spending growth on flights and lodging.
• More than one-third of Americans say they plan to take a cruise in the next 12 months. And among Gen Z, that jumps to 57%, according to the bank's summer travel outlook survey.

Between the lines: Cruises appear to be benefiting from travelers seeking experiences that feel easier to budget for amid broader economic uncertainty.

😷 What we're watching: The findings largely predate recent headlines about illnesses at sea, including norovirus outbreaks and a rare hantavirus cluster tied to an expedition cruise.

• BofA analysts, however, say they have not yet seen "meaningful impact" on cruise purchases.
• Gene Sloan, cruise team lead at The Points Guy, told Axios he is "not seeing any impact at all on cruise bookings," adding that travelers appear far more focused on rising airfare and fuel costs than hantavirus fears.

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Shares of Cerebras Systems, a Silicon Valley-based AI chipmaker, surged 68% today in the company's trading debut, a day after it raised $5.6 billion in its IPO.

🔥 Why it matters: We knew this would be the year's largest IPO, but it crushed even those high expectations — benefiting from a broader surge in semiconductor stocks, Axios' Dan Primack wrote before trading opened.

By the numbers: Cerebras priced at $185 per share, compared to the original $115–$125 price range and a revised $150–$160 plan.

• Its initial market cap was nearly $40 billion, a 73% increase over where it raised Series H funding just four months ago.
• 📈 Shares closed trading today at $311.07, putting Cerebras' market cap at around $95 billion.

The bottom line: Third time's a charm, as Cerebras scrapped prior IPO plans in both 2024 and 2025.

🚀 SpaceX could disclose its IPO filing as soon as next week. (CNBC)

📉 Honda posted its first-ever annual loss, stung by a roughly $16 billion hit from its EV business. (AP)

🪙 Crypto's market structure bill, the Clarity Act, cleared the Senate banking committee. (Reuters)

Miller Lite is rolling out a buzzy new watch-party prop ahead of the "summer of soccer": a limited-edition "Matchball" that doubles as a beer cooler, Axios' Kelly Tyko writes.

Why it matters: Brands are increasingly leaning into splashy, collectible activations as they look to cash in on this year's World Cup and America's 250th anniversary celebrations.

• Miller Lite's campaign blends sports fandom, nostalgia and patriotic marketing into one social-media-friendly product.

Zoom in: The oversized soccer ball — about 1.5 times larger than regulation size — holds up to 12 Miller Lites and comes with a display stand designed for game-day gatherings, the Molson Coors brand said.

• The reloadable Matchball goes on sale May 20 for $19.75 at shop.millerlite.com/matchball, with another product drop planned for June 3 while supplies last.

The bottom line: Expect more limited-edition merch, fan experiences and brand collaborations as companies compete for attention around two of 2026's biggest cultural moments.