What
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recently released the latest global cruise passenger statistics. Cruising continues to grow, with an almost 7% increase in passengers worldwide from 2017 to 2018, and an annual increase of 9% in North America.
Why It Matters
The report also noted several important trends. In 2018, passengers preferred shorter itineraries — seven-day cruises were up 9%, while three-day-or-fewer cruises were up 10%. Alaska continues to boom with a 17% year-over-year increase in cruisers in 2017, and a 13% increase in 2018. Insights such as these can help advisors as they plan ideal cruise getaways for clients.
Fast Facts
- While the cruise sector represents 2 percent of the overall global travel industry, this segment is on pace with international tourism worldwide. According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals grew 6 percent in 2018, totaling 1.4 billion, while cruise travel grew at almost 7 percent during the same timing.
- Globally, Mediterranean cruises grew substantially in popularity last year, totaling more than 4 million cruise passengers worldwide. Of those, more than 700,000 passengers came from North America up 29 percent from the previous year.
- Cruise travelers from North America dominate cruise travel to the Caribbean, up 7 percent to 9.8 million passengers in 2018.
- Other growing North American destinations include the Hawaii and North Atlantic Coast region, Mexico, California and the Pacific, which increased 4 percent in 2018, totaling 1.3 million cruise passengers.
What They Are Saying
“It is not surprising that cruise travel is on par with overall international tourism growth,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA. “Cruising makes international travel accessible for travelers worldwide and it is apparent in the 2018 CLIA global passenger findings. 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.”
The Details
Cruise Lines International Association
www.cruising.org
