By
Richard Humphreys |
Nearly 90 per cent of people who cruised in 2025 intend to sail again, according to Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) 2026 State of the Cruise Industry Report. This figure is the highest level ever recorded by CLIA.
The report also highlights that 37.2 million passengers cruised in 2025, up from 34.6 million in 2024.
In addition, CLIA’s recent report references its 2024 Global Economic Impact study, which notes that cruise tourism generated US$198 billion in global economic impact in 2024, supporting 1.8 million jobs worldwide and contributing $60 billion in wages. In the USA alone, cruise contributed $75 billion in economic impact, supported 333,000 jobs and provided over $25 billion in wages. Most of this impact comes from shoreside spending by cruise lines and passengers.
“Cruising is sailing toward the future with exceptional momentum and strength,” said Bud Darr, president and CEO of CLIA, during the ‘State of the Industry’ panel at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, Florida, this week. “Record demand, growing interest from new cruisers and sustained confidence in the cruise experience are being matched by innovation, technological advancements, and destination partnerships. At the same time, we’re seeing a meaningful shift in recognition that cruise is a leader in sustainable operations.”
The 2026 report highlights the industry’s efforts to invest in more efficient ships as it pursues net-zero emissions by 2050. Nearly all new ships are now designed with fuel-flexible engines as cruise lines continue to increase the uptake of lower-emissions fuels, onshore power connectivity, energy efficiency technologies and other environmental technologies.
Cruising also continues to attract a younger and varied audience, with the report finding that around one-third of passengers are under the age of 40, and around one-third of cruise trips are taking by multigenerational groups.
“Ongoing progress and sustained economic impact from the cruise industry requires collaboration across sectors, continued infrastructure investment, advancement of alternative fuels and pragmatic regulation,” said Darr. “The cruise industry is charting a course toward a future defined by opportunity, impact and responsible growth.”
Read the full 2026 State of the Cruise Industry Report.
Read more: Bud Darr explains how he is committed to advancing safety, sustainability and positive community impact on behalf of CLIA members.