There appears to be no end
in sight to the unabated growth
being experienced by the cruise
industry, with CLIA forecasting a
staggering 23 million pax globally
to set sail at some point in 2015.
In its annual State of the Industry
Report released today, Cruise
Lines International Association
forecast an additional 1.3 million
people from its 2014 projections
would take a cruise this year – a
jump of 4% year-on-year.
New, exciting and increasingly
exotic destinations would lure
more travellers this year, while
lines would debut 22 new
vessels in 2015, representing an
investment of more than US$4b.
Australia and Asia were singled
out as regions earmarked to
continue to see strong growth, an
endorsement heralded by CLIA
Australasia gm Brett Jardine.
“This year is set to be another
big step forward for the entire
industry as our members
continue to strive to make
cruising the best overall holiday
experience for Australian
travellers,” he commented.
According to CLIA projections,
52 different cruise ships will offer
1,065 separate departures just in
the Asian region alone, catering
to total capacity of over 2 million.
The Mediterranean was also
cited as a region tipped to grow,
however the Caribbean was
identified as the “queen” for the
industry, accounting for more
than a third of global capacity.
The CLIA report, compiled using
research gathered from around
the world, found passengers
were more inclined to cruise with
a line based on unique designs
and amenities over simply being
among those to travel on the
world’s biggest cruise ships.
Further, CLIA forecasts another
year of strong growth for smaller
specialty lines including yacht
operators and river cruise firms.
Importantly, the report also
highlighted that travel agents will
remain the most popular way for
travellers to book a cruise, despite
rises in mobile & online channels.
Statistics garnered among travel
agents in the United States said
62% of cruisers were repeat
guests, while 69% ranked cruising
as being better value than a land
based holiday.
CLIA chairman and Royal
Caribbean Cruises Ltd president
and chief operating officer Adam
Goldstein said it was an exciting
time for the cruise industry.
“This year will prove to be
another step forward for the
entire industry as our members
continue to strive to make
cruising the best overall vacation
experience,” Goldstein said.
