CRUISE Lines International Association’s (CLIA) annual State of the Cruise Industry report for this year shows the sector set records in 2024, including 34.6 million people taking an ocean cruise worldwide.
This was up almost 10% on the prior corresponding period, with pax numbers forecasted to grow even further in the coming years.
A total of 37.7 million are expected to cruise this year – which still represents less than 3% of tourism worldwide.
Total pax numbers are expected to rise to 41.9 million by 2028.
Intention to cruise among international travellers remains strong, with 82% of those who have sailed in the past saying they will do so again.
More than two-thirds (68%) of those who have never sailed before also say they would consider taking a cruise.
Generation X and Millennials are the most enthusiastic cruisers, the report found, with 84% of those from the former cohort that have cruised before likely to sail again.
They were closely trailed by Millennials who have cruised before, with 83% saying they will do so again.
The number of first-time cruisers continues to increase, with 31% over the past two years new to the sector, up from 24% pre-pandemic.
“Cruising is more popular than ever and the diversity of experiences now available to cruise guests is phenomenal,” Managing Director Joel Katz said.
“Cruise lines have been investing billions of dollars in new ships, new innovations and new experiences, allowing them to cater to increasingly diverse tastes among their guests.
“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…at the same time, they are making huge investments in the technologies and propulsion systems that are taking our industry towards its net-zero emission goals.”
Australia and the South Pacific is still within the top 10 destination regions in the world, with 1.3 million sailing in local waters last year – up 3.8% on 2023.
This placed the region at sixth in the world, alongside the West Coast of North America, and behind the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern/Central Europe, Asia, and Alaska.
Cruising made an economic impact of $8.43 billion in the 2023-2024 season, with Australia recording 4.3 million passenger visit days. MS