Global passenger volumes in 2023 reached 31,7 million, surpassing 2019 levels by 7%, according to the Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) State of the Cruise Industry Report.
The report found a 12% increase in demand for cruise holidays from 2022 to 2023, with more than a quarter (27%) of passengers during this time being first-time cruisers.
At the current rate of demand, CLIA forecasts that in 2027, there will be almost 40 million cruise passengers. This means that cruise berth capacity will need to grow by 10% by 2028.
The report reveals that travel agents play a significant role in shaping the cruise industry’s growth. In fact, 73% of cruisers surveyed acknowledged that these professionals had had a meaningful influence on their decision to cruise.
Expedition cruising is the fastest-growing sector of the cruise industry, with a 71% increase in cruise passengers opting for expedition itineraries in 2023 over the 2019 number.
The regions receiving the most cruises include the Caribbean, which had 44,2% of all global cruises in 2023, followed by the Mediterranean, which received 18,5% of cruises, while Europe received 10,4%.
