New Study Shows Cruise Travel Is on the Rise Worldwide

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) released the latest global cruise passenger statistics and results show that cruise travel continues to grow.

Cruising plays a significant role in the global travel market, increasing 7 percent from 2017 to 2018 with 28.5 million passengers. Importantly, the North American market also continues to grow with a passenger increase of 9 percent (14.2 million passengers) in 2018.

The cruise sector represents 2 percent of the overall global travel industry and is on pace with international tourism worldwide. In fact, according to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourism arrivals were up 6 percent in 2018 while cruise travel grew 7 percent.

“It is not surprising that cruise travel is on par with overall international tourism growth. Cruising makes international travel accessible for travelers worldwide and it is apparent in the 2018 CLIA global passenger findings,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO, CLIA. “From a renewed interest in cruises to the Mediterranean to a significant increase in adventure cruising, travelers are embracing cruise travel more than ever before.”

Global Cruise Passenger Insights

—The Mediterranean is growing in popularity, survey results show. There was an 8 percent increase from 2017 to 2018, totaling more than 4 million cruise passengers in the region.

—Passengers are also looking for shorter cruises. Seven-day cruise itineraries are up 9 percent while three-day and under cruises are also up 10 percent in 2018, according to the survey.

—The Caribbean has already bounced back. The latest insights reveal travel to the islands is still in full swing. An impressive 11.3 million cruise passengers traveled to the Caribbean in 2018 an annual increase of 6 percent, according to CLIA’s research.

—Interest in Alaska has grown by double digits, with a year-over-year 17 percent increase in passengers in 2017 and another 13 percent increase in 2018. More than 1 million cruisers traveled to the state.

—Asia’s growth was more moderate after several years of intense interest. Last year saw growth of 5 percent with 4.2 million cruise passengers.

North America Cruise Passenger Insights

—North America passenger growth outpaced global cruise passenger growth, showing an increase of 9 percent from 2017 with 14.2 million in 2018.

—U.S. passengers are also increasingly interested in traveling to the Mediterranean. More than 700,000 passengers came from North America up 29 percent from the previous year, according to CLIA.

—There was continued growth in cruising to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda from North American travelers. Passenger numbers were up 7 percent to 9.8 million passengers in 2018.

—Interest in Alaska by North American cruise passengers is in line with global growth. 906,019 cruise passengers traveled to Alaska in 2018, increasing 14 percent from 2017.

—Growing North America destinations include 906,019 cruise passengers increasing to 14 percent from 2017, according to the CLIA study.

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