Cruise passenger volume around the world last year surpassed pre-COVID levels, and North Americans get most of the credit, says the Cruise Lines International Association.
Global cruise passenger volume reached 31.7 million last year, surpassing 2019 levels by a full 7%, CLIA said in its annual State of the Cruise Industry report. Asian cruising was down 37.7%, but CLIA said cruises by North Americans rose 17.5%, by far the largest surge by source region. Some 18.1 million North Americans took to the water for a cruise in 2023, compared to 15.4 million the year before.
"Cruise continues to be one of the fastest-growing and most resilient sectors of tourism— rebounding faster than international tourist arrivals—and a strong contributor to local and national economies,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA. “Over the past 50 years, cruise tourism has demonstrated its leadership in managed tourism and is an industry that has plenty of room for continued responsible growth given cruise travel comprises just 2% of overall travel and tourism.
"The industry also continues to lead the way in environmental sustainability and destination stewardship, with cruise lines making advancements in technology, infrastructure and operations, and in green skills training for crew,” Craighead said.
The CLIA study found that 82% of those who have cruised say they will do so again. Twelve percent of cruisers take a cruise trip twice a year, while 10% take three to five a year.
As well, the average age of a cruise traveller is 46. CLIA said 65% of cruisers are Gen Z, Millennials, or Gen X.
A full 44.2% of all cruises last year took place in the Caribbean, while 18.5% were in the Mediterranean. Another 10.4% were European trips outside the Mediterranean, while 5.7% were Alaska cruises and 5.6 West Coast North America trips.
Cruise is Thriving:
- Cruise tourism reached 31.7 million passengers last year– almost two million more than 2019.
- 35.7 passengers are expected on cruise ships worldwide in 2024
- Intent to cruise is 6% higher than 2019, with Millennials being the most enthusiastic cruise travellers of the future.
- Global cruise capacity is forecast to grow from 677K berths in 2024 to 745K in 2028.
- Each year, the fleet becomes more efficient as cruise lines invest in propulsion technologies with conversion capabilities for future alternative fuels and utilize a range of technologies and innovations to advance their sustainability initiatives.
Trends in Cruise
- The number of new-to-cruise is increasing – 27% of cruisers over the past two years are new-to-cruise, an increase of 12% over the past year.
- Cruises are a top choice for multi-generational travel – with more than 30% of families travelling by cruise with at least two generations and 28% of cruise travellers travelling with three to five generations.
- Expedition and exploration are the fastest-growing sectors of cruise tourism, with a 71% increase in passengers travelling on expedition itineraries from 2019 to 2023.
- Accessible tour excursions are on the rise—with 45% of cruise passengers booking an accessible tour for their most recent cruise.
- 73% of cruise travellers say that travel advisors have a meaningful influence on their decision to cruise.
2022 Global Economic Impact
In 2022, cruise generated:
- $138 billion to the global economy
- 1.2 million jobs – up 4% compared to 2019.
- $43 billion in wages
As well, 63% of those who have taken a cruise say that they have returned to a destination that they first visited via cruise ship for a longer stay, extending the economic impact.
"Cruise is the best vacation value there is, with incredible guest experiences delivered by a talented and dedicated multinational workforce of nearly 300,000 seafarers. To highlight the tremendous employment opportunities that cruise tourism supports around the world, CLIA has published a new skills and workforce publication, Oceans of Opportunity,” said Craighead.
“With at least 56 new ships coming online between 2024 and 2028, there are vast opportunities for careers in cruise, which boasts an impressive employee retention rate upwards of 80%."
Highlights from CLIA's Oceans of Opportunities workforce report:
- In 2024, cruise lines will employ a multinational workforce of nearly 300,000 seafarers representing more than 150 countries, as well as tens of thousands of employees on land.
- 94% of women seafarers work in the cruise industry.
- Around 40% of senior leadership roles at cruise companies are held by women.
To view the full 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report, click here. To view the full Oceans of Opportunities publication, click here.
