Cruise lines actively work towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report shows that cruise tourism has overcome historical levels and demonstrated its significant economic contribution and leadership in environmental sustainability and responsible tourism.
According to the recently published annual state of the cruise industry report, the passenger volume in 2023 reached 31.7 million, 7% higher than in 2019. The report also highlights the sustained demand for cruise vacations, with 82% of individuals expressing their intention to go on a cruise.
The forecast predicts a 10% increase in cruise capacity from 2024 to 2028 as cruise lines actively work towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This progress demonstrates their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Cruise tourism remains a thriving and resilient sector within the tourism industry, surpassing international tourist arrivals in terms of recovery rate. It significantly contributes to both local and national economies, with a remarkable 90% economic impact growth in 2022 compared to 2019. This growth is awe-inspiring considering that passenger volumes were only at 70% of 2019 levels.
Over the past five decades, cruise tourism has consistently demonstrated its ability to effectively manage tourism activities, and there is still ample opportunity for responsible growth within the industry. Despite its success, cruise travel only represents a mere 2% of overall travel and tourism, leaving significant room for expansion.
Moreover, the cruise industry continues to lead the way in environmental sustainability and destination stewardship. Cruise lines are continuously making advancements in technology, infrastructure, and operations, while also prioritizing green skills training for their crew members.
Cruise is Thriving:
• Cruise tourism reached 107% of 2019 levels in 2023, with 31.7 million passengers sailing – almost two million more than 2019.
• 2024 is forecast to see 35.7 cruise passengers sailing.
• Intent to cruise is 6% higher than 2019, with Millennials being the most enthusiastic cruise travelers of the future.
• Global cruise capacity is forecast to grow from 677K lower berths in 2024 to 745K lower berths 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.
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
• 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.
For 2023, the economic impact is forecast to be even greater given the 50% increase in the number of passengers sailing in 2023 compared to 2022.
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 traveling by cruise with at least two generations and 28% of cruise travelers traveling with three to five generations.
• Expedition and exploration are the fastest-growing sectors of cruise tourism, with a 71% increase in passengers traveling 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 travelers say that travel advisors have a meaningful influence on their decision to cruise.
With at least 56 new ships coming online between 2024 and 2028, there are also vast opportunities for careers in cruise, which boasts an impressive employee retention rate upwards of 80%.
• 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.
• Among current and future workforce needs are green skills.