The cruise sector is achieving record-breaking number s globally and Cruise Lines International Association’s latest State of the Cruise Industry Report expects the trend to continue, led by younger generations and travel agents.
The research found that a record 34.6 million people took an ocean cruise globally last year, up 9.3% on 2023—and it has forecast that 37.7 million expected to cruise this year.
Closer to home, 4.03 million people from Asia/Oceania cruised in 2024, up 9.80% on 2023. And the good news for the trade is 79% of these cruisers say travel agents have a meaningful impact on their decision to cruise.
. . . More Growth
The report highlights the room for the potential further growth of the sector.
Not only are more vessels being added (11 new ocean-going ships will be released by CLIA cruise lines during 2025) but there’s also a huge market of people who are yet to try a cruise, with cruise passengers representing only 2.7% of tourism worldwide, shows the study.
And, of those who have never cruised before, 68% say they would consider taking a cruise. CLIA managing director Australasia Joel Katz says cruising is now more popular than ever and that the diversity of experiences now available to cruise guests ‘is phenomenal’.
“The outlook for cruising remains strong and cruise lines are preparing to enhance their fleets with a further 56 new ships to be launched into the next decade.”
. . . Younger
Long gone are the days when cruise was seen as a travel style for the newly wed or nearly dead. Generation X and Millennials are reported as being the most enthusiastic cruisers.
Some 84% of Gen X who have cruised before say they will cruise again; 83% of Millennials will cruise again; and 82% of past cruisers of all ages intend to take another cruise shows the report.
In fact, the global average age of a cruise passenger is now just 46.5 years old, adds CLIA.
And of all those cruising, 25% are now going on two or more voyages a year, and 47% intend to take a longer cruise this year than last year.
The report also found that ocean and river cruising were the holiday styles that had the highest client satisfaction, above resorts and hotels.
See the full report HERE.
